December 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Seeking a field assistant for research on blue whales in the Indian Ocean
by Asha de Vos 29 Dec '12

29 Dec '12

I am looking for a field assistant who would be available from 10th January 2013 until mid February 2013 to help collect boat based on data on blue whales in the waters off Southern Sri Lanka. I am seeking experienced research assistants to join the existing team for my PhD field work that aims to understand the physical drivers of blue whale distribution in this area. This forms part of a larger, longer term research project on this population of blue whales. For more information on the field work conducted previously through this project (a collaboration between the University of Western Australia and Duke University, North Carolina) please see: http://bit.ly/wrvelh FIELD WORK The field work will be conducted off small boats. During the field study we will collect data on physical parameters and distribution of the blue whales to understand how physical factors influence biological factors and thus the blue whales. In addition we will collect photo-id data and acoustic data. The field work will be physically demanding as instruments are hand deployed, however, the applicant will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience conducting such field work and hopefully begin to gain an appreciation for the importance of understanding both the physics and biology of a system and working at the overlap of these two areas. RESEARCH ASSISTANTS I am seeking skilled research assistants to commence in 10th January 2013. The assistant will be involved in all aspects of the research and will be trained to use the various equipment. In addition the assistant will be required to help with other tasks such as data entry and equipment preparation. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime for the fieldwork period. PREREQUISITES 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field 2. Previous field experience on boats (particularly small boats). 3. Be patient and flexible as field work is weather dependent. There is always plenty of office work in the event we have to get off the water. Additionally, when the weather is good we work long consecutive days. 4. Be team oriented, positive and open-minded enough to enjoy the experience to its fullest. 5. Be prepared to work long days in small team of three-five people 6. Be hard working and prepared for both the physical and mental demands of field work Unfortunately, the project cannot provide assistance with travel to Sri Lanka where the field work will be conducted HOWEVER some aspects of accommodation and food expenses will be covered during the project period. PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU ARE GENUINELY INTERESTED AND ABLE TO COMMIT TO THE PROJECT. If you are interested, please provide a short CV, including 2 referees (1 academic) that you are happy for me to contact, and cover letter attention of Asha de Vos (ashadevos(a)gmail.com) Thank you Asha -- ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´`·.¸.·´`·...¸><((((º>¸. `·.¸¸.·´`·.¸¸·´`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´`·.¸.·´`·...¸><((((º> Asha de Vos Marine Biologist PhD Student TED Senior Fellow The University of Western Australia School of Environmental Systems Engineering The Oceans Institute Mailstop M470 35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA 6009 Australia The Subtropics Tel: +61 450 140 192 (m) Tel: +61 8 6488 8121 (o) Fax: +61 8 6488 7279 Sri Lanka The Tropics Tel: 0094 77 302 1711 http://whalessrilanka.blogspot.com

1 0

PSO/PAM training for BOEM/BSEE requirements in Gulf of Mexico
by Etter, Heidi 29 Dec '12

29 Dec '12

Marine PSO and Bioacoustic Monitoring Training CSA is offering a PSO and PAM Training Course in March 2013 The Marine Mammal Business Line of CSA International, Inc. (CSA) is offering a course on Marine Protected Species Observation (PSO) and Bioacoustic Monitoring (BAM) that meets BOEM/BSEE seismic mitigation regulations. The 3-day course will be offered 1-3 March 2013 near West Palm Beach, Florida. Further details on the course and registration will be posted on the CSA website (www.csaintl.com<http://www.csaintl.com>). The training agenda will be as follows: Friday, 1 March 2012 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – PSO classroom instruction at hotel Saturday, 2 March 2012 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. – PSO classroom testing at hotel 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – BAM course and workstation instruction at hotel Sunday, 3 March 2012 7:00 a.m. – Shuttle to vessel 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Field instruction for PSO and BAM on board vessel 6:00 p.m. – Shuttle to hotel The price for the combined PSO/BAM training course is $1,500. Full payment is required by 15 February 2013. Late payments will be accepted after the 15th at the price of $1,800. Payments can be made via personal check or money order. The course registration form must accompany payments. For more information, please contact: Heidi Etter, Marine Wildlife Technician hetter(a)conshelf.com<mailto:hetter@conshelf.com>; 1-772-219-3045 Heidi R. Etter M.Sc. Marine Wildlife Technician Marine Mammals Business Line [cid:7CB430BD-6571-4BC2-8B05-DDF1A8DC1D0B] 8502 SW Kansas Avenue Stuart, FL 34997 http://www.csaintl.com/ Office: (772) 219-3045 Cell: (703) 863-8523 hetter(a)conshelf.com

1 0

SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON HAWAIIAN SPINNER DOLPHINS
by Julian Tyne 28 Dec '12

28 Dec '12

Seeking field assistants for research on Hawaiian spinner dolphins PROJECT SUMMARY 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 10th 2013 until March 31st 2013 to help collect land based theodolite data and focal follow dataon 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. Boat based group focal follow surveys will be conducted along the west coast of the Island of Hawaii both inside and outside resting bays. 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 10th January 2013. Assistants will help collect theodolite data and group focal follow dataon spinner dolphins in their resting bays and 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 fieldwork period. 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. However, there are a limited number of beds available in shared rooms for $500 per month plus a share of the monthly electricity bill. PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU ARE ABLE TO COMMIT TO THE PROJECT. If you are interested, please provide a short CV, including 2 referees (1 academic) that you are happy for me to contact, 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>

1 0

Abstracts-Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, vol. 12, issue 3 - 2012
by Dagmar Fertl 28 Dec '12

28 Dec '12

Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following are abstracts from the most recent issue (Volume 12, issue 3, 2012) of the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) publishes The Journal of Cetacean Research and Management thrice yearly (Spring, Autumn, and Winter), with at least one supplement that will contain the full report of the IWC Scientific Committee. The following is posted on behalf of the IWC and the journal editor. Further information can be found at: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/JCRM.htm. A guide for authors is included in the first volume of each issue and on the IWC website: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/authorsguide.htm. Contact information is provided for the corresponding author for each article. Please do not contact the listserve editors or me for pdfs or copies of the articles. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards and best wishes for the New Year, Dagmar Fertl ************************************* Laake, J.L.*, A.E. Punt, R. Hobbs, M. Ferguson, D. Rugh, and J. Breiwick. 2012. Gray whale southbound migration surveys 1967-2006: An integrated re-analysis. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(3):287-306. Contact e-mail: Jeff.Laake(a)noaa.gov Between 1967 and 2007, 23 seasons of shore-based counts of the Eastern North Pacific (ENP) stock of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) were conducted throughout all or most of the southbound migration near Carmel, California. Population estimates have been derived from these surveys using a variety of techniques that were adapted as the data collection protocol evolved. The subsequent time series of estimates was used to evaluate trend and population status, resulting in the conclusion that the population was no longer endangered and had achieved its optimum sustainable population (OSP) level. We re-evaluated the data from all of the surveys using a common estimation procedure and an improved method for treatment of error in pod size and detection probability estimation. The newly derived abundance estimates between 1967 and 1987 were generally larger (–2.5% to 21%) than previous abundance estimates. However, the opposite was the case for survey years 1992 to 2006, with estimates declining from –4.9% to –29%. This pattern is largely explained by the differences in the correction for pod size bias, which occurred because the pod sizes in the calibration data over represented pods of two or more whales and underrepresented single whales relative to the estimated true pod size distribution. ************************ Burt, M.L.*, D.L. Borchers, and P. Ensor. 2012. Trackline detection probability of Antarctic minke whales: Analyses of the BT mode experiments conducted on the IWC-SOWER cruises 2005/06-2007/08. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(3):307-316. *Contact e-mail: louise(a)mcs.st-and.ac.uk IWC sightings surveys to obtain abundance estimates of cetaceans have taken place in the Antarctic since 1978/79. In order to interpret the minke whale abundance from these surveys and trial different search protocols for future cruises, Buckland-Turnock (BT) search mode experiments were conducted during the IWC-SOWER 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08 cruises. BT search mode is a particular configuration of a double-observer survey and two configurations of BT mode were implemented on the SOWER cruises; BT-NSP mode and BT-option 2. Normal standard passing (NSP) mode is a standard search mode for SOWER vessels and in BT-NSP mode, the observer located on the barrel became the primary and searched as usual in NSP mode with 7×50 binoculars; the observers on the upper bridge became the tracker and used big eye binoculars mounted on the upper bridge. Thus, the probability of detection for the observer in the barrel can be estimated which can help inform interpretations of abundance estimates of SOWER data. For BT-NSP mode, the estimates of detection probability on the trackline for the observer in the barrel ranged between 0.35 (CV = 0.57) to 0.69 (CV = 0.23) for the different years and combinations of data and models. In BT-option 2, the observer on the barrel (searching with 7×50 binoculars) acted as tracker and the observer on the independent observer (IO) platform acted as the primary (searching with naked eye). For this configuration, the estimates of primary detection probability on the trackline were 0.25 (CV = 0.59) and 0.28 (CV = 0.50) for two different models. ************** Hansen, R.G.*, M.P. Heide-Jørgensen, and K.L. Laidre. 2012. Recent abundance of bowhead whales in Isabella Bay, Canada. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(3):317-319. *Contact e-mail: rgh(a)ghsdk.dk An aerial survey of the late-summer distribution of bowhead whales, Balaena mysticetus, in Isabella Bay, Nunavut, Canada, was conducted on 19 September 2009. A total of 28 sightings were obtained during 155km of survey effort and >90% of the sightings were detected by both platforms. Corrections were made for whales that were submerged during the passage of the survey plane, resulting in an abundance estimate of 1,105 bowhead whales (95% CI: 532–2,294). No cow-calf pairs were observed confirming earlier observations that east Baffin Island is primarily visited by subadult and adult whales. *********** Franklin, W.*, T. Franklin, L. Brooks, N. Gibbs, S. Childerhouse, F. Smith, D. Burns, D. Paton, C. Garrigue, R. Constantine, M.M. Poole, N. Hauser, M. Donoghue, K. Russell, D.K. Mattila, J. Robbins, A. Oosterman, R. Leaper, P. Harrison, S. Baker, and P. Clapham. 2012. Antarctic waters (Area V) near the Balleny Islands are a summer feeding area for some Eastern Australian (E(i) breeding group) humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):321-327. *Contact e-mail: wally.franklin(a)oceania.org.au Discovery mark tagging provided the first evidence of linkages between eastern Australian and Oceania Humpback whale breeding grounds and the Antarctic Area V feeding areas. Early investigation of movements of humpback whales in the Western Pacific led to the view that the Balleny Islands and the Ross Sea were the summer destinations for humpback whales from eastern Australia and the Oceania breeding grounds. Recent photo-identification (ID) studies provided further evidence of low levels of migratory interchange and complex linkages within Oceania and between eastern Australia and Oceania. We report here the migratory movement of three humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) between Eastern Australia (E(i) breeding stock) and the Area V Antarctic feeding area in the vicinity of the Balleny Islands. Using photo-ID techniques, comparisons between a Balleny Island fluke catalogue (n = 11 individuals) and existing fluke catalogues from eastern Australia (n = 3,120 individuals) and Oceania (n = 725 individuals), yielded three matches to Hervey Bay, Byron Bay and Ballina in eastern Australia and no matches to Oceania. The eastern Australia catalogue (n = 3,120) was made up of Hervey Bay (n = 1,556), Byron Bay, (n = 916) and Ballina (n = 648). The Oceania catalogue (n = 725) is made up of Tonga (n = 282); New Caledonia (n = 160); French Polynesia (n = 159); New Zealand (n = 41); Cook Islands (n = 36); American Samoa (n = 31); Vanuatu, Niue, Samoa and Fiji (n = 11) and Norfolk Island (n = 5). Only three previous individual photo-ID matches have been reported between eastern Australia Breeding Stock E(i) and Antarctic Area V feeding areas in the vicinity of the Balleny Islands and the Ross Sea. Only one genotype match has been reported between Antarctic Area V feeding areas and Oceania breeding grounds. An analysis of the frequencies of whales seen and not seen in the Balleny Islands, Oceania and eastern Australia, relative to the expected frequencies, based on the estimated population sizes and the sizes of the catalogues, supports the hypothesis that Antarctic Area V waters, in the vicinity of the Balleny islands, is a summer feeding area for some eastern Australian humpback whales. *********** Heide-Jørgensen, M.P.*, E. Garde, N.H. Nielsen, O.N. Andersen, and S.H. Hansen. 2012. A note on biological data from the hunt of bowhead whales in West Greenland 2009-2011. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(3):329-333. *Contact e-mail: mhj(a)remove-this.ghsdk.dk One male and six female bowhead whales were taken for subsistence in Disko Bay, West Greenland, in April–May 2009-2011. All of these whales were sexually mature with body lengths exceeding 14m. One female was pregnant with a 3.87m foetus and three others presumably had small foetuses that were not detected in the field. Another female that showed no signs of recent pregnancy had a minimum of 7–8 corpora albicantia but no mature follicles. One 14.10m male with a 42kg testis was classified as sexually mature. Estimated ages of the whales were between 37 and 50 yrs. The observations on growth and reproduction were consistent with data on bowhead whales in Alaska. Four of the whales had recently been feeding as their stomachs contained calanoid copepods, especially Calanus hyperboreus. ****** Gunnlaugsson, T. 2012. Relatedness between samples quantified and an optimal criterion for match detection approximated. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(3):335-340. Contact e-mail: thg(a)hafro.is Data on relatedness of individuals between or within samples can be used to address population parameters in much the same way as conventional mark-recapture data and has some advantages, but also opens up new research areas. In such studies not only decisions on the sample size have to be made but also the number of genetic markers to be worked up, or even developed, and during analysis the criteria for accepting a match chosen. The likelihood of detecting a true match must be assessed and weighed against the likelihood of including a false positive. To aid with this, formulae are presented here for the probability of the number of relatives alive over periods of time and a process to approach the optimal criterion for match detection. To apply the process programs were developed that are made available, and an example is given. ******* Pampoulie, C.*, G. Olafsdottir, S. Hauksdottir, S. Skirinsdottir, K. Olafsson, S. Magnusdottir, V. Chosson, S.D. Halldorson, D. Olafsdottir, T. Gunnlaugsson, A.K. Danielsdottir, and G.A. Vikingsson. 2012. A note on a mother-foetus pair and alleged father match in the Atlantic fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) off Iceland. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):341-343. *Contact e-mail: chrisp(a)hafro.is The North Atlantic fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) undertakes long-distance annual migration between high-latitude summer feeding locations and low-latitude winter mating locations, like most of the baleen whales. By statistically comparing genotype profiles of mother-foetus pairs (n = 23) to that of the potential alleged father (n = 139) captured at the same feeding location in Iceland, we found a matching pairing of a mother-foetus captured in 2009 and a father captured in 2010. To our knowledge, the present study is the first one to detect a mother-foetus pair matching with an alleged father, caught at exactly the same feeding area one year later. ***** Shirakihara, M.*, and K. Shirakihara. 2012. Bycatch of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) in gillnet fisheries off Amakusa-Shimoshima Island, Japan. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(3):345-351. *Contact e-mail: mikishirak(a)me.com A year-round resident population of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) inhabits the waters off Amakusa- Shimoshima Island (32°25′N, 130°05´E), in Japan. The effect of bycatch in gillnet fisheries on the Amakusa population was examined. Population size in 2007 and 2008 was estimated at 230 individuals (CV = 2.5%) and 216 individuals (CV = 2.1%), respectively, based on a mark-recapture technique. The magnitude of bycatch was evaluated by analysing interview surveys (263 gillnetters) during these two years. Minimum numbers of dolphin bycatch were 12 individuals in 2007 and 14 individuals in 2008. Most of the dolphins, which were captured by bottom-set gillnets, were considered to be Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins for the following reasons: (1) two individuals were identified based on DNA analysis; (2) only Tursiops sp. and finless porpoises were found in the sighting survey by ferry boats, and fishermen can distinguish between the two; and (3) the seasonal and spatial distribution of bycatch corresponded well to habitat use patterns of the Amakusa population. If the US potential biological removal (PBR) approach is used it estimates two individuals per year, which is much lower than the minimum bycatch numbers of 12–14 individuals per year (5.2–6.5% of abundance estimates). Reducing bycatch mortality caused by bottom-set gillnets is essential for the effective conservation of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Amakusa, Japan. ***** Galletti Vernazzani, B.*, C.A. Carlson, E. Cabrera, and J.R. Brownell. 2012. Chilean blue whales off Isla Grande de Chiloe, 2004-2012: distribution, site-fidelity and behaviour. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(3):353-360. *Contact e-mail: Barbara(a)ccc-chile.org A collaborative research program (the Alfaguara Project) has collected information on Chilean blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) off Isla Grande de Chiloe, in southern Chile, through eight aerial and 85 marine surveys. A total of 363 individual blue whales was photo-identified from 2004 to 2010. Approximately 20% of all catalogued individuals were resighted within the same season and 31% were resighted between years. Recaptures of photo identified individuals from other areas to the north and south of the main study area support the hypothesis that the feeding ground off southern Chile is extensive and dynamic. The high overall annual return and sighting rates highlight the waters off northwestern Isla de Chiloe and northern Los Lagos as the most important aggregation areas currently known for this species in Chile and one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Observations on feeding and social behaviour also were recorded. These results provide important information on the conservation status of Chilean blue whales and highlight the necessity that long-term photographic identification research and line-transect surveys to monitor health conditions and population trends be continued off northwestern Isla de Chiloe. The high frequency of large vessels in the mouth of the Chacao Channel (along the north side of Chiloe) and the high number of blue whales in the area raises the possibility of vessel collisions. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and implement a conservation plan for these whales to address this and other potential threats ****** Tellechea, J.S.*, and W. Norbis. 2012. A note on recordings of Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) off the coast of Uruguay. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(3):361-364. *Contact e-mail: jstellechea(a)gmail.com Passive acoustic detection has the potential to provide data regarding the location of right whales. Right whales are not known to produce songs; nonetheless, the call repertoire of Eubalaena australis, the southern right whale, has been exhaustively and quantitatively analysed. This paper describes sound production by southern right whales in the coast of Uruguay (35°S) in the South Atlantic Ocean. No previous study of southern right whale sounds in Uruguayan waters exists. The calls recorded were: Up call, a low tonal call with a frequency of 50Hz to 200Hz; High call, which has the most energy in a range of 200–500Hz, and Pulsive call, a complex mixture made up of amplitude modulated noise and tones, 50–200Hz. This is the first acoustic study of E. australis in this region and focusses on the occurrence of calls previously identified by Clark to obtain more information about the acoustic behaviour of this cetacean in Uruguayan coastal waters. Future efforts will be made to obtain more recordings in different locations along the coast of Uruguay, where annual sightings occur. Such information is essential for examining global differences between vocalisations of southern right whales. ******** Robinson, K.P.*, J.M. O'Brien, S.D. Berrow, B. Cheney, M. Costa, S.M. Eisfeld, D. Haberlin, L. Mandelberg, M. O'Donovan, M.G. Oudejans, C. Ryan, P.T. Stevick, P.M. Thompson, and P. Whooley. 2012. Discrete or not so discrete: long distance movements by coastal bottlenose dolphins in UK and Irish waters. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(3):365-371. *Contact e-mail: kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk The potential for long distance movements in common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from six UK and Irish study sites was examined using photographs of natural markings. Here we provide the first evidence for long-term re-sightings between the Moray Firth, Inner Hebrides and across international borders to the Republic of Ireland as determined for eight individuals over a ten year period from 2001 to 2010. Minimum dispersal distances of up to 1,277km were resolved providing a new distance record for the species in European waters. Although none of the sightings were made within protected areas, several were made in waters used by animals from a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) revealing some evidence for connectivity between areas previously regarded as discrete. Our findings highlight the need to mitigate broader-scale anthropogenic impacts affecting these dolphins across multiple sites throughout their coastal range. Accordingly, we underline the importance of developing wider conservation measures for this species in UK and Irish waters, but particularly in prospective corridor areas potentially linking designated SACs in the Moray Firth, Cardigan Bay and Shannon Estuary.

1 0

Abstracts - Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, Vol 12, Issue 2, 2012
by Dagmar Fertl 27 Dec '12

27 Dec '12

Dear Marmam and ECS-mailbase subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following are abstracts from the most recent issue (Volume 12, issue 2, 2012) of the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) publishes The Journal of Cetacean Research and Management thrice yearly (Spring, Autumn, and Winter), with at least one supplement that will contain the full report of the IWC Scientific Committee. The following is posted on behalf of the IWC and the journal editor. Further information can be found at: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/JCRM.htm. A guide for authors is included in the first volume of each issue and on the IWC website: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/authorsguide.htm. Contact information is provided for the corresponding author for each article. Please do not contact the listserve editors or me for pdfs or copies of the articles. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards and best wishes for the New Year, Dagmar Fertl ************************************* Holt, S. 2012. Negotiating the Indian Ocean Sanctuary. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):145-150. Contact e-mail: sidneyholt(a)mac.com This paper provides an overview of the establishment of the International Whaling Commission’s Indian Ocean Sanctuary in 1979. The International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling enables the IWC to designate sanctuaries as well as open and closed areas for whaling. The author reflects upon the background to the issue of whale sanctuaries within the IWC and the particular role of the Seychelles Government in the development of the proposal for a sanctuary in the Indian Ocean. He notes the political, scientific and practical factors surrounding the acceptance of the proposal by the IWC and briefly discusses subsequent events. ************************ Adulyanukosol, K.*, S. Thaongsukdee, and K. Kittiwattanawong. 2012. Cetaceans and mass strandings in Thai waters. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):151-158. *Contact e-mail: k.adulyanukosol(a)gmail.com A total of 25 species of cetaceans have been recorded in Thai waters from stranding and sighting records. A summary of these, together with details of five mass strandings on the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand, are reported here. The first mass stranding, of nine spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) was at Talibong Island, Trang Province, in January 1999; six carcasses were examined and three were lost. The second record comprised five spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) stranded at Ban Ko Kho Khao, Phang-nga, in February 1999; two dolphins were released alive. The third stranding was of eight spotted dolphins at Mai Phai Island, Phang-nga, in March 2006; five animals died and three were released alive. The fourth mass stranding was of 30 false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) at Racha Yai Island, Phuket, in June 2008; 29 animals were released while one drowned. The fifth record consisted of three rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) stranded at Nam Bor Bay, Phuket, in July 2008; all three were returned to the open sea. It was difficult to determine the causes of death of the stranded dolphins. However, it was possible that the first two mass strandings were caused by disease. Some strandings were possibly influenced by the landscape of the stranding locations (narrow bay in one case, wide gently sloping beach in another). ************** Kumarran, R.P. 2012. Cetaceans and cetacean research in India. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):159-172. Contact e-mail: r.p.kumarran(a)gmail.com The diversity of cetacean species in Indian waters is high, with 25 species recorded so far. Records of cetaceans from India during the last 200 years have provided insights into their spatiotemporal distribution, behaviour, feeding, reproduction, fishery interaction and pollution. The cetacean fauna is dominated by pantropical species, with a relatively high abundance of spinner dolphins, which is similar to other areas studied within the northern Indian Ocean. Historical records were analysed to propose an inventory of cetaceans. Cetacean diversity was highest in the Gulf of Mannar on the southeast coast of India, which with 14 species recorded from a small area can be considered a ‘hot spot’ for further research. Fishery interactions, domestic consumption, pollution and lack of quality information to inform management are the main threats for successful survival of cetaceans. The status of information regarding cetaceans in India could be classified based on this study as: six species with adequate data; five species where data is restricted to a few geographic locations; four species for which data collection is being initiated; five species with sparse data; and six species which are difficult to observe. *********** Sathasivam, K.,* and K.S. Natarajan. 2012. Obtaining distributional information on Indian Ocean cetaceans: Suggestions based on and Indian network experience. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):173-175. *Contact e-mail: k_sathasivam(a)yahoo.co.in The understanding of the occurrence and distribution of cetaceans in the Indian region is largely based on information that has been incidentally obtained from strandings and bycatches. An attempt was made to compile such data systematically. The resultant database has been made widely accessible by hosting it on the internet. To improve the quality of information collected, identification aids were published on the same website. A stranding booklet was also created, mainly for the use of individuals and organisations with limited access to the internet. The ‘spare capacity’ of individuals and organisations was used to gather information and also to prepare the website and booklets, so that little or no expense was incurred. Recommendations are made regarding the collection of distributional data from the Indian Ocean. *********** Ilangakoon, A.D. 2012. A review of cetacean research and conservation in Sri Lanka. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):177-183. Contact e-mail: anouki(a)zeynet.com Sri Lanka is a developing island nation in the northern Indian Ocean. Travellers and historians have documented whales in the waters around the island as far back as the 14th century but the first scientific records of live cetaceans from vessel-based research observations were documented only in the early 1980s. Sri Lanka’s waters have high cetacean species richness with 27 species recorded to date and year-round abundance. Small cetaceans are however increasingly threatened due to the developing fisheries industry, with bycatch being a major cause for concern. Other identified threats include increasing shipping traffic and unregulated marine tourism. Cetaceans are protected by national legislation but implementation of the relevant laws and conservation measures is hampered by resource constraints. The prevailing gaps in knowledge are also due to a lack of resources to carry out dedicated long-term research on cetaceans in a developing country with more immediate human development priorities. Therefore strengthened law enforcement and finding adequate resources for sustained systematic research that can inform management decisions are priorities in Sri Lanka. ****** De Vos, A.*, R. Clark, C. Johnson, G. Johnson, I. Kerr, R. Payne, and P.T. Madsen. 2012. Cetacean sighting and acoustic detections in the offshore waters of Sri Lanka: March-June 2003. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):185-193. *Contact e-mail: asha.devos(a)lincoln.oxon.org The Indian Ocean Sanctuary was established in 1979 in an effort to allow exploited stocks of whales to recover from whaling and to facilitate benign research. Further information is required to establish comprehensive management and conservation measures for species within these waters. The current study took place in the offshore waters of Sri Lanka in early 2003. During three research cruises conducted between 29 March and 17 June 2003 the R/V Odyssey covered a total track line of 4,480km around the island resulting in 52 confirmed group sightings of 11 species from three cetacean families. As the tracklines were designed to locate sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) for tissue sampling, they accounted for the greatest number of sightings. Only two species of balaenopterids, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) and the Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni), were recorded with the blue whale being the most frequently sighted species. Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) were the most dominant species in terms of numbers. Some small odonotocetes such as the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Fraser’s dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) were observed in mixed-species groups, while one group of melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra) was seen associating with a group of sperm whales. Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) were frequently sighted throughout the research cruise, with one unusual record of a large mating group. Many sightings were made in the vicinity of the numerous submarine canyons around Sri Lanka’s coastline highlighting their potential role in enhancing productivity in the offshore waters. It is concluded that Sri Lankan offshore waters hold a rich, but little surveyed cetacean fauna that warrants further studies and implementation of conservation measures to protect these populations. ******* Ilangakoon, A.D.*, and K. Sathasivam. 2012. The need for taxonomic investigations on Northern Indian Ocean blue whales (Balaneoptera musculus): Implications of year-round occurrence off Sri Lanka and India. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):195-202. *Contact e-mail: anouki(a)zeynet.com The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is one of the most common cetaceans in the waters around Sri Lanka and in a worldwide context one of the highest low-latitude sighting rates for this species has been recorded in these waters. As genetic analyses, acoustic studies and even long-term sighting surveys for blue whales in these waters are limited, the taxonomic status and population affinities of these animals are not definitively known at present. Sighting records of this species were examined from the waters around Sri Lanka and stranding records from the coasts of both Sri Lanka and India in terms of seasonality of occurrence and it was found that the species is clearly present in these waters throughout the year. This, together with secondary data on certain morphological characteristics and behavioural anomalies, indicates that these waters are ecologically important to blue whales in the Northern Indian Ocean and questions are raised regarding the subspecific identity and population affinities of the animals in the region. It is not clear if they belong to either of the two subspecies currently recognized for the Southern Ocean and Indian Ocean region: their apparently non-migratory nature is akin to the pygmy blue whale B.m. brevicauda, while some morphological and behavioural characteristics are indicative of Antarctic blue whales of the subspecies B.m. intermedia. This raises the possibility of an entirely different or intermediate subspecies and the need to re-examine B.m. indica as a third subspecies in the Northern Indian Ocean. As clarifying their taxonomic status is important in the context of conservation and management, multi-disciplinary studies are urgently needed. ***** Anderson, R.C.*, T.A. Branch, A. Alagiyawadu, R. Baldwin, and F. Marsac. 2012. Seasonal distribution, movements and taxonomic status of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the northern Indian Ocean. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):203-218. Contact e-mail: Anderson(a)dhivehinet.net.mv and Charles.anderson11(a)btinternet.com There is a distinct population of blue whales, Balaenoptera musculus, in the northern Indian Ocean. The taxonomic status of these animals has long been uncertain, with debate over whether this population represents a distinct subspecies, and if so which name should apply. They have most frequently been assigned to B. musculus brevicauda, but are currently considered to be B. m. indica. The movements of these blue whales within the northern Indian Ocean are poorly understood. This paper reviews catches (n = 1,288), sightings (n = 448, with a minimum of 783 animals), strandings (n = 64) and acoustic detections (n = 6 locations); uses ocean colour data to estimate seasonality of primary productivity in different areas of the northern Indian Ocean; and develops a migration hypothesis. It is suggested that most of these whales feed in the Arabian Sea off the coasts of Somalia and the Arabian peninsula during the period of intense upwelling associated with the southwest monsoon (from about May to October). At the same time some blue whales also feed in the area of upwelling off the southwest coast of India and west coast of Sri Lanka. When the southwest monsoon dies down in about October–November these upwellings cease. The blue whales then disperse more widely to eke out the leaner months of the northeast monsoon (during about December to March) in other localized areas with seasonally high productivity. These include the east coast of Sri Lanka, the waters west of the Maldives, the vicinity of the Indus Canyon (at least historically), and some parts of the southern Indian Ocean. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that at least some of the blue whales that feed off the east coast of Sri Lanka in the northeast monsoon also feed in the Arabian Sea during the southwest monsoon. These whales appear to migrate eastwards past the north of Maldives and south of Sri Lanka in about December–January, returning westwards in about April-May. ***** Anderson, R.C.*, S.A. Sattar, and M.S. Adam. 2012. Cetaceans in the Maldives: A review. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):219-225. *Contact e-mail: Anderson(a)dhivehinet.net.mv and Charles.anderson11(a)btinternet.com The cetaceans of the Maldives were poorly known until relatively recently, but have received increased attention over the past decade. Twentythree species of cetacean have now been recorded. A number of sightings surveys, and one acoustic survey, have been completed. The species most frequently seen is the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris). A national system for reporting cetacean strandings has been in place since 2000, although some earlier strandings were also reported; approximately 160 strandings of 16 species have been recorded to date. The species most commonly reported stranding is the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). Ambergris has been exported from the Maldives since ancient times; recent export statistics are reviewed. All cetaceans are protected by law within Maldivian waters. More significantly, most forms of net-fishing, including gill-netting and purse-seining are banned in the Maldives to protect the traditional pole and line tuna fishery. Cetacean-watching is becoming increasingly popular, with spinner dolphins being the main attraction, although other species are also sought after on specialist trips. ****** Clark, R.A., C.M. Johnson, G. Johnson, R. Payne, I. Kerr, R.C. Anderson, S.A. Sattar, C.A.J. Godard, and P.T. Madsen*. 2012. Cetacean sightings and acoustic detections in the offshore waters of the Maldives during the northeast monsoon seasons of 2003 and 2004. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):227-234. *Contact e-email: Peter.madsen(a)biology.au.dk Despite its central position in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary, little is known about the offshore cetacean fauna of the Maldives. Here we report survey results gathered by the R/V Odyssey in the Maldives during the 2003 and 2004 northeast monsoon seasons, and provide data on cetaceans from visual and acoustic observations. The survey was conducted over a period of 72 days and covered 10,915 track line kilometres. The main aim of the survey was to collect biopsy samples from sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) as part of a global survey of ocean pollutants. Totals of 157 sightings and 1,461 acoustic detections of 16 identified cetacean species were recorded. Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata), spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) and sperm whale were the most commonly sighted species. Sperm whales and pantropical spotted dolphins were particularly abundant in the southern Maldives. The cetacean acoustic detection rate was 2.5 times higher than in the eastern Indian Ocean and Western tropical Pacific, while the non-physeterid sighting rate was 1.7 times higher than the Eastern tropical Pacific and 6.7 times higher than the eastern Indian Ocean based on other research conducted by the R/V Odyssey using the same methodology. It is concluded that the Maldives has a diverse and seemingly abundant cetacean community. ******** Gore, M.A.*, M.S. Kiani, E. Ahmad, B. Hussain, R.F. Ormond, J. Siddiqui, U. Waqas, and R. Culloch. 2012. Occurrence of whales and dolphins in Pakistan with reference to fishers’ knowledge and impacts. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):235-247. *Contact e-mail: mauvis.gore.mci(a)gmail.com This paper reports the findings of a project (Cetacean Conservation Pakistan) launched in 2004 with a view to: (a) undertaking quantitative surveys to determine the variety and abundance of species present; (b) working with local fisher communities to collate local knowledge and promote public awareness; and (c) promoting a marine cetacean conservation strategy and measures. Boat-based surveys for live animals and shore surveys for beachcast specimens have confirmed the presence of twelve species of whale and dolphin. Among these bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) occur both inshore along the coasts of Sindh and Balochistan, and offshore in parts of Balochistan; these two populations possibly representing different sub-species. Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) are common inshore around the mouth of the Indus Delta and in large sheltered bays in Balochistan, where finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) also occur. Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) were observed in very large schools (up to 2,000) around the shelf edge in eastern Balochistan, as were Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in smaller numbers. Common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) were recorded even further offshore. There were two sightings of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), and one of a killer whale (Orcinus orca). Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) were recorded only during beach surveys, while skeletal remains in institutions also supported the occurrence of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). Work with local fisher communities supported this picture of species distribution and provided information on threats to local cetaceans. These are principally occasional entanglement in fishing gear and opportunistic exploitation for use as food, as bait, as medicine or for other purposes. The project incorporated policy development and the preparation of a marine cetacean biodiversity action plan that included the listing of species in provincial conservation legislation, the designation of a marine protected area in Balochistan, the establishment of a national whale and dolphin conservation society, and trials of whale and dolphin watching as a means of raising public awareness and providing alternative economic value. ********** Amir, O.A.*, P. Berggren, and N.S. Jiddawi. 2012. Recent records of marine mammals in Tanzanian waters. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):249-253. *Contact e-mail: oamakando(a)yahoo.com Marine mammal species diversity off Zanzibar and Tanzania, East Africa, has been recorded by the Marine Mammal Education and Research Group at the Institute of Marine Sciences, Zanzibar, Tanzania since 1998. The data presented in this report reflect the efforts of 10 years collection of information from marine mammals stranded and incidentally caught in Tanzanian waters. Additional information from dedicated surveys of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and incidental sightings reported by the general public are also provided. From 1992 through 2008 a total of 235 specimens of 13 cetacean species and the dugong were recorded. 214 (90.7%) records referred to specimens from bycatch in drift and bottom-set gillnets and 22 (9.3%) referred to specimens from strandings. Based on incidental catch and sightings records, Indo-Pacific bottlenose, spinner and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, observed year-round, and humpback whales, observed seasonally during July to November, were the most common species in Tanzanian coastal waters. ********** Dulau-Drouot, V., J. Fayan, L. Mouysset, and V. Boucaud. 2012. Occurence and residency patterns of humpback whales off Réunion Island during 2004-10. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):255-263. *Contact e-mail: violaine.dulau(a)globice.org Dedicated humpback whale surveys were conducted around Réunion Island during 2004-10. Boat-based surveys were conducted from June to October, in the main objective of collecting photo-identification data. For 2004-10, a total of 501 survey trips, representing 1,530 hours of onsearching effort, and 724 humpback whale sightings were achieved. Although effort had a significant influence on the number of sightings, sighting rate was shown to increase significantly from 2007 onwards, with a peak in 2008. Seasonal variations were observed, with significantly higher numbers of sightings occurring in July September. Larger number of whales, together with increased survey effort, led to larger datasets collected in 2008-10, allowing further investigation of residency pattern. Within-year recaptures from fluke photographs showed that a relatively large proportion (30%) of the identified whales was recaptured on more than one day around the island. Maximum recapture interval reached 64 days, with a mean ranging 22–29 days for 2008–10. Mean residency, estimated from expected lagged identification rate, was 25 days. Mothers with a calf were shown to reside around the island for longer period of time than other individuals. A seasonal pattern of residency was demonstrated, with single capture individuals occurring early in the season, mainly as singleton or pairs, while individuals showing higher recapture interval were present around the island from August to October. Between-year recaptures were reported for 2009-10, with five individuals re-sighted on consecutive years. The fluke catalogue for Réunion includes 312 distinct individuals identified during 2004–10 surveys, together with 21 additional whales captured opportunistically since 2001. The increasing trend in the number of whales, the high residency time observed for 2008–10 and the recent occurrence of inter-annual recaptures suggest that Réunion Island has become an important migratory site for humpback whales within the south-western Indian Ocean (Breeding Stock C). The species might expand its spatial range by occupying new breeding sites (or re occupying old ones) within the south-western Indian ocean, as a result of population growth. ************ Plön, S., K.H. Albrecht, G. Cliff, and P.W. Froneman. 2012. Organ weights of three dolphin species (Sousa chinensis, Tursiops aduncus and Delphinus capensis) from South Africa: Implications for ecological adaptation? Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):265-276. *Contact e-mail: Stephanie(a)bayworld.co.za Data from bycaught, but otherwise presumed healthy individuals can contribute important biological data on species of cetaceans that are otherwise lacking. This study utilises data collected from systematic necropsies performed between October 1970 and May 2010 on 142 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis), 607 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), and 640 long beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) incidentally caught and drowned in the shark nets off KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The aim of this analysis was to: (1) determine average absolute and relative organ weights for the three taxa as baseline values for later pathological examinations; and (2) examine potential correlations with the physiology and ecology in the three genera. Body length-weight relationships were described for the three species, indicating that S. chinensis is more robust than T. aduncus, with D. capensis being the smallest species out of the three taxa. Organ weights, as a percentage of total body weight were examined for the three delphinids. Organs examined included heart, lungs and trachea, liver, kidneys, spleen, and testes. Relative heart, liver and kidney weights were significantly larger in the small-bodied, fast-swimming D. capensis, than in the slower, more coastal S. chinensis and T. aduncus, possibly reflecting differences in activity patterns between the three species. Relative lung and trachea weights were not significantly different in the three species. Combined testes weight, as a percentage of total body weight, in combination with information on group size and sexual dimorphism suggested a monogamous or extreme polygynous (harem) mating system in S. chinensis, frequent copulations in T. aduncus, and sperm competition in D. capensis. The results of the present study suggest that the relative sizes of the major organs in the three genera are a reflection of the differing life histories and ecologies of the species examined. *********************************** Eyre, E.J.*, and J. Frizell. 2012. A note on observations of cetaceans in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary, Australia to Israel, April 1995. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 12(2):277-285. *Contact e-mail: Elizabeth.eyre(a)mq.edu.au A forty-day voyage from Hobart (Australia) to Haifa (Israel) included a visual and acoustic census for cetaceans in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary. One hundred and sixty-three sightings were made, 156 occurring within the Sanctuary. Twelve species were identified. Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) were encountered most frequently (51% of identified encounters), whilst spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) were numerically dominant. Other species identified included bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.), short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), pan-tropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata), rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), killer whale (Orcinus orca), short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens), Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris). The most sightings occurred WNW of the Seychelles, east of Somalia, and in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea. Half of the sperm whale sightings were to the east of Ras Hafun (Somalia), and included adults, subadults and at least one calf. Thirteen hours were spent listening for cetaceans using a towed array whilst the ship was underway. Cetaceans were detected at 78% of the listening stations, with a possible four species recorded (sperm whale, spinner dolphin, pilot whale, bottlenose dolphin). The survey shows the value of platforms of opportunity for studying the pelagic communities of cetaceans in the Indian Ocean Sanctuary. It highlights the need for further research in the northwestern sector where anthropogenic threats are varied and increasing.

1 0

MBA Sea Otter Research and Conservation Animal Care Internship Posting
by Brandi Katz 27 Dec '12

27 Dec '12

Sea Otter Research and Conservation - Unpaid Animal Care Intern Organization: Monterey Bay Aquarium Location: Monterey, CA, United States Job or Internship: Internship The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sea Otter Research and Conservation program is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist SORAC staff with the care for and release of sick, abandoned, or injured sea otters. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, daily care and feeding of sea otters in a rehabilitation setting, maintenance and cleaning of animal tanks and enclosures, and computer data entry. Interns may also assist with the tracking of released otters and the administration of medicine to sick otters. Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment, must be able to work independently without direct supervision, and must have good communication skills. Requirements: * 6-month commitment of 24-32 hours each week. (Extension beyond the first 3 months dependent upon performance review by SORAC staff.) * Ability to lift 50 lbs. * Proof of current tetanus vaccination * Valid driver's license * Willingness to work a set schedule, weekends and holidays as assigned Preference will be given to applicants who have at least 2 years towards a college degree in a biology-related field and to those who have previous animal care experience. For more information and to apply, email: bkatz(a)mbayaq.org<mailto:bkatz@mbayaq.org> Brandi Katz Sea Otter Research and Conservation Volunteer Coordinator P 831-648-4866 F 831-648-4989 [cid:image001.gif@01CDE444.69186D50] Monterey Bay Aquarium 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 www.montereybayaquarium.org<http://www.montereybayaquarium.org> Our mission is to inspire conservation of the oceans. Brandi Katz Sea Otter Research and Conservation Volunteer Coordinator P 831-648-4866 F 831-648-4989 [cid:image001.gif@01CDE444.69186D50] Monterey Bay Aquarium 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 www.montereybayaquarium.org<http://www.montereybayaquarium.org> Our mission is to inspire conservation of the oceans.

1 0

JOB OPPORTUNITY AS AN ON-BOARD NATURALIST FOR SUMMER 2013.
by Megan Whittaker 25 Dec '12

25 Dec '12

JOB OPPORTUNITY AS AN ON-BOARD NATURALIST FOR ELDING WHALE WATCHING REYKJAVIK, ICELAND SUMMER 2013. Elding Whale Watching Reykjavik is a family owned company and has been running since 2000. We are the original operator in Reykjavik, abide by IceWhale guidelines as well as integrating our own and are the first and only environmentally certified whale watching company in Iceland. Elding also provides a platform for marine biologists to study the cetaceans we encounter on our tours to help build our knowledge and understanding. For further information please visit our website at www.whalewatching.is Elding is looking for two full-time guides, one that can speak fluently English and German and the other English and French. Please specify if you speak other languages too. Please find attached for more details Megan WhittakerHead GuideElding Whale Watching ReykjavíkÆgisgarður 7, 101 Reykjavík, IcelandTel. +354 555 3565M: +354 824 1088E: megan(a)elding.is

1 0

Final release of the ESME Workbench 2012
by David Mountain 24 Dec '12

24 Dec '12

The final release of the ESME Workbench 2012 is now available for download at: http://esme.bu.edu/download/index.shtml The ESME Workbench is an acoustic simulator for use in estimating the impact of anthropogenic sounds sources on marine life. This release includes includes several major new features including a choice of propagation algorithms (Bellhop, RAM) and a post analysis tool that allows the user to generate and graph summary statistics from the simulations. To learn more about the ESME Workbench, visit: http://esme.bu.edu/about.shtml-- David C. Mountain, Ph.D. Professor of Biomedical Engineering Boston University 44 Cummington St. Boston, MA 02215 Email: dcm(a)bu.edu Website: http://www.bu.edu/hrc/research/laboratories/auditory-biophysics/ Phone: (617) 353-4343 FAX: (617) 353-6766 Office: ERB 413

1 0

DAREWIN research program seeking for volunteers : whale breeding season 2012
by abyss 23 Dec '12

23 Dec '12

Based on the island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, the DAREWIN program (www.darewin.org) <http://www.darewin.org> studies acoustic and ethology on Humpback Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins and Sperm Whales. We work with different organizations: the NGO Abyss (www.abyss.re) <http://www.abyss.re>the FFESSM (www.ffessm.fr) <http://www.ffessm.fr> and various private operators. This project is conducted under the scientific supervision of laboratories, with a multidisciplinary and international scientific committee<http://web.me.com/abyss974/Site/Scientific_comittee.html> . For more information you can watch this film: https :/ / vimeo.com/34462527<https://vimeo.com/34462527> We offer motivated individuals to join the team for two to three months from the month of August. An experience and training in the field of biology and signal processing is a plus. Similarly boating license and a snorkeling level are preferable. We expect assistance in the field and at office, to assist in data collection and processing of our data base online. - Photo and video identification - Spectral analysis of videos and recordings sound systems - Classification of behaviors - Timecode of geolocalised data - Weekly video summary Similarly participation in logistics and supervision of program participants is expected. Two to three survey trips per week on average will be planned. - Preparation of video and audio materials - Preparation of the boat - The maintenance of the public reception area, video and photo exhibition - Welcome the public Housing is provided (on basic shelter built), the volunteer will assume the flight and other expenses. A contribution to costs of our program (optional) will be welcome. To apply, thank you for sending your application to abyss(a)planetenature.rebefore June 20, thank you to attach a CV and letter.

2 1

Volunteer opportunity in South Africa
by Katja Vinding Petersen 23 Dec '12

23 Dec '12

*Volunteer field assistant opportunity: **Research of cetaceans in South Africa* *BACK GROUND:* This PhD project aims to obtain baseline information on fine-scale movement, individual behaviour, and habitat use of cetaceans in the Greater Dyer Island area, Western Cape, South Africa. The main techniques used are theodolite tracking, passive acoustic monitoring, and photo-id of the cetaceans. The focus species are; Southern right whale (*Eubalaena australis*), Indo Pacific humpback dolphin (*Sousa chinensis*), Humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*), Bryde’s whales (* Balaenoptera brydei*) and Indo Pacific bottlenose dolphins (* Tursiops aduncus*). The PhD project is run under the auspices of the Mammal Research Institute (MRI) of University of Pretoria. *WHERE: *Kleinbaai, Western Cape, South Africa *WHEN:* 1st of January until the end of December 2013 *FIELDWORK & DATA ANALYSIS:* You will primarily be part of the theodolite tracking team. Surveys are conducted using a Total station and binoculars. Surveys are conducted from observation towers along the coastline. You will assist with the data recording, scanning the area using binoculars, and entering data in the evenings or during bad weather days. Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends. You need to be available full-time, including weekends, and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. On theodolite tracking days the team may leave before sunrise and return after sunset – spending the whole day tracking. Fieldwork is intense and demanding, but very rewarding. You will obtain hands-on field experience and knowledge in environmental and behavioural data collection of cetaceans, as well as photo-identification techniques. *Passive Acoustic Monitoring is scheduled to commence in 2013, but final deployment of equipment depends on available funding. Volunteers will be able to participate during sound recording and analysis, but the main focus of the volunteers is theodolite tracking. * Max. 3 volunteers will be accepted at the time. * * *EXPECTATIONS, volunteers are expected to:* · Be reliable, adaptable, hard working 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. · NOT be afraid of heights. Some of the tracking will be done from the top of a water tower and getting there involves secured climbing on high open ladders. · Physically in good shape. · Have excellent eyesight. · Be prepared to work long days with start before sunrise and end after sunset. · Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude. · Participate for minimum 1 month. *QUALIFICATIONS:* · Upper level undergrads and graduate students who have interest and background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related field - is preferred. · Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Access). · Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research is preferred but not required. · Participants must be able to live and work well within a team for extended periods of time. Due to the training required, applicants should be available for a minimum of 1 month. *LIVING & COSTS:* Volunteers are expected to cover their own living expenses, including flight costs. Help will be provided to find accommodation in Kleinbaai. Expected accommodation cost is between ZAR 1300-2500 per month. Food expenses, Internet etc can be kept between ZAR 2000-3000 a month. Pick-up and drop-off from Cape Town can be arranged for ZAR 150 pr. trip. Applicants should email a letter of interest outlining relevant experience and motivation for participation, as well as a CV to PhD student, Katja Vinding Petersen; katjavp(a)gmail.com Relevant links: www.facebook.com/WhalesDolphins www.up.ac.za/zoology/students.php?person=399 -- Katja Vinding Petersen, M.Sc. PhD. Student University of Pretoria, South Africa Mobile Denmark: 0045 20 62 00 64 Mobile S.A.: +27 (0)7 22 80 11 46 <http://www.dict.org.za/>www.facebook.com/WhalesDolphins

1 0