October 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Request: information on effect of number, rotation and experience of cetacean observers
by alesha naranjit 25 Oct '12

25 Oct '12

Good day, I am involved in setting up a long-term (2 or more years) cetacean transect survey to determine distribution and density of cetacean species off the east coast of Trinidad in the Caribbean. At the moment our methods require having two observers (one observing a sector from the vessel heading to 90 degrees port and the other observing another sector from the vessel heading to 90 degrees starboard) however, sometimes we are only able to have one observer (observing the same 180 degrees) available on the days that the boat is accessible to the project. We are trying to determine if we need to change the method to a single observer to avoid splitting the data based on the number of observers (as we have one dedicated observer) or increase the number of observers working on the project (so we have a pool of 4-6 volunteers available) and rotating them thus making it more likely that a team of two observers is available for survey days. We are not sure which would result in more accurate output. As such I am trying to find any information on the effect of: 1. using two observers (one observing a sector from the vessel heading to 90 degree port and the other observing another sector from the vessel heading to 90 degree starboard) as opposed to a single observer (observing the same 180 degrees or 45 degrees to each side of the vessel heading) on detection of cetaceans on transect 2. changing/rotating observers during the project on detections and therefore density calculations (as many observers may result in a change in detection probabilities throughout the project) 3. using observers with different levels of experience on the accuracy of detections and therefore density calculations (as this may result in a change in detection probability throughout the project) If anyone is able to provide any information on the above we would be most grateful. Best regards, Alësha Naranjit

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new paper on right whale entanglement rates
by Amy Knowlton 23 Oct '12

23 Oct '12

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Knowlton AR, Hamilton PK, Marx MK, Pettis HM, Kraus SD (2012) Monitoring North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis entanglement rates: a 30 yr retrospective. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 466:293-302 ABSTRACT: Entanglement in non-mobile fishing gear has been identified as one of the leading causes of mortality in North Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis. To investigate this issue further, all available photographs of right whales taken from 1980 to 2009 were examined for evidence of entanglement with gear used in fisheries based on presence of rope or netting on the whale or scars inferred to have been caused by an encounter with rope. Photographs of 626 individual whales were assessed and 1032 unique entanglement events were documented. Of the 626 animals, 519 (82.9%) had been entangled at least once and 306 of the 519 (59.0%) had been entangled more than once. Males and females were entangled at similar rates. Juveniles were entangled at a higher rate than adults. On average, 25.9% of adequately photographed animals acquired new wounds or scars from fishing gear annually with no significant trend over time detected. However, the annual percentage of animals observed with rope on the body increased significantly during the study period, suggesting that it is becoming more difficult for whales to free themselves completely from fishing gear. Such high annual rates of entanglement remain a serious conservation concern for right whales because entanglements can have both lethal and sub-lethal effects. Federally required changes to fixed-gear fisheries in US waters have not reduced serious injuries and mortality to legally required levels. Here we show how documenting various annual rates of entanglement can monitor progress and impacts that fishing gear regulations may have on right whale recovery. KEY WORDS: North Atlantic right whale * Eubalaena glacialis * Fishing gear * Entanglement * Scars * Conservation The paper is Open Access and available here: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v466/p293-302/ Amy Knowlton Research Scientist John H. Prescott Marine Laboratory New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 (617) 973-0210

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Humpback Whale Field Intensive- openings still available
by Mithriel MacKay 19 Oct '12

19 Oct '12

*Hi Folks,* *We are reposting by request from students in marine biology programs. We still have spots fro the 2013 season open, but they are filling fast. Questions? Just drop us a note at the email at the bottom of this posting. * *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* *Humpback Whale Field Intensive Program in Puerto Rico: * *1 week “Shorty” programs $900.00USD* The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center is inviting interested students to participate in the third season for 7 day field intensive focused on cetacean behavioral ecology in Puerto Rico. *No experience is necessary to participate!* Join our research team studying humpback whales *(Megaptera novaeangliae*) wintering off Puerto Rico. *Space is limited in each 7 day session* for boat and land based research platforms during the field season January 20, 2013- April 27, 2013. We are offering this "shorty" format (by request!) to fill the need for less expensive programs fitting into work and class schedules. This field intensive training program is well suited for students (undergraduate and graduate) of all skill levels interested in cetacean behavioral ecology, and conservation. The program culminates in a certificate acknowledging training including theodolite tracking, boat based behavior and acoustic data collection, analysis of acoustic files and software, photo identification of flukes and fins for cetaceans, introduction to DSL photography. Participants are directly involved in data collection and analysis for PhD dissertation related research for humpback whale occupancy, habitat use, and movement off Puerto Rico as well as an examination of reaction to human activity near shore (including boats, divers, surfers, and aircraft). $900.00USD per student includes a week in Puerto Rico: travel between field stations, training program in scientific methods, room and board at the project base station, reference materials related to the project, field methods for data collection and analysis, and a certificate of completion. Fees *do not include* travel to and from Puerto Rico, USA and compulsory insurance. Students must bring a working or collar-type PFD or are required to wear the PFD provided during all boat operations. MCERC has provided documentation of study for students working with their advisers at universities resulting in college credit. Please send us an e-mail in advance of your application if you are considering this option. To participate, simply e-mail MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com. Be sure to put in a first, second, and third choice of dates to avoid missing out on a spot this season! Several sessions are already filled. Thank you for supporting humpback whale research and education! Website: www.Marine-Eco.org MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com Mithriel MacKay Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Center-PR HC02 Box 6382 Guayanilla, PR 00656 -- *}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> ** }-wh^ale>* Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Candidate Marine Mammal Research Program Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University, Galveston (830) 688-9878 mithriel.mackay(a)gmail.com and Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center HC02 6382 Guayanilla, PR and PO Box 63435 Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 www.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.marine-eco.org/> MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com

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Job postin
by Ruth Carmichael 19 Oct '12

19 Oct '12

Research Technician I — Manager DISL’s Manatee Sighting Network The Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Marine Sciences Laboratory of Dr. R. H. Carmichael seeks a Research Technician. Responsibilities include administrative and research assistance: general lab purchasing, managing lab-wide data bases, assisting with grant management, communicating with lab members, collaborators, and the public, assisting with outreach activities and development of outreach materials, working with students and other technicians in the field and laboratory, assisting with manuscript and grant proposal writing, and helping to maintain the laboratory. This position requires substantial organizational and communication skills and the ability to work a flexible schedule and long hours, including some evenings and weekends. A major component of this position will be maintaining the DISL Manatee Sighting Network database, responding to emergency and non emergency sighting calls, and assisting with live animal tracking and observations, necropsy, data analyses, and reporting. Network manager will help coordinate outreach events and volunteer participation, and assist writing press releases and biannual newsletters. Position will also assist operation of the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Access software is essential. Knowledge of Endnote, Photoshop, Illustrator, and ArcGIS software, small boat operation, data sonde operation and maintenance (e.g.; YSI6600 or equivalent), and Master’s level research experience is preferred. Experience working with marine mammals is not essential. Depending on qualifications and skills, there may be opportunity for authorship on manuscripts and participation in a wider variety of research experiences. This is a full-time one year position, guaranteed for up to 6 months, with the subsequent 6 months dependent on performance and availability of funding. This is an hourly, temporary position. Pay commensurate with experience. Please send a current CV and note of inquiry to Dr. R.H. Carmichael. Review of applications will start immediately. >>>>>> NOTE new phone number, please <<<<<<<<< Ruth H. Carmichael, Ph.D. Senior Marine Scientist Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, AL 36528 (251) 861-2141 (x7555) rcarmichael(a)disl.org

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Dolphin Research Internship, Charleston, SC
by Todd Speakman 19 Oct '12

19 Oct '12

NOAA Hollings Marine Laboratory’s Marine Animal Health Program is recruiting to fill two dolphin photo-identification internship positions for the winter/spring of 2013. The positions are at the NOAA National Ocean Service Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina and will involve a commitment of 20 hours per week extending over a 14 week period from January 21 to April 27, 2013. There is some flexibility in these start and end dates. Interns will primarily assist with laboratory activities such as data entry, photo-analysis, stranding response, and health assessment preparation, in addition to participating in a limited amount of fieldwork. Building on existing data from long-term monitoring which has spanned 15+ years, boat-based photo-identification (id) surveys will be conducted for Western North Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in estuaries and near-shore waters of South Carolina as well as remote biopsy surveys near Jacksonville, FL. Specific research questions focus on relationships between contaminants and environmental factors. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in photo-id methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced dolphin researchers. There is no compensation for this position, and interns will be responsible for their own living expenses and transportation to and from the laboratory. There may be travel involved for some components of the fieldwork, which will be paid for by the laboratory. Ideal applicants will be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates of a scientifically-oriented university program in marine science, biology or a related field. Preference will be given to applicants with well-developed computer skills and boat-based field experience. The internship application consists of a letter of interest, transcripts of university coursework and two letters of recommendation from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with applicant’s scholarship, research skills and work habits relevant to the internship. Interested applicants should first correspond with Todd Speakman by email ( Todd.Speakman(a)noaa.gov) before preparing and submitting application materials. We anticipate filling this internship position by the December 15, 2012. -- Todd Speakman, Biologist JHT Inc. Contractor Hollings Marine Laboratory 331 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412 Ph/ 843.762.8820 Fx/ 843.762.8737 Todd.Speakman(a)noaa.gov

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new paper on sound field mapping and marine spatial planning
by Rob Williams 19 Oct '12

19 Oct '12

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper in JASA-Express Letters that may be of interest to members of the marine mammal research community. Erbe, C., A. MacGillivray, and R. Williams. 2012. Mapping cumulative noise from shipping to inform marine spatial planning. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 132:EL423-EL428. Abstract: Including ocean noise in marine spatial planning requires predictions of noise levels on large spatiotemporal scales. Based on a simple sound transmission model and ship track data (Automatic Identification System, AIS), cumulative underwater acoustic energy from shipping was mapped throughout 2008 in the west Canadian Exclusive Economic Zone, showing high noise levels in critical habitats for endangered resident killer whales, exceeding limits of “good conservation status” under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Error analysis proved that rough calculations of noise occurrence and propagation can form a basis for management processes, because spending resources on unnecessary detail is wasteful and delays remedial action. The paper is available from: http://asadl.org/jasa/resource/1/jasman/v132/i5/pEL423_s1 Apologies for cross-posting. Sincerely, Rob Williams --- Dr Rob Williams Marie Curie Research Fellow Sea Mammal Research Unit School of Biology University of St Andrews

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Marine Mammal Photo ID Internship
by Jamie Klaus 18 Oct '12

18 Oct '12

Winter/Spring 2013 Marine Mammals and Sea Turtle Research Internship Program Description The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will participate with multiple projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research, sea turtle satellite tracking, and other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Interns will be given a monthly food stipend. Principle Duties and Requirements Interns must: * Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. * Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. * Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. * Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. * Principle Duties include: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research, and learn how to use ArcGIS * Secondary Duties involve: Working with animal care staff, attending marine mammal and sea turtle necropsies, responding to strandings, assisting with educational tours. * Field days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. To Apply Please visit our website at <http://imms.org/internship.php> http://imms.org/internship.php

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Job Opening - BOEM Office of Renewable Energy Programs
by Hooker, Brian 18 Oct '12

18 Oct '12

Job Opening - Marine Biologist in BOEM's Office of Renewable Energy Programs Location: Herndon, VA (Greater Metropolitan DC Area) Opens: 10/19/2012 Closes: 11/05/2012 As a marine biologist you will work in the Office of Renewable Energy Programs (OREP) within the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. As the technical authority on Marine Biology, your duties and responsibilities include oversight, support and management with respect to laws and regulatory activities, mainly the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) associated with Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) renewable energy competitive and noncompetitive leasing processes and post-lease operational activities on the Atlantic OCS. Specialized Experience for the GS-12 Level Specialized experience is defined as: (1) independently, or as part of a team, conducting environmental analysis and consultations for projects in the marine environment with respect to marine mammals and/or sea turtles and the impacts resulting from offshore geological and geophysical surveys and renewable energy construction and development (e.g., pile driving); and (2) identifying areas for research and/or coordinating the procurement of environmental studies related to marine mammals and/or sea turtles. Specialized Experience for the GS-13 Level Specialized experience is defined as: (1) Extensive working knowledge of marine biology in order to independently conduct research and communicate findings related to the protection of offshore environmental resources, with emphasis on marine mammals and sea turtles; (2) interpreting and applying federal laws and regulatory activities related to offshore renewable energy operations; (3) conducting environmental analysis and consultations for large, complex and/or controversial projects studying the impact of energy development in the marine environment; and (4) identifying areas for research and/or coordinating the procurement of environmental studies related to marine mammals, and sea turtles. BOEM-EW-12-MM769452 (DEU), Marine Biologist, GS-0401-12/13, BOEM, (Few vacancies) - Herndon, VA http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/329147400 BOEM-EW-12-MM769453 (MP), Marine Biologist, GS-0401-12/13, BOEM, (Few vacancies) - Herndon, VA http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/329147600 Brian R. Hooker Marine Biologist Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Office of Renewable Energy Programs Herndon, Virginia http://www.boem.gov/

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ICCB 2013 Call for Proposals
by Katheryn Patterson 17 Oct '12

17 Oct '12

Hi Everyone, This is just a reminder that the deadline for symposia, workshop, and focus group proposals for ICCB 2013 is rapidly approaching (http://www.conbio.org/mini-sites/iccb-2013/registration-participation/propo…) Join us at ICCB 2013 July 21-25, 2013 • Baltimore, MD, USA Call for Proposals for Symposia, Workshops & Focus Groups Thank you for your interest in contributing to the scientific program of the 2013 International Congress for Conservation Biology. All proposals for symposia, workshops and focus groups must be submitted online through the ICCB Speaker Management System by 5pm (GMT) on 31 October 2012. Only proposals submitted electronically through this site will be considered. Links to the Speaker Management System to submit proposals are embedded on this page beneath each proposal type. Decisions on proposals will be made by 30 November 2012. ICCB takes place 21-25 July 2013 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. The selection process is highly competitive! Please read carefully the criteria for selection and the submission instructions and guidelines below before you submit your proposal. Questions? Email John Cigliano, chair of ICCB Local Organizing Committee. **Apologies for cross-posting** Katheryn Patterson Ph.D. Candidate Department of Environmental Science and Public Policy George Mason University Fairfax, VA

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Marine Mammal Photo-ID Internships at HBOI
by Elizabeth Hartel 15 Oct '12

15 Oct '12

Voluntary Research Positions at HBOI Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University is now accepting applications for two voluntary research positions in the Population Biology and Behavioral Ecology (PBBE) Program. Successful applicants will participate in marine mammal photo-identification including image analysis, field work, and potentially GIS mapping work. Positions are available throughout the year with 3 sessions: · mid January - mid May · mid May - mid August · mid August - mid December There is some flexibility with the above dates. Please submit application materials with as much notice as possible, preferably at least one month prior to your desired session start date. If interested in participating for a longer duration, it may be possible to combine two of the above sessions. Volunteers will be expected to commit to a minimum of 30 hours per week, excluding University recognized holidays. Harbor Branch is located in Fort Pierce, FL, adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon. The PBBE program conducts boat-based photo-ID surveys of Western North Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in estuarine waters of Eastern Florida. We investigate multiple aspects of dolphin population biology, foraging ecology and social organization, including temporal and spatial aspects of abundance and distribution. Voluntary Researchers will primarily focus on image analysis with some photo-ID field work. These are unpaid positions, but this is an excellent opportunity to gain experience with marine mammal research and image analysis. Participants will be under the supervision of experienced dolphin researchers and will learn many valuable skills. If students intend to receive university credit for their participation, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Participants are also responsible for their own living arrangements and expenses. Ideal candidates will be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates of a university program in marine science, biology, ecology, or a related field. We are seeking applicants with a strong work ethic, a mature attitude towards marine mammal research, and preferably prior marine mammal experience. As these are unpaid positions, applicants must fill out the Volunteer Application found at http://www.fau.edu/hboi/Donate.php (scroll down to "Donate Your Time" and click on Volunteer Application). To apply, please send a résumé and cover letter with the completed Volunteer Application to Cathy Rossmell at crossmel(a)fau.edu. Please indicate PBBE- Photo-ID as your area of interest on the application. Please include the session(s) and/or dates you are applying for in your cover letter. Florida Atlantic University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and is committed to the diversity of its workforce. Liz Hartel Biological Scientist Population Biology and Behavioral Ecology Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute - FAU 5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946 work: (772) 242-2238 cell: (772) 216-4363 www.hboi.fau.edu

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