November 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

M.E.E.R. field course, springtime 2012 (MARMAM)
by Fabian Ritter, MEER e.V. 18 Nov '11

18 Nov '11

Dear Fellow-Marmamers! The non-profit association M.E.E.R. would like to announce it's next field course in behavioural biology in the Canary Islands: "Field research of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera" from *18 April - 02 May 2012* The project M.E.E.R. La Gomera is conducting a study on the interactions between cetaceans and whale watching boats since many years. The participants of these 2-weeks practical courses will get an insight into the behavioural research conducted from whale watching boats operating off the island of La Gomera. In this area, 23 cetaceans species could be identified during the last years, representing one of the highest known species diversities in the world. A list of publications that resulted from this project is given below. The course includes a full training program: theory and practice of behavioural research will be learned and profound background information on whale watching will be given. Research experience that will be gained includes sighting data recording, behavioural sampling, photo identification, data handling and more. The course is fully accepted for the study of Biology at the Humboldt-Universitaet Berlin (Germany) and the University of Vienna (Austria). Moreover, the research is embedded in conservation efforts aiming at the preservation and promotion of whale watching as a sustainable use of cetaceans and the establishment of a marine sanctuary in the waters off La Gomera. M.E.E.R. La Gomera was honoured in 2001 with the international environmental award "Tourismus und Umwelt" by the German Association of Travel Agencies and Travel Operators (DRV). As was said during the bestowal, the project "realises new ways of co-operation of research and tourism in an exemplary and innovative way". For further information (including downloads of a detailed brochure and a booking form) please visit *http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=208&L=2* The price is 899.- € including 7 whale watching research excursions, accommodation, full training program, scientific supervision, donation to M.E.E.R. e.V., written working material, certificate of attendance and one year MEER e.V. membership. (The journey to and from La Gomera is not included in the price.) *Early bookings are accepted until 31 January 2012 at a price of 849.- €* For further information, booking, etc., please send an e-mail to info(a)m-e-e-r.de _____________________________________ The non-profit association M.E.E.R. is registred and based in Berlin. The objectives of the association are conservation, research and education in order to protect cetaceans in their natural habitats. Our work aims at increasing the public awareness for the oceans and to present ways how humans can deal with nature in a responsible way. Our co-operation partners are the "Gesellschaft zur Rettung der Delphine" (Munich/Germany), and "Oceano Gomera" (whale watching operator/La Gomera). _____________________________________________ Publications in conjunction with the work of the project M.E.E.R. La Gomera: Ritter, F. & Ladner, U.A. 1996. Whale Watch Research on La Gomera: A new Interdisciplinary Approach. European Research on Cetaceans 9. Proc. 9th Ann. Conf. ECS, Lisbon 1996, 48ff. Ritter, F. 1996. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Cetaceans off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and Their Interaction with Whale Watching-Boats and Swimmers. Diploma Thesis to the University of Bremen, Faculty of Biology. 114pp. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1998. First Report of Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) Frequenting the Canary Island Waters. European Research on Cetaceans 12. Proc. 12th Ann. Conf. ECS, Monaco, 20-24th January 1998, 95-98. Ritter, F. & Brederlau, B. 1999. Abundance, Distribution and Behaviour of Dense Beaked Whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) and their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS, 25.2, 55-61. Ritter, F. 2001. Twenty-one Cetacean Species off La Gomera (Canary Islands): Possible Reasons for an extraordinary Species Diversity. Poster presented at the 11th Annual Conference of the ECS, 5-7 May 2001, Rome, Italy. Ritter, F. 2002. Behavioural Observations of Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off La Gomera (Canary Islands) with a special Reference to their Interactions with Humans. AQUATIC MAMMALS 28.1, 46-59. Smit, V., Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. 2003. Feasibility study: Land-based observations of cetaceans off La Gomera. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Boat-Related behaviours as a tool for the development of species-specific whale watching guidelines. Abstr. 14 Ann. Conf. ECS, Gran Canaria, Spain. Ritter, F. 2003. Interactions of Cetaceans with Whale Watching Boats - Implications for the Management of Whale Watching Tourism. M.E.E.R. e.V., Berlin, Germany, 91 pp. Mayr, I. & Ritter, F.: PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS OFF LA GOMERA (CANARY ISLANDS) WITH NEW INSIGHTS INTO SOCIAL ORGANISATION. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the ECS, La Rochelle, France, April 2005. Ritter, F. & Neumann, K. (2006): The Year of the Whale - Extraorbinary occurrence of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) off La Gomera (Canary Islands). Poster presented at the 20th Annual Conference of the ECS in Gdynia, April 2006. Ritter, F. (2007): BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS TO A DEAD NEWBORN CALF. Marine Mammal Science, 23(2): 429-433 Carrillo, M. & Ritter, F. (2008). Increasing Numbers of Ship Strikes in the Canary Islands: Proposals for Immediate Action to Reduce Risk of Vessel-Whale Collisions. IWC Document SC/60/BC6. Smit, V.; Ritter, F., Ernert, A. & Strüh, N. (2010): Habitat partitioning by cetaceans in a multi-species ecosystem around the oceanic island of La Gomera (Canary Islands). Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the ECS, Stralsund, Germany, March 2010 -- Fabian Ritter -President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin T/F: (0)30-644 97 230 e-Mail: info(a)m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org --- The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams)

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New publication
by Vyacheslav Ryabov 18 Nov '11

18 Nov '11

Dear collegues, the paper: Vyacheslav Ryabov. 2011. Some Aspects of Analisis of Dolphins' Acoustical Signals. Open Jornal of Acoustics. 1: 41-54. doi:10.4236/oja.2011.12006, it is openly accessible at http://www.scirp.org/journal/oja Abstract Dolphins produce various types of sounds in a wide range of frequencies. Characteristics of some sounds till now have not been correctly registered, that influenced on interpretation of their functions. Studying of the characteristics and functions of dolphins’ acoustical signals is the purpose of the present work. In this work the acoustical signals of two dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were registered by two-channel system in the frequencies band up to 200 kHz at quasi-stationary position of the dolphins. The dolphins along with whistles are producing the packs of coherent and non-coherent broadband pulses. The waveform and spectrum of coherent pulses was invariable within a pack, but considerably varies from a pack to a pack. The waveform of each non-coherent pulse vary from a pulse to a pulse in each pack, therefore their spectrum also vary from a pulse to a pulse and have many extremums in the band of 6 - 200 kHz. It is very likely that the non-coherent pulses play a part of phonemes of a dolphin spoken language and the probing signals of dolphin’s noncoherent sonar. The use possibility of the signals by dolphins for communication and orientation was considered, as the signals apparently are bimodal. Results of the work have significance for further studying of the dolphin’s sonar and spoken language. Keywords: Dolphins, Hearing, Sonar, Acoustical Signals, Language, Orientation Best regards, Dr. Vyacheslav A. Ryabov Karadag Natural Reserve National Academy of Science of Ukraine Kurortnoe, Feodosia, 98188, Crimea, Ukraine mailto:ryaboff@ukr.net

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FW: Three Lecturships at University of Exeter
by Godley, Brendan 17 Nov '11

17 Nov '11

Three Lecturers in Behaviour/Conservation/Genetics We are seeking three dynamic researchers to join our thriving team in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC). The CEC is based on Exeter's Cornwall Campus and is home to an outstanding group of whole organism biologists, with world leading research in conservation, ecology and behavioural, evolutionary, and molecular ecology. Our aim is to further link these and other research areas and develop multidisciplinary research programmes within the Centre and more broadly. We form part of Exeter's Bioscience team, which is a large discipline working from genes to cells to organisms to ecosystems. We are looking for three motivated, high quality researchers to complement our current CEC team and the staff at the Environment and Sustainability Institute, also on the Cornwall Campus. Further details: https://jobs.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?VACAN… Dr. Brendan J. Godley Associate Professor in Conservation Biology Centre for Ecology & Conservation University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus TR10 9EZ, UK Tel: +44 1326 371 861 http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/cec/ http://uk.linkedin.com/in/brendangodley http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/ Editor-in-Chief, Endangered Species Research http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/

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Two Weeks Til Manatee Mayhem
by Manatee Mayhem 17 Nov '11

17 Nov '11

Aloha SMM Conference Goers (sorry to those that can not make it, you will be missed)- The conference is just around the corner and we are two weeks from the Manatee Mayhem Student Travel Fundraiser. This is an opportunity to celebrate with 300 of your colleagues and support student travel for the 2013 conference. Tickets and t-shirts are selling faster than we expected and supplies are becoming limited. We advise buying everything you need online now or be left out of the fun! http://manateemayhem.weebly.com/purchase-tickets-t-shirts-and-raffle-ticket… Also, there is an opportunity to give more through the Dee Allen Challenge. For $100 you generously help students but you also get 5 raffle tickets, a free drink, and entrance to the party. You also get to brag that you are an elite donor. If we get thirty $100 donors we get an extra $300 dollars from Dee. Lastly, we have pulled together an impressive array of raffle prizes. Each ticket is $5, but the prizes are worth it! A sampling can be seen on the Manatee Mayhem Website. Plus, if you buy two tickets then you get one free! You must be at the party to win the prizes, except the grand prize Apple iPad 2. That will be announced at the end of the conference and everyone is qualified for that prize. So even if you aren't going to the party, you should buy some raffle tickets and help the cause. For those of you that pre-purchased tickets and t-shirts, they will be available near the conference registration tables or later in the conference. We are about to sell out...order now. Cheers, Charles and Ari

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new publication on killer whale calls and noise
by Marla Holt 16 Nov '11

16 Nov '11

We are pleased to announce that the following article has just been published. Holt, M.M., Noren, D., and Emmons, C. 2011. The effects of noise levels and call types on the source levels of killer whale calls. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.130: 3100-3106. The publication is available online at: http://link.aip.org/link/?JAS/130/3100 Abstract: Accurate parameter estimates relevant to the vocal behavior of marine mammals are needed to assess potential effects of anthropogenic sound exposure including how masking noise reduces the active space of sounds used for communication. Information about how these animals modify their vocal behavior in response to noise exposure is also needed for such assessment. Prior studies have reported variations in the source levels of killer whale sounds, and a more recent study reported that killer whales compensate for vessel masking noise by increasing their call amplitude. The objectives of the current study were to investigate the source levels of a variety of call types in southern resident killer whales while also considering background noise level as a likely factor related to call source level variability. The source levels of 763 discrete calls along with corresponding background noise were measured over three summer field seasons in the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands, WA. Both noise level and call type were significant factors on call source levels (1–40 kHz band, range of 135.0–175.7 dB_rms re 1 µPa at 1 m). These factors should be considered in models that predict how anthropogenic masking noise reduces vocal communication space in marine mammals. © 2011 /Acoustical Society of America/ -- __________________________________ Marla M. Holt, Ph.D. Research Wildlife Biologist Marine Mammal Ecology Team NOAA/NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center 2725 Montlake Blvd East Seattle, WA 98112 www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/research/divisions/cbd/marine_mammal/marinemammal.cfm

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Notification: Marine Mammal Commission Annual Meeting to be held January 2012
by Mina Innes 16 Nov '11

16 Nov '11

The Marine Mammal Commission is planning its annual meeting, to be held January 24-27, 2012 at the Anchorage Sheraton Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. A draft agenda will be posted on the Commission's website, www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov>, in the near future. For inquiries and further information, please contact mmc(a)mmc.gov<mailto:mmc@mmc.gov>. Wilhelmina Innes Research Program Officer Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Hwy., Rm. 700 Bethesda, MD 20814 301.504.0087 301.504.0099 fax

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New publication on cetaceans & basking sharks in UK waters
by ruth leeney 16 Nov '11

16 Nov '11

Dear MARMAMers, The following paper has recently been published in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK: Ruth H. Leeney, Matthew J. Witt, Annette C. Broderick, John Buchanan, Daniel S. Jarvis, Peter B. Richardson & Brendan J. Godley (2011) Marine megavertebrates of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: relative abundance anddistribution ABSTRACT We document patterns of distribution and relative abundance of marine megavertebrate fauna around Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly from a combination of aerial and boat-based surveying. Between January 2006 and November 2007, 20 aerial surveys were undertaken, comprising over 40 hours of on-effort flying time. In April to October of these years, 27 effort-corrected ferry surveys were also conducted from a passenger ferry travelling between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Opportunistic sightings were also logged by the crew members of the ferry and another vessel travelling regularly along the same route on 155 days. Ten megavertebrate species were sighted: basking sharks Cetorhinus maximus,sunfish Mola mola, common dolphins Delphinus delphis, harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena, grey seals Halichoerus grypus,Risso’s dolphins Grampus griseus, bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus, minke whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata, long-finned pilot whales Globicephala melasand killer whale Orcinus orca. During aerial surveys, 206 sighting events of seven species were made, compared with 145 sighting events of eight species during ferry surveys and 293 sighting events of 10 species from opportunistic ship-board data collection efforts. Seasonal and spatial patterns in species occurrence were evident. Basking sharks were the most commonly-sighted species in the region and were relatively abundant throughout the estimated 5 km-wide strip of coastal waters covered by the aerial surveys, during spring and summer. Ferry surveys and opportunistic vessel-based sightings data confirmed that the distribution of surface-feeding aggregations of this species was largely around the coasts. Despite the limited scope of this study, it has provided valuable baseline data, and possible insights into the marine biodiversity of the region. For pdfs of the main paper and Supplementary figures, please contact Ruth Leeney at ruleeney(a)yahoo.co.uk - - - Ruth H. Leeney Recherche et Conservation des Cétacés de Sénégal http://publicationslist.org/ruth.leeney

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NOAA Fisheries Booth at Society for Marine Mammalogy 19th Biennial
by Jonathan Shannon 16 Nov '11

16 Nov '11

The NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources will be hosting a booth at the Society for Marine Mammalogy 19th Biennial Conference, in booth spaces 131 & 132. In addition to outreach materials, the booth will serve as a location for informal talks and meetings with NOAA staff, as well as provide information on upcoming NOAA sessions and posters. Scientific research permit analysts with the Office of Protected Resources' Permits and Conservation Division will be at the booth during specific times to discuss MMPA and ESA permits and our online application system (APPS). We encourage all interested persons (potential applicants, permit holders, managers, etc.) to stop by the booth if you have questions about research permits for species managed by NOAA Fisheries. Permit Holders can also contact their permit analysts to arrange individual meetings during the week. Permit Analysts will be at the booth during the following times: Monday, Nov. 28th: 2:30-4:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30th: 2:30-3:30 p.m. *Note: APPS specialists will be on hand this day. Thursday, Nov. 31st: 5:30-7:00 p.m. In celebration of the upcoming 40^th anniversary of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 2012, we invite you to stop by our booth to record a short interview with our Outreach Specialist, Jonathan Shannon. The short interview will consist of up to 3 questions: 1. What do you view as one of the major successes of the Marine Mammal Protection Act? 2. What is an opportunity or challenge you see in the future of implementing the MMPA? 3. What is one thing you are doing in science, conservation, or education to benefit marine mammals? Other booth discussions and informal meetings times will be posted at the booth throughout the week. We look forward to seeing you at the NOAA Booth. Best Regards, Jonathan Shannon -- Jonathan Shannon NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr Outreach Specialist * (301) 427-8431 * New phone number jonathan.shannon(a)noaa.gov

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Announcing SeaBASS 2012 (BioAcoustics Summer School)
by SUSAN E PARKS 15 Nov '11

15 Nov '11

SeaBASS (BioAcoustics Summer School) provides the opportunity for graduate students interested in pursuing careers in marine bioacoustics to develop a strong foundation in both marine animal biology and acoustics from distinguished lecturers in the field. The goals of SeaBASS are to discuss important topics in marine bioacoustics, foster technical communication across disciplines, and promote mentoring and collaboration. SeaBASS gives students an opportunity to learn from experts who will discuss a suite of topics not often offered at any one university. WHEN: June 17-22, 2012 WHERE: Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA COSTS: The basic costs of student attendance (room and board, based on double occupancy for students) will be funded from sponsor support. There is no registration fee. Full-time participation of all participants is required. Travel costs are the responsibility of the student, but travel assistance can be requested during the application process. APPLICATION: On-line application is available at http://www.arl.psu.edu/education_seabass.php. Applications deadline is February 1, 2012. Direct questions to Dr. Jennifer Miksis-Olds & Dr. Susan Parks via email at: seabass(a)arl.psu.edu. COURSE TOPICS: Introduction to Underwater Sound, Sound Propagation, Marine Mammal Biology & Behavior, Sound Production, Fisheries Acoustics/Fish Behavior, Hearing and Masking, Marine Animal Acoustic Communication, Echolocation, Hot Topic: Passive Acoustic Monitoring, Hot Topic: Effects of Noise SPONSORS:Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State (ARL), Office of Naval Research (ONR), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) & the Acoustical Society of America (ASA)

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Humpback Whale Field Acoustic and Behavioral Data Collection Program in Puerto Rico
by Mithriel MacKay 15 Nov '11

15 Nov '11

Humpback Whale Field Acoustic and Behavioral Data Collection Program in Puerto Rico Featuring guest lectures by Dr. Bernd Würsig, Texas A&M University February 5-11, 2012 and February 12-18, 2012 The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center is pleased to announce two, week long sessions focusing on field methods for acoustic and behavioral data collection of humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) off Puerto Rico. The program structure will consist of data collection from land (theodolite and digital photography), boats (passive acoustic monitoring, photography, behavioral observations), and data analysis (fluke and fin matching, spectrogram analysis) during the day. Late afternoons and evening will be structured as a roundtable discussion aimed at integrating, interpretation and useful application of data. MCERC’s Education Director, Mithriel MacKay, will be joined by Dr. Bernd Würsig who will be leading several field excursions and lectures, and Dr. Jose Rivera who will join us in a roundtable discussion to add insight into active acoustic monitoring. The cost of the program covers room and meals, transportation to the field sites, all overhead associated with the program, and instruction. The fee for this program is $2800.00USD/person. Airfare to Ponce, Puerto Rico is not included. For more information on the program or MCERC, an application packet, or questions, please email mithriel.mackay(a)gmail.com. -- *}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale>* Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Candidate Marine Mammal Research Program Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University, Galveston (830) 688-9878 Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center HC02 6231 Guayanilla, PR and PO Box 63435 Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 www.compusafe.biz/Humpbacks_off_Puerto_Rico

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