October 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on the social structure of resident bottlenose dolphins
by Joana Augusto 23 Oct '11

23 Oct '11

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper on the social structure of bottlenose dolphins: Augusto, Joana F.; Rachinas-Lopes, Patricia; dos Santos, Manuel E. (2011). Social structure of the declining resident community of common bottlenose dolphins in the Sado Estuary, Portugal. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. doi:10.1017/S0025315411000889 Abstract: The resident population of common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in the Sado Estuary, Portugal, has been declining at least during the past three decades. A complete photographic census produced a current count of 24 animals—19 adults, three subadults and two calves. It appears to be phylopatric and essentially closed, but given the likely importance that exchanges with neighbouring coastal groups may play, even if rare, the most adequate term to deﬁne this dolphin should be community and not population. Large groups with all age-classes are common in the community, possibly as a calf and subadult protection strategy, and this may be related to the fact that these age-classes have had high mortality rates in the last decade. Maternity of two calves was determined, and we found that the two mothers adopted different parenting strategies. While one mother spent more time alone with her calf, the other mother spent more time with her calf in larger groups. The average coefﬁcient of association for this community is 0.45, quite high for this species. Associations and typical group size are similar between all individuals, with no patterning according to age-class or sex, which constitutes an atypical trait for dolphin societies. There are also no clear divisions in this community according to cluster analysis. Associations are preferred and long term, lasting approximately 34 days and ﬁtting a pattern of casual acquaintances, where individuals associate for a period of time, disassociate and may reassociate after that. This reﬂects the ﬁssion–fusion character of the community, but in a more stable manner. We think this is caused by a combination of demographic characteristics and a stable and productive environment, which led to a decrease in competition between individuals. Pdf copies are available upon request to augustojoana(a)gmail.com Cheers, Joana Augusto ******************************* Joana Augusto, M.Sc. PhD candidate Whitehead Lab Biology Dept. Dalhousie University Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/ Let's Talk Science Coordinator Dalhousie University LTS(a)dal.ca http://letstalkscience.ca/dalhousie

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Internship opportunity in Norway
by Marta Acosta 21 Oct '11

21 Oct '11

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY Two intership positions in Andenes, Norway, are available for the winter 2011 - 2012 to assist in PhD project focusing on sperm whales. DESCRIPTION The project focuses on the social structure and movements of male sperm whales encountered in North Norwegian waters. The techniques that are used for the project include photo identification, acoustics, land -based surveys, and genetics among others. The work will mainly consist on land - based surveys from Andenes lighthouse using BigEye binoculars (weather dependent) and extensive data management at the office. Additionally, there will be opportunities to conduct some field trips on board whale watching platforms or dedicated vessels from the beggining of November. Cetaceans in the area include: sperm whales, killer whales, humpback whales, Minke whales, fin whales, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, long-finned pilot whales and harbour porpoise. Candidates may have the possibility to work on other projects under development in the area. Complete training will be provided for successful candidates. COMMITMENT: We are seeking for motivated candidates to start with the internship as soon as possible. Internship period will start and be extended in agreement with the selected candidates, but it will ideally be of 2 months ( sbetween November 2011 to April 2012). It might be possible to split the internship in shorter periods so that more and shorter internships will be available if interns can not commit for the whole period. REQUIREMENTS: - To be enroled or have a Bachelor in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science or equivalent degree. - To speak fluent English. - To be flexible, patient and able to cope with long hours at the office when the weather limits the field work. - To be used to being out at sea (you don´t feel normally seasick). - To be fisically fit to climb to a lighthouse every day. - To be able to lift easily 8 kg with your arms (important for setting up the BigEyes on the tripod). OTHER DESIRABLE SKILLS: - To have postgraduate education level. - To speak other languages: especially Norwegian. - To have previous experience in basic cetacean research. - To be able to deal with the cold and pretty dark winter of Northern Norway. COMPENSATION Unfortunately we can not provide a salary to the interns, but accommodation for the entire period on the fully equipped Whale Centre will be provided, included electricity, heating and internet connection. Transportation to field sites will be provided if necessary and to and from the airport upon arrival and departure. Interns will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Andenes, Norway. HOW TO APPLY Please, send CV trough email to the following address: macostaplata(a)gmail.com Due to the need to cover these positions as soon as possible, candidates may be considered in a first come - first served basis. Marta Acosta PhD Fellow Whalesafari Andenes Postboks 58 8483 Andenes Norway macostaplata(a)gmail.com

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European Cetacean Society Conference Abstract Deadline
by Simon Berrow 20 Oct '11

20 Oct '11

We apologise for the delay in opening the ECS site up for abstracts for the 26th European Cetacean Society Conference. This has been caused by technical problems involved in transferring the ECS website to the University of Leige. We are still aiming for an abstract deadline of 11 November 2011. If the ECS site is still not accepting abstracts by the end of October we will establish a submission facility on www.iwdg.ie/ecs

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Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference IV
by Larkin,Iskande V 20 Oct '11

20 Oct '11

Hi All, Please find below the link to our conference planned for this spring. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference IV Sarasota, Florida April 24-27, 2012 http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/marinemammal/index.htm Please join us for another stimulating conference! Sincerely, Iske [cid:image001.jpg@01CC8F3E.B240FE90] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Research Assistant Professor & Education Coordinator Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 For packages 32608 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/extension/aquatic/

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Internship Opportunity - please post
by DC Associate 20 Oct '11

20 Oct '11

Ocean Policy Internship �C Marine Conservation Institute Marine Conservation Institute is a non-profit scientific and conservation advocacy organization that works to promote the protection and restoration of the Earth��s biological diversity. From our headquarters in Bellevue WA and our Washington DC and California offices, we work to protect marine life around the United States and beyond by encouraging research and training in marine conservation biology, bringing scientists together to examine crucial marine conservation issues, conducting policy research to frame the marine conservation agenda, leading outreach efforts to educate scientists, the public, and decision makers on key issues, and building partnerships to solve problems affecting marine life and people. Internship Program Marine Conservation Institute��s internship program provides motivated and academically-promising students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real�\world arena. During their internship, students work closely with science and policy staff on cutting edge issues in marine conservation biology and ocean policy. Most of the internship opportunities are geared towards graduate students or students who have recently completed graduate degrees, although we have on occasion developed opportunities for undergraduates to work on pressing marine conservation issues. For internship positions, we seek individuals with excellent communication skills, substantive knowledge or professional experience in marine or environmental science or policy, and who share our commitment to the preservation of marine life and biological diversity. We also prefer candidates who have a demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal direct supervision. Working out of our DC office, policy interns have the opportunity to work closely with our policy staff to gain important skills in conservation advocacy. Previous policy interns have had the opportunity to assist with establishing National Monuments and our National Marine Sanctuaries Reauthorization efforts. Policy interns have described their internship experience as being important for learning about lobbying and the legislative process and for understanding more about packaging science for Federal decision makers. These internships coincide with the academic calendar. Duties Internship activities include: �� Conducting research on US marine policy �� Setting lobbying appointments with congressional staffers �� Accompanying Marine Conservation Institute staff on lobby visits and keeping records of visits �� Staying abreast of and briefing staff on marine conservation news �� Preparing educational materials and fact sheets �� Providing administrative support (answer phones, file, purchase some office supplies, open & distribute mail, etc.) Compensation Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week. Internships are on a volunteer basis. No benefits or relocation costs are provided, except standard holidays falling during the internship term. We are willing to work with interns and their universities to obtain academic credit for internship work. Opportunities for independent research in marine conservation should be discussed at the time of interview. Period of Internship January �C May 2012 Application Process To apply to the internships, please send the following material via e-mail to internships(a)marine-conservation.org<mailto:internships@marine-conservation.org> by Friday, November 4th. Please reference the internship title and your name in the subject line: 1. A cover letter detailing your interests, relevant experience, goals and availability; 2. A r��sum��; 3. A writing sample (1-2 pages); 4. A course list detailing applicable coursework experience; 5. And a list of 3 references. Please no calls. Marine Conservation Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Thanks so much! Bette Rubin, Ocean Policy Intern Marine Conservation Institute 600 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Suite 210 Washington DC 20003 USA +1 202 546 5346 DC.Associate(a)Marine-Conservation.org<mailto:DC.Associate@Marine-Conservation.org> www.Marine-Conservation.org<http://www.marine-conservation.org/> Saving wild ocean places, for us and future generations ________________________________ Please note that my email address has changed. Our new domain is marine-conservation.org.

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Request for information on marine traffic and vessel strikes in the Caribbean Region
by Vandersarren Gaëlle 20 Oct '11

20 Oct '11

Dear colleagues, I'm writing on behalf of the SPAW-RAC (Regional Activity Center for the implementation of the SPAW protocol). At the moment, we're working on the issue of marine traffic and vessel strikes in the Caribbean Region, but we have only been able to identify a few sources of information. If any of you have any information (journal articles, illustrations/pictures) on these topics that you would be willing to share, could you please contact me at gaelle.vandersarren.carspaw[at]guadeloupe-parcnational.fr Thank you very much in advance for your help. Best wishes, Gaëlle Vandersarren Project coordinator "Marine Mammal Action Plan" for the SPAW-RAC

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Student Travel Fundraiser Party at SMM Conference - Manatee Mayhem
by Manatee Mayhem 20 Oct '11

20 Oct '11

Greetings to all attendees of the 19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals- We are happy to confirm that the second biennial Student Travel Fundraiser Party is happening at the Tampa conference! In Quebec, the Seal Clubbing Party was a big hit and raised almost $4000 for student travel. This year we are setting our sights higher and would like you to help us raise $10000 for the student travel fund. Manatee Mayhem will be going down on Thursday Dec. 1 from 8-3. To get a ticket we are accepting donations at the conference. $10 donation for students and $20 donation for non-students. Of course, we know we can count on employed and senior scientists to give more! Tickets and T-shirts will be on sale AT the conference, no advanced sales. Space is limited so make sure you find us or a volunteer early at the conference to get your tickets. This year there will be a raffle with lots of amazing prizes including an iPad2. We are all selling a limited number of manaTEE-Shirts. Get an extremely cool t-shirt to show your friends and colleagues you supported the students and survived the mayhem. Please check out the official party website for all the information that you need: www.manateemayhem.weebly.com or email us at manateemayhem AT gmail.com As always, all proceeds go to the student travel fund! Mayhem is coming...hope to see you there. Charles and Ari and the Conference Organizers www.manateemayhem.weebly.com

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Humpback whale research assistants needed in Babuyan Islands, Philippines
by jsilberg＠uvic.ca 20 Oct '11

20 Oct '11

The not-for-profit organization Balyena.org is looking for a research-assistant for the upcoming humpback whale field season in the remote Babuyan Islands off the northern tip of Luzon, Philippines from March-April, 2012. The aim of this research is to monitor the status of humpback whales in the islands through photo-identification and vocalization recordings. The Babuyan Islands are the only known humpback whale breeding area in the Philippines. Since 2000, over 150 whales have been identified and individuals have been matched to whales from feeding grounds in Russia and breeding grounds in Japan. Surveys for humpbacks are conducted from a local outrigger boat (bangka) based from the island of Camiguin, a four-hour ferry ride from mainland Luzon. Other cetacean species regularly recorded include spotted dolphins, Frasers dolphins, spinner dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, melon-headed whales, and pygmy killer whales. When weather prevents surveys, educational presentations are made in the local elementary and high schools. Room and board will be provided while in the field, but assistants will be responsible for travel to and from the Philippines as well as any visa fees. Transportation to and from Manila will be arranged (costs around $30 US each way). Assistants will share a living space with 4-6 other individuals and cooking duties are shared. Note Camiguin is very remote and does not have all amenities. Internet is sparse and electricity is only available from 6-10 pm. The island can be cut off from the mainland due to weather, so it is important for assistants to be flexible in their travel dates. We prefer assistants to commit to the full field season, but will consider shorter terms (minimum 3 weeks). We are ideally looking for an individual with previous marine mammal experience, although all qualified applicants will be considered. Qualifications include: Comfortable on boats even in inclement weather Ability to work well with a small group in a remote location Strong work ethic (days on the boat can be very long) Experience with photo-identification of cetaceans Bachelors degree in biology or related field desired (not required) Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume with references to joshsilberg(a)gmail.com by Nov. 15th. Josh Silberg Volunteer Coordinator Balyena.org

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Volunteer Opportunity in Bohol, Philippines
by jsilberg＠uvic.ca 20 Oct '11

20 Oct '11

The not-for-profit organization Physalus is looking for 1-2 research assistants for our Large Marine Vertebrate Project (LAMAVE) for the upcoming field season in Bohol, Philippines from Feb-June, 2012. Preference will be given to those who can commit to the whole season, but we will consider shorter terms (minimum 2 months). We conduct boat-based cetacean surveys focusing on the Northeastern portion of the Bohol Sea. The area has incredibly high species diversity and 17 cetacean species have already been sighted. The most common species encountered are melon-headed whales and Frasers dolphins and a photo-ID catalogue is in progress. Other project focuses include marine mammal stranding workshops around the Philippines, meetings with local government agencies, inshore whale shark surveys, and education in local schools. We are looking for an individual with previous marine mammal experience especially with photo-identification, although other qualified individuals should feel free to apply. There is the possibility for the assistant to help develop their own project. Qualifications we are looking for include: Previous boating experience essential Ability to swim Experience with data entry and analysis Ability to work well with a small team Strong work ethic (days on the boat can be very long) Bachelors degree in biology or related field desired (not required) Room and board will be provided, but assistants will be responsible for travel to the Philippines and any visa fees. Flights to Bohol (Tagbilaran City) from Manila cost under $100. Assistants will share a living space with 1 or 2 other individuals and cooking duties are shared. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume with references to lamave.project(a)gmail.com by Nov. 15th. We will potentially be conducting interviews at the upcoming SMM conference in Tampa, but will be able to accommodate applicants who will not be attending. We look forward to hearing from you. Alessandro Ponzo Project Coordinator Physalus Large Marine Vertebrate Project - Philippines

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Blubber Thickness of Right Whales - Open Access
by Carolyn A. Miller 20 Oct '11

20 Oct '11

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper on blubber thickness of free-swimming right whales. The paper is available online and Open Access from: http://www.int-res.com/articles/meps_oa/m438p267.pdf *Carolyn A. Miller, Desray Reeb, Peter B. Best, Amy R. Knowlton, Moira W. Brown, Michael J. Moore * Blubber thickness in right whales /Eubalaena glacialis/ and /Eubalaena australis/ related with reproduction, life history status and prey abundance Marine Ecology Progress Series 438:267-283 The high variability in reproductive performance of North Atlantic right whales /Eubalaena glacialis/ compared to southern right whales /Eubalaena australis/ may reflect differences in lipid reserves. Amplitude-mode ultrasound was used to measure the thickness of right whale integument (epidermis and blubber, herein referred to as blubber thickness) in /E. glacialis/ in the Bay of Fundy, Canada for 5 summer seasons and in /E. australis/ off the South African coast for 2 austral winter seasons. /E. glacialis/ had significantly thinner blubber layers (mean ±1 SD = 12.23 ± 2.16 cm, n = 172) than /E. australis/ (16.13 ± 3.88 cm, n = 117), suggesting differing levels of nutrition between the 2 species. Blubber was thickest in females measured 3 to 6 mo prior to the start of pregnancy (/E. glacialis/), thinner during lactation (/E. glacialis, E. australis/) and then thicker with time after weaning (/E. glacialis/). These results suggest that lipids in blubber are used as energetic support for reproduction in female right whales. Blubber thickness increased in calves during suckling (/E. glacialis, E. australis/) but subsequently decreased after weaning (/E. glacialis/). Juvenile and adult male /E. glacialis/ blubber thicknesses were compared between years of differing prey /Calanus finmarchicus/ abundances (data from Pershing et al. 2005; ICES J Mar Sci 62:1511--1523); during a year of low prey abundance whales had significantly thinner blubber than during years of greater prey abundance. Taken together, these results suggest that blubber thickness is indicative of right whale energy balance and that the marked fluctuations in North Atlantic right whale reproduction have a nutritional component. Kind regards, Carolyn A. Miller

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