March 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on trends in cetacean literature
by Naomi Rose 03 Mar '11

03 Mar '11

I would like to announce the publication of the following paper: Rose, N.A., D. Janiger, E.C.M. Parsons, and M. Stachowitsch. 2011. Shifting baselines in scientific publications: A case study using cetacean research. Marine Policy 35: 477-482. Abstract: The marine sciences have undergone a sequence of historical changes related to new methodologies, approaches and challenges. Most recently, deteriorating natural ecosystems and threatened component species have prompted a renewed change in the focus of scientific research on the marine environment. This study analyzes the scientific literature on cetaceans during the period 2005–2008 to demonstrate that a key focus of modern research is on conservation-related topics, and then compares it to the period 1970–1973 to demonstrate that this new focus represents a shift from basic biological and ecological issues. On average, approximately 46% of papers published on whales, dolphins and porpoises in 2005–2008 were categorized as conservation oriented versus focused on biology or ecology. This contrasts to approximately 10% in 1970–1973. This shift parallels other marine research subjects, such as benthic communities, coral reefs and sea turtles and reflects a general paradigm shift in marine research towards anthropogenic impacts. This is important guidance for institutions and organizations that wish to base their agendas and decisions on state-of-the-art scientific priorities. A .pdf copy can be downloaded from the journal’s website (subscribers only) at: www.elsevier.com/locate/marpol Or you can send a request for a .pdf to me at nrose(a)hsi.org Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D. Senior Scientist, HSI-Wildlife nrose(a)hsi.org <mailto:nrose@hsi.org> t +1 301.258.3048 f +1 301.258.3082 Humane Society International 700 Professional Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20879 USA hsi.org <http://www.hsi.org/> Join Our Email List <http://www.hsi.org/join> Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/hsiglobal> Twitter <http://twitter.com/hsiglobal> <http://www.hsi.org/>

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JOIN A RESEARCH SURVEY IN THE SCOTTISH HEBRIDES
by Olivia Harries 03 Mar '11

03 Mar '11

JOIN A RESEARCH SURVEY IN THE SCOTTISH HEBRIDES ***************************Exclusive early season opportunity*************************** The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust (HWDT) are recruiting 6 participants to join a boat based research expedition off the west coast of Scotland, between the 11th and 20th April @ just £695pp Itinerary Rendezvous location is Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. You will spend 10 days onboard, with 8 full days at sea on survey effort. Full training in survey methods will be provided before and during the research survey. The area surveyed will depend largely on recent sightings, weather and at the Skippers discretion. Departure from the vessel will also be from Tobermory. Research Aims The data collected by HWDT is vital for the effective monitoring of marine life within the survey area. Research methodology involves systematic line-transect surveys and passive acoustic monitoring using a towed hydrophone. The data that HWDT gathers is used to estimate relative abundance, describe fine-scale spatial and temporal distribution, identify high-use habitats and monitor anthropogenic impacts. The visual and acoustic data collected during the research survey contributes to HWDT’s extensive dataset. HWDT works closely with conservation and management agencies to identify species and their habitats that are suitable for protection. Research Area A combination of complex water mixing and varied seabed topography, as well as the influence of the Gulf Stream, has resulted in the Hebrides being one of the most productive areas in Europe. However, despite the diversity of cetacean species in the region, management strategies allowing for the conservation of priority species have yet to be implemented. There are resident populations of bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and a small, unique pod of orca which frequent the area. Commonly sighted species are minke whales, common dolphins and basking sharks. Other wildlife regularly encountered includes grey and common seals, otters and numerous sea bird species. White-sided and white-beaked dolphins, Risso's dolphins and humpback whales have also been sighted from onboard Silurian. The Vessel Silurian, HWDT’s research vessel, has been owned and operated by HWDT since 2001, and was previously used in the filming of The Blue Planet. Large and sturdy, this is the perfect vessel for conducting scientific surveys in the Hebrides. She is 16 metres long and can sleep 10 people comfortably. There are three participant cabins in the forward section of the vessel. Each of these contains two berths and a small amount of storage space for personal belongings. There are two bathrooms onboard, crew quarters, a galley and a saloon. Participant Requirements and Duties This is an excellent opportunity for those who wish to gain experience in the field; invaluable if you wish to pursue a career studying cetaceans. Past experience isn’t a prerequisite, although would be favourable. Good eyesight and hearing is required to run an efficient survey, as is a good pair of sea legs. Participants will gain experience in marine mammal and seabird identification, visual and acoustic data collection including software use (Logger, PAMGUARD and Rainbow Click), photo identification training and the skills acquired from living and working aboard a yacht. The research expedition will involve early starts and late finishes, optimising the daylight hours available. Participant tasks are rotated on an hourly basis. All participants are required to help out with the day to day running of the vessel, sharing cooking and cleaning duties. Evenings will be spent anchored in a remote bay, where you may have the opportunity to venture ashore. In the event of foul weather, contingency activities will be provided. Date The survey will run from Monday 11th April – Wednesday 20th April 2011. Cost Unfortunately the budget of this project is very limited so there is a fee of £695 to participate, strictly to cover boat expenses. This is a very exclusive offer, with the cost of participating usually a minimum of £1,000. Costs include accommodation (onboard Silurian), insurance while onboard the vessel and food. For more information, please contact Morven Summers: volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org For more information about HWDT and the research programme we conduct please visit: www.hwdt.org

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Organize a Workshop or Symposium at the 19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals (Tampa, FL)
by Cheryl Bonnes 03 Mar '11

03 Mar '11

*Organize a Workshop or Symposium at the 19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals (Tampa, FL)* The Society for Marine Mammalogy 19th Biennial Conference will be held in Tampa, Florida beginning with workshops and symposia on Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27, and the conference continuing through December 3, 2011. Workshops offer an opportunity for a focused forum on timely topics and a flexible format for talks or group discussion. Visit the conference website for additional information and to submit a workshop proposal form: http://www.marinemammalscience.org/workshops . The deadline to propose a workshop is April 15, 2011. Notification of acceptance will be by May 13, 2011. Please contact conference(a)marinemammalscience.org if you need further information about workshops and symposia. Posted by Cheryl Bonnes (cheryl.bonnes(a)noaa.gov)

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[Fwd: Heads Up Alert re: Upcoming Job Announcement for NOAA/NMFS Chief of the Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Conservation Division]
by Trevor Spradlin 02 Mar '11

02 Mar '11

Dear MARMAM Subscribers -- The job announcement for the position described below that we alerted you to previously on February 18, 2011, has now been officially posted and is open on USA Jobs (*http://www.usajobs.gov/*). This is for the Division Chief of the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division (Supervisory Fisheries Management Specialist ZP-401-5) and the position announcement closes on Monday, March 14, 2011. The position is being advertised for both "Status" and "Non-Status" applicants ("Status" refers to applicants who, in general, already have status as a Federal Government employee, and "Non-Status" refers to applicants outside the Federal Government). The relevant numbers for each are: *NMFS-PR-2011-0003 (for Status applicants) NMFS-PR-2011-0004 (for Non-Status applicants) *A direct link to the job announcement is: http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/Search.aspx?q=NMFS-PR-2011-0003&brd=3876&vw=d&… * Please note that only U.S. Citizens are eligible to apply for this position, and please direct all questions to: Sandy Cross National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA Workforce Management Office 200 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23510 Phone: 757-441-3836 Email: Sandy.Cross(a)noaa.gov Thank you! -------- Original Message -------- Subject: [MARMAM] Heads Up Alert re: Upcoming Job Announcement for NOAA/NMFS Chief of the Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Conservation Division Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:19:30 -0500 From: Trevor Spradlin <Trevor.Spradlin(a)noaa.gov> To: MARMAM(a)lists.uvic.ca Dear MARMAM Subscribers -- Following is "Heads Up" Alert regarding a job announcement that will be posting very soon for the Division Chief of the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division at the NOAA/NMFS Office of Protected Resources in Silver Spring, MD. *Please follow the links for additional information and please direct any inquiries you have to the Agency Contact Personnel who will be listed in the actual job announcement.* ********************************************************************** The NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/) will soon be advertising for a Division Chief (Pay Band V or GS-15 equivalent) for the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, the position recently vacated by David Cottingham. This division implements the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. We are seeking a broad range of qualified applicants and, therefore, are providing prior notice about this impending job announcement. We anticipate that the job will post on USAJobs (*http://www.usajobs.gov/*) late in the week of February 21, 2011. Due to new requirements from the Office of Personnel Management, the open period for this position will be relatively short. In addition, all responses to the Occupational Questionnaire contained in the announcement must be well supported by the applicant's resume. Another notice will be posted to this list serve when the job has been posted on USAJobs. /Only U.S. Citizens are eligible to apply for this position./ ********************************************************************** *Please do not respond to this MARMAM posting and please direct any inquiries you have to the Agency Contact Personnel who will be listed in the actual job announcement.* _______________________________________________ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM(a)lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam

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Announcement of internship opportunity
by Leah Crowe 02 Mar '11

02 Mar '11

*Allied Whale Intern Positions/3mo and 5mo* These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research. Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic located in Bar Harbor, Maine, seeks 4 interns for the 2011 summer field season. Two three-month positions (June-August) and two five-month positions (June-October) are available. Individuals will assist in numerous research projects monitoring humpback, finback and North Atlantic right whales, including off-shore surveys, data collection on local whale watching boats, tower surveys on our remote off-shore research base, passive acoustic monitoring, and general logistics. Individuals will be able to earn limited income as deckhands. Research responsibilities include photo-identification of whales and data collection/entry. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, and passenger safety. Training will be provided. The applicants should have a college background in biology and/or zoology. Some knowledge of research methods is an advantage. Knowledge of marine mammals and seabirds is an asset. Previous experience in photography (conventional and digital) is helpful but not required. Applicants must be positive, flexible, able to work independently, and comfortable working offshore on boats. The positions begin June 1st and applicants must be able to work through with no other commitments (excluding COA students). Please specify which position you are interested in (three or five month position). Hours will vary depending on schedules; housing is provided and mandatory for a fee (~$100/wk). Application deadline is March 22nd, 2011. Please send a cover letter detailing your reasons for applying, a resume, and two letters of recommendation to: Interns 2011 Allied Whale 105 Eden St. Bar Harbor, Maine, 04609 (207)288-5644 Or e-mail to: alliedwhale(a)coa.edu ------------------- -- Leah M. Crowe Research Associate Allied Whale College of the Atlantic (207) 288-5644 -- Leah M. Crowe Research Associate Allied Whale College of the Atlantic (207) 288-5644

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position announcement
by Dave Mellinger 02 Mar '11

02 Mar '11

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT -- ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, SENIOR RESEARCH IN BIOACOUSTICS The position of Assistant Professor, Senior Research in Bioacoustics in the laboratory of Dr. David Mellinger at Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon involves conducting research and service to further the field of marine animal acoustics. Requirements: Two years experience in animal acoustics beyond Ph.D.; position will perform research and scholarly/creative activities (80% time), supervision (10%), service (5%), and teaching and advising (5%). To see a full description of the position duties and to apply, go to http://jobs.oregonstate.edu, click Search Postings at upper left, and enter Posting Number 0007003 (the leading zeroes are necessary). For further information, please contact Jessica Waddell Email: Jessica.Waddell(a)oregonstate.edu Phone: +1-541-867-0181

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new paper on beaked whale habitat modeling
by Arianna Azzellino 02 Mar '11

02 Mar '11

Dear colleagues, I would like to bring to your attention the following paper that has just become available on line: A. Azzellino , C. Lanfredi , A. D'Amico , G. Pavan , M. Podestà. J. Haun. *"Risk mapping for sensitive species to underwater anthropogenic sound emissions: Model development and validation in two Mediterranean areas" *Marine Pollution Bulletin - doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.01.003 ABSTRACT Recent observations of cetacean mass strandings, coincident with anthropogenic sounds emissions, have raised concerns on the potential environmental impact of underwater noise. Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) was reported in all the cited stranding events. Within the NATO Marine Mammal Risk Mitigation project (MMRM), multiple interdisciplinary sea trials have been conducted in the Mediterranean Sea with the objective of developing tools and procedures to mitigate the impact of underwater sound emissions. During these cruises, visual observations, passive acoustic detections and environmental data were collected. The aim of this study was to evaluate *a priori* predictions of Cuvier's beaked whale presence in the Alboran Sea, using models developed in the Ligurian Sea that employ bathymetric and chlorophyll features as predictors. The accuracy of these predictions was found adequate and elements are given to account for the uncertainties associated to the use of models developed in areas different from their calibration site. A pdf copy can be obtained from the journal's web site (subscribers only): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.01.003 or from me: <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.01.003> arianna.azzellino(a)polimi.it Sincerely Dr. Arianna Azzellino, PhD Environmental Engineering Politecnico di Milano University of Technology, Milan D.I.I.A.R. Environmental Engineering Department http://www.diiar.polimi.it/amb/persona.asp?id=37 P.za Leonardo da Vinci, 32 20133 Milano - ITALY ph. +39 02 - 23996431 fax. +39 02 - 23996499 e-mail arianna.azzellino(a)polimi.it <http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.01.003>

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Job Posting for MARMAM listserv
by jdgriffin＠notes.cc.sunysb.edu 02 Mar '11

02 Mar '11

Please confirm that you have received and will post the following job opening. Thanks you. John Griffin Photo Coordinator/Advertising Office of Communications Stony Brook University 144 Administration Building Stony Brook, NY 11794-0605 631-632-6394 631-632-4093- FAX Lecturer – Marine Sciences The School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) at Stony Brook University seeks to hire a full-time Lecturer with expertise in marine vertebrates including marine mammals to support our Bachelor’s of Science degrees in Marine Vertebrate Biology, Marine Sciences, and Environmental Studies. This is a 10-month academic year appointment, with renewal after the first year pending satisfactory performance and the availability of funds, to work on both the Stony Brook and Stony Brook Southampton campuses. Applicants must have some teaching experience at the college level and should have a doctorate in Marine Science or a related field at the time of appointment (by September, 2011). Preference will be given to candidates with a strong background in undergraduate teaching, experience in mentoring undergraduate research, and experience with course and curricular development. Salary will be commensurate with experience. The initial review of applications will begin mid-April, 2011, and will continue until the position is filled. The School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) at Stony Brook University (somas.stonybrook.edu) is the State University of New York's center for marine and atmospheric research, education, and public service. The Stony Brook Southampton campus is located on Shinnecock Bay and features a water-front marine laboratory ( http://www.somas.stonybrook.edu/facilities/marine_station.html) including labs with flowing seawater to hold marine animals and fleet of vessels, all of which are available for teaching and research purposes. Those interested in this position should submit a State employment application with cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching philosophy, and contact information for three references in one document ( electronic submission of materials is strongly preferred), via www.stonybrook.edu/jobs, Category A, JOBS Reference #F-6711-11-02. Alternatively, please submit materials to Dr. Christopher Gobler, Search Chair, School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 145 Discovery Hall, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000. For a full position description, application procedures, or to apply online, visit www.stonybrook.edu/jobs (Ref. #F-6711-11-02.)

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Abstracts - Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, Volume 11, Issue 2 - 2010
by Dagmar Fertl 02 Mar '11

02 Mar '11

Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following are abstracts from the most recent issue (Volume 11, issue 2, 2010) of the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) publishes The Journal of Cetacean Research and Management thrice yearly (Spring, Autumn, and Winter), with at least one supplement that will contain the full report of the IWC Scientific Committee. The following is posted on behalf of the IWC and the journal editor. Further information can be found at: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/JCRM.htm. A guide for authors is included in the first volume of each issue and on the IWC website: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/authorsguide.htm. Contact information is provided for the corresponding author for each article. Please do not contact the listserve editors or me for pdfs or copies of the articles. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Dagmar Fertl ************************************* *Heide-Jørgensen, M. P., L. Witting, K. L. Laidre, R. G. Hansen, and M. Rasmussen. 2010. Fully corrected estimates of common minke whale abundance in West Greenland in 2007. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(2):75-82. *Contact email: mhj(a)ghsdk.dk A visual aerial line transect survey for common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) was conducted off West Greenland in August and September 2007. A total of 8,670km of survey effort covered 11 strata in sea states <5 with a total stratum area of 213,807km2. The 27 sightings of common minke whales were all within a strip width of 300m and the average time from first detection to when the sighting passed abeam was 1.7 sec. Due to the uniform and narrow distribution of the detections, strip census methods were used to analyse the survey. Two methods were deployed to correct the strip census estimates for whales missed by the observers and whales that were submerged during the passage of the plane. Method 1 included all detections of common minke whales (n = 27) and correction for an instantaneous availability that included submergence of whales. Using data from sea states <3 (n = 22) the ‘at surface’ abundance of common minke whales was 1,866 (CV = 0.30) whales. A correction for whales missed by the observers with a simple mark-recapture estimator resulted in a corrected abundance of 1,904 (CV = 0.30) whales. Adjusting for the availability bias resulted in a fully corrected estimate of 16,609 (95% CI 7,172–38,461) common minke whales. Method 2 used only detections of common minke whales that were observed to break the surface (n = 19). Applying this method to effort data at sea state <3 (n = 14) resulted in an ‘at surface’ abundance of 1,174 (CV = 0.39) whales. A correction for whales missed by the observers increased the abundance to 1,198 (0.39) whales. Adjusting for the availability bias resulted in a fully corrected estimate of 22,952 (95% CI 7,815–67,403) common minke whales. ***************************** *Heide-Jørgensen, M. P., K. L. Laidre, M. Simon, M. L. Burt, D. L. Borchers, and M. Rasmussen. 2010. Abundance of fin whales in West Greenland in 2007. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(2):83-88. *Contact email: mhj(a)ghsdk.dk An aerial line transect survey of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) conducted off West Greenland in 2007 was used to estimate the current abundance of fin whales on the summer feeding ground. A total of 24 sightings of fin whale groups were collected during 8,632km of survey effort in sea states <5. Based on conventional distance sampling techniques an abundance of 4,359 whales (95% CI 1,879–10,114) was estimated. The survey was conducted as a double platform survey and mark recapture distance sampling techniques were used to correct for perception bias which resulted in an estimate of 4,468 whales (95% CI 1,343–14,871). Both estimates are negatively biased because no corrections were applied for whales that were submerged during the passage of the survey plane. The abundance estimate furthermore only represents the coastal areas of West Greenland. The sightings at the westernmost border of the strata suggest that the entire Baffin Bay-Davis Strait summer abundance of fin whales could be considerably larger. Based on comparison with previous surveys in West Greenland in 1987/88 and 2005 it appears that the fin whale abundance in West Greenland has increased. ******************* *Koski, W. R., J. Zeh, J. Mocklin, A. R. Davis, D. J. Rugh, J. C. George, and R. Suydam. 2010. Abundance of Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in 2004 estimated from photo-identification data. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(2):89-99. *Contact email: bkoski(a)lgl.com Ice-based surveys near Point Barrow, Alaska, have been used to obtain most estimates of abundance for the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort (B-C-B) stock of bowhead whales, but global warming has raised concerns that ice-based surveys may not be practical in the future. Aerial photographic surveys provide an alternative method for obtaining abundance estimates and may replace ice-based surveys. Aerial photographic surveys were conducted near Point Barrow during the spring migrations of bowhead whales in 2003 and 2004 and, in 2005, in the northern Bering Sea in spring and near Barrow in fall. The 2003 survey was the most complete photographic survey of the population conducted to date. These surveys provided photo-identification data for use in capture-recapture analyses. A screening procedure was used to define which whales captured in 2003, 2004 and/or 2005 were marked and could be reidentified if photographed on another occasion. An estimate of the number of marked whales was obtained using a closed population model for capture-recapture data. Several models were investigated, including models that accounted for heterogeneity in capture probabilities, but a simple model with no covariates produced the most precise estimate. To account for unmarked whales, the estimate of marked whales was divided by an estimate of the proportion of the bowhead population that was marked based on the 1989-2004 spring photographic surveys near Point Barrow. Abundance of the B-C-B bowhead population in 2004 (excluding calves) was estimated to be 12,631 with CV 0.2442, 95% bootstrap percentile confidence interval (7,900; 19,700) and 5% lower limit 8,400. These results were compared with results that used approximate variance expressions for the estimates of the number of marked whales, the proportion of the population that was marked and population abundance instead of using the bootstrap. The estimates of abundance in 2004 computed for comparison included one based on a modified Petersen estimate of the number of marked whales that omitted the 2005 data as well as the estimate of 12,631 described above. The comparison estimates also included estimates of abundance in 1985 computed from 1984-87 photographic survey data using the same methods. All the abundance estimates computed from photographic data were consistent with expectations based on independent abundance and trend estimates from the ice-based surveys conducted from 1978 to 2001. ***************************** *Archer, F. I., K. K. Martien, B. L. Taylor, R. G. LeDuc, B. J. Ripley, G. H. Givens, and J. C. George. 2010. A simulation-based approach to evaluating population structure in non-equilibrial populations. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(2):101-113. *Contact email: eric.archer(a)noaa.gov The standard null model of panmixia used to test for population subdivision is based on a set of assumptions that can be violated given recent events likely to result in non-equilibrial genetic composition coupled with the complex life histories of many species. Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) represent such a species. Bowhead whales also have a well-documented history of severe commercial harvest in the recent past which would be expected to leave a population out of genetic equilibrium. They also have a very long life span, overlapping generations, and age and sex-structured migrations. In addition, samples come from whales killed in a hunt known to be non-random with respect to size at different whaling villages. Sampling of such a population could lead to erroneous conclusions regarding population structure, which could have real consequences for aboriginal whaling. To better interpret the results of standard population genetic analyses, an individual-based model of bowhead whale population dynamics and genetics was created using the R package rmetasim. The model re-created as closely as possible all aspects of the demography, genetics, and whaling history of bowhead whales. Simulated datasets were generated by sampling from the simulated population in a way that matched the age, sex and geographic distribution of empirically collected samples. The empirical bowhead datasets were compared to null distributions generated from the simulated datasets for a variety of genetic analyses. The analysis indicates that the empirical genetic data sampled from the Bering-Chukchi- Beaufort (BCB) stock of bowhead whales are more consistent with the model of a population with the same whaling history and demographic composition as BCB whales than they are with a single, randomly-mating population in genetic equilibrium under a standard Wright-Fisher model. Additionally, it was demonstrated that by failing to account for the unique features of the population dynamics of the species, standard tests of genetic differentiation based on panmixia may produce misleading results. The approach outlined will likely prove useful for evaluating population structure in other species likely to be out of equilibrium. ************** *Beekmans, B. W. P. M., J. Forcada, E. J. Murphy, H. J. W. De Baar, U. V. Bathmann, and A. H. Fleming. 2010. Generalised additive models to investigate environmental drivers of Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) spatial density in austral summer. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(2):115-129. *Contact email: bas.beekmans(a)wur.nl There is a need to characterise the physical environment associated with Antarctic minke whale density in order to understand long term changes in minke whale distribution and density in open waters of the Southern Ocean during austral summer months. To investigate environmental drivers of Antarctic minke whale density, generalised additive models (GAMs) were developed, based on line transect data collected for the International Decade of Cetacean Research (IDCR) and Southern Ocean Whale Ecosystem Research (SOWER) programmes. The GAMs were fitted independently by survey year. Explained deviances ranged from 14.9% to 35.1%. Most models included covariates related to transition zones, such as distances to the continental shelf break and sea ice edge, both of which showed a predominantly negative relationship with whale density. This study suggests high variability in the relationships between Antarctic minke whale density and the environment. None of the selected covariates had a consistent qualitative relationship with density at either the circumantarctic or the regional scale. This in part may be explained by the changing ice-related boundaries of the surveys between years and hence differences in survey region. Another possible reason is that in absence of better data, most of the covariates considered were derived from remote sensing data. More localised surveys with comparable survey area conducted across the Southern Ocean, where whale sightings data are collected simultaneously with in situ non-biotic and prey data, are likely to provide a better assessment of the environmental determinants of whale density. ***************************** Carrillo, M., and F. Ritter. 2010. Increasing numbers of ship strikes in the Canary Islands: Proposals for immediate action to reduce risk of vessel-whale collisions. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(2):131-138. *Contact email: canariasconservacion(a)yahoo.es; info(a)m-e-e-r.de The Canary Islands, known for their extraordinarily high cetacean species diversity, have witnessed a rapid expansion in fast and high speed ferry traffic during the past few years. At the same time, ship strikes have been increasingly reported. 556 cetacean carcasses, found ashore, or reported, in the Canary Islands between 1991 and 2007, were examined. 59 strandings (10.6%) were found to involve vessel-whale collisions, the great majority of strandings (58%) occurred on Tenerife. Species most affected were sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus, n = 24, 41%), pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps, n = 10, 17%), Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris, n = 7, 12%), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus, n = 6, 10%) and at least three baleen whale species (n = 9, 15%). Twenty six animals (44%, n = 42) were either calves or juveniles, and one was a newborn. The temporal distribution of strandings indicates that lethal strikes have increased in recent years. Most ship strikes, assumingly by large and fast moving vessels, probably resulted in the death of the animals, as indicated by severe injuries such as huge slashes, cuts, broken vertebrae or animals separated into halves. Given these numbers and the widely accepted fact that only a portion of ship strikes will be recorded due to under-reporting and carcasses drifting away or sinking, ship strikes appear to be a major threat to cetaceans in the Canary Islands, especially to sperm whales. Moreover, the issue is a matter of human safety, as crew and passengers are at risk of being harmed, too. In this situation, a number of measures to mitigate the risk of ship strikes are recommended as a matter of high priority. These include the placement of dedicated look-outs on fast moving vessels, the shift of ferry transects where feasible, a speed limitation for local high-risk areas where cetacean abundance is notably high, the introduction of an obligatory reporting system of vessel-whale collisions and the conduction of detailed studies dealing with this pressing issue. ***************************** Ritter, F. 2010. Quantification of ferry traffic in the Canary Islands (Spain) and its implications for collisions with cetaceans. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(2):139-146. *Contact email: info(a)m-e-e-r.de The Canary Islands, known for their high cetacean species diversity, have witnessed a rapid expansion of fast ferry traffic during the past few years. At the same time, ship strikes have been repeatedly documented. In this paper an overview of the inter-island ferry traffic in the archipelago is given. Ferry types in use (normal, fast and high speed vessels) are described, and the transects on which they operate are identified. To quantify the extent of the inter-island ferry traffic, three parameters were determined: (1) the actual transects from the different ports on the islands; (2) the number of journeys made per week on each transect; and (3) the length of each transect. Resulting numbers indicate that normal ferries travel approx. 66,000km, fast ferries travel approx. 570,000km and high speed ferries travel approx. 845,000km between islands each year. Fast and high speed ferry traffic is concentrated in the western islands. Areas of high risk for ship strikes within the archipelago are identified by comparing the location of transects with known areas of high cetacean abundance. It is argued that the Canary Islands are a hot spot for vessel-whale collisions and that a policy to counteract this situation is urgently needed. ****************** *Schaffar, A., C. Garrigue, and R. Constantine. 2010. Exposure of humpback whales to unregulated whalewatching activities in their main reproductive area in New Caledonia. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(2):147-152. *Contact email: aline.schaffar(a)laposte.net Whale- and dolphin-watching activities are demonstrating a strong growth worldwide, raising concern of their potential impacts on cetacean populations and emphasising the need for management. Humpback whales recently have become the focus of an important tourism industry in the South Pacific, particularly in New Caledonia, where operators focus on a small population of humpback whales on their main breeding ground. Despite considerable growth since it began in 1995, the industry remains unregulated. Between 2005 and 2007, a study was conducted to assess the impact of whalewatching activities on the behaviour of humpback whales in New Caledonia. All data were collected from a land-based research station using a theodolite. Results show that 54% of all humpback whale groups sighted were exposed to whalewatching boats. Each group was watched simultaneously by an average of 2.5 boats. More than three boats were present within 300m of a group of whales 30% of the time. The length of time a group of whales was observed in the presence of boats each day was an average of one hour and 52 minutes but exceeded two hours 37% of the time. On average, each boat spent 52 minutes with the same group of whales. The closest point of approach was less than 100m for 86% of groups with a calf and 55% of non-calf groups. These results indicate that humpback whales are exposed to whalewatching boats in New Caledonia at a level exceeding the limits commonly recommended by management measures worldwide. Such exposure could be particularly problematic for mother-calf pairs, more vulnerable to threats. The strong site fidelity of individuals on this breeding ground raises concern of potential cumulative impacts. Management measures should be implemented to regulate whalewatching activities and ensure the conservation of this small, endangered population of humpback whales. *********************************** *Speakman, T. R., S. M. Lane, L. H. Schwacke, P. A. Fair, and E. S. Zolman. 2010. Mark-recapture estimates of seasonal abundance and survivorship for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) near Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(2):153-162. *Contact email: Todd.Speakman(a)noaa.gov The stock structure of western North Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) is complex, with seasonally migratory stocks often overlapping with year-round resident stocks. High rates of exchange between northernmost sites have been documented but movement and seasonal fluctuation in abundance among sites along the southern portion of the US Atlantic coast is not well understood. To better understand seasonal abundance, a three-year mark-recapture study of bottlenose dolphins in coastal and estuarine waters near Charleston, South Carolina, USA was conducted. A robust design was employed in order to minimise bias and more precisely determine seasonal estimates of abundance and concurrently examine temporary immigration/emigration and survivorship. Systematic boat-based surveys were carried out (n = 192) from January 2004 to December 2006. The entire study area was surveyed one week per month; an additional survey was conducted in the months in which seasonal abundance was estimated: January (winter), April (spring), July (summer) and October (autumn). Standard photo-identification techniques were used to accumulate sightings of 521 distinctively marked dolphins, 65% of which were sighted more than once. Pollock’s robust design was applied using MARK and the ensuing abundance estimates were adjusted for the seasonal proportion of unmarked dolphins (ranging from 0.27 to 0.40) in the population. Estimates ranged from 364 (95% CI = 305–442) in January 2004 to 910 (95% CI = 819–1018) in October 2006. Summer abundance estimates were consistently greater than those from winter months, although estimates varied considerably among years. The same model was used to calculate an annual survival rate estimate of 0.951 (95% CI = 0.882–1.00) for marked individuals within the population. A high degree of transience, demonstrated by seasonal influxes of single-sighted individuals, made it difficult to differentiate between mortality and permanent emigration. The results support the occurrence of three distinct dolphin groups found in Charleston waters: year-round residents; seasonal residents; and transients. Reporting abundance and survivorship estimates together is useful in explaining and validating results for populations in which transient individuals occur. These results provide important information for stock and viability assessment of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the western North Atlantic. ******* *Danil, K., S. J. Chivers, M. D. Henshaw, J. L. Thieleking, R. Daniels, and J. A. St. Leger. 2010. Cetacean strandings in San Diego County, California, USA: 1851-2008. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(2):163-184. *Contact email: kerri.danil(a)noaa.gov There were 717 cetacean strandings recorded in San Diego County, California, USA between 1851 and 2008. These strandings comprised 18 odontocete and 6 mysticete species. Common dolphins (both the short-beaked (Delphinus delphis) and long-beaked common dolphin (D. capensis)) were the most commonly stranded cetacean species (43.2%), followed by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (16.5%), gray whales (Eschrictius robustus) (11.0%), and Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhyncus obliquidens) (7.0%). A higher number of strandings was observed in the La Jolla and Coronado/Imperial Beach areas, which likely reflects the influence of coastal protrusions in those regions. Strandings of bottlenose dolphin neonates suggests their calving season extends from May to September. Strandings of common dolphin species peaked in the early- to mid-1970s and in the late-1990s to 2008, coincident with cool oceanographic regimes. In addition, extralimital strandings of harbour porpoises and temporal changes in stranding rates of Dall’s porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli) and short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) may have been associated with changes in oceanographic conditions. Evidence of human interaction in strandings included entanglements, boat strikes, shootings and harpooning. Overall, the stranding record largely reflected the species composition of the Southern California Bight and provided confirmation for presence of cryptic species not previously recorded by aerial and ship surveys. ******* Higdon, J. W. 2010. Commercial and subsistence harvests of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in eastern Canada and West Greenland. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 11(2):185-216. *Contact email: jeff.higdon(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca Commercial harvesting of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) from the eastern Canada-West Greenland population started with Basque whalers in the Strait of Belle Isle ca 1530 AD. Subsistence harvests have an even longer history, and the first culture to be active bowhead whalers was the Thule, which replaced the Dorset culture in the central and eastern Arctic ca 1200 AD. Previous harvest compilations have been incomplete, and back-calculated population models have thus been negatively biased. In recent decades this population has shown significant recovery and is the subject of Inuit subsistence harvests in both Canada and West Greenland. A revised historic abundance estimate is needed to examine the level of recovery; this requires inter alia a revised and updated catch series. Available information from multiple anthropological, archaeological, historic and recent sources, and estimate commercial and subsistence harvests in eastern Canada and West Greenland is summarised. From 1530–1915, commercial whalers took an estimated 55,916–67,537 (median 61,537) bowhead whales (varying assumptions on the intensity of the Basque harvest), which is known to be incomplete. Inuit harvests before commercial whaling began (1200–1529 AD) were estimated at 11,435 whales, based on the abundance of whale bone at winter houses excavated by archaeologists. After 1500 AD, Inuit whaling declined, and the total estimated harvest between 1530 AD and the end of commercial whaling was 8,406 whales. Inuit whaling declined again after commercial whalers overharvested the population and only 65 whales are known to have been harvested (or struck and lost) from 1918–2009. The Inuit harvest statistics are based on scattered data and a number of assumptions, with some evidence that at least parts of the series are underestimated. Even if harvests were higher, they would have probably not been large enough to cause population declines. The long tradition of Inuit bowhead whaling was negatively impacted by commercial harvests. Combining all harvests from 1530–2009 AD results in a total estimated kill of some 70,000 whales (not including struck and lost whales and known gaps for some nations and eras), with most (88%) taken by commercial whalers. Data quality varies considerably by nation and era, and was assigned to a 3-point scale for reliability, with over half the harvest considered to be the least reliable. This is the most comprehensive summary and estimate of bowhead harvests for this region, but is still known to be incomplete and is based on a number of assumptions and disparate data sources.

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Gansbaai, South Africa: Work experience volunteers needed for whale watching
by Michelle Wcisel 02 Mar '11

02 Mar '11

*WORK EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED-- * *EXPLORE THE MARINE LIFE OF GANSBAAI, SOUTH AFRICA* This whale season, we are looking for those interested in marine biology and marine mammals to come assist on our eco-tourism whale watching boat, Whale Whisperer with Dyer Island Cruises _www.whalewatchsa.com <http://www.whalewatchsa.com/>_, in exchange for housing at our student house and a food budget. Volunteers will get hands on experience of being crew on sea and assist us with data input/various marine mammal projects. We will train volunteers so that they are completely incorporated into every aspect of data collection, photo ID, and they will assist on any strandings - the works! Please view _www.dict.org.za <http://www.dict.org.za/>_for further information on our ongoing research projects. Volunteers will need to commit to at least one month and a maximum of six. Whale season begins in June and ends once the whales leave (end of December). No need for a degree in biology, just a keen interest in the sea and marine mammals (and a bubbly personality helps!). We only require one or two additional helpers per month so space is limited! Volunteers can expect many hours at sea and incredible experiences (we are at sea 7 days a week, 2-3 trips per day). Preference will be given to those who can stay the longest and those with prior experience. Please consider your sea-legs before applying for this position. :) We are located in Gansbaai, South Africa and can arrange transport from Cape Town if necessary. Volunteers are responsible for their own transport to South Africa. Anyone who is interested or has questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or applying by sending a CV (with Skype contact) at : _michelle(a)sharkwatchsa.com <mailto:michelle@sharkwatchsa.com>_ Michelle Wcisel Dyer Island Cruises michelle(a)sharkwatchsa.com Phone: +27 (0)79 102 1845 Fax: +27 (0)28 384 1266 ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1204 / Virus Database: 1435/3476 - Release Date: 03/01/11

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