July 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Sea Watch Foundation Cetacean Survey Training Course 2009
by Gemma Veneruso 06 Jul '09

06 Jul '09

Cetacean Survey Training Course in New Quay, West Wales Join a short course to learn all about British cetaceans, how to survey for them, and contribute to their conservation! DATE FOR THE 2009 TRAINING COURSES IS SET! Two-days weekend course, 5th-6th September 2009 The course will consist of illustrated lectures and video presentations as well as headland watches and boat surveys aboard a local research vessel. The area where land and boat trips will be undertaken is the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a place well-known for the presence and high sighting frequency of bottlenose dolphins (the largest population in the UK), harbour porpoises and grey seals. These populations are protected in the SAC following the 1992 EU Species and Habitat Directive. The Sea Watch Foundation is the most experienced organisation in the UK for training observers and students interested in marine mammals, having run courses for over ten years. It has provided training for staff from all three national statutory conservation agencies, the Environment Agency, CEFAS, Department of the Environment, Wildlife Trusts, Royal Navy, and MMOs working with the oil and gas industries. Most of the field guides on cetaceans on the market in UK have actually been written or had consultations from the Sea Watch Foundation. Thus we hope we can guarantee a very high level training course given by highly experienced staff. The lectures and videos will focus on general biology and classification of cetaceans, species identification, conservation issues facing UK cetaceans, and recommended monitoring survey methods. The course will be based at New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales, where our Welsh office is based, and will provide an unparalleled opportunity to see marine mammals in the wild and to contribute to cetacean conservation in Britain. The practical element of the course will combine both land and boat-based surveys allowing participants to directly learn how to conduct systematic watches and fill in standardised recording forms. Land and Boat-based work will teach participants the skills needed for: identifying the various cetaceans species found in the area estimating group size and distinguishing between calves, juveniles and adults determining cetacean behaviours assessing sea state and other key environmental features learning some basic photographic techniques aimed at identifying single individuals Please note that, due to the unforeseeable weather conditions, the program might change and, in case of particularly adverse weather, the field trips may have to be modified. All participants will receive a detailed manual on how to record and monitor cetaceans, a species identification booklet, and a certificate for completing the course. The courses will be taught by experienced and enthusiastic staff from the Sea Watch Foundation. The price for the course is £180.00 and includes lectures, boat and land surveys, insurance and all the materials provided, but excludes meals, travel and accommodation. To book a place or for further information please contact Sightings Officer, Gemma Veneruso. Tel: 01545 561227, gemma.veneruso(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk. _________________________________________________________________ With Windows Live, you can organise, edit, and share your photos. http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/134665338/direct/01/

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noise monitoring, especially noise mapping and modeling
by Karsten Brensing 06 Jul '09

06 Jul '09

Dear Marmamers, in the light of European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (DIRECTIVE 2008/56/EC) I'm conducting a feasibility study concerning noise (descriptor 11) for the German Federal Environment Agency (http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/uba-info-e/index.htm) . I'm searching for all information's concerning noise monitoring especially noise mapping and modelling in the marine environment and would be happy for any support. I am aware of the following projects (see below) but I would be happy for any further links. I'm especially interested in people who would like to share their experience or in companies which could be helpful. Thanks in advanced and kind regards Karsten Brensing (please respond directly to my e mail address: karsten.brensing(a)wdcs.org) Incomplete list of project: * Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (Boston, USA): http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/science/passive_acoustics.html * Orcalab (Vancouver Island, Kanada): www.orcalab.org <http://www.orcalab.org/> * PUGET SOUNDSCAPE (Seattle, USA): http://homepage.mac.com/brettbecker/soundscape/pugetsoundscape.html * Scripps whale acoustic lab: http://cetus.ucsd.edu/projects_Main.html * Monitoring Underwater Noise Melbourne: http://www.channelproject.com.au/global/docs/EMON_080205_Monitoring_Underwa… * Ocean Tracking Network (Dalhousie University, Kanada): http://www.oceantrackingnetwork.org <http://www.oceantrackingnetwork.org/> * University of Catalunia: www.lab.upc.es/mapa * TNO: Assessment of natural and anthropogenic sound sources and acoustic propagation in the North Sea ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Karsten Brensing Conservation Manager Germany WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (www.wdcs-de.org) <http://www.wdcs-de.org> WDCS Altostr.43 81245 München Germany Tel.: + 49 89 4581 9943 Fax: + 49 89 6100 2394 Mobil: + 49 176 2267 5679 E-Mail. karsten.brensing(a)wdcs.org karstenbre -->www.skype.com ** Die Tagung der Internationalen Walfangkommission (IWC) ist vorbei, aber der Kampf gegen den Walfang dauert an: www.wdcs-de.org <http://www.wdcs-de.org/> ** WDCS is the global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment. Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society "WDCS": Registered in England and Wales No. 2737421 WDCS, Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN!5 1LJ. Registered Charity No. 1014705. Tel: 01249 449500 Fax: 01249449501 WDCS Shop is a trading name of WDCS (Trading) Limited (Registered in England No. 2593116) which is a wholly owned subsidiary of WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (Charity No. 1014705) and gift aids all post tax profits to the charity. WDCS Wildlife Centre: Spey Bay, Moray, IV32 7PJ. Tel: 01343 820339 Fax: 01343 829065 WDCS Australasia: WDCS, PO Box 720, Port Adelaide Business Centre, South Australia, Australia 5015. Tel: 1300 360 442 Fax: 08 8242 1595 WDCS Deutschland: WDCS, Altostraße 43, D-81245, München. Tel: 089 6100 2393 Fax: 089 6100 2394 WDCS North America: 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: 1.888.MYWHALE (1.888.699.4253) WDCS South America: Potosi 2087, B1636BUA- Olivos, Buenos Aires . Tel: +5411 47963191 Please note that WDCS email accounts will NOT accept attachments larger than 3Mb. If you need to send files to this addressee please contact them for alternative arrangements. This e-mail's contents are confidential to the intended recipient(s) at the e-mail address to which it has been sent. It may not be disclosed, copied to, circulated or used by anyone other than the intended addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or have received this transmission in error please telephone the originator immediately or ring +44 (0)1249 449500. Any opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WDCS.

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Conference Announcement - Australasian Wildlife Disease Assoc & Wildlife Society of the NZ Veterinary Assoc
by McConnell, Helen 05 Jul '09

05 Jul '09

[cid:image001.jpg@01C9FE31.846FECB0] [cid:image002.gif@01C9FE31.846FECB0] WILDLIFE DISEASE ASSOCIATION (AUSTRALASIAN SECTION) AND WILDLIFE SOCIETY of the NEW ZEALAND VETERINARY ASSOCIATION - JOINT CONFERENCE 2009 10-16 December, Woodstock Lodge, The Catlins, New Zealand Registrations are now open The Australasian Section Wildlife Disease Association and Wildlife Society of the New Zealand Veterinary Association combined conference will be held during 10 - 16 December 2009 in the Catlins, South Otago, New Zealand. The Catlins is an internationally renowned wilderness area with natural features that will compliment the conference programme well. Viewing of a number of threatened endemic species will be possible during the conference with New Zealand sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins having population concentrations in this region. Other features of the Catlins include old growth coastal forest remnants, the Catlins River valley, a fossilised forest of geological interest, an abundance of native passerine species - tuis, fantails, bell birds and many wild southern beaches. We look forward to preparing a top quality six day conference programme. The first three days will have a strong New Zealand focus in line with the Wildlife Society's past programmes, with a broader Australasian focus for the remainder of the programme. See http://wildlife.massey.ac.nz/meetings/meetings.asp for conference information, registrations and abstract submission forms. Reduced "early-bird" registration rates are on offer until 28th August Helen McConnell (MSc) Oiled Wildlife Response - Project Administrator New Zealand Wildlife Health Centre Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences Massey University Private Bag 11-222 Palmerston North 4442 New Zealand Phone +64-6-356-9099 extn 2765 Email: H.M.McConnell(a)massey.ac.nz http://wildlife.massey.ac.nz<http://wildlife.massey.ac.nz/>

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Ph.D. scholarship in porpoise acoustics
by Teilmann, Jonas 05 Jul '09

05 Jul '09

Dear MARMAM Please post the following: How do harbour porpoises utilize their natural environment and how do they respond to noise? Aarhus University, the National Environmental Research Institute in Denmark (NERI) and the Graduate School concerning Sense organs, Nerve systems, Behaviour, and Communication (SNAK), invite applications for a Ph.D. scholarship in research on acoustic and diving behaviour of free ranging wild harbour porpoises starting around 1 November 2009. The Ph.D. project involves tagging of by-caught live harbour porpoises in Danish waters to study the movements, diving and echolocation behaviour. The instruments on the tagged porpoises will also record diving behaviour and body movements during echolocation so detailed utilisation of their natural habitat can be investigated for the first time. Furthermore behavioural and acoustical recordings of porpoises during play-back experiments with anthropogenic sounds will provide important information on how porpoises react to different noise conditions. The position involves flexible stand-by and active field work mainly in the summer months when harbour porpoises are incidentally caught alive. The Ph.D. will mainly be based at NERI in Roskilde. The project will be supervised by Senior Scientist Jonas Teilmann, Associate professor Kim Mouritsen and Associate Professor (Emeritus) Lee Miller. Applicants should preferably be recent graduates in the field of animal bioacoustics and behavioural ecology and preferably, but not necessarily, have experience in marine mammal research. Candidates having quantitative experience with time sequential data analysis, large data sets, mechanical and electronic skills, and experience with field work at sea will be preferred. The duration of the Ph.D.-contract is three years. Within the contract period, the candidate is expected to complete his/her research with publications (or manuscripts accepted or in press) and a dissertation all written in English. Salary will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Before applying, candidates are strongly encouraged to consult the full project description at http://science.au.dk/en/studies/phd-studies/for-applicants/calls/aktuelle-r… or http://www.snak.biology.sdu.dk<http://www.snak.biology.sdu.dk/>. The closing date for the application is August 1st 2009. To apply, candidates should fill out the electronic application form (http://science.au.dk/en/studies/phd-studies/for-applicants/applying-for-adm…) including CV (with a brief description of research interests, previous employment and publication list), documentation of academic degrees, reprints of published articles, and names and contact information for three referees. For further information on the project please contact Dr. Jonas Teilmann, National Environmental Research Institute, University of Aarhus, e-mail: jte(a)dmu.dk<mailto:jte@dmu.dk>. For further information on the application process please contact Lene Kjeldsteen Aarhus University, e-mail: lk@<javascript:linkTo_UnCryptMailto('nbjmup+mlAtdjfodf/bv/el');>jte(a)dmu.dk<mailto:jte@dmu.dk> National Environmental Research Institute Department for Arctic Environment Aarhus University Frederiksborgvej 399 DK-4000 Roskilde Denmark

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JMATE new issue of the marine animals journal
by Ceto News 04 Jul '09

04 Jul '09

The current issue of The Journal of Marine Animals and Their Ecology (Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2009) is now available. The journal is accessible to the public free of charge and is electronically published by the Oceanographic Environmental Research Society (OERS). Table of contents include: 1) The short–term impact of dolphin-watching on the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates) in western Australia. 2) Cetaceans’ occurrence off the west central Portugal coast: a compilation of data from whaling, observations of opportunity and boat-based surveys. http://www.oers.ca/journal/journal.html

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Post mortem evidence for bottlenose dolphin interactions with species other than harbour porpoises
by Barnett, James 03 Jul '09

03 Jul '09

Reports of violent interactions between bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the coastal waters of the UK are well documented. Examination of stranded cetaceans in south west England conducted under the collaborative UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme has also found pathology consistent with bottlenose dolphin interaction in seven animals from four other species since 2001, including two juvenile and two adult common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), one juvenile pilot whale (Globicephala melas), one juvenile Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) and one adult striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). Although traumatic lesions recorded were often not as severe as those found in harbour porpoises, it is probable that the interactions did contribute to stranding and/or death in all four juvenile animals examined. Retrospective analysis of photographs of stranded cetaceans also revealed rake (teeth) marks consistent with bottlenose dolphin interaction in a stranded common dolphin as early as 1992. A number of causes have been suggested for these interactions in UK stranded harbour porpoises and it is possible that any combination of these factors may also be implicated in cases occurring in other species. The initial findings in the south west were presented as a poster at the European Cetacean Society conference in 2009 and a number of attendees came forward detailing similar findings in their own strandings programmes. Although a more detailed paper has already been accepted for publication on the SW England cases, we would be interested to hear from those at ECS and other colleagues internationally who have evidence of similar interactions, potentially with a view to production of a paper that could consider any spatiotemporal trends in the data set and further exploration of possible causes. James Barnett, Nick Davison, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Truro, UK Paul Jepson, Rob Deaville, Institute of Zoology, London, UK (Contact: James Barnett, e mail: j.barnett(a)vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk ) Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) VLA is hosting the international conference, Animal Diseases 2009, from 2nd - 4th September at Royal Holloway, University of London. We would like to invite submission of scientific papers for presentation and nominations for the inaugural Rooker prize. For further information, including sponsorship opportunities, see http://www.defra.gov.uk/vla/news/new_conf_vla2009.htm This email and any attachments is intended for the named recipient only. If you have received it in error you have no authority to use, disclose, store or copy any of its contents and you should destroy it and inform the sender. Whilst this email and associated attachments will have been checked for known viruses whilst within VLA systems we can accept no responsibility once it has left our systems. Communications on VLA's computer systems may be monitored and/or recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes.

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New Online Documentary about the DTAG and Beaked Whales
by Chris Johnson 01 Jul '09

01 Jul '09

Dear Marmam readers, We have produced a new video as part of our online documentary series, "Whale Trackers". "DIVING WITH BEAKED WHALES" explores research using the DTAG. We interview scientists Mark Johnson of the Wood's Hole Oceanographic Institution and Natacha Aguilar de Soto of the University of La Laguna in depth about the DTAG, their field work on El Hierro in the Canary Islands, and their efforts to discover more about these elusive marine mammals. Website - http://www.whaletrackers.com/beaked-whales/ In addition, we are developing new documentaries as part of the Whale Trackers series for 2010/2011. These 10-20 minute programs aim to communicate the latest science about marine mammals and their environment to the general public. If you are interested in participating in the series, please send us an email. ( address - chris.johnson(a)whaletrackers.com ) Enjoy, Chris CHRIS JOHNSON www.chrisjohnsonimages.com Director - earthOCEAN media www.earthOCEAN.tv Producer - "Whale Trackers" A series exploring whales,dolphins and porpoises around the world. www.whaletrackers.com Board of Directors - Filmmakers for Conservation www.filmmakersforconservation.org email: christophe.johnson(a)mac.com chris.johnson(a)whaletrackers.com phone: +61 (03) 9917-2251 (australia) cell: +61 (0) 449-188-770 (australia) skype: chris.earthocean

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Central and South America Student Chapter
by Nataly Castelblanco 01 Jul '09

01 Jul '09

Hello! (Apologies for cross-posting) We are pleased to announce the creation of the new *Central and South America Student Chapter* of the Society for Marine Mammalogy. You are invited to join us if you are a *current student* working on Aquatic Mammals in Central or South America. Please take a look and enjoy it! http://csachapter.webs.com/ -- Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez, Ph.D. Candidate Doctorado en Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable El Colegio de la Frontera Sur - ECOSUR Av. Centenario Km 5.5 C.P. 77900 Chetumal, Quintana Roo. Mexico

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A new low cost digital tag for whales
by Daniel Perez Martinez 01 Jul '09

01 Jul '09

To whom it may concern, We have developed a low cost tag (under U$ 4000) to study the southern right whale behavior in Peninsula Valdés, Argentina. The unit (computer and sensors not connected ) was successfully attached to 23 whales during November and December 2008. We have just started to testing a number of sensors connected to a micro computer (open source Linux software). The device (400 gr weight) has three silicone suction cup , which are released by a radio triggered device (up to 2 miles). The prototype has an internal hydrophone plus an external mono audio plug, a 12 bit digital camera (vga quality, IR capable), a 3D inertial movement unit (3 axes of acceleration input + 3 axes of gyroscopic input + 3 axes of magnetic input), two analog connectors for external sensors (pressure, hearth rate), 8Gbs micro SD memory, Bluetooth data offload, and a high sensitivity GPS-enabled tag tracking system (to recovery the unit post released up to 5 miles). The complete system work with a custom PDA from where can be download all the tag data, track the device and activate the radio valves to release suction cups. We will use this unit in several research projects, including underwater noise disturbance in Peninsula Valdes Gulfs, behavioral responses of whales to kelp gull attacks, response of whales to a whale watching boats, and playback and response experiments to prevent potential risk on ship strike incidents, beginning August 2009. Because we work in shallow waters (up to 100 meters depth) we did not test the tag in a high pressure environment. Even the device was developed to work with right whales, we are pleased to share the device and our first experience with cetaceans research teams who want to use our tag with other species (2010 season). Kind Regards and please could you be so kind to respond directly to our E-mail address, Daniel Pérez Martínez Independent consultant <mailto:Daniel.reporte@gmail.com> Daniel.reporte(a)gmail.com Domec García Norte 1142 (9120) Puerto Madryn (Chubut) Argentina Dr. Marcelo Bertellotti Biología y Manejo de Recursos Acuáticos Centro Nacional Patagónico (CONICET) bertello(a)cenpat.edu.ar Boulevard Brown 2825 (9120) Puerto Madryn (Chubut) Argentina

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