January 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Outer Banks Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-Identification Internship
by Jessica Weiss 14 Jan '12

14 Jan '12

Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Internship Position for 2012 The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research (OBXCDR)/Nags Head Dolphin Watch is currently accepting applications for the 2012 summer season. One internship position is available. The research season is May 14 – October 7. Successful applicants must be able to commit through the end of August. The Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of bottlenose dolphins in the Outer Banks, NC. Our program’s goal is to gain an understanding of the population size, movement patterns, and behavioral ecology of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the sounds and coastal waters near the Outer Banks. The OBXCDR currently conducts a photo-identification monitoring study of bottlenose dolphins in Roanoke, Croatan, Albemarle, Pamlico and Currituck Sounds. Data is collected via dedicated small boat surveys as well as opportunistically from a local dolphin watch. This study is a continuation of the long-term study initiated by the Nags Head Dolphin Watch in 1997. Information from the long-term monitoring study will provide a basis for initiation of studies involving habitat utilization, social associations, and anthropogenic effects on the dolphins. Interns will gain experience in field data collection, photo-identification of dolphins in the lab, and environmental education. For more information about the OBXCDR, please visit: obxdolphins.org. Our research program is also featured on Field Trip Earth under Outer Banks Dolphin Research at: www.fieldtripearth.org/ The internship position will consist of bottlenose dolphin photo-identification, opportunistic/dedicated field research, and environmental education. Responsibilities include: * Photo-identification of dolphins in the lab, including photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, and assisting in maintenance of long-term photo-id catalog using the MS Access database FinBase (40% of time) * Mate/naturalist duties aboard the Nags Head Dolphin Watch, including the implementation of educational programs regarding dolphin biology and marine conservation as well as additional mate duties. The mate/naturalist will also collect opportunistic photo-identification data aboard the dolphin tours (photographing dorsal fins, measuring environmental parameters, and recording sighting data on datasheet), organize opportunistic data for inclusion in the photo-identification catalog, and assist in general maintenance of field equipment. (60% of time) * Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys to examine seasonal abundances of bottlenose dolphins in Roanoke Sound. Responsibilities include operating small vessel during transect surveys and sightings, collecting environmental, location, and behavioral data for dolphin groups, and general maintenance of field equipment. (July, October) This internship requires a minimum commitment of 36 hours per week, consisting of ecotours and lab photo-identification. The intern will conduct mate/naturalist duties and opportunistic photo-identification aboard the Nags Head Dolphin Watch for 3-4 days per week throughout the field season while 1-2 days per week will be spent building the photo-identification catalog in the lab. Abundance surveys will be conducted during the months of July and September; 3 surveys will be conducted each month. The intern will participate in 1-2 surveys in July and 3 surveys in September. Salary: This internship is a paid position. Applicants will receive an hourly salary for performing ecotours on the dolphin watch. Housing: Although housing is not provided, we will assist you in finding housing accommodations in the Outer Banks. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Outer Banks as well as to and from the field site. The successful applicant would ideally have the following qualifications: * Minimum of 18 years of age and currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field * Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation * Ability to swim * Basic computer proficiency in MS Office Access and MS Office Picture Manager * Enthusiasm, attention to detail, responsible, and dedicated * Works well in a team environment as well as individually * Experience in marine field data collection * Experience in photo-identification and working on boats preferred but not required * First AID/CPR certification preferred but not required NOTE: The United States Coast Guard requires all passenger vessels to be drug free work environments. In order to work aboard the dolphin ecotours, the intern will be required to pass a pre-employment drug test and to participate in random drug testing during the period of the research season. Application Process: Please submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references via email to:obxcdr@hotmail.com Use “Dolphin photo-id internship” in the subject line of the email. All applications will be reviewed; those received by February 15th will be given priority. Jessica Taylor Principal Investigator/Scientific Advisor, Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research P.O. Box 7721 Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

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Limited time discount offer for book on Ecology and Conservation of Dugongs and Manatees
by Sobtzick, Susan 12 Jan '12

12 Jan '12

Dear MARMAM-subscribers, On behalf of the authors Helene Marsh, Thomas J. O’Shea and John E. Reynolds III, I would like to forward the following information about the publication of their new book entitled “Ecology and Conservation of the Sirenia: Dugongs and Manatees”, Cambridge University Press. For more information and a 20% discount, please go to www.cambridge.org/us/9780521888288<http://www.cambridge.org/us/9780521888288> and enter the discount code F1Marsh (offer expires 30 April 2012). Regards, Susan Sobtzick Susan Sobtzick SoB and SEES James Cook University Townsville, QLD 4811 Email: Susan.Sobtzick(a)jcu.edu.au<mailto:Susan.Sobtzick@jcu.edu.au><mailto:Susan.Sobtzick@jcu.edu.au> About the Book Dugongs and manatees, the only fully aquatic herbivorous mammals, live in the coastal waters, rivers and lakes of more than 80 subtropical and tropical countries. Symbols of fierce conservation battles, sirenian populations are threatened by multiple global problems. Providing comparative information on all four surviving species, this book synthesises the ecological and related knowledge pertinent to understanding the biology and conservation of the sirenia. It presents detailed scientific summaries, covering sirenian feeding biology; reproduction and population dynamics; behavioural ecology; habitat requirements and threats to their continued existence. Outlining the current conservation status of the sirenian taxa, this unique study will equip researchers and professionals with the scientific knowledge required to develop proactive, precautionary and achievable strategies to conserve dugongs and manatees. Supplementary material is available online at: www.cambridge.org/9780521888288<http://www.cambridge.org/9780521888288>. Key Features • A synopsis of the status and conservation needs of sirenia in more than 80 countries, offering detailed material for each species and status information for each country or region • Addresses human values, food security, poverty and other topics to equip researchers and professionals with the tools to develop successful strategies for conserving wildlife and habitat, in both developing and developed countries • Summarizes the ecological breadth and diversity of extinct sirenians and their likely origins, providing readers with a greater appreciation of the evolutionary uniqueness of the sirenia

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New publication on effects of Australia's largest dolphin-watching industry
by Andre Steckenreuter 12 Jan '12

12 Jan '12

Dear Marmamers, We are happy to announce the following publication: Steckenreuter, A., Möller, L., Harcourt, R. (2012). How does Australia’s largest dolphin-watching industry affect the behaviour of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins? Journal of Environmental Management 97: 14-21. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479711004002 AbstractThe small, genetically distinct population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops aduncus*) in Port Stephens, New South Wales (NSW), is the target of the largest dolphin-watching industry in Australia and is located within the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park that was created in 2005. The effects of this industry have been identified as of significant management importance by the Marine Parks Authority NSW. Accordingly, the impact of commercial dolphin-watching boats was investigated from boat-based surveys from August 2008 to August 2009. Presence of dolphin-watching boats altered both the dolphins’ behavioural states and activity budgets. Dolphins spent 66.5% less time feeding and 44.2% less time socialising, spent four times more milling, and were never observed to rest in the presence of dolphin-watching boats. Moreover, dolphin groups were more cohesive during dolphin-watching boat encounters and dolphins tended to avoid tour boats. These effects were exacerbated as the number of boats increased and the distance from boats decreased. The rate of approach was high with boats approaching each dolphin group three times per day in winter and six times in summer. Moreover, groups of dolphins with newborns were approached closer than state regulated minimum approach distances in nine out of ten encounters. Globally, dolphin-watching industries frequent small resident groups of coastal dolphins and effects are likely to be similar. We suggest that existing controls are inadequate and that these together with additional regulations be enforced by a regular presence of authorities. We suggest no more than one dolphin-watching boat within 50 m of a group of dolphins, or 100 m if calves are present. Operating times of dolphin-watching boats should be restricted in numbers after 1pm, i.e., during preferred foraging times for dolphins. Additionally, exclusion zones should be considered to reduce pressure on dolphins undertaking critical activities such as feeding and resting. We recommend monitoring the effectiveness of new regulations that are incorporated in the reviewed marine park management plan in 2012 for a period of three years. -- Regards, Andre Steckenreuter ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PhD Candidate Marine Mammal Research Group Graduate School of the Environment Macquarie University, 2109 NSW, Australia Ph: 0410862189 Email: andre.steckenreuter(a)mq.edu.au ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Volunteers needed in Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
by Katie H 12 Jan '12

12 Jan '12

Volunteers Needed in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand Wanted: Volunteers for March, April and May 2012 Enthusiastic and reliable volunteers are required to assist me in the field as I continue my study on marine mammal habitat use in Admiralty Bay, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. This project is being conducted through the University of Auckland and the Cawthron Institute of Nelson, New Zealand. This would benefit anyone who wants experience in working with boats, theodolites, photo-ID work and marine mammal observation. Ideally however, the volunteers will have had some experience in some of these areas already in addition to a background in marine biology. Duties will include assistance in the field for data collection, data entry and logistical support, and sharing of cooking and cleaning duties. The coming field season is from 1st March – 31st May 2012, and I currently require either 2 volunteers who can commit to the whole time (preferable), or a series of volunteers to cover this timeframe. Preference will be given to those who can commit to longer periods. For more information on the Admiralty Bay/French Pass area go to http://www.frenchpass.com/. Provided: Food and board in Admiralty Bay, Marlborough Sounds will be provided in exchange for your assistance. Please note that this is volunteer work and you will not be paid, but you will gain valuable work experience in the above areas. What you need to provide: Your own transport at least as far as Nelson, Picton or Blenheim, New Zealand. Your own clothes and field gear e.g. wet-weather gear, warm clothing, sturdy shoes. Reliable assistance and a positive attitude while enduring long hours in the field. Essential Skills: Volunteers must- -Be able to commit to a minimum period of 4 weeks on the project -Work well with others -Be able to live in close quarters with others in a small, isolated community -Be enthusiastic, hard-working, motivated and willing to work and learn -Be committed to working long hours for several days in a row -Possess good English language skills -Be safety conscious What’s involved: This project involves data collection both by boat and theodolite work. Boat trips will only be day-trips (not overnight) on a 5.1m stabicraft and involve working along transect lines recording the locations of any dolphin groups observed and taking photographs for identification of individuals and limited behaviour work. Theodolite data will be recorded from a hilltop near the shoreline, and will require spending the day on an exposed cliff top scanning the bay with binoculars for dolphin groups and recording data with the theodolite and laptop computer. Applications For more information on the project or to apply, please contact Katie Halliday via email at khal250(a)aucklanduni.ac.nz In your application please include a current CV with relevant experience stating whether you have experience in boat and/or theodolite work and details of your availability during the above time period. Thank you for your interest.

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Extension of Comment Period for NMFS Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean DEIS
by Candace Nachman 12 Jan '12

12 Jan '12

On December 22, 2011, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced the availability of the Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). That announcement noted that the official 45-day public comment period would begin on December 30, 2011, and close on February 13, 2012. Based on several requests to extend the comment period for the DEIS, NMFS is hereby providing notice that the public comment period on the DEIS has been extended by 15 days. The new end date for the public comment period is *Tuesday, February 28, 2012*. This email also provides updated information on the public meetings. A notice announcing the extension of the comment period and information on the DEIS public meetings will publish in the Federal Register on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. NMFS has also notified EPA about the extension of the comment period, and this will be announced by the EPA in the next available weekly notice of availability published by the EPA. The DEIS is available for download on the project website: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/eis/arctic.htm. Comments on the Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean DEIS will be accepted at public meetings and during the public comment period until February 28, 2012, and can be submitted using the methods listed here: - Email: arcticeis.comments(a)noaa.gov - Mail: Director, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 - Fax: (301) 713-0376 We request that you include your name and affiliation in your comments and background documents to support your comments as appropriate. *THE DEADLINE FOR PROVIDING COMMENTS IS FEBRUARY 28, 2012.* *Public Meetings:* Public meetings will be held from January 30 through February 9, 2012, in the communities of Barrow, Kaktovik, Kivalina, Kotzebue, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, Point Lay, and Wainwright. The exact dates, times, and locations for these eight meetings will be announced through local media. A public meeting will also be held in Anchorage, AK. This meeting will be held at the Loussac Public Library in the Wilda Marston Theater located at 3600 Denali Street, Anchorage, AK on Monday, February 13, 2012, from 12-2 pm. Thank you for your interest and participation in the Effects of Oil and Gas Activities in the Arctic Ocean DEIS. -- Candace Nachman Fishery Biologist National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources Permits and Conservation Division 1315 East West Highway, Rm 3503 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Ph: (301) 427-8429 Fax: (301) 713-0376 Web: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/

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new paper: Changes in humpback whale song in response to OAWRS
by Denise Risch 12 Jan '12

12 Jan '12

Dear list members, The paper below has just been published in PLoS ONE: Risch D, Corkeron PJ, Ellison WT, Van Parijs SM (2012) Changes in Humpback Whale Song Occurrence in Response to an Acoustic Source 200 km Away. PLoS ONE 7(1): e29741. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0029741 The effect of underwater anthropogenic sound on marine mammals is of increasing concern. Here we show that humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) song in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS) was reduced, concurrent with transmissions of an Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (OAWRS) experiment approximately 200 km away. We detected the OAWRS experiment in SBNMS during an 11 day period in autumn 2006. We compared the occurrence of song for 11 days before, during and after the experiment with song over the same 33 calendar days in two later years. Using a quasi-Poisson generalized linear model (GLM), we demonstrate a significant difference in the number of minutes with detected song between periods and years. The lack of humpback whale song during the OAWRS experiment was the most substantial signal in the data. Our findings demonstrate the greatest published distance over which anthropogenic sound has been shown to affect vocalizing baleen whales, and the first time that active acoustic fisheries technology has been shown to have this effect. The suitability of Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing technology for * in-situ*, long term monitoring of marine ecosystems should be considered, bearing in mind its possible effects on non-target species, in particular protected species. The paper can be downloaded from the journal website: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0029741 Sincerely, Denise ----- Denise Risch Protected Species Branch, NEFSC 166 Water St MA 02543, Woods Hole USA ph: +1 (508) 495 2136 fax: +1 (508) 495 2066 email:denise.risch@noaa.gov

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Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference IV
by Larkin,Iskande V 12 Jan '12

12 Jan '12

Hi All, I just wanted to send out another reminder of the Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference coming up April 24-27, 2012 in Sarasota, Florida. Abstracts are due Feb 1st. Further details can be found at: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/marinemammal/index.htm Early registration fees are in place through Feb 17th. For any further information, please contact Dr Roger Reep at reep(a)mbi.ufl.edu<mailto:reep@mbi.ufl.edu> Sincerely, Iske [Description: Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Research Assistant Professor & Education Coordinator Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 For packages 32608 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/extension/aquatic/

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Publication: Ecological characteristics contribute to sponge distribution and tool use in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops sp.
by Lars Bejder 11 Jan '12

11 Jan '12

Dear Marmam readers, The following paper has recently been published in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Tyne, J.A., Loneragan, N.R., Kopps, A.M., Allen, S.J., Krützen, M. and Bejder, L. 2012. Ecological characteristics contribute to sponge distribution and tool use in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops sp.. Marine Ecology Progress Series 444:143-153. ABSTRACT: In Shark Bay, Western Australia, bottlenose dolphins Tursiops sp. carry conical sponges Echinodictyum mesenterinum on their rostra in the only documented cetacean foraging behaviour using a tool ('sponging'). In this study, we examined the influence of various ecological factors on live sponge distribution and the occurrence of sponging in parts of the western gulf of Shark Bay. We assessed sponge distribution and seagrass cover along 12 transects of approximately 11 km length, by recording sponges and seagrass in a total of 1380 quadrats (1 × 1 m), of which 56 quadrats contained conical sponges. The occurrence of sponging dolphins ('spongers') was documented along 10 of these 12 transects. The distribution of conical sponges was negatively correlated with the distribution of seagrass: no conical sponges were observed in water depths of <10 m and no seagrasses were found at depths of >12 m. A digital elevation model, created from the sample depth data, identified channels in the region. Binary logistic and Poisson log linear generalised linear models showed that water depth and bathymetric features including channel, substrate and slope were significant in predicting the occurrence and the mean number of conical sponges, as well as that of seagrass. Conical sponge distribution was positively correlated with the distribution of sponging, indicating that ecological factors influence where sponging occurs. The greater number of spongers found in this region may be explained by the larger area of habitat suitable for conical sponges in the western than the eastern gulf of Shark Bay. The paper can be accessed via: www.mucru.org or via email requests to: Julian Tyne (j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au) or Lars Bejder (l.bejder(a)murdoch.edu.au) Best, Lars ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lars Bejder, PhD. Cetacean Research Unit Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystem Research Murdoch University South Street Murdoch WA 6150

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IMMS Animal Care Internship Summer 2012
by Kelly Pulis 11 Jan '12

11 Jan '12

IMMS (Institute for Marine Mammal Studies) Animal Care internship The IMMS Animal Care Internship Program is designed as a way for students/individuals interested in a career in animal care and training to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. Interns will primarily be trained in aspects of animal care, but will also participate in other activities at IMMS. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist interns in suggesting suitable housing and locations. Positions are limited. IMMS reserves the right to end an internship at any time. Eligibility Requirements Interns must be: . 18 years or older. . A recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences. . Willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position. . Able to commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. . Available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. . Able to lift 50 lbs, work long hours on your feet, and work outside in extreme conditions. . Able to maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. . Financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, though IMMS staff will do their best to assist you in making arrangements. . Able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations. Duties: The IMMS animal care staff is in charge of caring for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, parrots, and a small collection of reptiles and amphibians. Sea lions are expected soon. Interns will work directly with animal care staff and be exposed to all aspects of the daily routine. Heavy emphasis is placed on basic tasks such as food preparation, and daily cleaning and facility maintenance. Interns will learn how to train animals with operant conditioning through observation and may assist during sessions. Interns will also learn how to feed, care for, and interact with sea turtles and parrots. Enrichment is very important to the well-being of our animals and interns will be asked to design and implement an enrichment device for our dolphins and/or birds. Because we want interns to have a well rounded experience, they will also be asked to assist in other departments. Interns may participate as 1) environmental educators and assist in giving presentations to the public, 2) research assistants that help with our many wild dolphin based research studies, or 3) emergency responders as IMMS is part of the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network and responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. At completion of the season, interns will be asked to complete an exit evaluation. Please check the FAQ link, as it may answer other questions you may have. To Apply - Please visit our website at http://www.imms.org/internship.php#2 Kelly Pulis Marine Mammal Trainer Rescue and Rehab Specialist Institute for Marine Mammal Studies 10801 Dolphin Lane Gulfport, MS 39502 Website: www.IMMS.org

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Beneath the Waves Film Festival
by Erica Staaterman 11 Jan '12

11 Jan '12

Hello MARMAM: I am writing to inform you of an exciting opportunity. As one of the co-founders of the Beneath the Waves Film Festival, taking place in March, I'm soliciting submissions for short films. This festival is now in its third year, and is held in conjunction with the Benthic Ecology Meeting. Our goal is to encourage widespread science communication by inspiring people to tell stories of their science and conservation efforts. We accept submissions from professional filmmakers, students, and scientists, and the deadline for submissions is February 24, 2012. To learn more about the festival and the submission process, please see our website: http://www.beneaththewavesfilmfest.org/ I hope that you consider submitting a film! Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions and please spread the word. Best wishes, Erica Staaterman e.staaterman(a)gmail.com estaaterman(a)rsmas.miami.edu

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