July 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Workshop on Red Listed Pinnipeds, November 2011, Florida (USA)
by Kit Kovacs 10 Jul '11

10 Jul '11

There will be a one-day workshop on Red Listed Pinnipeds situations and solutions to be held on Sunday November 27th, 2011 in Tampa, Florida, prior to the Society for Marine Mammalogy 19th Biennial Conference. The purpose of this workshop is to bring together scientists working with pinnipeds that have landed on the Red List. It is hoped that joint discussion of common problems will help us to develop an Action Plan leading to some solutions! A few case studies will be presented to facilitate discussion and experts will provide advice on rehabilitation and release of endangered species. Pre-registration can be done through the SMM website at http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl… If you are interested in presenting at this workshop please let the workshop organizer (KK) know. Registration will be limited to 40 people in order to facilitate meaningful discussion and development of an Action Plan. There will be no registration fee. This workshop is being organized by the IUCN Pinniped Specialist Group. For more information contact Kit M. Kovacs at kit(a)npolar.no

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Volunteers sought for common dolphin research project in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
by Dwyer, Sarah 10 Jul '11

10 Jul '11

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO ASSIST WITH BOAT-BASED FIELDWORK IN THE HAURAKI GULF, NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND Volunteers are needed to assist with fieldwork for a PhD study investigating the distribution and density of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. This PhD project is part of the ongoing research of the New Zealand Common Dolphin Project (NZCDP) and the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz) The field season runs year round and the next vacancy is from 1st September 2011 onwards. The primary role of the volunteer is to assist on a 5.5m research vessel, which operates in the Hauraki Gulf, North Island. Surveys are undertaken when weather and sea conditions are favourable and as such, a minimum or maximum number of research days per week cannot be guaranteed. On adverse weather days volunteers assist with data entry and other tasks. Prior experience working on small research vessels is preferred but not essential. Those with no experience should demonstrate their willingness to learn. Volunteers must be comfortable spending long days at sea on a small open boat. Unfortunately this is not a paid position. Food and accommodation are not provided and volunteers are responsible for their own travel to Auckland. Assistance will be provided to find suitable accommodation in the area. A minimum commitment of one month is required and priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods. For more detailed information about the project please do not hesitate to contact me. To apply please send a CV and cover letter to Sarah Dwyer: s.l.dwyer(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:s.l.dwyer@massey.ac.nz> Thanks, Sarah ----------------------------------------------- Sarah Dwyer PhD Student Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore City 0745 Auckland New Zealand Tel: +64 (0) 9 414 0800 EXT 41196 Mob: +64 (0) 21 035 4749 Fax: +64 (9) 443 9790 Email: S.L.Dwyer(a)massey.ac.nz http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz

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US-AMLR Pinniped field position at Cape Shirreff, Antarctica is now filled.
by Dr. Mike Goebel 09 Jul '11

09 Jul '11

Many thanks for all the replies in response to the US-AMLR Pinniped field position at Cape Shirreff, Antarctica. This position has now been filled. Applications and emails are no longer being accepted.

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Workshop on Viewing and Interacting with Wild Marine Mammals prior to SMM 19th Biennial Conference
by Melissa Andersen 08 Jul '11

08 Jul '11

There will be a one-day workshop on Viewing and Interacting with Wild Marine Mammals to be held on Sunday, November 27, 2011 in Tampa, Florida, prior to the Society for Marine Mammalogy 19th Biennial Conference. The purpose of this workshop is to bring together stakeholders to discuss activities for viewing and interacting with wild marine mammals that may impact individuals and populations, and to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various management solutions for minimizing potential impacts, including enforcement challenges for management. The workshop will consist of two sessions of presentations from around the globe and conclude with a plenary discussion. The first session of presentations will focus on research on impacts of activities for viewing and interacting with wild marine mammals, and the second session of presentations will focus on management of these activities. Pre-registration can be done through the SMM website at http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl… There is a registration fee of $25, which will be used to cover costs for audio-visual equipment, bagels and coffee in the morning, and an afternoon coffee break. This workshop is organized by staff from the United States NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service. For more information contact Melissa Andersen at Melissa.Andersen(a)noaa.gov

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Introductory distance sampling workshop, 3-6 December 2011 Tampa Florida (following Marine Mammal Conference)
by Eric Rexstad 08 Jul '11

08 Jul '11

Beginning immediately following the Conference on Biology of Marine Mammals (3 December), The University of St. Andrews is happy to announce that we will be delivering an Introduction to Distance Sampling workshop in Tampa Florida. We have not presented a workshop in North America since 2009, and we haven't delivered a workshop in eastern North America since 2005. If you happen to be attending the Marine Mammal Conference, you can attend this workshop immediately thereafter. The workshop will last four days (3-6 Dec.) and will cover introductory topics in distance sampling. Instructors will include Prof. Steve Buckland and Dr. Len Thomas, as well as several other lecturers and demonstrators from the University of St. Andrews. We are in the process of finalising the arrangements with the hotel where we will conduct the workshop, so we are not yet accepting registration for the workshop. However, we expect this workshop to fill quickly (limit of 35 participants), so our early registration deadline is 31 August. We expect official registration to open before the end of July; but get in contact with us at the web address below ahead of that with questions and expressions of interest. Please visit the workshop website to learn more details as well as send an expression of interest: http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distance.workshops/floridaoverview.html -- Eric Rexstad Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9LZ +44 (0)1334 461833 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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Field assistant opportunity: dolphin research in New Zealand, September 2011-April 2012
by Meissner, Anna 07 Jul '11

07 Jul '11

KiaOra! Positions are open for volunteers to assist with bottlenose and common dolphin field surveys in the East Coast Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. PROJECT BACKGROUND: Growing interest in observing and swimming with free-ranging cetaceans has contributed to a rapid growth of dolphin-based tourism operations. The present study aims to assess the effects of interacting activities on common and bottlenose dolphin behaviour within the East Coast Bay of Plenty waters. DATES: September 2011-April 2012 LOCATION: Tauranga, East Coast Bay of Plenty, New Zealand FIELD WORK: A dedicated scientific team will be studying the behaviour and distribution of bottlenose and common dolphins in the Bay of Plenty. You can join our crew to learn environmental and behavioural data collection for cetaceans, help with photographic data collection and get basic marine navigation skills. Assistants are also expected to participate in data entry and database/catalogue maintenance duties. Surveys are conducted from a 5.5m research boat and from tourism boats. Surveys are carried out in the coastal waters of the East Coast Bay of Plenty, starting from Tauranga. Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills (GIS, data analysis, photo-ID). PREREQUISITES: · Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. · Be prepared to work long days with early start in a small vessel. · Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude. QUALIFICATIONS: · The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent grads and graduate students who have some background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related field · Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Access) + ArcGIS is required · Previous experience in survey techniques, and especially in marine mammal research is preferred but not required · Participants must be able to swim and should be comfortable working on boats · Boat operation experience is preferred but not required · Participants must be able to live and work well within a team of 3-6 people for extended periods of time. Due to the training required, applicants should be available for a minimum of 2 months, however all applicants will be considered. This is a volunteer position, so there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. However, help will be provided to find accommodation. Assistants will be responsible for travel to Tauranga and their own living expenses. Pick up from Auckland may be possible but will be dependent on arrival time. Applicants should email a letter of interest outlining relevant experience and motivation for participation, as well as a CV and the contacts for referees to Anna Meissner a.m.meissner(a)massey.ac.nz Thank you! Cheers, Anna ------------------------------------------------- Anna M. Meissner PhD student Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore City, 0745 Auckland, New Zealand Tel: +64 9 414 0800 ext 41520 Cell: +64 22 603 6646 Fax: +64 9 443 9790 Email: a.m.meissner(a)massey.ac.nz Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz -------------------------------------------------

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job announcement - Antarctic pinniped field work Oct-Mar
by Mike Goebel 06 Jul '11

06 Jul '11

*Position Description for a Pinniped Research Field Assistant* United States Antarctic Marine Living Resources Program The position is for a 4-5 month contract for fieldwork at a small field camp in the South Shetland Islands off the Antarctic Peninsula. Approximate dates for the contract are 28 October 2011 to 15 March 2012, fluctuating according to the schedule of the research ships’ providing transportation to the island. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist the leader for Pinniped research; however, the person hired must be able to work independently and will have sole responsibility for various tasks associated with the U.S.-AMLR Pinniped research program. Duties include (but are not limited to): - *Assisting with the capture and handling* of female (30-45kg) Antarctic fur seals and their pups for tagging, tooth extraction, radio telemetry, satellite-linked telemetry, foraging energetics and ecology, pup growth, daily censuses, and diet analysis (scats and enemas). - *Extensive data entry and management* in Access or Excel. The applicant should be prepared to take full responsibility for all data management while maintaining other scientific and camp duties. The data must be entered in a format authorized by the task leader with no unauthorized modifications. All data must be entered by the end of the field season. Programming in R highly desirable but not mandatory. - *Some data analysis and data summaries* (in the field). - *Occasionally assisting on other projects* with other species (e.g. penguin banding, diets) - *General camp maintenance* (including generators, solar array, and wind generator), construction projects, painting, cooking, cleaning. The position requires a person of: v *Excellent physical condition*. The terrain is rugged and remote, and the ground is often wet. Typical weather conditions include frequent fog, rain, sleet, snow, and nearly continual dampness. In addition it is often windy (with wind storms exceeding 75mph) and temperatures fluctuate around freezing. Field work continues through all but the very worst of conditions, often involving carrying large pieces of equipment some distance to various work sites and lifting and handling of aggressive 45 kg+ fur seals for restraint procedures. Personnel with any back, leg/knee/foot problems or any occasional ligament or tendon pain should seriously reconsider their interest in this position. Safety is always paramount as access to health care is very limited and medi-vacs are extremely difficult. Candidate must pass both physical and dental exams and be approved for remote field duty by a qualified physcian. v *20/20 vision and keen observational skills*. A large part of the fieldwork is population dynamics and demography. This involves daily reading hundreds of flipper tags and bird bands in all weather, usually through binoculars. Excellent vision and observation skills are essential. v *Experience around large animals *is highly desirable. The applicant must be willing to capture and restrain female fur seals and their pups, leopard, elephant and Weddell seals and work in close proximity to the much larger Antarctic fur seal bulls and other animals using the area for breeding, feeding or resting. v *Other highly desirable skills*: Emergency Medical Training (EMT) is extremely beneficial; Cross-country skiing is often used during the first month of studies. Familiarity with radio telemetry, knowledge of solar electrical systems, 12v and/or 110v electrical systems (including wiring and batteries), construction, general mechanics, SSB radio operation, small generator repair/maintenance, carpentry, medical (first aid/CPR), knowledge of Spanish (some Chilean colleagues at nearby Chilean camp speak only Spanish), freezer operation/repair, clothing and field equipment repair, are all skills the applicant would find beneficial to him/herself and the camp. We are not guaranteed support personnel and all tasks associated with the care of the camp, scientific equipment and the personnel; are the responsibilities of the scientists working out of the camp. v *Computer skills*: Data entry is primarily in MS Access and Excel and familiarity with their use is required. Knowledge of MS Word, MS Outlook (e-mail), ATS – DCC logger download software, general computer skills (installation of drivers, general repair and troubleshooting), and any similar skills/knowledge are highly desirable. v *Spanish *:* *A command of Spanish is very helpful, though not essential. We frequently conduct business with maritime agents in Chile. Chile also operates a field camp at Cape Shirreff and there are usually 3-4 Chilean scientists that work in the area. Our Chilean colleagues are frequently bilingual though there are usually some members of their field team that do not speak English. Spanish speaking, however, is not consider essential and non-Spanish speaking applicants should not be discouraged from applying. v *Applicant personality and domestic skills considerations*: The applicant’s personality must enable him/her to comfortably live in a remote field camp with 3-6 other individuals of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. The main building contains no separate rooms for sleeping, cooking, working on the computers or privacy. Sleeping hours are generally from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am, and times outside of this range are considered work hours where noise from the kitchen/dining/computer area easily filters back to the sleeping bunks. Mixed crews of “night owls” and “early risers” often lead to conflicts so tolerance and consideration of others are always encouraged. Contact with friends, family, loved ones is at a minimum; occurring mostly through e-mail transmitted by satellite. As the satellite time is costly, messages must be kept small and no attachments (pictures or similar) can to be transmitted except in emergencies and only with approval from the expedition leader. Telephone calls using Iridium phones are possible, but are limited. The applicant is expected to cook and clean up his/her share of the meals for everyone, using the finite supplies stored at the camp. Cooking and cleaning rotates daily between all camp inhabitants. The camp’s food is stored in a chest freezer, a small amount of fresh produce in a pantry, and much of the food is canned or dried. To ensure harmony in the camp, all camp members should have a sense of maturity and responsibility to clean up after themselves and perform their duties and responsibilities (both camp and scientific) without having to be reminded by team mates. v Preference will be given to candidates expressing an interest in returning for consecutive seasons. Pay in the second (or subsequent) seasons will be adjusted to compensate for previous experience gained. For additional information or questions, please contact: E-mail: CapeShirreff.Antarctica(a)gmail.com

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Call for Speakers: Education Worshop at Biennial Conference
by Jen Kennedy, Blue Ocean Society 05 Jul '11

05 Jul '11

CALL FOR SPEAKERS: EDUCATION WORKSHOP AT BIENNIAL CONFERENCE IN TAMPA, NOVEMBER 26, 2011 What are the major threats facing marine mammals? How do educators and naturalists present those threats to the public? And then, how do we evaluate those programs to see if they are making an impact? In organizing the all-day workshop Marine Mammal Education and Conservation: Facts, Tools and Assessing Impacts that is being held before the Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial Conference on Saturday, November 26, we're looking for speakers addressing specific threats to marine mammals (i.e., factual information), information on educational programs (both shore-based and boat-based) that teach about those threats, and information on evaluation of those programs. We are looking for proposals for 15-30 minute talks and/or demonstrations that address the above issues. Speakers receive free attendance at the workshop. The goals of the workshop are to provide an opportunity for novice and expert educators and naturalists to learn about conservation issues facing marine mammals, and ask questions of experts in the field; to identify themes, messages, and best practices that could be used aboard various marine mammal-viewing platforms and education settings; to create a unified message related to conservation issues; and to discuss best practices for assessing the impacts of marine mammal education programs. Please e-mail an abstract of your proposed talk to <mailto:jen@blueoceansociety.org> jen(a)blueoceansociety.org by August 1, 2011. Selected speakers will be notified by August 15, 2011. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Thank you! Jen Kennedy, Executive Director, Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation, <mailto:jen@blueoceansociety.org> jen(a)blueoceansociety.org, www.blueoceansociety.org Stefanie Hawks-Johnson, Executive Director, Marine Mammal Connection Society, <mailto:sahawks@uw.edu> sahawks(a)uw.edu, marinemammalconnection.org Cynde McInnis, Education Coordinator, Cape Ann Whale Watch, <mailto:cyndebierman@gmail.com> cyndebierman(a)gmail.com, <http://www.seethewhales.com> www.seethewhales.com Jen Kennedy Executive Director Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation 143 Pleasant Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 (603) 431-0260 <http://www.blueoceansociety.org/> www.blueoceansociety.org Become a fan on Facebook! <http://www.facebook.com/BlueOceanSociety> http://www.facebook.com/BlueOceanSociety Follow Us On Twitter: <http://www.twitter.com/BlueOceanSoc> http://www.twitter.com/BlueOceanSoc They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself. - Andy Warhol

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Comments on Proposed 2012 List of Fisheries due by July 28, 2011
by Jonathan Shannon 05 Jul '11

05 Jul '11

NOAA Fisheries requests comments by July 28, 2011, on its proposed changes to the List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2012. The Marine Mammal Protection Act requires NOAA Fisheries to publish an annual list of commercial fisheries and classify each fishery based on whether it has frequent (Category I), occasional (Category II), or remote likelihood (Category III) of incidental mortality and serious injury (or bycatch) of marine mammals. The classification of a fishery on the LOF determines whether participants in that fishery are subject to certain provisions of the MMPA, such as registration, observer coverage, and take reduction plan regulations. NOAA Fisheries is proposing changes in the classification of certain fisheries, additions and deletions of fisheries on the LOF, changes to the list of species or stocks killed or injured in certain fisheries, and other administrative changes. The proposed LOF for 2012 reflects new information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals based on information in the most recent Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports (SAR), NOAA Fisheries Observer Program incidental take statements, stranding network data, fishermen self reports, and anecdotal reports from marine mammal researchers and fishermen. For more information about the List of Fisheries program and to see the Proposed 2012 List, visit: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/interactions/lof/ Direct link to comment form: http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=NOAA-NMFS-2011-0146-0001 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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New paper on the mating system of South American sea lions
by karim soto 04 Jul '11

04 Jul '11

Dear colleagues, The following article was recently published in Marine Mammal Science: South American sea lions in Peru have a lek-like mating system Karim H. Soto and Andrew W. Trites Volume 27, Issue 2Pages 255–454Keywords:South American sea lion;Otaria byronia;mating system;mating success;lek;sex ratiosabstractFive years of behavioral observations revealed significant effects of high air temperatures and breeding site topography on the mating system of South American sea lions in Peru. Unlike most polygynous mammals that defend females or fixed territories, male sea lions in Peru maintained positions along the shoreline where females passed each day to thermoregulate, and where most copulations occurred. Sex ratios (1 male per 17 females) and male mating success were extremely skewed (14% of males achieved 50% of the copulations, and 25% of them did not copulate at all). The mass daily movements of females toward the water and cool substrate of the shoreline, along with a highly skewed sex ratio, accentuated the difficulty for males to monopolize and restrict female movements. Females moved freely and chose their mates, unlike in temperate regions of their range where male South American sea lions control groups of females or access to tide pools. Our observations indicate that the South American sea lion in Peru has a lek-like breeding system. This is a rare alternative to the common male strategies of defending females and resources, and is likely an evolutionary product of their highly skewed sex ratio, protracted breeding season, and the extreme subtropical climate where they breed.A copy is available via the journal website or upon request. Best regards, Karim

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