October 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Publication on specificity of QFASA calibration coefficients
by David Rosen 30 Oct '12

30 Oct '12

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in the journal MEPS. Effect of phylogeny and prey type on fatty acid calibration coefficients in three species of pinnipeds – implications for the QFASA dietary quantification technique David A.S. Rosen and Dominic J. Tollit Marine Ecology Progress Series 467, 263-276. doi:10.3354/meps09934 Abstract Quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA) has been proposed as a technique for determining the long-term diet of animals. The method compares the fatty acid (FA) profiles of predators and potential prey items to estimate relative prey intake. We tested the assumptions of a key step in QFASA, the correction of predator FA signatures for metabolic processes through sets of calibration coefficients (CCs). We conducted long-term controlled feeding studies with captive Steller sea lions consuming herring and eulachon and northern fur seals consuming herring. We compared the results with data from harbour seals eating herring to evaluate the effects of phylogeny and prey type on individual CCs. Even within the limited extended dietary FA subset recommended for use by other researchers, we found that at least 41% of the CCs differed by family (otariid vs. phocid seals) and 58% differed by predator species (sea lion vs. fur seal), suggesting that CCs may be highly species-specific. We also found that 64% of the CCs differed by prey type (sea lions consuming herring vs. eulachon), which raises some fundamental implementation issues. We also found significant differences in diet predictions when the herring- and eulachon-derived sets of CCs were applied to an actual multi-species diet. CCs are presently used as a simple mathematical attempt to describe potentially complex biochemistry. The results of this study raise questions regarding the validity of using CCs derived from an alternative predator species, and highlight some fundamental issues regarding QFASA methodology that need to be addressed through further controlled studies.

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Bottlenose dolphin research volunteer opportunity 2013, Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, UK
by CBMWC 30 Oct '12

30 Oct '12

Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre New Quay Wales <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org Bottlenose dolphin research volunteers Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) is recruiting volunteers for the 2013 season (March to November) to collect data on the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay and to help run our visitor centre and educational activities. About CBMWC The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is a non-profit organisation based in New Quay, west Wales, UK and since 1996 has been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through education and research. Through boat-based and land-based surveys we monitor bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations, with a focus on the photo-identification of the semi-resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Position description Volunteers are required for specific periods from 20th March through to 5th November 2013 to help with our ongoing research, education and awareness-raising programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. CBMWC is almost entirely run by volunteers, so if you are successful in your application, you will be an integral part of our team. Volunteering at CBMWC is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and meet new people who share your interests. You will learn about the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay, gain experience in field work, research methods, data processing, public awareness and education programmes. The data you collect will contribute to long running research studies on bottlenose dolphin site usage, abundance, photo-identification and acoustic studies. Responsibilities/duties will include (but are not limited to): * Visitor centre operation, including dealing with enquiries and taking boat bookings * Land-based surveys in conjunction with Ceredigion County Council * Boat-based surveys* * Educational activities with children and the general public * Data entry and checking * Updating sightings information * Beach cleans * Please note that boat surveys are weather dependent and volunteers take turns to join trips to act as onboard researcher. During times of bad weather, you will spend more time doing data entry and visitor centre work. You will be expected to work up to 8 hours a days, six days a week. Field work can involve long periods outdoors, in often inclement weather. All volunteers are expected to contribute to all CBMWC activities, tasks and field work and to attend all training sessions provided. As such, if you are only looking to gain field experience, this is not the opportunity for you. Essential skills * An interest in wildlife and conservation * Positive, reliable, conscientious and mature attitude * Ability to work as part of a small team * Strong work ethic with an ability to work unsupervised * Adaptable and patient (particularly as boat work is weather dependent) * Confident in dealing with the public both face to face and over the telephone * Fluency in English * Willing to ask for help if unsure and admit mistakes Desirable skills * Interest and/or experience of working with children in environmental education * Research and surveying experience * IT, photography/videography (own equipment required), design and fundraising skills are useful but not essential Please note that enthusiasm for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since full training is provided. Student projects We welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students who need field work (including boat) support and office space to conduct their research projects. Dedicated boat time can be made available. Please note that we do not have a list of specific project ideas but if you have a project idea in mind, please contact us to discuss whether your ideas are feasible. Time commitment Volunteers are needed from 20th March until 5th November 2013 for five separate blocks ranging from 4 to 9 weeks. Volunteers must be able to commit to an entire block and priority will be given to volunteers who are able to commit to more than one block. Applications are encouraged from volunteers who would like to join the team for the majority of (or entire) season and would like gain additional experience in photo-ID, volunteer training and coordination. Volunteers living locally who are available on a part-time basis are welcome year round and are greatly appreciated. Volunteering dates 2013 * Block A: 20th March to 16th April (4 weeks) * Block B: 17th April to 14th May (4 weeks) * Block C: 15th May to 9th July (8 weeks) * Block D: 10th July to 10th September (9 weeks) * Block E: 11th September to 5th November (8 weeks) Volunteer fee An administration fee of £35 will be required from all successful applicants. Accommodation and expense arrangements Shared accommodation in a comfortable and fully equipped house will be arranged for successful volunteers (where required) at a cost of £55 per week, including fuel bills. Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. How to apply Download an application form from our website www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/, complete it and email it to volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with Volunteer application 2013 in your subject line. Please make sure you fill in your availability. Electronic applications are preferred but applications can be posted to the address below. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 1st February 2013 Postal address: FAO: Laura Mears Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS Wales For further information Visit www.cbmwc.org/ If you have any questions please email volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Laura on +44 (0)1545 560224. __________________________________________________________________ Support our research - adopt a Cardigan Bay dolphin with the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Raise money for CBMWC with each internet search you do - it doesn't cost you a penny http://sites.affilyon.co.uk/cbmwc Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS Wales, UK Ffon/Phone: 01545 560224 E-bost/E-mail: <mailto:info@cbmwc.org> info(a)cbmwc.org Website: <http://www.cbmwc.org> www.cbmwc.org For all the latest news and sightings information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter or become a fan of our Facebook page www.cbmwc.org http://twitter.com/CBMWC http://facebook.com/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is supported by the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group, a marine interest group of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Helping to conserve Cardigan Bay's marine wildlife through education, interpretation and research Helpu i warchod bywyd gwyllt morol Bae Ceredigion drwy addysg ac ymchwil __________________________________________________________________ The contents of this email are confidential and are solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this email in error please delete it and notify us either by email or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the contents of this email.

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New publication
by Simon Allen 30 Oct '12

30 Oct '12

G’day MarMamers, We’re very pleased to announce the online publication of the following paper in Marine Mammal Science: Jaiteh VF, Allen SJ, Meeuwig JJ & Loneragan NR 2012. Subsurface behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) interacting with fish trawl nets in north-western Australia. Marine Mammal Science DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2012.00620.x Abstract Most studies of delphinid-trawler interactions have documented the surface behavior of dolphins feeding on discarded bycatch, but not their subsurface behavior around demersal trawl gear. Using video cameras mounted inside trawl nets, we recorded the subsurface behavior of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in a demersal fish trawl fishery in northwestern Australia. Footage from 36 trawls across the fishery was analyzed to determine the extent of dolphin-gear interactions and the behavior of dolphins inside the nets. Interaction rates were high, with dolphins present inside and outside the nets during 29 and 34 trawls, respectively, and for up to 99% of the trawl duration. The proportion of foraging behaviors exhibited inside the nets was higher than the proportions of traveling and socializing behaviors. Twenty-nine individuals were identified inside the net, seven of which returned repeatedly within and between trawls and fishing trips, but were observed primarily in the same localized areas in which they were first recorded. Our results suggest that entering trawl nets may be a frequently occurring, yet specialized behavior exhibited by a small subset of trawler-associated dolphins. We propose that gear modifications, not spatial or temporal adjustments to fishing effort, have the greatest potential to reduce dolphin bycatch. Key words: bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, underwater video observation, protected species, bycatch reduction. If you’d like a copy of the PDF, please email Vanessa (vanessa.jaiteh(a)hotmail.com) or me (s.allen(a)murdoch.edu.au) Kind regards, Simon and Vanessa Simon Allen, Research Fellow Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Research School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Murdoch University 90 South St, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150 ( (61-8) 9360 2823 Ê (61-8) 9360 6303 À (61-0) 416 083 653 * s.allen(a)murdoch.edu.au ý http://mucru.org/group-members/simon-allen/ <http://www.mucru.org/> <http://www.facebook.com/MUCRU>

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New publication: Persistent organic pollutants in the Hawaiian monk seal
by Jessica Lopez 29 Oct '12

29 Oct '12

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin. *Persistent organic pollutants in the endangered Hawaiian monk seal ( Monachus schauinslandi) from the main Hawaiian Islands* Jessica Lopez, Daryle Boyd, Gina M. Ylitalo, Charles Littnan, Ronald Pearce Marine Pollution Bulletin 64 (2012) 2588–2598 Abstract Little is known about levels or effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Hawaiian monk seals (HMS) from the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) subpopulation. This study examined concentrations of a large suite of POPs in blubber and serum of juvenile and adult HMS from the MHI. Adult females have the lowest blubber levels of most POPs, whereas adult males have highest levels. POPs in serum were signiﬁcantly different in adult males compared with adult females for chlordanes and summed dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs). Lipid-normalized concentrations of chlordanes, DDTs, polychlorinated biphenyls, and mirex in paired blubber and serum samples were signiﬁcantly correlated. Contaminant levels from the MHI were at similar or lower levels than those from remote Northwestern Hawaiian Island populations. Determining initial ranges of POPs is an important step towards assessing one of the many potential health threats to this critically endangered species. Keywords Hawaiian monk seal, *Monachus schauinslandi, *Persistent organic pollutants, Endangered species, Hawaii, Contaminants Limited access to the article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.07.012 Please contact Jessica Lopez (Jessica.Lopez(a)noaa.gov) for a pdf copy. Sincerely, Jessica Lopez -- Field Research Supervisor NOAA, NMFS, JIMAR Hawaiian monk seal research program office - 808-690-9643 cell - 808-226-1969

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New publication on distribution of beluga whales in the Russian Arctic Seas
by Boris Solovyev 28 Oct '12

28 Oct '12

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Announcement: 41st Annual Symposium of the EAAM (March 2013, in Nurnberg, Germany)
by Élio Vicente 27 Oct '12

27 Oct '12

Dear Members, We are pleased to make the first annoncement for the 41st EAAM Symposium taking place in Germany in 2013. Zoo Nuremberg (http://www.tiergarten.nuernberg.de/) is hosting the 41st Annual Symposium from the 15th to the 18th of March 2013. The Conference Hotel will be the HILTON Nuremberg (http://www.hilton.de/nuernberg) located only a few kilometres from the Zoo and the city centre. The main topics of this conference will be: Polar Bears, Life Support Systems and Animal Welfare. Furthermore on Monday afternoon three different Workshops are planned: Animal Welfare, Life Support Systems and Animal Presentations in the course of time. The preliminary programme is as follows: - Friday, 15th - Icebreaker at the HILTON Hotel - Saturday, 16th - Oral presentations in the morning, lunch at the Hotel, in the afternoon guided tours at the Zoo, in the evening there will be the possibility to have a typical Franconian Sausage Dinner ("Bratwurstessen") in the city centre - Sunday, 17th - Oral presentations and Poster session during the day, in the evening annual dinner at the "Blauen Salon" Zoo Nuremberg - Monday, 18th - Oral presentations in the morning, lunch at the Hotel, in the afternoon Workshops at the Zoo Further information on the symposium, registration forms, call for papers and fees will be available online http://www.eaam.org soon. We hope to see you all in Nuremberg to share scientific knowledge and fascinating moments! Best regards, Ann-Louise M. Jensen Information Committee, European Association for Aquatic Mammals

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Ocean Policy Internship - Marine Conservation Institute
by Emily Douce 26 Oct '12

26 Oct '12

Ocean Policy Internship �C Marine Conservation Institute Marine Conservation Institute is a non-profit scientific and conservation advocacy organization that works to promote the protection and restoration of the Earth��s biological diversity. From our headquarters in Bellevue WA and our Washington DC and California offices, we work to protect marine life around the United States and beyond by encouraging research and training in marine conservation biology, bringing scientists together to examine crucial marine conservation issues, conducting policy research to frame the marine conservation agenda, leading outreach efforts to educate scientists, the public, and decision makers on key issues, and building partnerships to solve problems affecting marine life and people. Internship Program Marine Conservation Institute��s internship program provides motivated and academically-promising students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real�\world arena. During their internship, students work closely with science and policy staff on cutting edge issues in marine conservation biology and ocean policy. Most of the internship opportunities are geared towards graduate students or students who have recently completed graduate degrees, although we have on occasion developed opportunities for undergraduates to work on pressing marine conservation issues. For internship positions, we seek individuals with excellent communication skills, substantive knowledge or professional experience in marine or environmental science or policy, and who share our commitment to the preservation of marine life and biological diversity. We also prefer candidates who have a demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal direct supervision. Working out of our DC office, policy interns have the opportunity to work closely with our policy staff to gain important skills in conservation advocacy. Previous policy interns have had the opportunity to assist with establishing National Monuments and our National Marine Sanctuaries Reauthorization efforts. Policy interns have described their internship experience as being important for learning about lobbying and the legislative process and for understanding more about packaging science for Federal decision makers. These internships coincide with the academic calendar. Duties Internship activities include: �� Conducting research on US marine policy �� Setting lobbying appointments with congressional staffers �� Accompanying Marine Conservation Institute staff on visits to the Hill/agencies and keeping records of visits �� Staying abreast of and briefing staff on marine conservation news �� Preparing educational materials and fact sheets �� Providing administrative support (answer phones, file, purchase office supplies, open & distribute mail, computer troubleshoot, etc.). This constitutes approximately 20% of the intern��s time. Compensation We would prefer to hire a full-time intern (40 hours/week), but will consider bringing on a part-time intern (20 hours/week). Internships are on a volunteer basis. No benefits or relocation costs are provided, except standard holidays falling during the internship term. We are willing to work with interns and their universities to obtain academic credit for internship work. Opportunities for independent research in marine conservation should be discussed at the time of interview. Period of Internship End of December �C May 2013 Application Process To apply to the internship, please send the following material via e-mail to internships(a)marine-conservation.org<mailto:internships@marine-conservation.org>. Applications due November 16th. Please reference the internship title and your name in the subject line: 1. A cover letter detailing your interests, relevant experience, goals and availability; 2. A r��sum��; 3. A writing sample (1-2 pages); 4. A course list detailing applicable coursework experience; 5. And a list of 3 references. Please no calls. Marine Conservation Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Emily Douce, Conservation Advocate Marine Conservation Institute 122 C Street NW, Suite 240 Washington DC 20001 USA +1 202 546 5346 Emily.Douce(a)Marine-Conservation.org<mailto:Emily.Douce@Marine-Conservation.org> www.Marine-Conservation.org<http://www.marine-conservation.org/> Saving wild ocean places, for us and future generations

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info request [hydrophone & recording equipment]
by suleman mazhar 26 Oct '12

26 Oct '12

Dear List, I hope my email finds you in the best of activities. 1. I am working on a project for dolphin conservation and behavioural studies in Pakistan. For this purpose we want to buy hydrophones and recording equipment (electronic equipment) to record broadband acoustics of fresh water dolphins and marine mammals. 2. As we are conducting long term monitoring and funding is an issue, for long run, I am also interested in getting suggestions/guidance on in-home preparation of hydrophones and electronic equipment for recording. Though I work in CSE faculty, I hope that I can get assistance from Mechanical & Electronics faculty in my university, based on your suggestions. [In this regard, particularly an advice on prices & companies selling broad-band PZT/piezo-ceramic elements and reliable open-source design for high-sampling (3 MHz sampling rate) data loggers or A/D converter circuits is requested]. I 'll be extremely thankful for your kind guidance on requested information on my email address.(I 'll happy to share the summary/list of guidance papers received after 2 weeks of this email). sincerely, s.

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New publication: Rare Southern California Sperm Whale Sighting
by Cathy Bacon 25 Oct '12

25 Oct '12

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following article has just been published: Rare Southern California Sperm Whale Sighting In May 2011, a rare occurrence took place off the Southern California coast. For the first time since U.S. Navy-funded aerial surveys began in the area in 2008, a group of 20 sperm whales, including four calves was seen approximately 24 nautical miles west of San Diego. This article was published in the Navy's Energy and Environmental Magazine, Currents. The article can be found in the Fall 2012 issue on the following website http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/currents-magazine/ or you can email at cathyebacon(a)gmail.com for a pdf copy. To subscribe to the magazine or browse the *Currents* archives, visit the Department of the Navy’s Energy, Environment and Climate Change web site at http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/currents-magazine. -- Cathy Bacon Marine Mammal Research Assistant/Marine Biologist Smultea Environmental Sciences, LLC (SES) www.smultea.com

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Master of Professional Science - Marine Mammal Science (RSMAS)
by Richardson, Jill L 25 Oct '12

25 Oct '12

The Master of Professional Science in Marine Mammal Science is an accelerated graduate degree (12-15 months in duration) at the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS), intended for students who want to develop innovative approaches to marine mammal management, clinical care, policy, and conservation. Students enrolled in this program are exposed to a unique, multidisciplinary curriculum, including science theory, field and laboratory training, legal and regulatory knowledge, and communication and media training, designed to prepare them for careers in today's professional job market. The MPS program at RSMAS offers tracks in the following areas of specialization: Marine & Coastal Science * Marine Mammal Science * Marine Conservation * Coastal Sustainability (includes a semester abroad in the Bahamas!) * Coastal Zone Management * Fisheries Management and Conservation * Aquaculture * Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management Atmospheric Science * Broadcast Meteorology * Computational Meteorology and Oceanography * Weather, Climate and Society * Weather Forecasting Applications are accepted from February 1 to June 1, 2013 for the fall 2013 semester. For more information and application instructions, please download the attachment and visit the program website - http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/

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