August 2011 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

PhD vacancy combining physical oceanography and marine mammal biology
by Ben Wilson 12 Aug '11

12 Aug '11

Dear Marmamers PhD vacancy open "Combining Biology, Oceanography and Marine Technology to Predict Where Marine Mammals Struck by Tidal-Stream Energy Devices May Come Ashore". Supervisors: Dr Ben Wilson, Dr Andrew Dale, Dr Keith Jackson. Where: Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Scotland. www.smi.ac.uk Further details @ http://www.uhi.ac.uk/home/vacancies/research-studentships/ (Application details listed at end of page) Applicants with strong numerical skills particularly in physical oceanography / fluid dynamics are encouraged to apply. Stipend and fees paid for UK/EU students. Details on fees: http://www.uhi.ac.uk/home/fees-and-funding/fees/tuition-fees-for-research-d… Closing date for applications 19th August. Candidate to take up post this autumn (fall). Best Ben ________________________________________________________________ Dr Ben Wilson (Senior lecturer & Theme Leader: Renewables) Cetaceans and Renewables Group (CetRens) Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scottish Marine Institute, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, SCOTLAND Ph: +44 (0) 1631 559346 www.sams.ac.uk ________________________________________________________________ "The Stone Age didn't come to an end because we ran out of stones, we simply moved to better things". Alan Salzman on the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy supplies.

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new paper - modelling harbour porpoise seasonal density
by Anita Gilles 12 Aug '11

12 Aug '11

Dear list members, The paper below has just been published in Endangered Species Research - special theme section 'Beyond Marine Mammal Habitat Modeling: Applications For Ecology And Conservation'. Gilles A, Adler S, Kaschner K, Scheidat M, Siebert U (2011) Modelling harbour porpoise seasonal density as a function of the German Bight environment: implications for management. Endang Species Res 14:157-169 ABSTRACT: A classical user–environment conflict could arise between the recent expansion plans of offshore wind power in European waters and the protection of the harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena, an important top predator and indicator species in the North Sea. There is a growing demand for predictive models of porpoise distribution to assess the extent of potential conflicts and to support conservation and management plans. Here, we used a range of oceanographic parameters and generalised additive models to predict harbour porpoise density and to investigate seasonal shifts in porpoise distribution in relation to several static and dynamic predictors. Sightings were collected during dedicated line-transect aerial surveys conducted year-round between 2002 and 2005. Over the 4 yr, survey effort amounted to 38720 km, during which 3887 harbour porpoises were sighted. Porpoises aggregated in distinct hot spots within their seasonal range, but the importance of key habitat descriptors varied between seasons. Predictors explaining most of the variance were the hydrographical parameter ‘residual current’ and proxies for primary production and fronts (chlorophyll and nutrients) as well as the interaction ‘distance to coast/water depth’. Porpoises preferred areas with stronger currents and concentrated in areas where fronts are likely. Internal cross-validation indicated that all models were highly robust. In addition, we successfully externally validated our summer model using an independent data set, which allowed us to extrapolate our predictions to a more regional scale. Our models improve the understanding of determinants of harbour porpoise habitat in the North Sea as a whole and inform management frameworks to determine safe limits of anthropogenic impacts. The paper can be downloaded from the journal website: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v14/n2/p157-169/ best regards, Anita ****************************** Note: Change of affiliation! ****************************** Dr. Anita Gilles Institute of Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Werftstr. 6 25761 Büsum Germany Tel: +49 (0)4834-604105 Fax: +49 (0)4834-604199 email: Anita.Gilles(a)tiho-hannover.de http://www.uni-kiel.de/ftzwest/ag7/mitarb/agilles.shtml

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Only several weeks remaining to submit entry for the 2011 International Smart Gear Design Competition to Reduce Fisheries Bycatch
by Brian, Susanna 09 Aug '11

09 Aug '11

Only several weeks remaining to submit entry for the 2011 International Smart Gear Design Competition to Reduce Fisheries Bycatch Fisherman, Backyard Inventors and Students Encouraged to Submit Entries Only several weeks remain to submit entries to the 2011 International Smart Gear Competition<http://www.smartgear.org>. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fondation Segré, ISSF, and the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans are supporting the 2011 competition which rewards innovative ways to reduce the fisheries bycatch and is open to anyone from fisherman to backyard inventors and students until August 31, 2011. The 2011 International Smart Gear Competition is offering a grand prize of $30,000 and two $10,000 runner-up prizes. Additionally, in partnership with the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), the competition is offering a $7,500 special tuna prize that will be awarded to the idea that will reduce the amount of bycatch found in tuna fisheries. Tuna sustainability is the top WWF global fisheries conservation priority. Since its launch in 2004, the Smart Gear competition has grown more competitive with the winning entries gaining traction with many fisheries around the world. Flexi Grids, which won in 2006, are now mandatory in blue whiting fisheries in the Faroe Islands, and are used in an increasing number of countries all over the world. A winning idea from 2007, a net designed to reduce the bycatch of cod, "The Eliminator" is now being used by more than a dozen fishermen in the northeastern U.S. haddock fishery, as well as being adopted by the EU as a mandatory measure in cod bycatch reduction under certain conditions. Vessels throughout the U.K are also using a modified version of the net. The International Smart Gear Competition has demonstrated that conservation and industry can successfully work together to identify and eventually implement solutions to bycatch issues in different types of fisheries around the world. The competition is open until 31 August 2011. Employees, agents, current contractors, and relatives of employees of WWF are ineligible. Judges and relatives of judges are also ineligible. The competition is void where prohibited. Odds depend on number of entries received. No purchase is necessary. For more information, official competition rules and instructions on how to enter, visit www.smartgear.org<http://www.smartgear.org> Or Contact: International Smart Gear Competition c/o Mike Osmond World Wildlife Fund 171 Forest Ave Palo Alto, CA 94301 U.S.A. smartgear(a)smartgear.org<mailto:smartgear@smartgear.org> Posted by: Susanna Wingard Brian Fisheries Program Officer World Wildlife Fund 1250 24th Street, NW Washington, DC 20037-1193 Office: 202-495-4703 ext. 703 susanna.brian(a)wwfus.org<mailto:email@wwfus.org> worldwildlife.org<wwf.worldwildlfe.org>

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New Paper Announcement
by Dave Duffus 08 Aug '11

08 Aug '11

For those of you interested in baleen whale predator prey dynamics, or just the exciting story of mysids the following paper was recently published in Hydrobiologia, DOI 10.1007/s10750-011-0816-z Predatory disturbance and prey species diversity: the case of gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) foraging on a multi-species mysid (family Mysidae) community L. J. Feyrer & D. A. Duffus Whale Research Lab, Department of Geography, University of Victoria, PO 3060 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 3P5, Canada e-mail: laura.joan(a)gmail.com Abstract Why competitive exclusion does not limit the number of coexisting plankton species is a persistent question for community ecology. One explanation, the intermediate disturbance hypothesis (IDH), proposes that elevated species diversity is a product of moderate levels of disturbance that allow the subsequent invasion of less competitive species. Here, we assess the shifts in species diversity in a mysid (Mysidae Dana, 1850) zooplankton commu- nity, where at least 10 species have, over the last 15 years, have come to comprise the primary prey base of summer resident gray whales (Eschrictius robustus Lilljeborg, 1861) in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia. We evaluate trends in the commu- nity structure of mysids (species dominance, diver- sity, and richness) across mysid habitat in the study area during the gray whale foraging season (May September) for the period 1996 and 2008. Mysid species composition varies among years and diversity has increased as whales shifted their predatory focus from benthic amphipods (Ampeliscidae Costa, 1857) to mysids, near our starting point in 1996. Holme- simysis sculpta Tattersall, 1933 was the dominant species in early years; however, in 2007, the dom- inance shifted to Neomysis rayi Murdoch, 1885. The habitat restrictions and life history attributes of local populations of coastal mysids leave them vulnerable to the cumulative impacts of increased predation pressure by gray whales. This case study presents a unique examination implicating predation as an agent of disturbance capable of altering the species struc- ture of a local prey community. For another month or so Laura is out of email range on mat leave, and Dave is in the field far enough away so that there is no internet connection, so if you cant access the journal, one of us will respond to requests toward the end of the month

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Volunteer needed for the Shark Bay Dolphin Project 2011
by Vivienne Foroughirad 08 Aug '11

08 Aug '11

We are seeking a field assistant for The Shark Bay Dolphin Project in Shark Bay, Western Australia for the 2011 field season. You can find out more about the project at our website, http://www.monkeymiadolphins.org/. The upcoming season will begin September 1, 2011 and will last through December 20, 2011. We are only interested in an assistant that can stay for the entire season. The volunteer is responsible for their own transportation to Perth, WA, but we can provide transportation from Perth to the field site if arrival times are coordinated. Food and lodging at the field site will also be provided. The volunteer's duties will include helping collect survey and focal data from a 5.5m vessel, and data entry during inclement weather. The volunteer should be proficient in Microsoft Excel and able to bring your own laptop to the field. We prefer assistants who have prior field experience, especially from small boats. The volunteer must also be easy-going and sociable as they will be expected to work and live as part of a team of 4-5 people with shared cooking and cleaning duties. As meals are communal, fussy eaters are discouraged from applying (vegetarians are fine). Applicants should send a letter of interest, CV, and email contacts for two references to infommdolphin(a)gmail.com. -- Vivienne Foroughirad Research Associate Shark Bay Dolphin Project Georgetown University (202) 251-5109

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Mote Marine Lab Job Posting
by Gretchen Lovewell 08 Aug '11

08 Aug '11

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY CENTER FOR MARINE MAMMAL AND SEA TURTLE RESEARCH Ruth DeLynn Cetacean Osteological Collection MUSEUM CURATOR/STAFF SCIENTIST Qualifications The prospective candidate will have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in evolutionary biology, anatomy, or a closely related field. (e.g., D.Sc., D.V.M., D.Eng., and M.D), or lesser degree, with significant experience (at least five [5] years beyond Master's degree, or at least eight [8] years beyond Bachelor's degree in the field of specialty), including demonstration of success in peer-reviewed scientific publication and extramural funding procurement. The individual will: (a) be familiar with procedures for the proper and meticulous archival of skeletal and soft tissues of cetaceans to promote a range of scientific studies, and (b) demonstrate a high level of professional productivity and an ability to work well as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. General Duties and Responsibilities The Ruth DeLynn Cetacean Osteological Collection holds specimens from approximately 650 individuals representing 17 species. According to an accreditation team from the Committee on Systematic Collections of the American Society of Mammalogists: "The collection of mammals at the Mote Marine Laboratory is the best organized and cared for any of us have ever seen." Part of the value of the collection relates to its integration with a multi-decade long study (through Dr. Randall Wells and Chicago Zooligical Society) of free-ranging dolphins in the Sarasota Bay area. Thus, for many specimens in the DeLynn Collection, a unique, long term record of their life history attributes and other data exists. As a Staff Scientist at Mote Marine Laboratory, the individual will establish and be a catalyst for the expansion of a vigorous research program, in addition to performing the curatorial duties that form the foundation of the job and the collection. Incumbent is expected to achieve a significant, sustained level of extramural support. Consistent with these observations, we seek a full-time curator to maintain the standards that have produced the outstanding osteological collection created by Ruth DeLynn. The curator will also expand the collection to include soft tissue archives and to further the program with targeted research and new collaborations. Mote Marine Laboratory and Ruth DeLynn have the following vision for the DeLynn Collection: They want it to become * ? one of the most heavily used museum collections for small cetaceans in the United States; * ? a focal point of regional, national, and even global comparative studies; * ? a training center for interested undergraduate and graduate students; * ? a resource from which numerous and important publications will flow; and * ? a place where the public and professionals can perceive what a facility such as this does to enhance conservation and science. The successful candidate will help to make this vision a reality. His or her primary duties will center around maintaining and expanding the collection in a manner consistent with the highest standards for hard and soft tissue archival. The successful candidate must be able to work well independently as well as part of a team, and have a clear and well communicated vision regarding the collection and how it is to be used to further science and conservation. In that regard, the individual who is hired will be expected to facilitate and catalyze professional partnerships and collaborations to take advantage of the collection, leading to peer-reviewed publications. He or she will have a strong publication record, continue to produce publications (including those with non-Mote and Mote-based collaborators who use the collection), and acquireextramural funds via competitive grants or contracts. Although the primary of foci of the successful candidate will be meticulous archival, good science, and team building, he or she should also be comfortable interacting with the general public as well as peers. Supervisor: Center Director, Dr. John Reynolds III Salary Range/Benefits$40,000-$50,000/yr, with full fringe benefits which include vacation and sick time, paid holidays and health insurance. Application: The Search Committee will accept applications until the position is filled; however, MML will start to review applications as soon as 30August2011, and may make a decision shortly thereafter, depending on the applicant pool at that time. Applications should include a letter stating their professional goals, curriculum vitae and contact information for three references. Please submit application materials to Deanna Bebak, Human Resources Manager electronically at HumanResources(a)mote.org or Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE. Mote Marine Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. -- Gretchen Lovewell Program Manager Stranding Investigations Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34236 Office: 941-388-4441 ex 239 Cell: 941-374-3425 Pager: 941-988-0212 Fax: 941-388-4317 We are an independent, nonprofit, marine and estuarine research and education facility. Opinions expressed here are not MML policy unless so indicated.

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FW: Job Vacancy - Underwater Noise Specialist
by Daniel Wood (Cefas) 08 Aug '11

08 Aug '11

Dear MarMam, Cefas has a vacancy for a senior underwater noise specialist. It would suit someone with a MarMam background and a solid understanding of underwater sound. I would be very grateful if could send it round on the MarMam mailing list. The job description is pasted below. Interested applicants should apply online at http://www.cefas.jobs/ Many thanks, Dan Wood JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Underwater Sound / Noise Specialist REF: 22-11 PAY BAND: PB7 CONTRACT: 2 year FTA with possibility to extend SALARY: PB7: £40,831 - £50,882 HOURS: 37 LOCATION: Lowestoft ANNUAL LEAVE: 25 days, 30 days after 5 years service PURPOSE OF JOB Cefas has an immediate need for a senior Underwater Sound specialist to lead and develop our work within this field. Cefas provides impartial scientific research and advice on the impacts of underwater noise to government and industry and our work in underwater noise is carried out both within the UK and overseas and includes: * Research on the impacts of construction noise on the behaviour of fish and other marine organisms * An extensive review on the impacts of underwater noise from the oil & gas industry on marine mammals, * Advice to regulators on offshore constructions and international advice to groups such as OSPAR. Of particular note is the current research project to address how the UK can monitor ambient noise and maintain Good Environmental Status. This is a key project and forms part of the UK's implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. For further information please see the project summary: http://sciencesearch.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx?Document=ME5210_9809_TPS.pdf For further information on Cefas and underwater noise see our underwater noise webpage: http://www.cefas.defra.gov.uk/our-science/assessing-human-impacts/underwate… MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and developing the scientific aspects of underwater water noise related work within Cefas in a mixture of discreet and multidisciplinary projects. You will be responsible for working with colleagues within Cefas and external partners to deliver existing projects, develop new opportunities, to liaise with existing and potential new clients, plan and execute all aspects of projects as well as the presentation of results and communication with clients. It will also require the successful candidate to provide advice on the potential impacts of underwater noise on marine life to government, regulators and industry. In addition delivery and proposal development, the role requires proactive mentoring for developing scientists together with a need to publish in peer-reviewed journals. The position is based in Lowestoft but extensive travel within the UK and overseas is expected. QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS Academic qualifications required for direct entry to this Cefas Pay Band 7 post are a minimum of a higher degree and substantial relevant work experience. This requirement can be waived for internal candidates who are able to demonstrate an equivalent level of knowledge and experience. It is essential that candidates meet the following criteria: 1. Proven experience in leading R&D or scientific advice in underwater acoustics and quality assure the work of others 2. A track record in the successful development of new business 3. Proven ability to analyse, interpret and quality assure acoustical data 4. Ability to relate impacts of underwater noise to marine life 5. Excellent communication skills (written and oral) 6. Proven track record of report writing and scientific papers 7. Ability to work within a team - both within Cefas and with external partners 8. Ability to work to and meet client deadlines. It is preferable (but not essential) that candidates also meet the following criteria: 9. Knowledge of one or more of the following human activities in respect to underwater noise - offshore renewables, marine aggregate extraction, oil & gas survey work, sonar, shipping. 10. Marine mammal / fish experience. 11. Practical experience of deploying acoustic devices at sea. 12. Experience of working within the private sector. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For an informal discussion about the post please contact david.carlin(a)cefas.co.uk or 01502 524354. To apply for the position please go to http://www.cefas.jobs/ and complete the online application form. This post will be at Cefas Pay Band 7 and fall in a salary range of £40,831 to £50,882 pa. In addition there is the opportunity for all staff to earn a performance related bonus. The salary is paid monthly by credit transfer. The level offered will depend on the candidates experience and track record. If you are already an established civil servant you can obtain further information from your Personnel Division about rules which may provide a more favourable starting salary than is allowed for under the previous paragraph. Other rules will apply if you are serving a fixed term appointment. Part-time working and job share applicants are also welcome. Should you be appointed Cefas will carry out pre-employment enquiries that may include a Criminal Disclosure check. The Agency's recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners' Principles which can be found at www.civilservicecommissioners.org. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Code and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact HR Services, Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 OHT in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Agency, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Principles. Please note that all Defra surplus will be given priority shortlisting. Please can you state clearly on the application form. Closing date for applications is: 2/09/2011 Interview date for applications is: 12/10/2011 ________________________________ Daniel Wood MSc. CSci, CMarSci, IMarEst Team Leader - Marine Management Science Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0HT Tel: +44 (0)1502 524337 Mob: +44 (0)7718 911778 www.cefas.defra.gov.uk From: Daniel Wood (Cefas) Sent: 04 August 2011 17:15 To: 'marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca' Subject: Job Vacancy - Underwater Noise Specialist Importance: High Dear MarMam, Cefas has a vacancy for a senior underwater noise specialist. It would suit someone with a MarMam background and a solid understanding of underwater sound. I would be very grateful if could send it round on the MarMam mailing list. The job description is attached. Interested applicants should apply online at http://www.cefas.jobs/ Many thanks, Dan Wood ________________________________ Daniel Wood MSc. CSci, CMarSci, IMarEst Team Leader - Marine Management Science Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0HT Tel: +44 (0)1502 524337 Mob: +44 (0)7718 911778 www.cefas.defra.gov.uk ________________________________ Daniel Wood MSc. CSci, CMarSci, IMarEst Team Leader - Marine Management Science Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0HT Tel: +44 (0)1502 524337 Mob: +44 (0)7718 911778 www.cefas.defra.gov.uk ________________________________ Daniel Wood MSc. CSci, CMarSci, IMarEst Team Leader - Marine Management Science Cefas, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0HT Tel: +44 (0)1502 524337 Mob: +44 (0)7718 911778 www.cefas.defra.gov.uk This email and any attachments are intended for the named recipient only. Its unauthorised use, distribution, disclosure, storage or copying is not permitted. If you have received it in error, please destroy all copies and notify the sender. In messages of a non-business nature, the views and opinions expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of Cefas. Communications on Cefas’ computer systems may be monitored and/or recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes.

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new publication on common dolphins, overfishing and fisheries management in the Mediterranean Sea
by Chiara Piroddi 05 Aug '11

05 Aug '11

Dear Marmam colleagues, The following paper has been published on Biological Conservation: >From common to rare: The case of the Mediterranean common dolphin Chiara Piroddi, Giovanni Bearzi, Joan Gonzalvo and Villy Christensen Abstract Although overfishing has been recognized as responsible for the decline of major fish stocks, it has been less easy to demonstrate its indirect and detrimental effects on marine mammals, particularly dolphins. Competition with fisheries for the same food resources has been hypothesized to have led to the decline of several species of dolphins, including the endangered Mediterranean short-beaked common dolphin. Based on an ecosystem model for the Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago, a former hotspot for common dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea, we investigated the effect of increasing fishing effort on common dolphins, its prey and on marine biodiversity and we evaluated the outcomes of different fisheries closures (1 – closure of the purse seine fishery, 2 – closure of purse seine, trawl and beach seine fisheries, 3 – entire area closed to fisheries) ran between the years 2011 and 2030. Our results showed that local fisheries have negatively impacted the marine biodiversity of the ecosystem causing sharp declines of common dolphins and major fish stocks and weakening the robustness of the marine food web. The implementation of fisheries closures would gradually recover fish stocks, while common dolphins would increase more pronouncedly only if the study area was to be closed to all fisheries. As shown in this study, common dolphins have reflected ecosystem changes and degradation over time. Ensuring the survival of dolphin populations is thereby essential to enhance marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable fishing. PDF copy can be downloaded from the journal website: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320711002564 or you can request a copy by emailing me at: c.piroddi(a)fisheries.ubc.ca Best Regards, Chiara

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New paper on Guiana dolphin feeding behavior
by Rodrigo Tardin 04 Aug '11

04 Aug '11

Dear MARMAM, the following paper has been published on ZOOLOGIA and can be downloaded from the following web page: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_issuetoc&pid=1984-467020110003&l… or you can contact me for a pdf copy. Sincerely, Rodrigo Tardin Rodrigo H. O. Tardin; Mariana A. Especie; Mariana F. Nery; Felipe T. D’Azeredo & Sheila M. Simão. Coordinated feeding tactics of the Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis (Cetacea: Delphinidae), in Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Zoologia (Curitiba, Impr.) [online]. 2011, vol.28, n.3, pp. 291-296. ISSN 1984-4670. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1984-46702011000300002. Differences in distribution, prey species, season and social learning opportunities influence the feeding tactics used by marine mammals. Here, we analyze the coordinated feeding behavior of the Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis (Van Bénéden, 1864, Delphinidae) and its relation to seasonality and the presence of calves. In a total of 201 feeding bouts, we observed four types of coordinated feeding tactics, which differed in frequency and in mean number of engaged individuals. Tactics in which dolphins used their bodies to herd and capture prey were the most frequent, presenting a higher frequency and engaging a higher number of individuals, suggesting that these tactics are better for capturing fishes which form larger schools. Furthermore, the seasons influenced the feeding behavior used by dolphins. During spring-summer, a longer duration of bouts and a larger number of individuals engaged in the feeding tactics was observed, which may be related to the seasonal spawning of larger schooling fish, such as Sardinella brasiliensis (Steindachner, 1879). Calves were present in 95% of all coordinated feeding tactic occurrences. This study indicates a complete preference of dolphins for coordinating their actions to capture prey and for the first time reports the presence of calves in the coordinated tactics and jumps. This broadens the current knowledge of the Guiana dolphin feeding tactics. -- Rodrigo Tardin Doutorando em Ecologia e Conservação - IBRAG - UERJ Mestre em Biologia Animal - PPGBA - UFRRJ Especialista em Docência do Ensino Superior - IAVM Laboratório de Bioacústica e Ecologia de Cetáceos - UFRRJ/ IF/ DCA

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Launch of whale watching review system provides new open data source
by Dylan Walker 04 Aug '11

04 Aug '11

The team at Planet Whale are proud to announce that after six months of valuable discussions with our partners in the scientific community, we have now launched the very first ethical review and rating system for the world's whale and dolphin watch operators at: http://www.planetwhale.com/browse Finally, and for the first time, we have developed a system that will provide data to whale and dolphin watch operators on issues surrounding the sustainability of their trips. Our simple 5 question rating and review system can be completed in less than a minute, yet it provides us with a vital first step in encouraging the world's whale and dolphin watch operators to raise their standards, incentivised by the opportunity to benefit from improved promotional and publicity opportunities if they are reviewed positively. Our model is simple. Customers review trips based on five ethical questions that provide important feedback to whale and dolphin watch operators, identifying areas where they are doing well and areas where there may be room for improvement. Planet Whale and its partners will continue to work with all operators by providing advice and linking operators of varying experience to the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the ethical review system will be reviewed at a forthcoming workshop to be held on 4th November in partnership with WSPA (details to be announced shortly). We would like to extend a warm thanks to our Founder Partners: OceanCare, Dolphin-Care Africa, Sea Life Surveys, Whale and Dolphin Watch Australia, and Whale Watch West Cork for their ideas and efforts in building the review system. Thanks must also go to the many volunteers who assisted us and those experts in both the scientific, charitable and commercial sectors of whale watching / conservation who gave of their advice. With the rating system in place, the next task is to encourage as many people to record data on whale watching trips as possible through the review system. For that we welcome your continued help and support. To review a trip, simply register or sign in to www.planetwhale.com, then find your trip using our search engine at: http://www.planetwhale.com/browse For more information on the review system, including tips on posting a review, visit: http://www.planetwhale.com/reviews Regards, Dylan Walker & Ian Rowlands ______________________ Co-Founders dylan(a)planetwhale.com www.planetwhale.com Office: +44 (0)1273 355011 Planet Whale, 2a Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2FL, UK

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