November 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Recent publication on transient killer whales
by Orcamom1＠aol.com 05 Nov '10

05 Nov '10

Ecological aspects of transient killer whales (Orcinus orca) as predators in southeastern Alaska Wildlife Biology, Volume 6, No. 3: 308-322 Marilyn E. Dahlheim, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Mammal Laboratory, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, Washington 98115. USA. E-mail: _marilyn.dahlheim(a)noaa.gov_ (mailto:marilyn.dahlheim@noaa.gov/) Paula A. White, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, 3101 Valley Life Sciences Building, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720. USA. Abstract In this study we present empirical data on predator numbers, movements and area usage, and predation obtained from tracking transient killer whales (Orcinus orca) throughout the inland waters of southeastern Alaska, USA. During 1991-2007, we documented 155 transient killer whales via photo-identification methodology within this large study area (27,808 km2). Transient killer whales were distributed throughout southeastern Alaska and were present during all seasons, although not all individuals were seen each year. Resighting data suggested that within southeastern Alaska, maternal groups may partition area usage of their environment. By following whales for 1,467 km, we calculated a mean travel speed of 7.2 km/h with mean daily movements of 134 km ± 88 km/24 hours and ranging within 59-240 km/24 hours. Photographic matches demonstrated that most (86%) of the transient killer whales identified in southeastern Alaska also utilized British Columbia and Washington State waters. In contrast, photographic matches between whales in southeastern Alaska and whales seen off of California, USA, were rare, suggesting that different transient killer whale stocks occupy these two regions. Transient killer whales preyed upon Dall’s porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli), Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenoryhncus obliquidens), harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and seabirds. Potential prey species available, but not targeted, included humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris), and sea otters (Enhydra lutris). Prey-handling techniques varied depending upon the prey being targeted with no evidence of prey specialization. During 114 encounters totaling 332.5 hours of direct observations of transient killer whales, we documented 36 predation events for a calculated kill rate of 0.62 prey items/24-hour period/whale. The data we present in this article provide a foundation of transient killer whale ecology aimed at improving our ability to understand the impact of transient killer whale predation on southeastern Alaska prey populations.

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Marine Mammal Commission Vacancy Announcement
by Cathy Jones 05 Nov '10

05 Nov '10

The Marine Mammal Commission is currently seeking applicants for a Scientific Program Director (GS-0401, grade 14/15). The position is open to all applicants, both those in the federal service, and those in the private sector. Interested applicants should click here http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=91541474 <http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=91541474&JobTitle=SCIENTIFIC+D IRECTOR&q=Marine+Mammal+Commission&where=&x=0&y=0&brd=3876&vw=b&FedEmp=N&Fed Pub=Y&AVSDM=2010-10-29+00%3a03%3a00> &JobTitle=SCIENTIFIC+DIRECTOR&q=Marine+Mammal+Commission&where=&x=0&y=0&brd= 3876&vw=b&FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y&AVSDM=2010-10-29+00%3a03%3a00 The deadline for application is November 26, 2010. Thank you. Cathy Jones Administrative Officer Marine Mammal Commission 301-504-0087 FAX: 301-504-0099 cjones(a)mmc.gov

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SocProg workshop, Murdoch University, Western Australia
by Lars Bejder 04 Nov '10

04 Nov '10

Dear Marmam readers, We would like to inform Marmam readers of the following workshop entitled: SOCPROG and the analysis of animal social structure using individual identifications. The workshop is for those interested in the analysis of animal social structure in populations within which at least some individuals are individually identifiable, whether through natural or artificial markings, tags, genetics, vocalizations or other means. Presenter: Professor Hal Whitehead, Dalhousie University, Canada. Host: Murdoch University's Cetacean Research Unit (http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/) Location: Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Time: February 8th - 10th, 2011 Costs: The cost of attendance for external participants is $AUS 550. The cost for Murdoch University students is $AUS 300. Lunch, tea and coffee will be provided. Applicants: This course is designed for postgraduate students conducting studies in the broad field of biological - with a special interest in analyzing animal social structure. As there is limited space available at the workshop, we encourage applicants to sign up early. Applicants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Please visit the following website for application details: http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/socprog.html Workshop details: SOCPROG is a series of MATLAB programs written by Professor Hal Whitehead for analyzing data on the social structure, population structure and movements of identified individuals. The programs are designed to be easy to use, most input is done through graphical user interfaces (i.e. windows with things to click on), and most things can be done without any knowledge of MATLAB (although this helps for custom options, figuring out errors, making your own extensions, etc.). There is also a compiled version of SOCPROG, so you don't need access to MATLAB (although you have more options if you do). The programs are also designed to be flexible so you can tailor the analyses to your data and hypotheses. The program is free and can be downloaded from: Professor Hal Whitehead's website. <http://myweb.dal.ca/hwhitehe/social.htm> The 1st day of the workshop will consider general issues in the analysis of animal social structure (based upon the book "Analyzing animal societies"), and on the 2nd day the focus will be on the practical use of SOCPROG. On the 3rd day, we will look at participants' own data sets, trying to get as much insight as possible. If time permits, we will consider SOCPROG's functionality for examining population sizes, and movements. Workshop outline: What is Social Structure? Observing Interactions and Associations: Collecting Data Organizing Data Describing Relationships: Methods Available Building Models of Social Structure: Methods Available Comparing Social Structures: How Can we do this? SOCPROG: what it does SOCPROG: how to get and install it SOCPROG: inputting data SOCPROG: restricting data; setting associations and sampling periods SOCPROG: displays of associations SOCPROG (and other programs): network analyses SOCPROG: tests of social hypotheses SOCPROG: temporal changes in social structure SOCPROG: multivariate methods, and incorporation of genetic data SOCPROG: movement analyses SOCPROG: population analyses Best, Lars Bejder

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validation of photo-id catalog
by Mollie Tubbs 03 Nov '10

03 Nov '10

Hello! I am preparing a manuscript on the creation of a photo-id catalog for hawksbill sea turtles. I am looking for information on validating the success of a catalog. After performing a literature search, I did not find any studies quantifying the success of a catalog based on positive matches by naive observers. Wurzig and Wurzig pioneered photo-id and the practice is very common in the field of marine mammalogy. My catalog is low-tech (no computer matching software was used, just people) but I am hopeful that it will aid in conservation efforts. Please let me know how you validate the success of your catalogs (if the directions, layout, and animal features are appropriate/useful) or what you think a successful matching rate would be. I would appreciate any information you have, whether peer-reviewed or personal observation. Thanks in advance! Mollie Tubbs metubbs(a)hotmail.com

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New online directory of Cetacean Conservation Organisations (CCO's)
by Dylan Walker 03 Nov '10

03 Nov '10

Hi Marmamers, The team at www.planetwhale.com have just completed the first online directory of the world's Cetacean Conservation Organisations (CCO's). The directory includes nearly 100 CCO's listed by continent and in alphabetical order viewable at: http://www.planetwhale.com/get-involved/help-save-whales/ Each organisation's name is linked to a profile page giving a wealth of information, including latest research, educational projects, and current campaigns, as well as contact details. We hope that this will be a useful resource for marine mammal researchers and conservationists into the future, and would like to thank the many people and organisations that contributed. We will shortly be publishing a report reviewing the status of the world's CCO's globally and regionally, and will notify Marmam on publication. Regards, Amanda Banks & Dylan Walker The Planet Whale Team http://www.planetwhale.com Email: dylan(a)planetwhale.com Tel: +44 (0)1273 355011

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Paper on stable isotope screening of Australian sea lion breeding colonies
by Andrew Damon Lowther 03 Nov '10

03 Nov '10

Hi all, Just to let you know of a new article reporting on the development of a validated stable isotope screening technique to detect inter-individual variation in adult female Australian sea lion foraging behavior across three spatially close, asynchronously breeding colonies. Abstract below, the full article can be found in Marine Mammal Science Early View (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/doi/10.1111/j.…) Any queries should be directed to andrew.lowther(a)adelaide.edu.au - enjoy ! 'Detecting alternate foraging ecotypes in Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) colonies using stable isotope analysis' ANDREW D LOWTHER, S.D GOLDSWORTHY Article first published online: 26 OCT 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2010.00425.x Stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes are used frequently to describe the trophic ecology of top marine mammal predators. Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) are one of the world's rarest otariid seals and exhibit the highest levels of natal site philopatry of any seal. We report the development of a screening technique to identify different foraging ecotypes and assess their relative frequencies in Australian sea lion breeding colonies using stable isotope ratios in pups. Geospatial and dive data from 15 adult females at three breeding colonies revealed alternate foraging strategies (inshore and offshore foraging) that were reflected in significant changes in δ13C and δ15N. Isotope fractionation from mother to pup was validated using paired whisker and blood serum samples with no significant difference between δ13C and δ15N enrichment of +1.27 (whiskers) and +1.92 (blood serum) from mothers to pups.Isotope ratios from whisker samples representing over 50% of pups born at three colonies revealed significant intercolony differences in maternal foraging ecotype frequencies. These results are unique in that ecological partitioning over such a small spatial scale has not been described in any other otariid species. Andrew Lowther PhD Candidate Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science The University of Adelaide North Terrace Andrew.Lowther(a)Adelaide.edu.au CRICOS Provider Number 00123M ----------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT: This message may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you think it was sent to you by mistake, please delete all copies and advise the sender. For the purposes of the SPAM Act 2003, this email is authorised by The University of Adelaide. Think green: read on the screen.

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Florida Manatee Project Research Assistant, Seasonal Position
by Barlas, Margie 02 Nov '10

02 Nov '10

Manatee Tracking Project Seasonal Research Assistant The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Marine Mammal Research Group is looking for one field biological technician to work for the upcoming winter-spring season in St. Petersburg, FL. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Section: Wildlife Research Subsection: Marine Mammals Headquarters: Saint Petersburg, Florida (Pinellas County) Position#: 77903039 Rate of Pay: $11 - $12 per hour depending on experience, 40 hours/ week, no paid benefits. Closing Date: November 12, 2010 Start Date: December 1, 2010 Duration: 5-6 months Position Description: The employee's primary responsibility is to assist researchers in the Manatee Behavioral Ecology and Movements Program with radio-tracking manatees along the East Coast of Florida by following tagged individuals from land and small boats to record behavioral observations. The principle aims of this study are to characterize manatee use of warm-water refugia and essential winter foraging habitat using state-of-the-art satellite-linked GPS technology. Other duties include equipment maintenance, data entry, mapping and interpreting Argos and GPS satellite telemetry data, preparing reports of habitat site visits, miscellaneous office tasks, and public outreach as needed. The person will participate in manatee captures, currently scheduled for mid-December. Applicants should understand that this job requires them to be wet, dirty and outdoors in all weather conditions. The office is headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL but the primary field site is near Titusville, FL. Travel to other areas of the state may be required based on animal movements or project needs. Lodging, per diem, and transportation costs are provided while at the field site. Hours are generally Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, but some evening and weekend hours may be required. Field work is expected to last through March, followed by work on equipment and data in the lab. This position requires the applicant to drive a truck towing a boat trailer. Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree with a major in a life or physical sciences is required. Previous experience in boat handling and trailering is strongly desired. Applicant must have field research experience with wildlife. Experience with radio-telemetry tracking gear is desirable. The successful candidate must have strong computer skills, preferably including familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word applications. Experience with GIS is a plus. Organizational skills, attention to detail, oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work successfully as part of a team are essential qualifications for this position. He/She must have a valid US driver's license, have a good driving history, and must be able to swim. Application Process: Please apply electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com<http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/>) by the closing date. If you experience technical difficulties, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. Please make sure to submit a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and a summary of your qualifications, along with a resume and list of three references when applying in People First. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. Federal law requires that we hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized aliens who can provide proof of their identity and employment eligibility.

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Technical research assistant position opening
by Koblitz Jens 02 Nov '10

02 Nov '10

The German Oceanographic Museum (www.meeresmuseum.de) is seeking a technical research assistant. The successful candidate will be assisting in calibrating and comparing different static acoustic monitoring (SAM) devices that are applicable for monitoring the harbour porpoise populations in the North- and Baltic Sea. Starting date is February 1st 2011 with 20 working hours per week. The position terminates November 30th 2013. Salary is paid according to 50% TVöD E 6 (http://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tvoed/bund) approx. gross salary: 12,000-14,000 €/year. Responsibilities: -Calibration of SAM-devices in a test-tank -Data analysis -Designing of anchoring systems -Maintenance of SAM-devices at sea -Calibration of SAM-devices at sea Requirements: -Computer-proficiency, esp. MS Excel and Access -Technical understanding and craftsmanship -Drivers licence -Experience with working at sea/seaworthy -Enjoy working in a team Desirable: -Basic knowledge in acoustics or bioacoustics -MATLAB experience -Diving and sailing certifications -Conversational German Application deadline: November 15th 2010. If you are interested, please e-mail your cover letter, resume, and the names of three references or letters of recommendation to Jens.Koblitz(a)meeresmuseum.de. With kind regards, Jens Koblitz Ein Museum – vier Standorte: MEERESMUSEUM, NATUREUM, NAUTINEUM und OZEANEUM – Europas Museum des Jahres 2010 Deutsches Meeresmuseum Museum für Meereskunde und Fischerei ∙ Aquarium Stiftung des bürgerlichen Rechts Katharinenberg 14 - 20 18439 Stralsund Tel.: +49 (0) 3831 26 50 395 Fax: +49 (0) 3831 26 50 309 Jens.Koblitz(a)meeresmuseum.de<mailto:Jens.Koblitz@meeresmuseum.de> www.meeresmuseum.de<../../owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx> www.ozeaneum.de<../../owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx> Der Direktor Dr. Harald Benke Ust. ID Nr.: DE 162 772 269 Steuernr.: 082/141/02545

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Workshops on spatial modeling of cetacean habitat use and abundance
by Lars Bejder 02 Nov '10

02 Nov '10

Dear Marmam readers, Two workshops, funded by the Australian Marine Mammal Centre, are being offered by Murdoch University, Western Australia and Flinders University, South Australia to build expertise in the Australian marine mammal research community. The workshop, aimed at post-graduate students, marine wildlife managers and relevant research organisations, will focus on the use of spatial modeling techniques that allows habitat use to be quantified and abundance to be estimated from line transect data. These statistical methods can be complex and sophisticated. Researchers unfamiliar with the methods face a steep learning curve and this can limit the potential impacts of research projects. The workshop will give participants the practical hands-on skills to apply some of the more accessible models, providing insight and familiarity but stressing the limitations of currently available methods. Time and location Workshop #1: Fremantle, Western Australia. Dates: January 24th-28th, 2010 Venue: The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, WA Workshop #2: Port Lincoln, South Australia. Dates: January 31st - February 4, 2010 Venue: Lincoln Marine Science Centre, SA Please visit the following webpage for further details on workshop outline, admission requirements, application process and accommodation options: http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/habitatws.html Best, Guido Parra and Lars Bejder

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