August 2009 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Mass mortality event in the western Black Sea coast of Turkey
by Arda M. Tonay 18 Aug '09

18 Aug '09

Dear Colleagues, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. Between mid July and early August, we had a series of cetacean strandings on the 200 km-long Turkish western Black Sea coast. During this mass mortality event, at least 114 cetaceans (harbour porpoises, bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins) died and 8 common dolphins stranded alive separately. Although many individuals were at the advanced stage of decomposition due to heat and we could examine only a couple of fresh specimens, we suspect the primary cause of deaths is virus infection. Laboratory work is in progress. If you have heard or seen similar event in the Black Sea, please let me know. It will be helpful to exchange information. Sincerely. Arda M. TONAY ----------------------------------------------------------------- Istanbul University Faculty of Fisheries Marine Biology Dep. Ordu Cad. No:200 Laleli, 34480 İstanbul, Turkey Tel: 90 212 455 5700 Fax: 90 212 514 0379 atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) www.tudav.org arda.tonay(a)tudav.org .

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Job Posting - FWC Manatee Photo-ID Research Staff
by Johnson, Jennifer 18 Aug '09

18 Aug '09

OPS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Manatee Photo-identification Research Staff Section: Wildlife Research Sub-section: Marine Mammals Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida (Pinellas County) Rate of Pay: $11.00-$12.00 per hour, dependent on experience. No paid benefits. Full-time (40 hours/week) Closing Date: Sunday, August 23, 2009 Brief Description of Job Duties: Assist in all aspects of the manatee photo-identification project. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: photographing manatees, independently operating and trailering vessels up to 24' in length, collecting environmental and behavioral data, collecting genetic samples from free ranging manatees, matching images to known animals, drawing composite scar sketches of manatees, data entry and verification, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, management of volunteers/interns, and public outreach. Travel and working on weekends will be required periodically. Desired Qualifications: A bachelor's degree with a major in one of the biological sciences. The successful candidate must have strong computer skills, preferably including experience with Microsoft Office applications (particularly Microsoft Access) and photo-editing/management software. Previous experience in photo-identification, in the operation of digital SLR cameras, and in boat handling and trailering is strongly desired. Patience, organizational skills, attention to detail, strong oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work successfully with a number of different cooperators are essential qualifications for this position. Qualified applicants will also need to be adept at independent problem-solving and time management to succeed in this position. Applicants should apply through the PeopleFirst website at https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com (enter 77900917 in the keyword search field). In addition, in order to be considered for the position, qualified applicants must submit by the closing date a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references via email to Kari.Rood(a)MyFWC.com.

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Workshop 18th Biennia Conference: Phylogenetic Tools For Cetacean Studies
by Laura May-Collado 16 Aug '09

16 Aug '09

This is an announcement for the workshop on Phylogenetic Tools For Cetacean Studies that will take place a day before the conference initiates. The workshop website for specific information and materials is: http://sites.google.com/site/phylogeneticcetacean/ *Theme of the workshop*: Two simple phylogenetic tools for cetacean studies: analyzes of independent contrasts and conservation priorities. In 1985 Felsenstein work on "Phylogenetic Independence" changed the way biologists nowadays test hypotheses in comparative studies of behavior, acoustics, conservation, physiology, etc, emphasizing the need to account for phylogenetic relationship among species. Nevertheless, many mammalian studies continue to use standard statistical methods, often ignoring the problem of non-independence. Standard regression analyses fail to acknowledge that similarity in the character in question may be due to common ancestry. Failing to account for known dependencies among related species can give misleading results, which is why methods such as 'independent contrasts' are becoming the standard for analyzing how parameters relate to one another. Phylogenies also can inform on conservation. Much information exists on extinction risk of species (e.g. IUCN categories), but risk of extinction alone may not be a good guide to how to allocate conservation effort. Species may differ dramatically in the unique evolutionary history they preserve. For example the duck billed platypus represent an ancient lineage represented very few extant species. Extinction of such species would thus erase much unique evolutionary history. In contrast, any single species of Hawaiian Drosophila represents relatively little unique evolutionary history for much of its history is preserved in numerous close relatives. We will discuss a newly developed method that uses both extinction risk, as well as phylogenetic diversity, to assess conservation priorities. We will provide attendees with data matrices that will be used in the workshop. We will demonstrate how the evolutionary analysis packet Mesquite can be used to analyze phylogenetically independent contrasts, and to assess conservation priorities. We hope that the workshop provides people with a better understanding of the importance and use of phylogenetics to address evolutionary questions in our field, and in particular familiarize attendees with the use of two simple but important methods. Organizers: Laura J. May-Collado & Ingi Agnarsson Date: October 11, 2009 Time: 9am - 12 a.m. (Half Day) Location: RM 202 Cost: $25 CAN Registration cost will include hot and cold drinks, snacks, and visual equipment. -- Laura J. May-Collado, Ph.D. Associate Researcher & Instructor Department of Biology University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Office CN326 Phone:1-787-7640000 Ext2584 Affiliate Assistant Professor Department of Environmental Science & Policy; George Mason University Email: lmaycollado(a)gmail.com Personal Home Page: www.delphinids.com

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Announcement for Workshop before 18th Biennial Conference: Research, Management Conservation, and Policy in Monk Seal Recovery: A Global Perspective
by Monk Seal 14 Aug '09

14 Aug '09

Aloha Marmam Readers- We would like to announce the following workshop taking place before the 18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. Title: Research, Management Conservation, and Policy in Monk Seal Recovery: A Global Perspective The 18th Biennial Conference will provide a unique opportunity for members from the various Hawaiian and Mediterranean monk seal programs to come together with some of the greatest minds in the marine mammal field to discuss and share their knowledge, forge new ideas, and develop critical plans and partnerships. The meeting will allow conference participants to learn about the different ecological, sociological and political aspects of monk seal recovery. Monk seal experts will give presentations on a number of topics including conservation genetics, disease research and prevention, impacts of climate change, and enhancement activities. The panel will participate in a brief question and answer sessions that will be followed by an open discussion. Much of the discussion will focus on current research and management gaps to encourage collaborations between workshop participants. Through a series of discussions with broad participation we will develop plans for future research and management actions. Afterward, a workshop report will be prepared and made available on the web to be used as a tool for potential collaborators to develop projects with the various monk seal programs. We invite anyone that might be interested in endangered species research and management, collaborating on future projects, or curious about the plight of these two species to attend. We are currently finalizing the agenda and will forward it in our second announcement. Date: October 10, 2009 Time: 9am - 5pm Location: RM 207 Cost: $40 US Registration cost will include morning and afternoon coffee and lunch at the workshop. Our lunch break will involve a poster session that will allow participants to mingle and discuss a broader suite of topics than could be covered in a one day workshop. Payment details will be provided shortly. Space IS limited due to room size so please register early. If you are interested in the workshop or have any questions please email us at: MonachusWorkshop(a)gmail.com If you have a poster that you feel would be relevant to this workshop (monk seal related or a technique that could be valuable for monk seal research or management) please let us know by Sept 4. Hope to see you there. Charles Littnan, Alexandros Karamanlidis, Pablo Fernandez de Larrinoa, and Lisa Van Atta.

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SMM workshop - Lost in Translation: The Science-Policy Intersect
by Naomi Rose 13 Aug '09

13 Aug '09

This is the first announcement for the full day workshop Lost in Translation: The Science-Policy Intersect on Sunday, October 11, 2009 to be held in association with the SMM's 18th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Quebec City, Canada. Lost in Translation: The Science-Policy Intersect It is now rare to find any scientific discovery, theory or even a single new data point (especially in data-poor fields such as marine mammal science) that is not being used or mis-used in one or more policy forums. Should scientists change the way they work and report their results, or even correct mis-representations of their work by others? If so, how should this be done? And if scientists get involved in policy, how deeply should they delve and how can they do so without losing their objectivity and while preventing bias from affecting their work? To address these questions, we intend to invite scientists working on the science-policy boundary to discuss their experiences at this intersect in short (20- minute) presentations with the hope of providing cautionary tales and guidance to a wider scientific audience. These presentations will also consider how science should be used in policy, as well as how it is actually used in policy. We will also have a legal expert explain some of the terminology used in laws and regulations to illustrate the standards that managers must meet. The workshop will then break into open discussion on the following topics: 1) If, when, why and how scientists should consider the policy implications of their work; and 2) How scientists, especially those funded specifically to address a management concern, can phrase conclusions, statements and recommendations to optimize their use and minimize potential for misuse. Speakers are currently being scheduled - we will provide the program in a forthcoming announcement. To register for this workshop, please go to the SMM web site at: http://www.marinemammalogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=categor y&id=918&Itemid=215 <http://www.marinemammalogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=catego ry&id=918&Itemid=215> The workshop will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 8:30am to 5:30pm in Room 207. Space is limited - there will be a registration fee of $35.00US, which will include breakfast (starting at 8am) and coffee breaks - method of payment will be announced later. Given the large number of great workshops being offered at this biennial, if you can attend for only a half-day, we will charge a half-day fee of $10.00US. We look forward to seeing you there. Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D. Senior Scientist, HSI-Wildlife nrose(a)hsi.org <mailto:nrose@hsi.org> t +1 301.258.3048 f +1 301.258.3082 Humane Society International 700 Professional Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20879 USA hsi.org <http://www.hsi.org/> Join Our Email List <http://www.hsi.org/join> Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/hsiglobal> Twitter <http://twitter.com/hsiglobal> <http://www.hsi.org/>

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SMM Conference Workshop: Critical habitat for Indo-Pacific humback Dolphins
by Loseto, Lisa 13 Aug '09

13 Aug '09

Critical habitat delineation for critically endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in Taiwan - A one day workshop immediately prior to the SMM Conference in Quebec City, Canada, October 10, 2009 Considering registering as a participant at this upcoming event. The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins of Taiwan's western coastal waters have been designated as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. The fewer than 100 individuals in this isolated population face a number of serious and growing threats, including pollution, habitat modification and destruction, fisheries interactions, disturbance from noise, and reduced freshwater inputs into the ocean. Each of these five major threats has different origins and affects the dolphins in a different way, but habitat provides a common thread. Considering habitat as an organism's address, or the place where it lives, means that in some sense habitat integrates, and hopefully fulfills, all of that organism's needs - e.g. sufficient wholesome food; safety from physical hazards; acoustic and other conditions allowing the organism to employ its sensory abilities efficiently. Each anthropogenic threat in some sense reduces the quantity or quality of a species' habitat. Although by one view the total area occupied by a population is that population's habitat, it is important to consider another perspective, which is to regard portions of the range as more or less important (vital, critical) than others. The concept of critical habitat is widely accepted and often enshrined in legislation (though not necessarily labelled as such). An intensive, one-day, workshop is being convened at the International Conference on Marine Mammalogy (Quebec City, Saturday, Oct 10 2009). The objective is to draft a statement of guiding principles under which important/core/major/critical habitat can be developed for the ETS Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin population. Physical, chemical, biological features are up for discussion, as are quantitative and qualitative aspects of habitat. The workshop will feature up to four presentations by cetacean experts, and an intensive round-table discussion on the elements of critical habitat for small cetaceans. This one day workshop would be limited to 35 participants. Contact Peter S. Ross for additional information at peter.s.ross(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca Please consider registering for this unique opportunity: http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl… Peter S. Ross, PhD Note new email: peter.s.ross(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca Research Scientist Institute of Ocean Sciences (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) 9860 West Saanich Rd P.O. Box 6000 Sidney BC V8L 4B2 Canada Tel ++1.250.363.6806 FAX ++1.250.363.6807 my website: http://www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/osap/people/ross/ross_e.htm Chercheur scientifique Institut des sciences de la mer (Pêches et Océans Canada) 9860, chemin ouest Saanich B.P. 6000 Sidney (C.-B.) V8L 4B2, Canada T: ++1.250.363.6806 F: ++1.250.363.6807 mon site web: http://www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/osap/people/ross/ross_f.htm Conducting science in support of healthy oceans and healthy marine mammals

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ABSTRACT: Estimating Abundance From One-Dimensional Passive Acoustic Surveys
by hwhitehe＠dal.ca 13 Aug '09

13 Aug '09

The following paper may be of interest. A .pdf of this paper (and others) is available at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/labpub.htm Hal Whitehead Estimating Abundance From One-Dimensional Passive Acoustic Surveys ABSTRACT Conventional distance sampling, the most-used method of estimating animal density and abundance, requires ranges to detected individuals, which are not easily measured for vocalizations. However, in some circumstances the sequential pattern of detection of vocalizations along a transect line gives information about the range of detection. Thus, from a one-dimensional acoustic point-transect survey (i.e., records of vocalizations detected or not detected at regularly spaced listening stations) it is possible to obtain a useful estimate of density or abundance. I developed equations for estimation of density for one- dimensional surveys. Using simulations I found that for the method to have little bias when both range of detection and rate of vocalization need to be estimated, stations needed to be spaced at 30-80% of the range of detection and the rate of vocalization should be >0.7. If either the range of detection or rate of vocalization is known, conditions are relaxed, and when both parameters are known the method works well almost universally. In favorable conditions for one-dimensional methods, estimated abundances have overall errors not much larger than those from conventional line-transect distance sampling. The methods appeared useful when applied to real acoustic data from whale surveys. The techniques may also be useful in surveys with nonacoustic detection of animals. JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 73(6):1000-1009; 2009 DOI: 10.2193/2008-303 HAL WHITEHEAD, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4J1, Canada

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PBDES IN MARINE ECOSYSTEMS OF THE AMERICAN CONTINENTS
by Susan Shaw 12 Aug '09

12 Aug '09

Dear Colleagues, We would like to draw your attention to a review article recently published in Reviews on Environmental Health 24 (2009) 157-229. "Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Marine Ecosystems of the American Continents: Foresight from Current Knowledge" Susan D. Shaw and Kurunthachalam Kannan ABSTRACT Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of synthetic halogenated organic compounds used in commercial and household products, such as textiles, furniture, and electronics, to increase their flame ignition resistance and to meet fire safety standards. The demonstrated persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxic potential of these compounds in animals and in humans are of increasing concern. The oceans are considered global sinks for PBDEs, as higher levels are found in marine organisms than in terrestrial biota. For the past three decades, North America has dominated the world market demand for PBDEs, consuming 95% of the penta-BDE formulation. Accordingly, the PBDE concentrations in marine biota and people from North America are the highest in the world and are increasing. Despite recent restrictions on penta- and octa-BDE commercial formulations, penta-BDE containing products will remain a reservoir for PBDE release for years to come, and the deca-BDE formulation is still in high-volume use. In this paper, we review all available data on the occurrence and trends of PBDEs in the marine ecosystems (air, water, sediments, invertebrates, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals) of North and South America. We outline here our concerns about the potential future impacts of large existing stores of banned PBDEs in consumer products, and the vast and growing reservoirs of deca-BDE as well as new and naturally occurring brominated compounds on marine ecosystems. Best regards, Susan Shaw Susan D. Shaw, DrPH Director, Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) Center for Marine Studies PO Box 1653, 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04614 Tel: (207) 374-2135 Fax: (207) 374-2931 <mailto:sshaw@meriresearch.org> sshaw(a)meriresearch.org www.meriresearch.org

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Research Scientist Position Open (Population Biologist/Ecologist)
by Delphine Vanderpool 12 Aug '09

12 Aug '09

Position Open: Research Scientist – Population Biologist/Ecologist General: The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS), a private, non-profit organization located in Gulfport, Mississippi, is seeking to immediately fill the position of Ecological Research Scientist. This position is part of a substantial interdisciplinary collaborative effort with other universities and scientists to study marine mammals both in the wild and in a controlled setting. This position will be for a period of two years with the possibility of continued employment depending on performance and funding availability. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Responsibilities: Develop and conduct new research projects in wild dolphin population biology and ecology appropriate to the mission of IMMS; analyze data and prepare manuscripts for publication; write grant proposals to secure additional funding for projects; coordinate and participate in research activities between IMMS and collaborating scientists, document research progress; write reports for submission to state and federal agencies. Qualifications: Requires a Ph.D. in biology, marine biology, zoology, ecology, or marine science with experience in population dynamics and/or ecology, preferably with an emphasis on marine mammals. We seek a candidate with ability in publishing, report writing, designing and conducting research projects, and in securing funding. Boat handling experience and experience in dolphin research, husbandry, or training a plus. Eligible candidates should also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. To apply, send C.V. or a detailed resume with three references to: Dr. Delphine Vanderpool Institute for Marine Mammal Studies P.O. Box 207 Gulfport, MS 39502 Or, attach as a Microsoft Word document or PDF and email to: vanderpoold(a)imms.org The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is an equal opportunity employer. You can learn more about the Institute at www.imms.org. Delphine Vanderpool, M.D. Assistant Director of Research Institute for Marine Mammal Studies P.O. Box 207 Gulfport, Mississippi 39502 Main office: (228) 896-9182 Office fax: (228) 896-9183 Email: Vanderpoold(a)imms.org

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SMM Biennial workshop on data archive and visualization website
by Lucie Hazen 11 Aug '09

11 Aug '09

We are hosting a workshop at the Biennial meeting in Quebec City on October 11th demonstrating the newly improved data archive and visualization website ( <http://seamap.env.duke.edu/> http://seamap.env.duke.edu/) from the OBIS-SEAMAP project. It is an open access data center for marine mammal, sea bird and sea turtle observations, the primary purpose of which is to encourage collaborations and improve the understanding of these species by making it easy to share and visualize biogeographic data with advanced mapping and query tools. We are rapidly adding published datasets, developing new tools and adding functionality to better serve the research and management communities. Benefits include an off-site archiving service, multi-faceted visualization of your data and increased visibility of your research program while data providers retain ownership of their data. The event, useful for both data providers and users, will include sections focusing on visual survey data, as well as integrating photo-ID and acoustic data. You are invited to participate as potential data providers and/or users of OBIS-SEAMAP. ____________________ Lucie Hazen Research Associate Duke University Marine Lab <mailto:ljhazen@duke.edu> ljhazen(a)duke.edu

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