November 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Status of northern bottlenose whale
by hwhitehe＠Dal.Ca 07 Nov '12

07 Nov '12

We have just published a paper entitled "Uncertain status of the northern bottlenose whale Hyperoodon ampullatus: population fragmentation, legacy of whaling and current threats". It is available on Open Access at: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v19/n1/p47-61/ The abstract is below. Hal Whitehead (hwhitehe(a)dal.ca) and Sascha Hooker. Whitehead, H. and S.K. Hooker. 2012. Uncertain status of the northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus): population fragmentation, legacy of whaling, and current threats. Endangered Species Research 19: 47-61. ABSTRACT: The northern bottlenose whale Hyperoodon ampullatus is the best-known beaked whale species, but its conservation status remains very uncertain. A medium-sized cetacean that lives in the deeper waters of the northern North Atlantic, it is remarkable for its deep dives and inquisitiveness towards ships. There seem to have been of the order of 100000 whales prior to 40 yr of intense whaling beginning in the 1880s, and this population was undoubtedly heavily reduced by 1920. The effects of a second phase of whaling between 1937 and 1973 are contentious, and current abundance estimates are patchy. There are suggestions of metapopulation structure (even at the scale of 50 km) in the western Atlantic among populations that do not appear to migrate. In the eastern Atlantic, data on population structure and migrations are few and confusing. Whales are incidentally caught in fishing gear and interact with fisheries off Labrador, Canada. They may also be affected by underwater noise. However, the population consequences of these and other anthropogenic stressors, particularly within this unknown metapopulation structure, are very uncertain. In some respects, such as the paucity of sightings on major whaling grounds off mainland Norway and Labrador, the picture that we have is disturbing. Analyses of genes, contaminants and vocalizations, as well as photoidentification and satellite tag data, can inform about population structure, migrations, life history parameters, current population sizes, and threats.

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2nd announcement for the 27th European Cetacean Society Conference
by ECS 2013 06 Nov '12

06 Nov '12

Dear all, The *27th European Cetacean Society Conference **will be held in Setúbal, Portugal, from 8-10 of April 2013*. It will be hosted by Escola de Mar, Associação Para as Ciências do Mar and Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado (RNES-ICNF) with the sponsorship and support of the Municipality of Setúbal. The main theme of the conference is *Interdisciplinary Approaches in the Study of Marine Mammals*. It is our expectation that building on innovative data collection and tecnhiques in the context of interdisciplinary research and the application of integrated processes that build on established concepts and current trends, to inform future prospects. The 27th ECS conference will promote informed insights and perceptions about how to shape a better future for marine mammals and, by extension, a better future for us all. Please take note of important dates: *23 November 2012*: Deadline for abstract and workshop submission; Deadline for support and student grant request 11 January 2013: Decision of acceptance 25 January 2013: Deadline for early registration; Deadline for video submission 1 March 2013: Deadline for late registration 6-7 April 2013: Workshops 8-10 April 2013: Main conference You can find all the information in http://www.escolademar.pt/ecs2013/ and http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu<http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/home.php> . News about the conference will also be regularly updated on the Facebook group of ECS. Join us at:http://www.facebook.com/**groups/13162370191/<http://www.facebook.com/groups/13162370191/> . Do come and join us locally in this excitting and global challenge! Cristina Brito and Marina Sequeira. -- 27th European Cetacean Society Conference 8-10 April 2013 Setúbal, Portugal ecsconference2013(a)gmail.com Folow us at: http://www.escolademar.pt/ecs2013/ http://www.facebook.com/groups/13162370191/

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MMO needed for survey off French Guiana
by Maria Smithies 06 Nov '12

06 Nov '12

Hi All, Hydenlyne requires an MMO for a survey off French Guiana starting 13th November for 4-5 weeks. For this survey it is essential you have: 1) yellow fever vaccination 2) seamans book 3) JNCC MMO certification 4) Norwegian Medical 5) BOSIET If you have all of these and are ready to work by 13th November please send a copy of your CV, certificates and a copy of the attached form filled out to mariasmithies(a)hydenlyne.com asap. Kind regards, Maria Smithies Project Manager (MMO/PAM) UK Mobile +44 (0)7718002915 Office +44 (0)1202 900078 Hydenlyne 1 Princes Court Princes Road Ferndown Dorset England BH22 9JG

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Changes in cetacean presence in the Central Thyrrenean Sea over 20 years
by Ceto News 06 Nov '12

06 Nov '12

We are pleased to announce the publication of the paper: "Changes in cetacean presence, relative abundance and distribution over 20 years along a trans-regional fixed line transect in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea" http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/maec.12006/abstract ABSTRACT From 1989 to 1992, systematic cetacean surveys were carried out twice weekly along a trans-regional fixed transect in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea, utilising passenger ferries as research platforms. Using the same protocol and supervised by the same investigators, the research restarted in 2007, providing the opportunity to compare consistent data over a long 20-year period. The monitored transect (Civitavecchia-Golfo Aranci) runs along a strategic area just outside the southeastern border of the Pelagos Sanctuary. Over the last two decades, an increasing trend of temperature and salinity, in the deep and intermediate layers, has been documented in the region, as well as general changes over the Mediterranean basin. These changes, together with the increasing impact of some pressures (e.g. maritime traffic) may have led to changes in oceanographic and anthropogenic features and, subsequently, in cetacean presence and distribution. The research aimed to verify whether any changes occurred in the pattern of cetacean occurrence over the 20-year period along the representative transect in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea. Data from 90 summer weekly runs undertaken in the 1990s were compared with data obtained from 95 runs undertaken in the 2000s. Each ferry run was considered an independent statistical unit: the encounter rate (ER = number of sightings per hour spent on effort) was calculated to compare relative abundance between periods, years and months. Spatial analysis was performed on geographical data using Kernel analysis to map the distribution of sightings. Logistic regression (GLM) was performed to compare habitat preference. Total encounter rate in the 1990s (ER = 0.59 ± CI 0.08) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) compared with the 2000s (ER = 0.94 ± CI 0.15). The same seven out of eight species known for their regular presence in the Mediterranean Sea were sighted in both the investigated periods. The most common species were striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Neither the pilot whale nor any other rare or occasional species were sighted during the 6 years of the study. Despite the time span, no dramatic changes were observed for any species, bar fin whale, in terms of distribution, relative abundance, group size or habitat preference. Sightings of fin whale have surprisingly increased (+300%, P< 0.001), and their spatial and temporal distribution and habitat preference showed a radical difference between the two periods. The 2000s surveys confirmed the existence of high density areas of cetaceans, especially of fin whale, and the consequent necessity of specific legislative acts for cetacean conservation. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/maec.12006/abstract

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New Publication: Vessel Strike Absolute Probability
by Julie van der Hoop 05 Nov '12

05 Nov '12

MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce a new publication in Ecological Applications: van der Hoop, Julie M., Angelia S. M. Vanderlaan, and Christopher T. Taggart. 2012. Absolute probability estimates of lethal vessel strikes to North Atlantic right whales in Roseway Basin, Scotian Shelf. Ecological Applications 22:2021–2033. http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/11-1841.1 http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1890/11-1841.1 Please contact me if you do not have access to the PDF (jvanderhoop(a)whoi.edu) Abstract Vessel strikes are the primary source of known mortality for the endangered North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis). Multi-institutional efforts to reduce mortality associated with vessel strikes include vessel-routing amendments such as the International Maritime Organization voluntary “area to be avoided” (ATBA) in the Roseway Basin right whale feeding habitat on the southwestern Scotian Shelf. Though relative probabilities of lethal vessel strikes have been estimated and published, absolute probabilities remain unknown. We used a modeling approach to determine the regional effect of the ATBA, by estimating reductions in the expected number of lethal vessel strikes. This analysis differs from others in that it explicitly includes a spatiotemporal analysis of real-time transits of vessels through a population of simulated, swimming right whales. Combining automatic identification system (AIS) vessel navigation data and an observationally based whale movement model allowed us to determine the spatial and temporal intersection of vessels and whales, from which various probability estimates of lethal vessel strikes are derived. We estimate one lethal vessel strike every 0.775–2.07 years prior to ATBA implementation, consistent with and more constrained than previous estimates of every 2–16 years. Following implementation, a lethal vessel strike is expected every 41 years. When whale abundance is held constant across years, we estimate that voluntary vessel compliance with the ATBA results in an 82% reduction in the per capita rate of lethal strikes; very similar to a previously published estimate of 82% reduction in the relative risk of a lethal vessel strike. The models we developed can inform decision-making and policy design, based on their ability to provide absolute, population-corrected, time-varying estimates of lethal vessel strikes, and they are easily transported to other regions and situations. Key words: absolute probability estimates, endangered whales, Eubalaena glacialis, marine area closure, mortality reduction, North Atlantic right whale, Roseway Basin, Scotian Shelf, vessel routing, vessel strike ---------------------------- Julie van der Hoop Graduate Student MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography Woods Hole, MA 02543 http://www.whoi.edu/profile.do?id=jvanderhoop

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HWDT Sightings and Strandings Officer Internship
by Olivia Harries 05 Nov '12

05 Nov '12

HWDT Sightings and Strandings Officer Internship The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is looking for an intern to join its small team in Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull, for a period of 2-4 months to undertake a variety of research and education orientated tasks. HWDT are keen to update their photo identification catalogues, improve the information displayed on our website and enhance relationships with local wildlife tour operators and sighting and stranding reporters. This is a great opportunity for someone to develop their skills further and improve the HWDT monitoring and outreach programme. Tasks will include: Community sightings/strandings and Photo-ID· Assist with image matching and strandings ID· Update databases with recent sightings and strandings· Update website with recent sightings/strandings on each individual profile (http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-photo-identification-gallery.as…) · Keep regular contact with sighting and stranding reporters. Wildlife Operator Relations· Initiate a scheme that was developed in 2012, encouraging more cooperation and involvement from local wildlife tour operators · Provide resources to wildlife operators· Meet with wildlife operators to discuss recent research findings and initiate good communications for the season ahead Recruitment datesPlacements are full-time for two months (minimum 30 hours per week) or, if you prefer, part-time for four months (minimum of 15 hours per week). The placement will commence on 1st April 2013. Candidate RequirementsEssential:An ability to work in a conscientious and reliable mannerEnthusiastic, hard-working and self-motivatedA strong commitment to volunteer workExcellent verbal and communication skills (engaging with the public is central to the role)Basic IT skills (Office package)An ability to get on well with others in a small team. Desirable:A background in marine biology/environmental science or similarPrevious experience with Photo-ID analysis A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceansPrior experience in boat-based survey workExperience in interacting with the public All volunteers will be given an introduction into the placement on arriving. Full training will also be provided for all other tasks that you will be expected to undertake. The selected candidate will be sent a pack of introductory materials and provided with a recommended reading list. ExpensesThe successful candidate will have the opportunity to apply for a grant from the Vodafone World of Difference, awarding £2,500 to successful applications. HWDT will assist the applicant when applying for this grant. HWDT runs on a tight budget and we cannot cover expenses or offer payment to the selected candidates. Volunteers will be based in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses when on land. How to Apply Please send your C.V., a covering letter detailing any relevant experience, specifying the dates you would like to join and contact information of two referees, to:Morven Summers HWDTClydesdale Bank Buildings, Main Street, Tobermory Isle of Mull PA75 6NU Tel: +44 (0)1688 302620Email: volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org Closing date for the Vodafone awards scheme is mid-November so the closing date for applications for the Sightings Officer Placement will be during the week beginning 12th November 2012. Potential candidates may be required to undertake a Skype interview with the HWDT team.

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New publication: Underwater Construction Noise Assessment
by Erica Dazey 04 Nov '12

04 Nov '12

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following in the Journal of Environmental Protection: E. Dazey, B. McIntosh, S. Brown and K. Dudzinski, "Assessment of Underwater Anthropogenic Noise Associated with Construction Activities in Bechers Bay, Santa Rosa Island, California," Journal of Environmental Protection, Vol. 3 No. 10, 2012, pp. 1286-1294. ABSTRACT: Acoustic monitoring and mitigation of underwater construction noise was conducted during marine pier demolition and reconstruction activities near Santa Rosa Island, California. Activities spanned two construction seasons and used both auger and pneumatic percussion drilling methods for pile placement. Pile drilling activities during construction resulted in sound pressure levels (SPL) ranging from 121.0 to 184.5 dB re 1 μPa. No significant difference was found for calculated source SPLs between the Season 1 and Season 2 methods of pile drilling (KW = 2.28, p = 0.15). Additionally, no significant difference was found for calculated source SPLs during active drilling between the Season 1 and Season 2 methods of pile drilling (KW = 3.39, p = 0.07). The average calculated source SPL documented during this study was lower than the NOAA Fisheries mandated safety zone threshold (160.0 dB re 1 μPa [rms]) for harassment to marine mammals. This is the first known report of SPL data collected in concert with marine pile drilling via the auger drilling technique. The results from this study can be used to improve information for and assist with the development of regulatory policies and techniques regarding sound level thresholds and mitigation monitoring. KEYWORDS: Acoustic Monitoring; Pile Drilling; Mitigation; Channel Islands The paper is Open Access and available here: http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=23825 Erica Dazey Marine Scientist Geo-Marine, Inc. Plano, Texas 75074 (972) 423-5480 eldazey(a)gmail.com | edazey(a)geo-marine.com

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SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON HAWAIIAN SPINNER DOLPHINS
by Julian Tyne 03 Nov '12

03 Nov '12

Seeking field assistants for research on Hawaiian spinner dolphins PROJECT SUMMARY There is a POSSIBILITY that this project will be extended until the end of March 2013, and as a consequence I am looking for interested parties who would be available from January 1st 2013 until March 31st 2013 to help collect land based theodolite data on spinner dolphins in their resting bays along the Kona Coast of Hawai'i Island. I am seeking experienced research assistants to join the existing team for my PhD field work that aims to a) quantify possible effects of human interactions on spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in resting bays in Hawaii and b) assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a proposed mitigation tool. This is the first stage of a long-term project on spinner dolphins along the west coast of the Island of Hawaii by Murdoch University, Western Australia (http://mucru.org/ <http://mucru.org/)%20> ) and Duke University, North Carolina (http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/ <http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/> ). The project aims to collect baseline data on the local abundance, distribution and behaviour of spinner dolphins using a suite of modern visual and acoustic techniques in four spinner dolphin resting bays in Hawaii. These data will be used to determine residency and fidelity patterns and investigate the possible effects of human interactions on the spinner dolphins and to assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a mitigation approach. This will assist in determining the long-term viability of the spinner dolphin population and the sustainability and management of the human interactions within the resting bays. FIELD WORK Where possible, the movements and behaviour of spinner dolphins and boats will be studied from local cliff tops overlooking spinner dolphin resting bays using a digital theodolite. Theodolite data will be used to derive time series of information on activity state, path sinuosity, speed, and synchronicity of schools. Field work will be physically and at times mentally demanding but you will have the opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience and improve existing skills in relation to theodolite survey techniques and behavioural observations. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology or population biology. Research assistants I am seeking skilled research assistants to commence in 2nd January 2013. Assistants will help collect theodolite information on spinner dolphins in their resting bays along the Kona Coast of Hawai'i Island. The field season will last until end March 2013. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime for the full three months. PREREQUISITES 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field 2. Previous field experience with marine wildlife (theodolite tracking and boat handling skills would be advantageous but not a prerequisite). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented, have a positive attitude and good sense of humour as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science. 4. Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. Fieldwork will vary between weekends and weekdays. 5. Be prepared to work long days in small team of three-five people Unfortunately, I am unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for travel to Hawai'i and their own living expenses. PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU ARE ABLE TO COMMIT TO THE PROJECT. If you are interested, please provide a short CV and cover letter attention of Julian Tyne (j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au) ______________________________________________________________ Julian Tyne * j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:*j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> PhD Candidate, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystem Research Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences Murdoch University South Street Murdoch WA 6150 http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/ <http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/> http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners <http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners> http://www.facebook.com/MUCRU <http://www.facebook.com/MUCRU>

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Publication on movement patterns in Antillean manatees
by Nataly Castelblanco 02 Nov '12

02 Nov '12

Dear Colleagues, [Apologies for cross posting] We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper: *Castelblanco-Martínez, D. N., Padilla-Sáldivar, J., Hernández-Arana, H. A., Slone, D., Reid, J. & Morales-Vela, B. (2012). Movement patterns of Antillean manatees in Chetumal Bay (Mexico) and coastal Belize: A challenge for regional conservation. Mar. Mamm.Sci.DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2012.00602.x * Abstract Information from 15 satellite-tracked Antillean manatees (*Trichechus manatus manatus*) was analyzed in order to assess individual movements, home ranges, and high-use areas for conservation decisions. Manatees were captured in Chetumal Bay, Mexico, and tagged with Argos-monitored satellite transmitters. Location of the manatees and physical characteristics were assessed to describe habitat properties. Most manatees traveled to freshwater sources. The Maximum Area Size (MAS) for each manatee was determined using the observation-area method. Additional kernel densities of 95% home range and 50% Center of Activity (COA) were also calculated, with manatees having 1–3 COAs. Manatees exhibited two different movement patterns: remaining in Chetumal Bay, and long-distance (up to 240 km in 89 d). The residence time in Chetumal Bay was higher for females (89.6% of time) than for males (72.0%), but the daily travel rate (0.4–0.5 km/d) was similar for both sexes. Most of the COAs fell within Natural Protected Areas (NPA). However, manatees also travel for long distances into unprotected areas, where they face uncontrolled boat traffic, fishing activities, and habitat loss. Conservation of movement corridors may promote long-distance movements and facilitate genetic exchange. The early view version can be found here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2012.00602.x/abstract or upon request from the authors. Regards, -- Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez, PhD castelblanco.nataly(a)gmail.com ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

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Master thesis projects on pilot whales
by CIRCE Philippe Verborgh 02 Nov '12

02 Nov '12

Dear all, Sorry for cross posting. During 2013, CIRCE in collaboration with ALNILAM, ANSE and the EBD-CSIC is offering 5 Master projects all based on photo-identification techniques and mark-recapture models to study long-finned pilot whales of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea. All of these projects will take place between February and May 2013 with housing offered in a shared room with other students/volunteers/researchers/staff next to our research centre in Pelayo, Cadiz, Spain. However, if you would like to stay for a longer period of time it will be at your own expenses. In order to apply for these projects, you should send an email to philippe(a)circe.info with your CV and a cover letter showing only relevant experience related to the project you are interested in. You can apply for these projects until the 19th of November. Chosen candidates will be advised on the 26th of November. These are the titles of the projects that can be found on our website: http://www.circe.biz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=95&Itemid… 1. Impact of biopsy sampling on the survival rate of long-finned pilot whales 2. Impact of an epizootic on the social structure of long-finned pilot whales 3. Survival rate of long-finned pilot whales in the Alboran Sea 4. Impact of an epizootic on the survival rate of long-finned pilot whales 5. Social structure of long-finned pilot whales in the Alboran Sea Thank you for reading carefully the website and the pdf description of each project before contacting us. All the best, Philippe Philippe VERBORGH CIRCE (Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans) C/ Cabeza de Manzaneda, 3 11390 Pelayo-Algeciras Cádiz Spain www.circe.info philippe(a)circe.info

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