November 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Reminder: Biblio Lunch Meeting at SMM Workshop on the Sirenia
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 15 Nov '11

15 Nov '11

Reminder: Sirenian International be hosting a lunch meeting to discuss the future of the searchable online Sirenia & Desmostylia Bibliography during the Sirenian Workshop on Sunday November 27th prior to the SMM Meetings (details of symposium and registration information, below). We will meet in the same room as the workshop and a light lunch will be provided. Please RSVP regarding the lunch meeting to cselfsullivan(a)sirenian.org by Tuesday November 22nd, 2011. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Fifth International Sirenian Symposium 2011 Date: Sun Nov 27 Duration: All-day Room: #23 Cost: $10 Organizer: Nicole Adimey & Robert Bonde Organizer email: nicoleadimey AT gmail DOT com Register Online: http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl… Description: The aim of this symposium is to foster communication between sirenian researchers, managers, and policy makers from around the globe. Over the last couple of years we have made marked progress regarding sirenian conservation, management and research. At this symposium we hope you will be able to share your expertise and experiences. Scientists and managers are invited to submit an abstract to speak at the symposium; priority will be given to those presentations focusing on international efforts outside the U.S. to promote collaboration and information exchange with foreign programs. Abstracts will be considered for work involving the latest advances in Sirenian Conservation and Management; Stranding Response and Captive Care; Monitoring Applications; and Biology and Research. Those abstracts not selected for a talk will be invited to present a poster. In support of the Biennial Conference theme, it is suggested that presentations attempt to address some aspect of cumulative effects from human activities on local sirenian populations, and identify possible conservation approaches to address those effects. All presenters will be given up to 15 minutes, which includes time for questions. Abstract submissions should be in Word format, no longer than 300 words (excluding title and authors), and contain the primary author's full contact information and affiliation. Abstracts must be submitted electronically to Nicole Adimey (nicole_adimey(a)fws.gov) by August 31, 2011. There will be a small registration fee of $10.00/US for this symposium collected at the door. Organizers: Nicole Adimey & Robert Bonde

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Marine Mammal Observer Association
by info＠mmo-association.org 14 Nov '11

14 Nov '11

The Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) http://www.mmo-association.org is a membership based association with the aim of bringing together and representing individuals who work commercially and professionally as Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operators who implement mitigation measures to protect marine life during industry operations. The MMOA also provides information to other individuals that have an interest in MMO issues. The MMOA wishes to invite professional MMOs and PAM operators to sign up as full members of the Association. The MMOA also wishes to invite other interested individuals who may have an interest in MMO issues or MMOs who at present, do not qualify for full membership to sign up as Associate Members. Details of Full and Associate Memberships are outlined below. To sign up to the Association please go to www.mmo-association.org and then click on the "Sign Up" button at the top of the Home Page. FULL MEMBERSHIP (£70 per year) Individuals with a demonstrated level of experience, skills and qualifications to enable them to work in a mitigation role as MMOs or PAM Operators are invited to exchange knowledge and contribute their considered thoughts and concerns as Full Members. Full Members are expected to be able to: Provide evidence of having worked as a professional MMO and/or PAM Operator implementing mitigation measures during industry operations on at least two occasions in the last five years. Provide evidence of any completed MMO and/or PAM training. Provide evidence of recent personal development in marine mammal identification and behaviour whether this was during other employment (i.e. during fisheries work) or outside of any professional commitments (e.g. voluntary surveys / guiding, holidays whale-watching, organising boat trips to see marine mammals etc.). Alternatively, persons without other experience but who have worked for 20 weeks or more in a mitigation role as an MMO and /or PAM operator will qualify as having relevant experience. Adhere to the MMOA's Code of Professional Conduct. Pay a subscription fee, on acceptance. The main benefits to Full Members will be: The opportunity to share your knowledge and experience. Opportunity to influence the future development of the profession. The benefit of a professional code of conduct. Access to the MMO Forum resources and Information Directory. Recognition as a serious-minded MMO and listed in the online Membership Directory. Full voting rights on the direction of MMOA. Acceptance as a Full Member will allow access to a personal profile page. Here members can create their MMO Association Curriculum Vitae using the online template. This can be saved as a pdf file or printed by each member. On the personal profile page members will also have access to the MMO Forum and the Information Directory. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP (£30 per year) Other interested parties (such as students, prospective MMOs or PAM Operators, newly qualified MMOs or PAM Operators, company employees with an interest in MMO issues, etc.) are invited to join as Associate Members. The main benefits to the Associate Members will be: Input to the Association's aims and objectives. Access to the Information Directory. Invitation to comment on MMO issues. Acceptance as an Associate Member will allow access to a personal profile page. Here members will have access to the Information Directory and also be able to make comments regarding MMO issues. Associate Members will not be eligible to stand for the MMOA Committee, nor are voting rights conferred. CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP We would also welcome corporate sponsorship to help us achieve the aims and objectives of the MMOA. Corporate sponsors will have their company logo displayed on our website. If you are interested in sponsorship please email the MMOA at info(a)mmo-association.org We welcome your applications. Please email info(a)mmo-association.org if you have any problems during the sign up process. Regards The MMOA Executive Committee The Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) Communications House 26 York Street London W1U 6PZ Email: info(a)mmo-association.org Website: www.mmo-association.org

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cetacean ecotourism PhD opportunity
by Simon Ingram 14 Nov '11

14 Nov '11

PhD Studentship opportunity Plymouth University, UK /Galway Mayo Institute of Technology(GMIT), Ireland Modelling the sustainability and ecosystem services of wildlife ecotourism in remote rural communities PhD Code:MARES_11_13: http://www.mares-eu.org/index.asp?p=1376&a=1090&mod=phd&id=82 A collaborative studentship between Plymouth University and Galway Mayo Institute of Technology will examine the coupling of ecological processes and the socio-economics of cetacean based eco-tourism. Sustainability of this sector is dependent on the ecosystem services provided by target animals and socio-economic benefits to coastal communities. Coastal and marine ecosystems provide ecological functions that directly or indirectly provide ecosystem services of benefit to human society. However an integrated approach needs to consider the impacts of a growing marine tourism sector on wildlife together with impacts from other coastal activities which may affect the ecosystem on which these organisms are dependent. Threats may include the disturbance from increased vessel traffic directly on the animals but also on the management of other activities likely to affect the ecosystem on which top predators rely such as fishing and coastal developments such as shipping and marine renewable energy projects. This mobility studentship is open to applicants with a masters or equivalent degree from outside or within the EU (providing their most recent degree is not from an institution in Ireland or the UK) and will be based at Plymouth with at least six months working with partners in GMIT and in Scotland (Ecologic). For details on the Mares Erasmus Mundus PhD studentship application guidelines and eligibility go to http://www.mares-eu.org/index.asp For further details regarding this project contact Dr Simon Ingram (simon.ingram(a)plymouth.ac.uk<mailto:simon.ingram@plymouth.ac.uk>) or Dr Steve Fletcher (steve.fletcher(a)plymouth.ac.uk<mailto:steve.fletcher@plymouth.ac.uk>) at Plymouth University or Dr Simon Berrow at GMIT (simon.berrow(a)gmit.ie<mailto:simon.berrow@gmit.ie>) _____________________________________________________________________ Dr Simon Ingram Lecturer in Marine Conservation School of Marine Science and Engineering University of Plymouth Plymouth PL4 8AA UK Phone +44 (0)1752 584591 email: simon.ingram at plymouth.ac.uk Website http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pages/dynamic.asp?page=staffdetails&id=singram1#

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New publication on Orca / salmon conservation issues
by David Rosen 13 Nov '11

13 Nov '11

We are please to announce a new publication examining the potential conflict that may be emerging in the northeastern Pacific for southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) and their primary prey, Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Williams, R., M. Krkošek, E. Ashe, T.A. Branch, S. Clark, P.S. Hammond, E. Hoyt, D.P. Noren, D. Rosen and A. Winship. 2011. Competing Conservation Objectives for Predators and Prey: Estimating Killer Whale Prey Requirements for Chinook Salmon. PloS one 6: e26738. The publication is available on-line at: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0026738 ABSTRACT: Ecosystem-based management (EBM) of marine resources attempts to conserve interacting species. In contrast to single-species fisheries management, EBM aims to identify and resolve conflicting objectives for different species. Such a conflict may be emerging in the northeastern Pacific for southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) and their primary prey, Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Both species have at-risk conservation status and transboundary (Canada–US) ranges. We modeled individual killer whale prey requirements from feeding and growth records of captive killer whales and morphometric data from historic live-capture fishery and whaling records worldwide. The models, combined with caloric value of salmon, and demographic and diet data for wild killer whales, allow us to predict salmon quantities needed to maintain and recover this killer whale population, which numbered 87 individuals in 2009. Our analyses provide new information on cost of lactation and new parameter estimates for other killer whale populations globally. Prey requirements of southern resident killer whales are difficult to reconcile with fisheries and conservation objectives for Chinook salmon, because the number of fish required is large relative to annual returns and fishery catches. For instance, a U.S. recovery goal (2.3% annual population growth of killer whales over 28 years) implies a 75% increase in energetic requirements. Reducing salmon fisheries may serve as a temporary mitigation measure to allow time for management actions to improve salmon productivity to take effect. As ecosystem-based fishery management becomes more prevalent, trade-offs between conservation objectives for predators and prey will become increasingly necessary. Our approach offers scenarios to compare relative influence of various sources of uncertainty on the resulting consumption estimates to prioritise future research efforts, and a general approach for assessing the extent of conflict between conservation objectives for threatened or protected wildlife where the interaction between affected species can be quantified.

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Request for dat regarding cetacean trauma responses
by William Rossiter 13 Nov '11

13 Nov '11

What is the potential for severely traumatized cetaceans to survive at sea? The question has been asked specifically about animals and groups released after strandings and entanglements, but here is directed to animals subjected to capture in shallow water, and released after other individuals in the group have been killed under permit. The question is relevant to meeting permit requirements where certain species are not to be killed: If they are captured with permitted species, subjected to the trauma and released will they survive or die? On 13 November 20 Risso's dolphins, /Grampus griseus/, and two rough toothed dolphins, /Steno bredanensis/, were driven out to sea after a nine-hour period where a still-unknown number of Risso's dolphins of the mixed group were killed and processed in a bay at Taiji, Japan. This is a request for data from any source relating to the potential survival of the released cetaceans, specifically trauma-induced responses known to affect the potential for the group or the individuals to survive. Thank you, William W. Rossiter President Cetacean Society International P.O. Box 953, Georgetown, CT 06829 USA t/c: 203.770.8615, f: 860.561.0187 rossiter(a)csiwhalesalive.org www.csiwhalesalive.org

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Reminder: Sirenian Bibliography Survey
by Caryn Self-Sullivan 13 Nov '11

13 Nov '11

A "Gentle Giant" Reminder from Caryn Self-Sullivan & Daryl P. Domning: If you have an interest in the Orders Sirenia and/or Desmostylia, please complete this survey by Friday, November 18th, 2011. Thanks! You have been invited to participate in this survey regarding the Searchable Online Bibliography of the Sirenia and Desmostylia, which came online in April 2010. You can view this resource at http://sirenian.org/biblio Your feedback is important and will be used to make decisions regarding the future of this online bibliography at the 5th International Sirenian Workshop in Tampa just prior to the SMM Biennial Meetings. Please click the link below to begin the survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/U2LJ3LWH9FGK Caryn Self-Sullivan, PhD, KPA CTP President & Co-founder, Sirenian International, Inc. Consultant: Animal Behavior & Wildlife Conservation Email: cselfsullivan(a)sirenian.org Phone: +1.540.287.8207 Website: http://sirenian.org Blog: http://mermaidsandmermen.blogspot.com/

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HDR - Project Manager - Marine Species Monitoring Program, #111551
by Murphy, Sean (Charlotte) 11 Nov '11

11 Nov '11

HDR is an employee-owned architectural, engineering and consulting firm of over 7,800 professionals in over 185 locations worldwide that helps clients manage complex projects and make sound decisions. HDR is ranked #13 among Engineering News-Record's "Top 500 Design Firms", and we are also ranked as the #1 healthcare design firm by Modern Healthcare's 2011 "Annual Construction & Design Survey of Healthcare Architects". As an integrated firm, HDR provides a total spectrum of services for our clients. Our staff professional represent hundreds of disciplines and partner on blended teams throughout North America and abroad to provide solutions beyond the scope of traditional A/E/C firms. To learn more about us, please visit our website, www.hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com>. IN ORDER TO APPLY, please visit the 'Careers' section of our website, www.hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com>, and reference job #111551. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY DIRECTLY TO THE SENDER OF THIS EMAIL. HDR EOC is currently in need of a Project Manager - Marine Species Monitoring Program for our Norfolk, VA location. The ideal candidate will have project management consulting expertise along with an extensive knowledge of Marine Science emphasizing the effects of underwater sound to marine mammals as well as experience monitoring marine mammal abundance, distribution, and/or behavioral responses to stimuli. This individual must possess excellent communication skills, a demonstrated history of reliability, strong work ethic, solid time management skills, and a demonstrated history of team-oriented performance. This position will assist in a wide range of project management and team support roles with our current clients and expand our client-base in the Norfolk, VA area with an anticipated concentration of work assignments concentrated on the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico areas but also including the Pacific Ocean region from California to Guam and northward to the Gulf of Alaska. Travel up to 25% may be required. Masters Degree in Marine Biology or a related field strongly preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills a must. Demonstrated history of reliability, strong work ethic, solid time management skills are all required. Successful candidates must have a minimum of 3+ years of experience managing scientific research projects focused on marine mammal behavior in a consulting or university-related research capacity; ideally this would include a background of direct interface with customers, and regulatory experience in a combination of Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance. Candidates must also be highly proficient in writing procedures, guides and/or studies. Qualified candidates must have the ability to obtain a security clearance at the secret level. Due to client contract requirements, only candidates with US citizenship will be considered for this position, as permitted pursuant to section 274B(a)(2)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. IN ORDER TO APPLY, please visit the 'Careers' section of our website, www.hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com>, and reference job #111551. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY DIRECTLY TO THE SENDER OF THIS EMAIL. Sean Murphy HDR, Inc. Regional Recruiter 440 S. Church Street, Suite 1000 | Charlotte, NC 28202 704-338-6845 | c: 704-369-6330 Sean.Murphy(a)hdrinc.com<mailto:first.last@hdrinc.com> | hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com/> (or hdrarchitecture.com<http://www.hdrinc.com/markets/architecture>) Follow Us - Architizer | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr

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What MMO guidelines are in use worldwide
by patrick＠mmo-association.org 11 Nov '11

11 Nov '11

Dear MMO or PAM operator The Marine Mammal Observer Association is currently conducting a review of guidelines in use worldwide and we need to establish what guidelines are being used in each jurisdiction. Increasingly these seem to be modified versions of the JNCC (UK) or other guidelines. I would be grateful if you can tell me from your experience what guidelines were adopted for surveys in recent years (2007 on) and whether PAM was used. I do not wish to have any client or survey specific information which may be confidential. I just need to know 1. The country 2. The guidelines used and if modified what those modifications were briefly 3. Whether PAM was used or not. I appreciate your response on this to my email patrick(a)mmo-association.org Best Regards Patrick Lyne The Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) Communications House 26 York Street London W1U 6PZ UK email: patrick(a)mmo-association.org website: www.mmo-association.org The Marine Mammal Observer Association (MMOA) http://www.mmo-association.org is a membership based association with the aim of bringing together and representing individuals who work commercially and professionally as Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operators who implement mitigation measures to protect marine life during industry operations.

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Field Course in Ethological Studies - Marine & Terrestrial
by Kel Melillo Sweeting 10 Nov '11

10 Nov '11

GET OUT OF THE CLASSROOM....AND GET INTO THE FIELD! Looking for an exciting, hands-on summer course? The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP), in conjunction with Georgetown College, is pleased to offer a FIELD COURSE IN ETHOLOGICAL STUDIES - MARINE & TERRESTRIAL. The field portions of this course will take place in Bimini, Bahamas and Nassau, Bahamas. Full Course Dates: 20 May - 11 June, 2012 Field Dates: 20 - 31 May 2012 Course description and objectives: Students will be introduced to the study of animal behavior using a combination of lectures, readings, discussion, and research with both a wild dolphin group and a captive dolphin population. Lectures will focus on understanding animal behavior from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Readings and discussion will focus on current research and methodology. Fieldwork will provide students an introduction to the skills necessary to conduct animal behavior research and to demonstrate these skills by participating in independent research with senior scientists at the field location. Class Format: Non-field portions of this course will be completed remotely, via the free Internet communication program, Skype. Exact dates and times are to be determined. The field portion will take place at two sites and attendance at all lectures, activities, and training sessions is mandatory. The format of the classroom meetings will be discussion-oriented. Questions and class participation are strongly encouraged. Training sessions (at Dolphin Encounters) and research hours are also mandatory, for the safety of the student and the animals. Cost: $2,450 per person (USD) Included: Air transportation between Fort Lauderdale, FL and field sites 10 nights' accommodation (double or higher occupancy) 3 meals a day (one group meal out in Nassau not included; optional meal out in Bimini not included) 4 half-day boat trips in search of dolphins (weather dependent) Gratuity for boat, dock and hotel staff in Bimini Transportation to and entry into Dolphin Encounters Airport/Hotel transportation in Bimini and Nassau Course instruction by Drs. Kathleen Dudzinski (DCP) and Rebecca Singer (Georgetown College) Certificate of completion (upon request) Not included: Airfare to/from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA You must be at least 18 years old and fluent in English to participate. US citizens are required to have a valid passport for entry into The Bahamas (a birth certificate is not sufficient). Students of other citizenship should confirm entry requirements. Students currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program are given first-priority. Registration for non-matriculated students will open, space available, 1 January 2012. No previous experience with marine mammals or marine biology is required, however, all participants should be comfortable on a boat, snorkeling and working as a team. Course may be used for general enrichment or course credit; the student is solely responsible for arranging credit with their home institution or Georgetown College. Fees associated with course credit are not included in the course fee. This is your chance for a real life research experience with wild and captive dolphins in the clear, warm waters of the Bahamas! Come join us! For more information on this course, visit http://tinyurl.com/DCPAnimalBehavior. If you have questions on this course, please contact DCP at info(a)dcpmail.org. For more information on DCP, including a list of publications, please visit www.dolphincommunicationproject.org. A non-refundable deposit of 20% ($490) is due at the time of registration, with full payment due by 28 February 2011. Deposits and payments are currently being accepted at http://tinyurl.com/DCPAnimalBehavior. If you prefer to pay by US check (small discount applies!), please contact us at info(a)dcpmail.org. The minimum enrollment is eight students, with a maximum of 14; so, sign-up today! _________________________________________________________________________ The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) is focused on the dual goals of scientific research and education: we take results from research projects and disseminate them into educational programs for students of all ages. DCP has a team of researchers (graduated professionals, graduate students, undergraduate interns and volunteers) who work together to examine how dolphins communicate in order to shed more light on the meaning of the interactions between individuals and groups. We have 3 active field sites that include wild and captive dolphins of 3 species. DCP collaborates with vessel operators from Bimini and Dolphin Encounters to study dolphins ranging in age from a few months to more than 30 years old. Below, please find a selected list of DCP's peer-reviewed publications. For a full list of our publications, please visit www.dolphincommunicationproject.org. Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., Würsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. Paulos, R.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Kuczaj, S.A. 2008. The role of touch in select social interactions of Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). Ethology 26: 153-164. Dudzinski, KM, Gregg, JD, Ribic, CA, Kuczaj, SA. 2009. Flipper's flipper - a comparison of how, where and why spotted and bottlenose dolphins use their pectoral fins to touch peers. Behavioural Processes 80: 182-190. Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291 Dudzinski, KM. 2010. Overlap between information gained from complimentary and comparative studies of captive and wild dolphin communication. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 23(4): 566-586. Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Paulos, R.D., Kuczaj, S.A. 2010. A comparison of pectoral fin contact behaviour for three distinct dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 84:559-567. Greene, W., Melillo-Sweeting, K., Dudzinski, K. 2011. Comparing object play in captive and wild dolphins. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 24(3):292-306. Dudzinski, KM, Gregg, JD, Melillo-Sweeting, K, Levengood, A, Seay, B., Kuczaj II, SA. 2011. Tactile contact exchanges between dolphins: self-rubbing versus inter-individual contact in three species from three geographies. International Journal of Comparative Psychology - Special Symposium Issue (In Press) _______________________________ Kelly Melillo Sweeting Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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ECS2012 Galway - Abstract Deadline Extended
by Simon Berrow 10 Nov '11

10 Nov '11

Dear Marmamers Due to the delay in setting up abstract submission facility on the European Cetacean Society website we have extended the deadline for abstracts and registering to 18 November 2011. Please remember to log on to the ECS site (www.europeancetaceansociety.eu <http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/> ) to upload abstracts and note there is the option for a long talk (15 mins), short talk (5 mins) or poster. This deadline extension also applies to and registering supported persons and students. Email ecs2012(a)gmit.ie to register interest. Go to www.iwdg.ie/ecs for details on the conference. Dr Simon Berrow Co-ordinator, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Project Manager, Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation, Merchants Quay, Kilrush, Co Clare Mobiles: 086 8545450 or 087 8545450 Fax: 00353 65 9052326

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