September 2010 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Vaquita - Last Chance for the Desert Porpoise
by Chris Johnson 15 Sep '10

15 Sep '10

Dear Marmam readers, I am pleased to announce a new documentary film and social media project that investigates the critical status of the world’s rarest porpoise - the Vaquita. The film entitled, “Vaquita – Last Chance for the Desert Porpoise,” is available for free online in english and spanish at - http://www.vaquita.tv We had two goals for the project. The first, to share the complex story of vaquita with the global community, while documenting extraordinary efforts over the past three years to save it. The second and most important, was to create a much-needed, bilingual tool for outreach efforts to communicate scientific findings and conservation recommendations for Vaquita, while addressing the challenges faced by people in local communities affected by these programs. What we hope is that the website is used by stakeholders to measure and communicate issues in “real-time” via blogs and social media in a meaningful, transparent way to facilitate meaningful solutions. In late September, earthOCEAN will freely distribute DVDs of the documentary with an education booklet through partners to local communities of El Golfo de Santa Clara and San Felipe, Mexico so people with limited internet access can watch this story, and make a decision about the importance of the Vaquita to the unique biodiversity of the Upper Guif of California, Mexico. “Vaquita – Last Chance for the Desert Porpoise” was funded by grants from The Ocean Foundation and United States Marine Mammal Commission with support from scientific and conservation partners; NOAA Fisheries - Southwest Fisheries Science Center in the United States and in Mexico, Instituto Nacional de Ecología (INE), Noereste Sustentable (NOS), CEDO - Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans, and WWF Mexico. There were many people involved in the production of the film, giving much time, expertise and advice in its making, including - Lorenzo Rojas Bracho, Lisa Ballance, Bob Pitman, Catalina Lopez, Alejandro Robles, Jay Barlow, Barb Taylor, Tim Gerrodette, Sarah Mesnick, Armando Jarmillo, Jonathan Gordon, Tom Jefferson, Paula Olson, Tom Keikeffer, Annette Henry, Shannon Rankin, Rene Swift, Genevieve Johnson, Mina Innes, Hans Herrmann and Tim Ragen. For more information or any questions, feel free to contact me via email or follow updates about vaquita via facebook - http://www.facebook.com/vaquita.tv Sincerely, Chris CHRIS JOHNSON Director - earthOCEAN media Melbourne, Australia www.earthocean.tv www.whaletrackers.com www.chrisjohnsonimages.com em. christophe.johnson(a)mac.com cj(a)earthocean.tv mob. +61 450 909 102 "Vaquita - Last Chance for the Desert Porpoise" is now on iTUNES - http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vaquita-last-chance-for-desert/id3869430…

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Subject:Belugaskin Virus in Hudson River Churchill ( Andrea Steffen )
by Andrea Steffen 14 Sep '10

14 Sep '10

Dear all. On Belugas of the Churchill river estuary, Manitoba, Canada we saw some animals with a lot of skin damages. In the websites: http://www.medvet.umontreal.ca/pathologie_microbiologie/beluga/anglais/viru… we found a report about herpes like virus found on Belugas in the St. Lawrence estuary. We were wondering, whether the skin marks of these Churchill Belugas caused of the same virus or could it have other reasons? For photos please use this address: http://www.pottwale.de/belugaskin For contact please use Email: Andrea.Steffen(a)wale-delfine.de Sincerely Andrea Steffen Projektleiterin Dominika Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delfine e.V Hansa-allee 44 40547 Düsseldorf Tel: 0211/ 55 95 70 Email: Andrea.Steffen(a)wale-delfine.de

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New paper: Acoustic ecology of Antarctic pinnipeds
by Ilse van Opzeeland 14 Sep '10

14 Sep '10

Dear Colleagues, We would like to inform you of a new publication, available online (open access) at Marine Ecology Progress Series (see link below): Van Opzeeland I, Van Parijs S, Bornemann H, Frickenhaus S, Kindermann L, Klinck H, Plötz J, Boebel O (2010) Acoustic ecology of Antarctic pinnipeds MEPS 414:267-291 http://www.int-res.com/articles/meps_oa/m414p267.pdf Abstract: In aquatic-mating pinnipeds, acoustic communication plays an important role in male competition and mate attraction. Vocal repertoire size and composition during the breeding season varies between species and is presumed to be a product of interspecific differences in sexual selection. In this study, we examine seasonal and diel patterns in acoustic repertoire size, composition and call activity of 4 Antarctic pinniped species: Weddell seal Leptonychotes weddellii, leopard seal Hydrurga leptonyx, Ross seal Ommatophoca rossii and crabeater seal Lobodon carcinophaga. An 11 mo (Jan 2006 Jan 2007, no recordings Jul and Nov 2006) near-continuous dataset was collected from the Perennial Acoustic Observatory in the Antarctic Ocean (PALAOA) located on the Ekström Iceshelf. The Weddell seal vocal repertoire consisted of 14 call types. Calls were present throughout the year except in February (11 mo), while repertoire composition varied considerably between months. The leopard seal vocal repertoire consisted of 7 call types. Calls were present between October and January (4 mo). All call types were used in a uniform manner throughout the entire call period. The Ross seal vocal repertoire consisted of 5 call types. Ross seal vocalizations were present from December until February (3 mo). Repertoire composition varied little between months. Crabeater seals produced one vocalization type, present from August to December (5 mo). Vocalizations in these species are likely produced in a breeding context. Inter-specific differences in behavioral ecology and interactions with abiotic and biotic environmental factors shape vocal behavior resulting in each species filling its own acoustic ecological niche. Best Regards, I.C. Van Opzeeland Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research Ocean Acoustics Lab Am Alten Hafen 26 27568 Bremerhaven GERMANY Phone: +49-471-4831-1169 Fax: +49-471-4831-1149 Web: www.awi.de/acoustics

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Acoustician position at the Australian Antarctic Division [Sec=Unclassified]
by Jason Gedamke 13 Sep '10

13 Sep '10

A marine mammal acoustician position is opening at the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), based in Hobart, Tasmania. It will be advertised shortly, but in the meantime, I'll be happy to answer any questions regarding the job in my last few weeks here. A more detailed description follows, but essentially the applicant would need good technical, fieldwork, and analytical skills for: 1) flexible analyses of various long-term acoustic datasets (e.g. matlab or similar skills to deal with multiple acoustic datatypes); 2) technical development of long-term autonomous sea-floor recorders; 3) running a multi-year, international program of autonomous recorder deployments; 4) conducting vessel based sonobuoy surveys localizing whales; plus 5) an ability to do impacts of noise assessments/interpretation for policymakers. It is really a fantastic position (I've been here 6 years), with obvious opportunities to go on voyages down south, and working with a great group of people in the Australian Marine Mammal Centre. If you happen to know anyone who might be interested, please pass this on to them. cheers, Jason jason.gedamke(a)aad.gov.au FUNCTION OF THE POSITION The marine mammal acoustician will work within the Australian Marine Mammal Centre, which is part of the Australian Antarctic Division's Southern Ocean Ecosystems Programme in the Science Branch. The acoustician will work within a leadership team dealing with all issues in the Marine Mammal Centre and will take primary responsibility for all cetacean acoustic research in addition to policy advice related to interactions between marine mammals and noise. The scientist will conduct strategic and focused research relevant to the priorities of the Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan and other agreed priorities of the Marine Mammal Centre. This work will include a key role working in the International Whaling Commission, taking responsibility for the Australian Government's Southern Ocean cetacean acoustics research program, and its contribution to the multinational collaborative Southern Ocean Research Partnership. The appointee will have a keen interest and experience in delivering science into policy and management, and will work closely with policy colleagues within the Australian Antarctic Division, within DEWHA in Canberra, as well as with key industry and science stakeholders. The appointee will also work closely with the Australia-wide cetacean acoustics science and stakeholder communities that interact with the Centre, and will be expected to participate actively in international fora relevant to applied cetacean acoustics issues.. KEY ACTIVITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The marine mammal acoustician will be required to design and conduct marine mammal acoustic research relevant to the goals of the Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan and other agreed priorities of the Australian Marine Mammal Centre. In particular: Take a leadership role in an integrated cetacean acoustics research program to be conducted around Antarctica as a part of the Southern Ocean Research Partnership Participate in approved research projects that might lead to improvements in the management of interactions between marine mammals and noise Participate in relevant multidisciplinary Southern Ocean research projects and programs Support the leader and coordinator of the Australian Marine Mammal Centre in a senior role in the administration and management of the Centre, its staff and its stakeholder communities. Work collegially within a team of scientists at the Australian Marine Mammal Centre and more broadly within the AAD's Science Branch. Represent the Australian government and the AAD at national and international fora, as required. Provide clear and relevant technical advice and support to policy colleagues in DEWHA on issues of marine mammal conservation and management, with a particular focus on the applied aspects of acoustics and noise. Write scientific reports and papers. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS A PhD in a relevant discipline from an Australian University or qualification of equivalent standard from an Australian or overseas university, or other qualifications appropriate to the duties of the position. JOB SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS Proven and established research background working on all aspects of large whale acoustics programs. Experience should include electronics and technical capability to oversee development and handling of autonomous underwater recording units, as well as all aspects of vessel based acoustic surveys to localize vocalizing whales using DIFAR sonobuoys. (40%) An ability to conduct acoustic analyses on a wide range of acoustic datasets. This should include experience with Matlab or other similarly flexible programming language, and manipulation of various sound file formats. (30%) Strong technical, analytical and interpretive skills to provide understandable, non-technical strategic advice to managers on the potential impacts of noise on marine mammals. This should include experience working on the delivery of technical acoustic research and other marine mammal science into the policy and management arena. (20%) Demonstrated organisational and leadership skills, and ability to work well with teams. (10%) ____________________________ Jason Gedamke, PhD Australian Marine Mammal Centre Australian Antarctic Division 203 Channel Highway Kingston, TAS 7050 ph: +61 (0)3 6232 3153 mob: +61 (0)4 0938 8990 fax: +61 (0)3 6232 3449 ___________________________________________________________________________ Australian Antarctic Division - Commonwealth of Australia IMPORTANT: This transmission is intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that use or dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited by Commonwealth law. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail or by telephoning +61 3 6232 3209 and DELETE the message. Visit our web site at http://www.antarctica.gov.au/ ___________________________________________________________________________

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Right Whale Internship - Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies
by Stephanie Richardson 10 Sep '10

10 Sep '10

Right whale Internship posting: Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies located in Provincetown, MA USA, is seeking an intern for the upcoming 2011 right whale survey season. This person will work with both the aerial survey and habitat survey teams, who operate between January and May every year, documenting the abundance, distribution and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay. The intern will primarily assist the habitat survey team, carrying out boat-based photography of right whales and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites in Cape Cod Bay. The successful applicant will also be responsible for a number of lab-based photo-identification tasks, such as downloading images, database entry, and matching images to known animals using an online catalog. He/ she will be required to work a minimum of four full days per week. The intern will often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail-oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Fieldwork will likely involve one to two surveys per week, between February and May 15. Applicants must be available for the full field season. *Requirements:* - A degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences. - Experience with digital SLR cameras. - Experience in photo-identification of marine mammals, and matching of photographs. - Data entry; basic computer skills in programs such as Excel and Word. - Experience of working on boats. Must not suffer from seasickness. - Must work well in a team. Field hours can be long and the winter fieldwork conditions are cold and often uncomfortable. - Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods. - A valid US drivers license would be beneficial but is not essential. Housing will be provided. There is a $1000 stipend for this position. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their skills in marine mammal survey techniques, and will offer the successful applicant the unique chance to work with one of the world’s most endangered cetacean species, the North Atlantic right whale. PCCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in photo-identification, matching, data entry and analysis. Some experience in plankton sampling may also be gained. Details of our work can be found at the following links: Habitat program: http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/vbhabstudies.htm Aerial program: http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/aerialsur.htm *Application process: * Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient), and the contact information for three references via email to srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org <scrockett(a)coastalstudies.org> . The closing date for applications is September 30, 2010. Please use "Right whale internship position" in the subject line of your email. -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02652 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113 f. (508) 487-4495 Office Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. 9:00-12:00

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Request for information on vocalization behaviour of bowhead, humpback and right whales.
by Carolyn Binder 10 Sep '10

10 Sep '10

Subject Heading: Request for information on vocalization behaviour of bowhead, humpback, and right whales. Hi All, I am just starting a M.Sc. in Physics at Dalhousie University. My research is focused on automatic classification of marine mammal vocalizations. Four cetacean species have been selected for initial work: bowhead whale, humpback whale, sperm whale, and the northern right whale. Audio files containing vocalizations from these species were acquired from the MobySound website. As my background is in Physics, I lack some of the knowledge of marine mammals required for this project. After a literature review I have come up with some questions which I believe are important to my classification research, and may be best answered by experts in the field. These questions focus mostly on bowhead and humpback whales. Bowhead: MobySound audio files contain only the endnotes of the bowhead song, and states that this part of the bowhead song remains relatively invariant with time. How rapidly do other parts of the bowhead song change? How long is a typical bowhead song (thinking from an automatic classification viewpoint, if we choose to classify based only on the endnotes of the song how long will passive acoustic systems need to acquire the song before the endnotes are obtained)? Humpback: Many scientific papers discuss the temporal variation in humpback song - how much does this affect individual song units as opposed to how units are arranged into a song? We have chosen to classify humpback vocalizations based on individual units - are there certain song units that change less with time? I have read that humpbacks only produce song when on their wintering grounds or while transiting from summer grounds to winter grounds. What sounds, if any, do humpbacks make while on their summer feeding grounds? What is the extent of spatial variation in humpback song/song units, e.g. how different does a humpback in the Atlantic sound from one in the Pacific? Right: I have gathered from my reading that some taxonomists believe that there are several different species of the right whale: North Atlantic right whale, southern right whale, and North Pacific right whale. How differently do the vocalizations from each of these right whale species sound from the others? Bowhead and humpback whales were chosen because of the challenges presented by the similarities of the duration and frequency range of their vocalizations. I am aware that in the summer bowheads tend to migrate into ice fields, whereas humpbacks seem to limit their migration to the edge of the pack ice; however, is there significant overlap in their habitat/migratory routes to make this classification relevant in a real-world situation? If you are able to answer any of the questions that I have posed, can suggest some papers that I should read, or have any additional comments, please send a response to carolyn.binder(a)drdc-rddc.gc.ca Thank you in advance for any insight you are able to provide, Carolyn Binder

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Volunteer Request - Hector’s dolphin research, Banks Peninsula NZ
by Elanor Hutchison 08 Sep '10

08 Sep '10

Subject: Volunteer Request - Hector’s dolphin research, Banks Peninsula NZ A position is now open for a volunteer to assist in Hector’s dolphin habitat surveys at Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. I am conducting my PhD studies on the habitat selection of Hector’s dolphins, involving boat-based dolphin surveys up to four nautical miles from shore with concurrent prey and oceanographic sampling. As a volunteer you will live and work in a beautiful coastal area. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in visual and acoustic marine mammal surveying, photo-identification, habitat sampling and general data collection and practical skills obtained from participating in marine fieldwork. Based from a small research vessel (6m), this research is carried out whenever weather conditions allow. Daily trips are up to 12 hours long, but we are typically on the water for up to 8 hours a day, with at least one day off per week due to unfavourable weather conditions. Volunteers must be available full-time including weekends, and must be comfortable on a small vessel in moderate sea states (up to Beaufort 4 with 2m swell). The next two field season will take place between October 1st and December 9th 2010 (10 weeks), and January 3rd to February 28th 2011 (8 weeks). Priority will be given to those willing to assist for at least four weeks due to the training involved, but all applicants will be considered. This is a volunteer position, but accommodation, including bed/bedding, laundry and cooking facilities, will be provided. Volunteers will need to arrange their own travel to Christchurch, but travel between the city and the field site will be provided on arrival and departure. Volunteers will be required to pay for their own food, contribute to the cost of power/phone/internet (20 NZD per week) and pay for any personal phone calls. As we will be working and living in close quarters in a rural setting, volunteers must be sociable, hardworking team players. Cooking and cleaning duties will be shared. Preferred skills and qualities include: - BSc or studying at senior undergraduate level in biology (or similar field) - Interest in ecology and marine science - A full driving license (manual transmission) - Boat driving and trailer backing skills - Marine mammal survey experience Please send a letter of interest, a CV and e-mail contacts for two referees to elanorjh(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Elanor Hutchison -- PhD Candidate Marine Science Department Otago University Dunedin, New Zealand

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Dolphin Research Internships
by Emily Guarino 07 Sep '10

07 Sep '10

Dolphin Research Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Winter/Spring term. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing behavioral and cognitive research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions. Specific job duties include: * Collecting observational behavioral data * Preparing stimuli for cognitive research sessions * Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for cognitive research sessions * Operating video equipment * Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis * General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Publications: Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects? Animal Cognition, 13, 103-120. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M. (In press). Blindfolded Imitation in a Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). International Journal of Comparative Psychology. Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. The deadline to apply is *** October 1st***. To apply, you must download the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Research", and then "Internship Information". The application, and all associated materials (resume, transcript, and letters of rec.) must be mailed to DRC. -------------------------------- Emily Guarino Administrative Director of Research emily(a)dolphins.org Dolphin Research Center 58901 Overseas Hwy. Grassy Key, FL 33050 www.dolphins.org

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Extreme physiology and climate change in narwhals
by Terrie Williams 03 Sep '10

03 Sep '10

Dear Marmamers: We have a new, exciting manuscript online at Marine Mammal Science. In addition to describing the physiological limitations of a unique cryptic Arctic species (the narwhal), this paper presents a "Biological Achilles Heel" approach for assessing the vulnerability of marine mammals to climate change. Often we examine the behavioral response of wild animals and subsequently try to infer the impact of environmental perturbation. Here we first examine the physiological capacity of the animal and use it to predict the species ability to respond. Such a method enables investigators to predict rather than just react to the effects of environmental disturbance on an animal population. The paper is online at Marine Mammal Science 26 Aug, 2010. DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2010.00408.x and will be in print in October. Best Regards, Terrie M. Williams McMurdo, Antarctica Extreme Physiological Adaptations as Predictors of Climate-Change Sensitivity in the Narwhal, Monodon monoceros Terrie M. Williams*1, Shawn R. Noren1 and Mike Glenn2 ABSTRACT Rapid changes in sea ice cover associated with global warming are poised to have marked impacts on polar marine mammals. Here we examine skeletal muscle characteristics supporting swimming and diving in one polar species, the narwhal, and use these attributes to further document this cetacean’s vulnerability to unpredictable sea ice conditions and changing ecosystems. We found that extreme morphological and physiological adaptations enabling year-round Arctic residency by narwhals limits behavioral flexibility for responding to alternations in sea ice. In contrast to the greyhound-like muscle profile of acrobatic odontocetes, the longissimus dorsi of narwhals is comprised of 86.8  7.7% slow twitch oxidative fibers, resembling the endurance morph of human marathoners. Myoglobin content, 7.87  1.72 g (100 g wet muscle)-1, is one of the highest levels measured for marine mammals. Calculated maximum aerobic swimming distance between breathing holes in ice is <1450 m, which permits routine use of only 2.6 - 10.4% of ice-packed foraging grounds in Baffin Bay. These first measurements of narwhal exercise physiology reveal extreme specialization of skeletal muscles for moving in a challenging ecological niche. This study also demonstrates the power of using basic physiological attributes to predict species vulnerabilities to environmental perturbation before critical population disturbance occurs.

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Cetacean Identification Workshops
by Emma Webb 03 Sep '10

03 Sep '10

Cetacean & Seabird Identification Workshops LAST FEW PLACES REMAINING MARINElife is delighted to announce that we still have had a small number of places come available for our September 2010 Cetacean & Seabird Identification Workshops on the P&O cruiseferry Pride of Bilbao travelling across the fantastic Bay of Biscay. This is your last opportunity to travel on the Pride of Bilbao as she goes out of service at the end of September. Biscay Dolphin Research Programme (BDRP) has been conducting whale, dolphin and seabird surveys of the English Channel and Bay of Biscay each month, year-round continuously since 1995. BDRP is an award-winning project within the established charity MARINElife that aims to further the conservation of whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine life through scientific study and educational activities. Because of the work we have undertaken, the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay is now recognised as one of the most important areas in the world for whales and dolphins! Come and join some of the most experienced cetacean and seabird researchers in the UK for a fully interactive workshop where you will learn all the basic skills needed to observe and identify these fantastic animals at sea. This workshop is ideal for anyone with a general interest in marine wildlife, students studying Marine Biology or similar subjects, people who want some firsthand experience of field work as well any prospective Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs). Workshop Dates: 13-16 September 2 cabins 22-25 September 4 cabins Cost is £145 per person based on two people sharing a 2 bunk inside cabin. For more information or to book a place, please visit our website at www.biscay-dolphin.org.uk/blueoceansafaris/biscay.php#IDWorkshops or email us on <mailto:info@biscay-dolphin.org.uk> info(a)biscay-dolphin.org.uk or call Emma on 01621 856536. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT BOOKINGS FOR BOTH TRIPS CLOSE ON THURSDAY 9th SEPTEMBER 2010 Kind Regards Emma Webb Community & Operations Officer Conserving Marine Wildlife through Research & Education Marinelife Ltd Email: emma.webb(a)marine-life.org.uk Visit us at: www.marine-life.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1110884

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