June 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Seal Bounties in Maine and Massachusetts, 1888 to 1962
by Barbara Lelli 14 Jun '09

14 Jun '09

Dear Marmamers, We (Barbara Lelli, David E. Harris, and AbouEl-Makarim Aboueissa) are pleased to announce the publication of our paper in the latest issue of Northeastern Naturalist,16(2):239–254, entitled “Seal Bounties in Maine and Massachusetts, 1888 to 1962.” The abstract reads: Abstract: Maine and Massachusetts paid bounties on seals during the 19th and 20th centuries. To determine the number of seals killed for bounty, we examined historical records of bounty claims, and used geographic information systems and multiple linear regression to find predictors of places where large numbers of bounties were paid. We found records of 24,831 bounties paid in Maine (1891–1945) and 15,690 in Massachusetts (1888–1962). Considering possible fraud, missing data, and seals struck and lost, this suggests that 72,284 to 135,498 seals were killed in the bounty hunt, probably enough to account for regional declines in seal populations. Larger numbers of bounties were paid where there were more seals and a higher human population. For a .pdf of the paper, send an email to Barbara Lelli at blelli123(a)gmail.com.

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Dolphin Research Center August DolphinLab Courses
by Dave 10 Jun '09

10 Jun '09

Courses & Experience in Marine Mammal Husbandry, Training & Research Offered at Dolphin Research Center Dolphin Research Center announces August 2009 career training courses in Animal Care & Husbandry, Training & Enrichment as well as Cognitive and Behavioral Research with Marine Mammals. For more than 20 years Dolphin Research Center has been offering courses teaching individuals about marine mammal husbandry, behavior modification and research. Not only do the courses provide extensive knowledge, but also hands on experience in the field of marine mammal care and training. All About Dolphins: Basic DolphinLab August 15-21, 2009 Marine Mammal Cognitive and Behavioral Research DolphinLab August 22-28, 2009 Marine Mammal Care and Basic Training DolphinLab August 29-September 4, 2009 All of our hands on, career oriented DolphinLab courses are college accredited. Each course accrues 3 credit hours with the Florida Keys Community College which are transferrable to most colleges and universities. The completion of all DolphinLab courses earns students a college issued certificate in marine mammal behavior and training. The certificate designates the individual as having basic knowledge and experience in the field of marine mammal care and training. Note: while students can opt for credit, courses do not have to be taken for college credit. Course topics include but are not limited to: Marine mammal husbandry, marine mammal medical care and pathology, behavior modification and training through operant conditioning, anatomy, physiology, maternity, population management, habitat and maintenance, environmental enrichment, cognitive and behavioral research methodology, design and implementation, dolphin acoustics and communication, marine mammal law and conservation Animal experience includes but is not limited to: Meal preparation, medical assists, animal handling and behavior modification, animal presentation and narration delivery, cognitive research design and implementation, behavioral observation and research, animal enrichment design and implementation. To learn more about the individual course itinerary, costs and registration please visit www.dolphins.org under "Visit Dolphin Research Center" and go to the "DolphinLab" section of the website. Or contact us at education(a)dolphins.org or (305) 289-1121 ext 225.

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Registration for MMO and PAM courses June 2009 UK & July 2009 Australia
by Yvonne Miles 10 Jun '09

10 Jun '09

Hi All *Scanning Ocean Sectors – A Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) training company and Joint Nature Conservation Committee – JNCC, recognised course for industry and research.* We have years of research behind the effective training of MMOs with courses adapted to the requirements of the clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. With fully trained and experienced MMOs teaching. Each student is *graded* in their certificates to ensure the *quality standard* of the MMO industry is gaining. We are NOT a one day get you a certificate course, we care about the people who are being trained and the industry who are using the trained MMOs *Comments from JNCC about our course* *“……….the course structure, presentations, speakers and overall content was precisely what we would like to see from an MMO course.”* * * *“The **RNLI** **Lifeboat** **College** in **Poole** was a superb choice of venue. The lecture and classroom facilities were very good, with the catering and accommodation being of a very high standard.”* * * *“The course content fulfilled the criteria recommended by JNCC and satisfactorily addressed all aspects relating to the role and obligations of MMOs during seismic surveys.” * * * *“All the speakers on the course had a great deal of relevant expertise and were able to deliver the course material. The course benefited from having people that had specific areas of expertise, who were on hand to discuss and answer any questions from the class.”* * * *“………explained in great detail what was required in order to start work as an MMO” * * * *“………what is required in order for MMOs to work effectively with the crew, JNCC have always advocated that MMOs should establish good working relationships with the crew…………. this issue was reflected very well during the teaching of the course.” * * * *“The personal anecdotes provided ……….throughout the course illustrated the difficulties and conflicts that can arise whilst working offshore and these stories were very good at giving an accurate representation of life as an MMO.”* *“…………..provided a thorough account and interpretation of the key aspects of the JNCC guidelines and demonstrated how to fill in the various marine mammal recording forms.”* We have also trained a number of personnel in leading companies * **JUNE 15TH – 17TH 2009** IS THE **UK** MMO COURSE * *JUNE 18TH -19TH 2009 IS THE **UK** PAM COURSE* * * *JULY 6TH – 8TH 2009** IS THE AUSTRALIAN MMO COURSE* * * *JULY 9TH – 10TH 2009** IS THE AUSTRALIAN PAM COURSE* *This course is booking up quickly so don’t leave it late* Please visit our website for more information and to register for all courses *Note * *When you register for a course the course prices will be sent directly to you* *WE WILL ALSO BE RUNNING A COURSE IN IRELAND 2009 * * * *IN EITHER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER THE DATES HAVE NOT BEEN CONFIRMED YET, BUT IF YOU **ARE** INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT US THROUGH THE WEBSITE INFORMATION **FORM**. * *Note – There are limited numbers for each course so please book early to avoid disappointment.* If anyone is interested in advertising in our newsletter please contact us for the next issue www.scanningoceansectors.org info(a)scanningoceansectors.org -- Yvonne Miles 9 Long Street Point Vernon Hervey Bay QLD 4655 Australia 0431 824 063 mob 07 4124 8320 land line info(a)scanningoceansectors.org www.scanningoceansectors.org

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seasonal dugong behaviour
by Dr Claire Garrigue 09 Jun '09

09 Jun '09

Dear all, Opération Cétacés is a small NGO based in New Caledonia, South Pacific, conducting research and conservation projects on different species of marine mammals in our region. We are presently working on an assessment of the dugong population of New Caledonia. We would be interested in any information other groups working on this species may have on the potential for seasonal changes in the behaviour of dugongs, and more specifically on feeding, reproduction and nursing behaviour. We would also appreciate to hear from people who have assessed parameters such as sustainable threshold of dugong population regeneration (or maximum sustainable yield) and resilience rate for dugongs or any other marine mammal species. Such information is essential to enhance our understanding of dugongs population dynamics in New Caledonia. Please send any information you may have to op.cetaces(a)lagoon.nc <mailto:op.cetaces@lagoon.nc> -- Opération Cétacés BP12827 98802 Noumea Nouvelle-Cal?donie tel/fax +687 24-16-34 site web/web site operationcetaces.lagoon.nc

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2 Ph.D. Positions Available
by Wendy Schrader 09 Jun '09

09 Jun '09

2 Ph.D. Positions Available Sperm Whales and Tourism - Kaikoura, New Zealand I am currently seeking two Ph.D. students to investigate interactions between sperm whales and tourism off Kaikoura New Zealand over the next 2.5 years (field research to begin August, 2009). Both positions include logistical support, equipment, housing, and a modest expense budget for field work. Position 1 will be a research vessel-based project, focusing on photo-identification and surface behavioral responses of whales to tour vessels. Position 2 will combine shore-based monitoring and monitoring from onboard tour vessels and aircraft to examine behavior and movements. Minimum Qualifications (both positions): 1. Bachelor’s degree and relevant scientific research experience. 2. Ability to work effectively, both independently and cooperatively, as a member of a research team. 3. Ability to take responsibility as a research leader. 4. Ability to communicate and work effectively, responsibly, and respectfully with a diverse group of community stakeholders. 5. Ability to conduct physically demanding field work at sea and on land. Preferred Qualifications (both positions): 1. Master’s degree in a relevant field 2. Demonstrated academic excellence 3. Experience with GIS, database, and statistical software Additional Qualifications: Position 1 (vessel-based research) Additional Minimum Qualifications 1. Extensive boating experience, including a minimum of 6 months (750+ hours) working on commercial vessels and/or 3,000+ hours on recreational vessels 2. Ability to conduct research from a small vessel on the open sea. Position 1 (vessel-based research) Additional Preferred Qualifications: 1. Skipper Certifications: New Zealand MSA Boat Master, Local Launch Operator, Inshore Launch Master, or equivalent. 2. New Zealand Radiotelephone Operator’s Certificate or equivalent 3. Water safety, first aid certifications 4. Photo-identification experience and/or other high-speed SLR photography experience 5. Experience studying cetaceans from a research vessel. Position 2 (shore-based research) Additional Preferred qualifications: 1. Experience with shore-based monitoring of cetaceans 2. Experience with a surveyor’s theodolite To apply, send an email with your last name in the subject line and the following attachments to: Dr. Tim Markowitz Sperm Whales and Tourism Research Team Leader, Kaikoura, New Zealand School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury email: swatkaikoura(a)yahoo.com 1. A letter which clearly states which position(s) you are interested in, and summarizes your academic and scientific background, work experience, research interests, and how you meet the qualifications listed above 2. A copy of your CV 3. A list of at least 3 professional references with contact information 4. Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts and/or a list of university courses taken and grades. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until two candidates have been selected.

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Seal Pup Rehabilitation Internship, BC
by Phocid＠aol.com 09 Jun '09

09 Jun '09

Seal Pup Rehabilitation Internship Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre is a registered not for profit organization located on Salt Spring Island off the west coast BC, Canada. We are one of only two marine mammal rehabilitation facilities in the country and operate under permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada and the Ministry of Water, Land and Air. IWNCC's focus is on the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned, sick and injured Harbour Seal pups. We have one internship opening remaining from August 1 until September 30, 2009. During this period there will probably be 80 to 100 Harbour Seal pups on-site. This is a volunteer position with housing and a small grocery allowance. Interns are accepted internationally and are responsible for their own transportation to and from British Columbia. Interns work directly under marine mammal rehabilitation specialists and can expect to learn and/or improve their skills in the following: Safe rescue and handling of Harbour Seal pups; stabilizing critical patients and new arrivals; diet preparation through all stages of the rehabilitation process; gavage (tube) feeding, force feeding and hand feeding techniques; proper hygiene and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of disease; administration of oral medications; behavioural and medical observation and proper record keeping; general care of many other indigenous avian and terrestrial species. For more information see our website at www.sealrescue.org. To apply, please e-mail your resume to iwncc(a)aol.com. Jeff Lederman Director 322 Langs Road, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 1N3 (250) 537-0777 ************** A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221322977x1201367197/aol?redir=htt… bcd=JunestepsfooterNO62)

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We need marine mammal and bird sightings from Head Harbour Passage, Bay of Fundy
by FundyArt 09 Jun '09

09 Jun '09

Fundy Whale (fundywhale.blogspot.com) and I Love Quoddy Wild (ilovequoddywild.blogspot) were developed to allow the community at large to participate in enjoying and keeping track of our natural assets; the marine mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates that abound throughout Quoddy. For the last few months we have been pleased to see the response. Now we are attempting to map these natural "assets" so that everyone is aware of this special place and we can compiled the data in a more "formal" way. We have many of the historical records, but would particularly like to have information from the last 10 years, particularly north Atlantic right whale sightings at Head Harbour entrance and passage as well as Friars Bay. Why is this important? Well, there is little time, but we are trying to accelerate our mapping development so that we can submit sighting data from the Quoddy community to FERC's Environmental Impact Assessment for the Downeast LNG proposal at Robbinston, ME, which must access their proposed terminal through HHP. You can see the beginning of our online mapping at either of the 2 blogs above. Believe it or not, they seem to have missed the whales, seals, and birds that use and NEED Head Harbour Passage, Cobscook Bay and the surrounding Quoddy area in the Bay of Fundy. If you have sighting data (species, when, where, numbers, comments) please send them to this email or fundytides(a)gmail.com so we can provide documentation that will indicate the importance of these vital resources. There's an early July deadline. Thanks Art

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Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea - data needed
by Lastra, P. 08 Jun '09

08 Jun '09

Dear MARMAM Listers, I am in the process of gathering biological and oceanographic data to support the creation of marine protected areas in the Mediterranean Sea. This data will be presented to the experts meeting of the CBC which will be held in Ottawa in October 2009. The aim is to demonstrate fulfillment of the CBD criterias (including uniqueness or Rarity, Importance for threatened, endangered or declining species and/or habitats Special importance for life history stages of species etc.,)for the creation of high seas marine reserves in these areas. Thus, if you have access to any unpublished data, or data available only to a limited audience, that could help very much to justify the closure of these areas to fishing as well as other recognized threats. The areas in question are: - The Balearic Islands - The Sicilian Channel between Sicily and Tunisia And I am interested in biological and oceanographic data relating directly to these areas , including quantitative and qualitative, and expect that information on migratory species (e.g.cetaceans) will be of particular interest according to CBD criterias. Information relating directly to high seas areas is limited so anything and everything is likely to be of value when presenting the case to the CBD. If you have any information that could be useful it would be appreciated it .Please get in touch at p.lastra(a)abdn.ac.uk<mailto:p.lastra@abdn.ac.uk> Thanks in advance , Patricia Lastra The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

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sperm whales and airguns
by Peter Teglberg Madsen 07 Jun '09

07 Jun '09

Dear All, On behalf of Dr. Patrick Miller and the rest of the co-authors I am pleased to draw your attention to a recent paper in Deep -Sea Research on controlled exposure experiments with airguns and Dtagged sperm whales. Using at-sea experiments to study the effects of airguns on the foraging behavior of sperm whales in the Gulf of Mexico P.J.O.Miller, M.P.Johnson, P.T.Madsen, N.Biassoni, M.Quero, P.L.Tyack Acoustic exposure and behavior of 8 sperm whales were recorded with acoustic and movement-recording tags before, during and after 5 separate 12h controlled sound exposures of industry-provided airgun arrays. None of the 8 whales changed behavioral state (7 foraging, 1 resting) following the start of ramp-up at distances of 713km, or full array exposure sat 113km.The most closely approached whale rested throughout exposure but started a foraging dive shortly after the airguns ceased, possibly indicating a delay in foraging during exposure. Using visual tracking and dead-reckoning of tagged animals, we found that their direction-of-movement was random with respect to the airguns, but correlated with the direction-of-movement just prior to the start of exposure, indicating that the tested whales did not show horizontal avoidance of the airguns. Oscillations in pitch generated by swimming movements during foraging dives were on average 6% lower during exposure than during the immediately following post- exposure period, with all 7 foraging whales exhibiting less pitching (p ¼ 0.014). Buzz rates, a proxy for attempts to capture prey, were 19% lower during exposure but given natural variation in buzz rates and the small numbers of whales, this effect was not statistically significant (P ¼ 0.141). Though additional studies are strongly recommended, these initial results indicate that sperm whales in the highly exposed Gulf of Mexico habitat do not exhibit avoidance reactions to airguns, but suggest they are affected at ranges well beyond those currently regulated due to more subtle effects on their foraging behavior. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VGB-4VVR1T5-1&_u ser=642076&_coverDate=03%2F17%2F2009&_alid=929481455&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig =search&_cdi=6034&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_ct=1&_acct=C000034578&_version =1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=642076&md5=5c6d46d7a0af28d4d0d79b9e6028f67b> &_udi=B6VGB-4VVR1T5-1&_user=642076&_coverDate=03%2F17%2F2009&_alid=929481455 &_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_cdi=6034&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_ct=1&_ acct=C000034578&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=642076&md5=5c6d46d7a0af28d4 d0d79b9e6028f67b Reprints can be requested from Patrick Miller: pm29(a)st-andrews.ac.uk best Peter T. Madsen

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Volunteer opportunities Western Australia
by Deirdre McElligott 05 Jun '09

05 Jun '09

SEEKING RESEARCH ASSISTANTS-Western Australia PROJECT: Population abundance, structure and habitat utilisation by bottlenose dolphins Tursiops sp in Binningup and adjacent waters. I am seeking skilled research assistants for field work that will commence in June 2009. Assistants will help me in collecting behavioural data in the field on the bottlenose dolphin population off the southwest coast of Western Australia. The field work begins in June 2009 and will continue to June 2011. Fieldwork will be based just north of the coastal town of Bunbury, approximately 2hr drive south of Perth. PROJECT SUMMARY: The project aims to ascertain the population size and structure of the dolphin population in the Binningup region and determine the residency patterns of the population. It will identify critical habitats for dolphins for particular behavioural activity states and determine drivers of these. As this area is zoned for the construction of a desalination plant the project will also investigate the potential displacement effects of the construction and operation of the plant. This will assist in establishing the long-term viability of the population. FIELD WORK: All observations and data collection will be conducted from a 5.7m centre console boat equipped with a 100HP engine. Assistants should be prepared to work long hours with early starts Aboard the research boat assistants will be required to assist in boat handling and data collection and be expected to participate in the following duties in the lab: data entry, fin-matching, and database/catalogue maintenance. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but you will have the opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations and improve existing skills. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology or population biology. PREREQUISITES: 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field 2. Previous field experience with marine wildlife (photo-identification and boat handling skills would be advantageous but not a prerequisite). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented, have a positive attitude and good sense of humour as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science. 4. Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits and fieldwork will vary between weekends and weekdays. 5. Be prepared to work long days in a small vessel in small team of 3 people 6. Be able to commit for a minimum of 1 month (though applicants willing to commit for longer will be preferred) Regrettably I am unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for travel to Perth or Bunbury and their own living expenses. Pickup from Perth may be possible but is dependent on arrival time. If you are interested, please provide a short CV and cover letter attention of Dee McElligott (d.mcelligott(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:d.mcelligott@murdoch.edu.au> ). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dee McElligott, BSc hons MUCRU Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research Centre School of Biological Sciences Murdoch University, Western Australia Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia Mob: + 61 406 499 443 Email: d.mcelligott(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:d.mcelligott@murdoch.edu.au>

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