December 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Humpback Acoustics in Kuwait waters
by Yusuf Bohadi 21 Dec '12

21 Dec '12

Hello everyone i have a small request. Does anyone have any papers on passive acoustic recordings of humpback whales songs in Kuwait waters? i need these for a PhD program i plan on undertaking. And the material would be very helpful. i have tried searching for reports on this subject but failed to find any. Thank you very much in advance :-) Yousef

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Caperea - pygymy right whale: the last of the cetotheres
by Ewan Fordyce 20 Dec '12

20 Dec '12

This article has just been published online: Fordyce, R. E., and F. G. Marx. 2013. The pygmy right whale Caperea marginata: the last of the cetotheres. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 280:doi 10.1098/rspb.2012.2645. Abstract: The pygmy right whale, Caperea marginata, is the most enigmatic of the living baleen whales (Mysticeti). Its highly disparate morphology and the virtual absence of a described fossil record have made it extremely difficult to place Caperea into a broader evolutionary context, and molecular and morphological studies have frequently contradicted each other as to the origins and phylogenetic relationships of the species. Our study of a wealth of material from New Zealand collections, representing a wide range of ontogenetic stages, has identified several new features previously unreported in Caperea, which suggest that the pygmy right whale may be the last survivor of the supposedly extinct family Cetotheriidae. This hypothesis is corroborated by both morphology-based and total evidence cladistic analyses, including 166 morphological characters and 23 taxa, representing all the living and extinct families of toothless baleen whales. Our results allow us to formally refer Caperea to Cetotheriidae, thus resurrecting the latter from extinction and helping to clarify the origins of a long-problematic living species. A pdf is available from Felix.Marx(a)otago.ac.nz or Ewan.Fordyce(a)otago.ac.nz Regards Ewan R. Ewan Fordyce Professor, Department of Geology University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, NZ tel 3-479-7510, paleo lab 3-479-4575, cell 021-037-3964, fax 3-479-7527 web: http://www.otago.ac.nz/geology/people/fordyce/index.html

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Master thesis project in EBD-CSIC
by Joan Giménez Verdugo 20 Dec '12

20 Dec '12

Dear all, During 2013, EBD-CSIC (Estación Biológica de Doñana-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) and CIRCE (Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans) will offer 3 Master projects based on trophic ecology study of cetaceans of the Gulf of Cádiz and photo-identification techniques and mark-recapture models to study bottlenose dolphins of the Strait of Gibraltar and Gulf of Cádiz. If you are not doing a master, case by case will be examined. All of these projects will take place between February and June 2013 in EBD-CSIC in Seville (Spain). The titles of the projects are: 1. - Diet of small cetaceans of Andalucía 2. - Abundance of bottlenose dolphins of the Gulf of Cádiz 3. - Abundance, survival rate and population growth rate of bottlenose dolphins of the Strait of Gibraltar In order to apply for these projects, you should send an email to joan.gimenez(at)csic.es, 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 20th of January 2013. Chosen candidates will be advised on the 27th of January. Thank you for reading carefully the description of each project before contacting us. *- Master thesis project 1: Diet of small cetaceans in Andalucía* * * *Host:* EBD-CSIC (Estación biológica de Doñana – Consejo superior de investigaciones científicas), www.ebd.csic.es * * *Background:* Although studies on different ecological aspects of cetacean species have taken place in Andalucía (southern Spain), the knowledge on their trophic behaviour is limited. The relevance of this information, unquestionable from an ecological point of view, will have important implications for their successful management and conservation, due to the potential high interaction of these species with human activities, such as fisheries. This project is included in the project “EcoCet: Trophic ecology of cetacean in Andalucia”, which is coordinated by EBD-CSIC, with the collaboration of CIRCE, and is part of the Phd of Joan Giménez in the EBD-CSIC. *Aim of the thesis:* The study will look at diet of small cetaceans, mainly common and striped dolphins in Andalucía, through the study of stomach contents.** * * *Content of the thesis:* - - Cleaning and sorting all the stomach contents of small cetaceans of our stranding collection (10% of the time). - - Identification of all the otoliths present in the stomachs through identification guides (80% of the time). - - Statistical analysis of the data obtained through the study (10% of the time). - - Sample collection if some strandings occur during the study period. - - Training on other techniques to study cetaceans at sea (One week). * * *Conditions to apply:* The student will have to be present from February until July 2013 at the research center in Seville (Spain). Previous experience in the topic is recommended. Housing and living expenses will not be provided. * * *CAUTION!* *Otolith identification of thousands of stomach remains with identification guides is a very demanding and sometimes monotonous or frustrating work, therefore the student should be prepared to long working days sitting in front of the computer and looking under the microscope. So the student should be highly patient, strongly motivated and not afraid by frustration.* * * *Supervision:* Renaud de Stephanis and Joan Giménez (EBD-CSIC) *Contact :* Joan Giménez, Email: joan.gimenez(at)csic.es * * *- Master thesis project 2: Abundance of bottlenose dolphins of the Gulf of Cádiz* * * *Host:* EBD-CSIC (Estación biológica de Doñana – Consejo superior de investigaciones científicas), www.ebd.csic.es * * *Background:* EBD-CSIC and CIRCE has studied bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Cádiz since 2001. Photo-Identification studies allow us to estimate its population size through natural marks on each individual. This project is included in the project “Abundance and distribution of top predators of the Gulf of Cádiz”, which is coordinated by EBD-CSIC, with the collaboration of CIRCE, and is part of the PhD of Joan Giménez in the EBD-CSIC. *Aim of the thesis:* The study will look at the abundance of bottlenose dolphins through different mark-recapture models.** * * *Content of the thesis:* - - Update the photo-identification analysis by manually matching new pictures with the existing catalogue (85% of the time). - - Training on Photo-Identification technique at sea (One week). - - Build mark-recapture models using the software MARK (15% of the time). * * *Conditions to apply:* The student will have to be present from February until July 2013 at the research center in Seville (Spain). Previous experience in the topic is preferred. Housing and living expenses will not be provided. * * *CAUTION!* *Manually matching thousands of pictures with the catalogue is a very demanding and sometimes monotonous or frustrating work, therefore the student should be prepared to long working days sitting in front of the computer and should be highly patient, strongly motivated and not afraid by frustration.* * * *Supervision:* Philippe Verborgh (CIRCE) Renaud de Stephanis and Joan Giménez (EBD-CSIC) *Contact:* Joan Giménez , Email: joan.gimenez(at)csic.es *- Master thesis project 3: Abundance, survival rate and population growth rate of bottlenose dolphins of the Strait of Gibraltar* * * *Host:* EBD-CSIC (Estación biológica de Doñana – Consejo superior de investigaciones científicas), www.ebd.csic.es * * *Background:* CIRCE has studied bottlenose dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar since 1999. The fact that this population is resident all year round makes it a perfect candidate for long term monitoring. Photo-Identification studies allow us to estimate the population size, survival rate and population growth rate of naturally marked individuals. This project is included in the project “CETIDMED”, which will be coordinated by CIRCE, with the collaboration of the Fundación Biodiversidad, Alnilam, ANSE and EBD-CSIC. *Aim of the thesis:* The study will look at the abundance, survival rate and population growth rate of bottlenose dolphins through different mark-recapture models.** * * *Content of the thesis:* - - Update the photo-identification analysis by manually matching new pictures with the existing catalogue (85% of the time). - - Training on Photo-Identification technique at sea (One week). - - Build mark-recapture models using the software MARK (15% of the time). * * *Conditions to apply:* The student will have to be present from February until July 2013 at the research center in Seville (Spain). Previous experience in the topic is preferred. Housing and living expenses will not be provided. * * *CAUTION!* *Manually matching thousands of pictures with the catalogue is a very demanding and sometimes monotonous or frustrating work, therefore the student should be prepared to long working days sitting in front of the computer and should be highly patient, strongly motivated and not afraid by frustration.* * * *Supervision:* Philippe Verborgh and Pauline Gauffier (CIRCE). Renaud de Stephanis and Joan Giménez (EBD-CSIC) *Contact :* Joan Giménez, Email: joan.gimenez(at)csic.es -- *Joan Giménez Verdugo* *Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC) Applied Marine Ecology Group (GEMA) * *Department of Conservation Biology* Avenida Americo Vespucio s/n 41092 Sevilla Mail: joan.gimenez(a)csic.es Phone: 619176849

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REMINDER: 2013 Annual Meeting of the UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy: SAMS, 28-29 January 2013
by UK Regional Student Chapter for the Society of Marine Mammals 19 Dec '12

19 Dec '12

Dear all. We would like to remind you that the annual meeting of the UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy will be held at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Oban from the 28-29 January 2013. An Icebreaker will be held on the evening of the 27th of January. We encourage all students registered in Universities across the UK and Ireland that are interested in marine mammal research to attend. The atmosphere of the conference is relatively informal, giving students a platform to discuss their research with other students. Postgraduate students are invited to submit abstracts for oral presentations and posters. For planning purposes, we have divided presentations into 5-minute speedtalk and 15 minute slots. We encourage new postgraduate students to talk about their future research plans using the 5-minute slots and for those further along in their studies to present for 15 minutes. Undergraduates with an interest in the field are also welcome to attend. The talks traditionally vary in content: from talks by new students discussing their future plans or the basis of their project, to students whose Ph.D’s are near completion. Our guest speakers include Dr David Lusseau (MASTS Senior Lecturer in Marine Top Predator Biology, University of Aberdeen) and Lindesay Scott-Hayward (Research fellow at The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling). Dr Ben Wilson, Dr Steven Benjamins and Miss Marie Porter will hold an interdisciplinary workshop based on the facilities and expertise available at SAMS. The final deadline for presentation abstracts (max 300 words) will be the 5th of January 2013. There is no registration fee and you don’t need to be an existing member of the Chapter. You can register for the Chapter at the same time as registering for the conference. Registration forms can be downloaded from our website. Please visit our website for updates http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~ukrscgrp/ or visit our facebook page UKrsc - the Society of Marine Mammalogy <http://www.facebook.com/UKRSC#>. Please submit your registration form by e-mail attachment to ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk by 5th January 2013. If you have any further questions regarding the meeting, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Hope to see you all in Oban in January, With best wishes, The committee of the UK Regional Student Chapter for the Society for Marine Mammalogy This year meeting will be kindly sponsored by Chelonia Limited, http://www.chelonia.co.uk/

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Passive Acoustic Technician Training Course - second announcement
by Julie Oswald 18 Dec '12

18 Dec '12

This is the second announcement for the Passive Acoustic Technician training course offered by Bio-Waves, Inc. Registration is open and spaces are filling up! The four day training course combines theoretical instruction with hands-on demonstrations and training to give participants a working knowledge of passive acoustic monitoring hardware and software. The goal of this training course is to familiarize individuals with the necessary equipment and procedures, and teach the basic skills required to prepare them for work as passive acoustic field technicians. This course will be held at the University of California, San Diego Supercomputer Center in La Jolla, California from Tuesday, February 12th through Friday February 15th, 2013. The training course will cover the following subjects: · an introduction to the physics of underwater sound and fundamentals of marine mammal acoustics · instruction on the design, setup, troubleshooting and repair of towed hydrophone arrays and other acoustic monitoring devices (ex. sonobuoys, autonomous recorders) used in the field · software used to detect, localize and classify sounds produced by marine mammals · software used to review and post-process acoustic data · the role of passive acoustic methods in mitigation and marine mammal monitoring · best practices for effective acoustic data collection and management. At the conclusion of the course, participants will have gained a working knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of towed hydrophone array system design, maintenance and operations, in addition to software used during field operations and for data review and analysis. All participants will receive a set of materials for reference in the field. For those participants that are interested, we are pleased to offer course credit for the training course through the University of California, San Diego's Extension Program. Credit for the course is available to those who are interested via a separate application and fees. To register or obtain more information about the course please visit www.bio-waves.net/upcoming . A $250 non-refundable deposit will be required to secure your position in the course, and a minimum number of participants must be registered by Friday, January 4th, 2013 (deposits will be refunded if the minimum is not met prior to this date and we will notify all registrants). Limited spaces are available at a discounted rates for groups or graduate students; discounts are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact education(a)bio-waves.net with any questions. We look forward to seeing you this coming winter! -- "If you have the desire for knowledge and the power to give it physical expression, go out and explore" -Apsley Cherry-Garrard

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New online marine mammal discussion forum
by Administrator＠MARMAM.net 16 Dec '12

16 Dec '12

Hello MARMAM listserve, In an effort to foster open communication between marine mammal researchers, educators, managers, advocates, students, and anyone interested in marine mammals, we have launched a new online discussion forum for anything marine mammal related. The website is: www.marmam.net and there is no charge for registering to use the site. We have created a number of forum topics to get started in a hope to encourage an open dialogue regarding various topics, I.e. meeting and conference announcements, management notifications, job postings, internships, field report, research papers, etc. Many we've spoken with feel it is just too long between the Society for Marine Mammalogy conferences to connect with friends and colleagues and we hope that this will encourage increased discussions, potential collaborations, etc. Since we're just starting out, we will also be looking for people to potentially moderate various forums, so please let us know if you're interested. Thanks and happy holidays, MARMAM.net Forum Management Team

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New Publication: Sand lance detection of low frequency tones and whale predator sounds
by S.M. Strobel 14 Dec '12

14 Dec '12

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, We are pleased to announce a recent publication on sand lance auditory sensitivity and ability to detect sounds made by their humpback whale predators: *Strobel SM and Mooney TA. 2012. Detection of low frequency tones and whale predator sounds by the American sand lance *Ammodytes americanus*. Journal of Fish Biology 81: 1646-1664. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03423.x* *Abstract: *Auditory evoked potentials (AEP) were used to measure the hearing range and auditory sensitivity of the American sand lance *Ammodytes americanus*. Responses to amplitude-modulated tone pips indicated that the hearing range extended from 50 to 400 Hz. Sound pressure thresholds were lowest between 200 and 400 Hz. Particle acceleration thresholds showed an improved sensitivity notch at 200 Hz but not substantial differences between frequencies and only a slight improvement in hearing abilities at lower frequencies. The hearing range was similar to Pacific sand lance *Ammodytes personatus* and variations between species may be due to differences in threshold evaluation methods. AEPs were also recorded in response to pulsed sounds simulating humpback whale *Megaptera novaeangliae* foraging vocalizations termed megapclicks. Responses were generated with pulses containing significant energy below 400 Hz. No responses were recorded using pulses with peak energy above 400 Hz. These results show that *A. americanus* can detect the particle motion component of low-frequency tones and pulse sounds, including those similar to the low-frequency components of megapclicks. *Ammodytes americanus* hearing may be used to detect environmental cues and the pulsed signals of mysticete predators. *Keywords:* auditory brainstem response; communication; feeding; noise; sand eel; sensory ecology You can can download the PDF or view in HTML at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03423.x/full Please contact me if you have any questions or do not have access to the article (smstrobel(a)gmail.com) All the best, Sarah McKay Strobel

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new paper on bioacoustics of bycatch mitigation pingers
by Christine Erbe 14 Dec '12

14 Dec '12

Dear fellow MARMAM-ers, the following paper has just been published in Endangered Species Research, as part of the special theme on bycatch mitigation. A pdf of the article can be downloaded here: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v19/n2/p109-121/ Acoustic characterisation of bycatch mitigation pingers on shark control nets in Queensland, Australia Christine Erbe, Craig McPherson ABSTRACT: The Queensland Shark Control Program (QSCP) uses pingers to prevent marine mammal entanglement in shark control nets along public beaches, in Queensland, Australia. Acoustic emissions of Fumunda F3 (designed for humpback whales) and F10 pingers (designed for dolphins) were measured and characterised. The acoustic signals consisted of tones (3 and 10 kHz, respectively) and harmonic overtones emitted for about 400 ms every 5 to 6 s. Directivity was more pronounced for the overtones. Broadband source levels were up to 135 dB re 1 μPa at 1 m for all pingers at all angles. Ambient noise was recorded in the vicinity of shark nets for 3 wk each quarter of 1 yr. Fish choruses, migrating humpback whales, dolphins, snapping shrimp, boats, sandpumps, wind and wave noise were identified. Beyond 1.5 km, pingers no longer contributed significantly to the ambient noise budget. Sound propagation was modelled to relate received pinger tones to measured ambient levels and to estimate the potential detection of pingers by local marine mammals (humpback whales, dugongs, dolphins). Mean transmitted levels were predicted to be audible over up to a few 100 m in range (depending on species). With currently 3 to 4 pingers per shark net of 200 m length, existing pinger type and arrangement were modelled to be adequate, even for marine mammals swimming straight at a net at top speed. Additional behavioural studies or long-term monitoring are needed to determine pinger efficacy. Cheers, Christine Christine Erbe Centre for Marine Science and Technology Curtin University, Perth GPO Box U1987, Western Australia 6845 Tel.: +61 8 9266 7543 Email: C.Erbe(a)curtin.edu.au Web: http://cmst.curtin.edu.au

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New Publication: Hearing in Cetaceans (review)
by T. Aran Mooney 14 Dec '12

14 Dec '12

Dear MARMAM Subscribers, We are proud to announce a recent review on hearing in cetaceans published in: *Advances in Marine Biology *Mooney TA, Yamato M, Branstetter BK. 2012. Hearing in cetaceans: from natural history to experimental biology. Advances in Marine Biology. 63:197-246. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-394282-1.00004-1* * http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123942821000041 Please contact me if you do not have access to the article (amooney(a)whoi.edu)* * Abstract Sound is a primary sensory cue for most marine mammals, and this is especially true for cetaceans. To passively and actively acquire information abouttheir environment, cetaceans have some of the most derived ears of all mammals, capable of sophisticated, sensitive hearing and auditory processing. These capabilities have developed for survival in an underwater world where sound travels five times faster than in air, and where light is quickly attenuated and often limited at depth, at night, and in murky waters. Cetacean auditory evolution has capitalized on the ubiquity of sound cues and the efficiency of underwater acoustic communication. The sense of hearing is central to cetacean sensory ecology, enabling vital behaviours such as locating prey, detecting predators, identifying conspecifics, and navigating. Increasing levels of anthropogenic ocean noise appears to influence many of these activities. Here, we describe the historical progress of investigations on cetacean hearing, with a particular focus on odontocetes and recent advancements. While this broad topic has been studied for several centuries, new technologies in the past two decades have been leveraged to improve our understanding of a wide range of taxa, including some of the most elusive species. This chapter addresses topics including how sounds are received, what sounds are detected, hearing mechanisms for complex acoustic scenes, recent anatomical and physiological studies, the potential impacts of noise, and mysticete hearing. We conclude by identifying emerging research topics and areas which require greater focus.

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Job Announcement for The Whale Museum
by Jenny L Atkinson 13 Dec '12

13 Dec '12

Position: Data Specialist/Collections Curator and Stranding Network Coordinator Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, USA The Whale Museum is seeking a person to fulfill the roles of Data Specialist/Collections Curator and Stranding Network Coordinator. Year-round FT employment. (Please note several job functions have been combined in order to provide a full-time, year-round position.) Established in 1979 as the first U.S. museum dedicated to whales living in the wild, The Whale Museum's mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. Our facility is located on San Juan Island, northwest of Seattle, Washington. This remote island is accessible only by ferry, boat or plane. This position manages the long-term scientific data that supports the research and provides the substance for education programs and exhibits. Current projects focus on: maintaining longitudinal data sets that track Southern Resident orcas' movement patterns through a 34 year sighting data base; 30 years of marine mammal stranding data; over 20 years of vessel monitoring & trends data; acoustics monitoring data; and a museum collections database of artifacts and recording media. Partnerships with other organizations and researchers are critical to our work. Current partnerships include, but are not limited to, NOAA-Northwest Region, The SeaDoc Society, and John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program. This position works closely with the Executive Director and the Research Curator as the Data Specialist/Collections Curator to manage several databases, including marine mammal sightings, Soundwatch vessel trends data, and Museum collections; and as the Stranding Network Coordinator to coordinate the efforts of the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network. The majority of this job is computer-based, primarily data entry and database management. The main field season for stranding network duties occurs between May and October. This position also trains and supervises a volunteer network of approximately 50 people; and routinely moves marine mammals or other items in excess of 50 pounds. The successful candidate will be highly flexible as response work can occur any time, day or night. Qualifications: a Bachelors Degree or 3 years experience in a relevant field, excellent communication skills (oral and written), excellent attention to detail, excellent computer/technological skills (i.e., Microsoft Office particularly Access & Excel, ARC-GIS mapping), grant writing, experience with field work (specifically Stranding Network field response), experience with conflict resolution & public communication, and project management experience. Boating experience is a plus. Museology experience and/or an advanced degree are desirable. A varied skill set and flexibility are major assets. This is an exciting time at The Whale Museum with opportunities developing throughout the year. Electronic submissions are encouraged. It is suggested that a PDF compiled with the requested information be submitted. The position will be open after the first of the year with the opportunity for a brief training period with the outgoing employee. Start date is negotiable for the right candidate. Active review of submitted applications will begin December 28, 2012, but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Send cover letter, resume and up to five references (either reference letter or contact information for each reference) to: Jenny L. Atkinson, Executive Director The Whale Museum P. O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Email: jenny(a)whalemuseum.org Website: www.whalemuseum.org

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