August 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New book: Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises - 2nd Edition.
by Rob Lott 22 Aug '11

22 Aug '11

Dear List members, Here's another recently published book from Earthscan/WDCS that may be of interest. Written by my friend and colleague, Erich Hoyt, the completely revised and expanded 2nd Edition of Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises builds on the success of the 2005 edition. The process of protected area creation for marine mammals is accelerating and more than 200 exciting new places are featured along with some new case studies, and sections on setting up marine protected areas (MPAs) to address the threats of climate change and the growing specter of chronic and acute noise in the sea. A recurring theme is how to recommend and implement conservation action with the often limited data at hand. The book identifies the building of MPA networks as a route for dealing with the highly mobile habits of marine mammals, and it sketches out a future direction for a regional and international approach to habitat protection on the High Seas. "An essential conservation tool....the bible for marine mammal habitat conservation" were the most common phrases in reviews of the first edition. This second edition provides a full update on this rapidly evolving field. For the marine mammal researcher, MPA design, research, monitoring and management offer substantial new opportunities over the next decade as countries struggle to meet the ambitious targets for highly protected MPA networks by 2012 and 2020. For more information and for ordering details, please go to: http://www.cetaceanhabitat.org/cetacean_protected_areas.php For those who write reviews for popular, scientific or conservation publications, in print or online, you can request a review copy, cover jpg and other information, from erich.hoyt(a)mac.com. Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises. A world handbook for cetacean habitat conservation and planning by Erich Hoyt (WDCS book published by Earthscan/Taylor & Francis, New York, London, 479pp, 2011) A world poster map has also been produced showing all 740 proposed and existing marine mammal protected areas worldwide. You can download a free, high-resolution copy at http://web.mac.com/erich.hoyt/www.erichhoyt.com/MPA_files/MPAs4Whales_World… - Rob Lott, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

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CALL FOR PAPERS FOR SPECIAL ISSUE OF JOURNAL OF MARINE BIOLOGY
by Marino, Lori 21 Aug '11

21 Aug '11

Dear Colleagues, This is to announce a new Call for Papers for a special issue of Journal of Marine Biology entitled: PROTECTING WILD DOLPHINS AND WHALES: CURRENT CRISES, STRATEGIES AND FUTURE PROJECTIONS Guest Editors: Lori Marino (corresponding editor), Frances Gulland, and E.C.M. (Chris) Parsons We are seeking cutting-edge, progressive empirical, analytical, theoretical and review articles on all aspects of current scientific, technical and sociological aspects of protecting wild dolphins and whales in the current global situation. Please see the Journal's Call for Papers for more information: http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jmb/osi/ Thanks very much, Lori Marino Lori Marino, PhD Senior Lecturer Psychology and Interdisciplinary Sciences Building, Room 488 36 Eagle Row Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 (404) 727-7582 ________________________________ This e-mail message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender by reply e-mail message and destroy all copies of the original message (including attachments).

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Paper on Portuguese Historical Whaling
by Escola de Mar - Cristina Brito 20 Aug '11

20 Aug '11

Dear colleagues, The following paper has recently been published in the journal Anthrozoos: "Medieval and Early Modern Whaling in Portugal" Abstract Mainland Portugal is not renowned for having been a whaling nation of significance. However, preliminary studies have brought to light enough historical references to suggest that whaling occurred from at least the 13th century, and the present work identifies 38 historical sources documenting whale use or whaling on the Portuguese coast between 1201 and 1728. A peak of whale-related sources occurred during the 13th and 14th centuries, and almost all Portuguese accounts are contemporary to those found from the French and Spanish Basque countries, such that the beginning of the whaling activity seems to be coeval. No geographical cluster of whaling activities can be established?they seem to have been unevenly scattered along the entire coastline. Nor can a chronological north-south movement of coastal whaling activities be discerned. The geographical and chronological patterns give support to the assumption that whaling was not introduced to Portugal by the Basques, who are known to have spread westward from the French Labourd (11th century), via Golf of Biscay, to Asturias, and southward to Galicia (14th century). Rather, Portuguese whale use seems to have originated independently of Basque influence. Several of the sources specify "black whales" as the target species. This is consistent with modern knowledge about the distribution and migration patterns of North Atlantic right whales during Basque medieval and early modern whaling. The Portuguese sources are not clear as to numbers of whales taken, nor to the whaling technology used, but the activity was sufficiently well organized and developed to warrant the levying of tithes in the feudal system of 13th-century Portugal. http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/berg/anthroz/2011/00000024/00000003/a… For more information about this historical whaling research please contact me: cristina.brito(a)escolademar.pt or escolademar(a)gmail.com Regards, Cristina. -- Escola de Mar Edifício ICAT - Campus da FCUL Campo Grande 1749-016 Lisboa Portugal +351966552928 www.escolademar.pt

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Draft Monk Seal Recovery Actions Programmatic EIS open for comment
by Jonathan Shannon 19 Aug '11

19 Aug '11

Aloha, The National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) announces the opening of public review for the Draft Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Actions Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS). Public comments must be submitted by October 17, 2011 and will be accepted in three ways: · Written comments sent by mail to NMFS PIRO, Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Actions PEIS at 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814. Mailed comments must be postmarked by October 17, 2011 · Written comments sent by e-mail to monkseal(a)noaa.gov <mailto:monkseal@noaa.gov> by October 17, 2011, please indicate "Monk Seal PEIS" in the subject line · Oral and written comments provided during the scheduled public hearings in Hawaii, September 12 through 17, 2011. You can find the list of public hearing locations, dates, and times, as well as where to find paper and electronic copies of the PEIS for public review, online at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/eis/hawaiianmonkseal.htm The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing to implement specific management actions and administer the associated research and enhancement program for Hawaiian monk seals in the Hawaiian Islands. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we have prepared this Draft PEIS to evaluate reasonable alternatives, potential impacts, and propose mitigation for this action. The Notice of Availability (NOA) for this Draft PEIS was published in the Federal Register on August 19, 2011. A link to the NOA can be found on the project website at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/eis/hawaiianmonkseal.htm. If you would like to be added to a mailing list and receive project updates and newsletters, please send an email to: monkseal(a)noaa.gov <mailto:monkseal@noaa.gov?subject=Subscribe> with "Subscribe" in the subject line. _* *_Mahalo -- 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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Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies Job Opportunity
by Stephanie Richardson 19 Aug '11

19 Aug '11

*Senior Marine Biologist or Ecologist* The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies (PCCS) is seeking a senior level marine biologist or ecologist to direct an established research program and to develop new initiatives. PCCS undertakes conservation-oriented research in the marine environment, including longitudinal studies of endangered large whales. We are seeking a leader for our long-term demographic study of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay, a critical habitat off the coast of Massachusetts. Since 1997, photo-identification has been performed annually from aerial survey platforms as part of research on population biology, ecology and human impacts. Responsibilities include: strengthening the existing program and developing new initiatives; supervising program staff (a flight coordinator and aerial observers); disseminating results through scientific publications, technical reports and meetings; writing research proposals and managing existing grants; interfacing with managers, the scientific community and the public. The successful candidate would also be encouraged to develop new research in other areas of their expertise. Candidates must have a doctoral degree in a relevant biological field and at least 5 years of comparable research and project management experience. Generous benefits package, salary commensurate with experience. Please submit cover letter, resume and two references by September 2, 2011 to: Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657 Email: srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02652 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113 f. (508) 487-4495 Office Hours: Tue. Wed. Thurs. 9-11, Friday 9-5

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SAVING THE VAQUITA: ARE WE DOING ALL WE CAN?
by Sclymene＠aol.com 18 Aug '11

18 Aug '11

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP: SAVING THE VAQUITA: ARE WE DOING ALL WE CAN? Date: Sunday, 27 November 2011 Time: 900 AM – 430 PM Workshop Leaders: Thomas A. Jefferson and Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho Sponsor: ¡VIVA Vaquita! (a collaborative effort of Cetos Research Organization, the American Cetacean Society, and Save the Whales) Attendance: Open to anyone (please register on SMM website), but limited to 50 people Cost: Free (coffee and drinks provided) Summary: One species of cetacean (the baiji, Lipotes vexillifer) has recently gone extinct, and there is another species teetering on the edge (the vaquita, Phocoena sinus). Several other species and populations of marine mammals are nearly there, or will likely reach this point in our lifetimes. The majority of marine mammal biologists work mostly with species that are relatively abundant, and they do not spend much of their time doing public awareness/education work relating to endangered species. The question is: are we doing all we can as marine mammal specialists to help avoid future marine mammal extinctions? The goal of this workshop will be to explore ways to better use our skills, knowledge, and resources as marine mammal specialists to help save the World’s most endangered species of marine mammal, the vaquita. The workshop will have relevance to other endangered species and populations of marine mammals. Format: There will be several background presentations in the morning, and the afternoon sessions will be focused around small-group discussions. Outputs will include a short workshop summary and assignments of task actions identified at the workshop. The goal will be to develop a “Vaquita Task Force” to push forward various initiatives aimed at using our special abilities as marine mammal specialists to reverse the tragic precedent of the baiji – and help save the vaquita. Sign up for the workshop on the SMM conference website: http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content& view=article&id=591&Itemid=336&workshop=1 ********************************************************************* Thomas A. Jefferson, Ph.D. Clymene Enterprises / Cetos Research Organization 5495 Camino Playa Malaga San Diego, CA 92124 Tel. (858) 278-4240 Email: sclymene(a)aol.com Web: http://www.cetosresearch.org/about/associates.htm *********************************************************************

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New paper on North Atlantic killer whales
by Volker Deecke 18 Aug '11

18 Aug '11

Dear colleagues, The following paper has recently appeared in the journal Aquatic Biology: Deecke, V. B., Nykänen, M., Foote, A. D. & Janik, V. M. 2011. Vocal behaviour and feeding ecology of killer whales (Orcinus orca) around Shetland, UK. Aquatic Biology, 13, 79–88. ABSTRACT: Killer whales Orcinus orca are sighted regularly off Shetland, UK, but little is known about their numbers, diet and population identity. We aimed to relate vocal behaviour to diet of killer whales around Shetland in order to investigate population structure and differences in feeding strategies. Fieldwork was conducted in the summers of 2008 and 2009. We located killer whales through a sightings network and shore-based scans and collected photo-ID data, behavioural information, feeding data and acoustic recordings from a small boat. The majority of encounters (n = 14) were of small groups (1 to 15 individuals) travelling close to shore and feeding on marine mammals. Two encounters were with large groups (20+ individuals) feeding on herring Clupea harengus farther offshore. Seal-hunting groups vocalised rarely, producing pulsed calls, echolocation clicks and whistles almost exclusively when surface-active or milling after a kill. Herring-eating groups were largely silent during one encounter, but very vocal during the other. Analysis of pulsed calls identified 6 stereotyped call types for seal-hunting groups and 7 for herring-eating groups. No call types were shared between both kinds of groups. The vocal behaviour of seal-hunting groups showed striking parallels to that of Pacific marine mammal specialists and presumably evolved to decrease detection by acoustically sensitive prey. One call type produced by Shetland herring-eating killer whales matched a vocalisation that a previous study had described from Iceland and identified as a possible herding call that may function to concentrate herring during feeding. These findings point to behavioural and dietary specialisation among Shetland killer whales, which should be taken into account when making management decisions affecting these animals. KEYWORDS: Dietary specialisation, Vocal behaviour, Feeding ecology, Killer whale, North Atlantic Please contact me <vd2(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:vd2@st-andrews.ac.uk>> with any questions about this research. All the best Volker ------------------------------------------------ Dr. Volker Deecke Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St. Andrews St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB Scotland UK Phone +44.1334.463459 Fax +44.1334.463443 ------------------------------------------------ The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

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Cetaceans Research Assistant South of Portugal
by Joana Augusto 18 Aug '11

18 Aug '11

Dear all, AIMM - Marine Environment Research Association is seeking applications as research assistant to help with fieldwork related with the *study on cetaceans* we undertake in the South of Portugal (Algarve). This project intends to continue the work AIMM has been developing in collaboration with several dolphin watching companies present in the area. *Fieldwork will take place from 31 of July to 30 of October 2011*. All participants will be trained by AIMM researchers. Participants interested will join the team for 7 days period but preference will be given to applicants able to stay for longer periods. Participation includes boat surveys on the research vessel and on opportunistic platforms (dolphin watching boats). Data collection will include species behaviour/group size, photo-identification, lectures, training and how to operate as researcher in dolphin watching trips. You will be responsible for your own transportation to and from the main AIMM station. We will provide accommodation although there is a fee for basic maintenance of the station (300€ per week). Transport will be provided to the harbour most of the time. Food will be at your own expenses except breakfast, but communal shopping will keep the expenses low. Apart from research activities, participants will share everyday duties and chores with the team members. Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be autonomous and quickly operational - be able to live and work constructively with others in a team - speak fluently Portuguese and/or English/Spanish Preference will be given to those who: - have previous experience in photo-identification - have previous experience on research boats - have previous experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - have previous relevant marine mammal field experience - have professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID _No previous experience is required. Anyone above the age of 16 can participate, regardless of nationality or field of expertise._ Applications will be accepted during all period although, early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. Applicants should send an email introducing themselves to aimm.direccao(a)gmail.com <mailto:aimm.direccao@gmail.com>. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV. For further information, please check http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/ All the best, André Cid

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Mediterranean Cetaceans course (theoretical and practical, 1-10 September) and volunteering for October campaign
by Lara Delgado 17 Aug '11

17 Aug '11

Dear all, We write to inform you about a Mediterranean cetaceans course and a cetaceans survey in October. MEDITERRANEAN CETACEANS COURSE Join the theoretical-practical course on Mediterranean cetaceans, offered by Edmaktub association, in a unique environment! Embarking on a catamaran from Barcelona toward the Alghero. The practical part of the course consists of participating on cetaceans and other marine life sightings. And the theoretical part will take place in the Asinara’s Natural Park, Sardinia. http://www.parcoasinara.org/ Did you know that there are whales in the Mediterranean? Do you want to know which other animals hide our nearest sea? This theoretical-practical course offers you the chance to learn about the mammals of the Mediterranean Sea, their conservation status, how to recognize and protect them. Delve into what is known of their biology and learn the methods used to detect and study cetaceans. The theoretical course will last 2-3 days, with the possibility of complementing it a practical part getting embarked aboard the Edmaktub’s catamaran that will make the trip Barcelona-Alghero, Alghero-Barcelona. (See the possible options under "Practical Information"). Dolphins, fin whales, sperm whales and many more species are waiting to be discovered. This course is offered by the association Edmaktub (www.edmaktub.com) for the study and disclosure of the aquatic environment, but during the rest of the days in the island there will be other courses offered by the Catalan Summer University: course of annealing, course in botany, a visit to CRAMA and the possibility of diving (see prices and more information on the web http://www.ucecn.org/cursos-2011/ucecn-de-l-alguer/) To register or to receive more information about the cetacean course write to info(a)edmaktub.com PRACTICAL INFORMATION The theoretical part of the course will be held in Alghero from the 3rd to the 5th of September at the natural park of Asinara (see course content below). And the practical part will be done embarking on the catamaran of the association to go from Barcelona to Alghero and / or Alguero-Barcelona; learning the field work: whale watching from the boat! There are several options to do the theoretical and/or practical part as well as for the stay in the Natural Park of Asinara (Sardinia). Attending the full course (theoretical part, practical part and stay in Asinara), attending the partial course (theoretical part, do the practical part partially (go to Asinara or come back to Barcelona) or just attending the theoretical course. FULL COURSE - Includes the 2-3 day theory course in the natural park of Asinara. - Includes the full theoretical part, of 4 days, that will be done during the round trip from Barcelona to Alghero on the catamaran of the association. - This type of course includes meals and lodging on the boat for 8-10 days. The trip from Barcelona to Alghero, leaving on September 1 from Barcelona and returning on September 10 (days may vary depending on the weather, days for possible return from 8 to 10). - The timing is: September 1 leaving from Barcelona port, doing the practical part on board during the trip Barcelona-Alghero (2 days). Arrival at Asinara Natural Park, accommodation on board with access to the island and lunch included (4-6 days). The first three days on the island (from 3 to September 5) will take place the theoretical course. The remaining days it will be possible to visit the natural park, visit the CRAMA, and attend the other courses offered during the conference in the nature reserve, as well as the possibility of diving (see prices and information from these other activities on the web). Leaving the Aguero either the 6, 7 or 8 of September (depending on weather conditions), and conducting the practical part II of the course, along the way to Barcelona (2 days). 8, 9, or September 10, arriving at Barcelona harbour. - Price: 600 € PARTIAL COURSE - Includes the 2-3 day theoretical course in the natural park of Asinara. - Includes a part of the practical embarking, 2 days, either doing the way Barcelona-Alguero, or Alguero-Barcelona. This option means going only one-way on the boat. - This type of course includes meals and lodging on the boat during the two days practical part, but does not include food and accommodation on the island of Asinara. - Timing and options are: · Make the trip on the boat (Barcelona-Asinara): September 1 leaving the port of Barcelona, the practical realization during the trip Barcelona-Alghero (2 days). And doing the theoretical course from the 3rd to the 5th of September on the Asinara natural park. · Make the trip on the boat (Asinara-Barcelona): Do the theoretical course fromt the 3rd to 5th of September. And carrying out the practical part II on the way Asinara-Barcelona (2 days), leaving the 6th, 7th or 8th of September and arriving to Barcelona on the 8th, 9th, or 10th of September (will depend on the weather). - Price: 300 € THEORETICAL COURSE - Includes the 2-3 day theory course in the Natural Park of Asinara, Sardinia, from the 3rd to the 5th of September. - Only includes the attendance to the course. Food, transportation and accommodation not included. - Price: 50 € CONTENTS OF THE THEORETICAL PART (Done during 2-3 days) 1. Mediterranean Cetaceans I: the Mediterranean Sea. Cetaceans in the Mediterranean, general information on their biology and conservation status. 2. Mediterranean Cetaceans II: Resident cetacean species, distribution, ecology. An example of study: BCNCET 2010-11 (Zoo de Barcelona) 3. Methods of studying cetaceans: Description of the different survey methods for studying cetaceans and the information provided by each approach. 4. Innovations in the study of whales: innovative methods in development. An example: The aeromodelism plane project (Fundación Biodiversidad). 5. Bibliography: what do we know about the Mediterranean cetaceans and what needs further investigation? 6. Introduction to seabirds: which birds can be seen at sea and observation methods. CONTENTS OF THE PRACTICAL PART (4 days full time, 2 days part-time) 1. Explanation of the sighting protocol: scanning techniques, differentiation of species. 2. Photo_ID. 3. Explanation of the acoustic detection protocol: types of sounds and species recognition. 4. Data collection and software used. 5. Acoustic detection, whale and bird watching! Taught by: Edmaktub association members Course duration: 10h teorethical part + 20h/40h practical part. ASINARA’S NATURAL PARK (SARDINIA): The natural park of Asinara is in the Italian island of Asinara, close to Alghero, in the Sardinian island. http://www.sardegnaturismo.it/index.php?xsl=87&s=6210&v=2&c=3194&t=7 In 2002 it was declared a National Park (Parco Nazionale dell'Asinara) and it is a marine and a nature reserve, in fact the park's waters are considered an international whale sanctuary (http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5002) MORE ABOUT EDMAKTUB ASSOCIATION: The first fortnight of October the third campaign of the year will be done to study the Mediterranean Cetaceans (Balearic Sea area) for the project BCNCET 2010-2011. Volunteers are sought again for the field work on the catamaran! Write us for details to info(a)edmaktub.com (The volunteers that applied for this last campaign but could not get on board will be contacted first, thanks a lot for your interest!) Thank you! Edmaktub association www.edmaktub.com

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Two weeks until early bird registration deadline: introductory distance sampling workshop Tampa FL 3-6 December after marine mammal conference
by Eric Rexstad 17 Aug '11

17 Aug '11

Please remember the early registration deadline for the Tampa introductory distance sampling workshop is 1 September. Please complete your registration by that date so we know how many participants we will have (and so we can pay the venue deposit for the Marriott Tampa Westshore where the workshop will be held (immediately following the marine mammal conference). Please visit the workshop website (http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distance.workshops/floridaoverview.html) follow the Registration link at the top of the page to a) fill out a registration form in Word, b) follow link in the form to the St. Andrews storefront to pay your registration fee, c) complete a supplemental information sheet so we know your interests, and optionally d) follow a link to the hotel if you wish to register for guest rooms while attending the workshop. -- 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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