February 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Assistant positions for a cetacean study in the Mediterranean (Barcelona)
by Lara Delgado 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

Dear all, Positions are open for assisting with a cetacean survey in the Mediterranean Sea (Barcelona-Mallorca), Spain. Dates from 22nd of July to 30th of July 2011. DESCRIPTION: The EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of aquatic environments, specially focused in the study of cetaceans; offer positions for volunteers for one of the trips of the summer campaign of the project “Cetacean population study of the Mediterranean Sea area: Barcelona-Balearic Islands, BCNCET 2010-2011”. The aim of the project is to study the cetacean species present in the Mediterranean Sea (Balearic Sea). The association catamaran will set sail to Mallorca, from the Barcelona port the 22nd of July and be back to Barcelona the 30th of July, both days included. Visual and acoustical surveys will be conducted from early morning to evening during the 9 days in the boat, studying the distribution, behaviour, and sound production of the sighted species. The assistants would be able to learn: species identification, environmental and behavioural data collection, sound collection, and basic marine navigating skills. Accommodation and food is offered in the catamaran during the 9 days, but assistants are required to pay 400€ for food and accommodation expenses. No previous experience is required, as the scientist present in the campaign will provide species identification information and teach assistants. If you are interested or want more information, please contact us to: edmaktub(a)edmaktub.com Thanks! EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of the aquatic environment. www.edmaktub.com

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AIMM seeks research assistants - Season 2012
by Isabel Andrade 06 May '13

06 May '13

The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM - seeks applications as research assistant to help with the ongoing study of cetaceans in the South of Portugal (Algarve). The field season will run from May, 1st to October, 30th 2012. This project intends to continue the study that AIMM has been developing along the South coast of Portugal, as well as the collaboration with the local dolphin watching companies. Participants will join the team for, at least, 7-days period but preference will be given to applicants that can stay for longer periods. Activities include boat surveys on the research vessel and on opportunistic platforms (dolphin watching boats). Data collection comprises species identification, group size, behaviour, photo-identification, amongst others. Training is provided by AIMM researchers, mainly marine biologists. The assistant is responsible for his own transportation to/from Albufeira, where the AIMM assistant’s house is located. Accommodation and transport to/from the dock is provided. Food is at the assistant’s own expenses except breakfast, but communal shopping keep the expenses low. Apart from research activities, participants share everyday duties and chores with the other team members. A fee for basic maintenance of the AIMM assistant’s house is required (300€ per week). No previous experience is required. Anyone above the age of 16 can participate, regardless of nationality or field of expertise. Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be autonomous and quickly operational - be able to live and work constructively with others members of the team - speak fluent Portuguese and/or English Preference will be given to those who have: - relevant marine mammal field experience - working experience on research vessels - experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - experience in photo-identification - professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID Applicants should send an e-mail with a small introduction, qualifications and previous experience, as well as an outline explaining why they would like to work with AIMM. A brief CV should also be attached. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended. Contacts: direccao(a)aimm-portugal.org || http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/

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computer assisted dorsal fin matching software programs
by Marthajane Caldwell 03 Apr '12

03 Apr '12

Greetings List Members, I am interested in computer assisted dorsal fin matching software programs. Any information regarding the efficacy as well as pros and cons of such programs would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me directly at marthajane_c(a)yahoo.com rather than replying to MARMAM. Thank you for your time and consideration of this request, Mj Caldwell ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Marthajane Caldwell, Ph.D., Marine Mammal Behavioral Ecology Studies, Inc. 8429 Cresthill Avenue Savannah, GA 31406 marthajane_c(a)yahoo.com 912-655-1765 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Distance sampling workshops, August 2012, University of St. Andrews
by Lindesay Scott-Hayward 29 Feb '12

29 Feb '12

The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting three linked workshops in the summer of 2012 in our purpose-built facilities at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. The aim of these workshops is to train participants in the latest methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys, including line and point transects. The workshops are taught by leading researchers in the field, using industry-standard software. The first workshop (21-24 August) will run at an introductory level, and will focus on "conventional" distance sampling methods, as described in the standard reference book "Introduction to Distance Sampling." The workshop will be a blend of theory and practice and participants will learn how to use the program "Distance." Participants will gain a solid grounding in both survey design and methods of analysis for distance sampling surveys. Note that we have moved the 'automated survey design' topic out of the advanced workshop into the introductory workshop. The advanced distance sampling workshop (27-30 August) will include advanced treatment of: incorporating covariates in detection function modelling, analyses in which detectability on the transect line is not assumed to be perfect (the so-called g(0) problem) and spatial (or density surface) modelling. The aim of this workshop is to bring participants up to date with the latest developments in distance sampling methods and software. It is also an opportunity for those actively engaged in the design, analysis and execution of distance sampling surveys to discuss common issues and problems, and set future research directions. The workshop will be a combination of lectures and computer sessions, with considerable time for discussion. In addition, this year we are running a one-day introduction to density estimation from passive acoustic data (25 August). Passive acoustic monitoring is often used to obtain indices of relative abundance, such as number of detections per unit time. However, for many applications, the quantity we really want to estimate is absolute population abundance (i.e., the number of animals in the population) or density (number of animals per unit area). This day-long tutorial will give an insight into methods to achieve this. For all workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data. Computer sessions take place in our modern computer classroom (attached to the seminar room); participants can use our computers or bring their own laptops. Additional details regarding the workshop can be found at our website http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distance.workshops/distance2012/workshop_over… -- ------------------------------------------------------------------- Lindesay Scott-Hayward Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM), The Observatory, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9LZ Scotland Tel: +44 (0) 1334 461824 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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Aquatic Mammals 38.1 now available
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 28 Feb '12

28 Feb '12

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 38, issue 1, 2012) of Aquatic Mammals. The online issue is now available. For individuals with a print subscription, the joint hard copy of 38/1/38.2 will be mailed in mid-July. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Please do not contact the listserve editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Links to a purchase page for each article are also included below. Please see list below for Volume 38, issue 1 contents. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com ******************* Full Articles Wong, A.W., Bonde, R.K., Siegal-Willott, J., Stamper, M.A., Colee, J., Powell, J.A., Reid, J.P., Deutsch, C.J., Harr, K.E. 2012. Monitoring Oral Temperature, Heart Rate, and Respiration Rate of West Indian Manatees (Trichechus manatus) During Capture and Handling in the Field. Aquatic Mammals 38(1), 1-16, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.1 McFee, W.E., Adams, J.D., Fair, P.A., Bossart, G.D. 2012. Age Distribution and Growth of Two Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Populations from Capture-Release Studies in the Southeastern United States. Aquatic Mammals 38(1), 17-30, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.17 Rappucci, G.M., Keith, E.O., Hardigan, P.C. 2012. Tidal Cycle Effects on the Occurrence of the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) at the Port Everglades Power Plant. Aquatic Mammals 38(1), 31-42, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.31 Jurczynski, K., Lyashchenko, K.P., Scharpegge, J., Fluegger, M., Lacave, G., Moser, I., Tortschanoff, S., Greenwald, R. 2012. Use of Multiple Diagnostic Tests to Detect Mycobacterium pinnipedii Infections in a Large Group of South American Sea Lions (Otaria flavescens). Aquatic Mammals 2012, 38(1), 43-55, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.43 Vermeulen, E., Cammareri, A., Holsbeek, L. 2012. Alteration of Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) Behaviour by Human-Induced Disturbance in Bahía San Antonio, Patagonia, Argentina. Aquatic Mammals 2012, 38(1), 56-64, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.56 Therrien, S.C., Thomas, J.A., Therrien, R.E., Stacey, R. 2012. Time of Day and Social Change Affect Underwater Sound Production by Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at the Brookfield Zoo. Aquatic Mammals 38(1), 65-75, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.65 Short Notes Díaz-Aguirre, F., Salinas, C., Navarrete, S., Castillo, V., Castilla, C. 2012. First Record of the Commensal Barnacle (Xenobalanus globicipitis) on Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Chile. Aquatic Mammals 38(1), 76-80, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.76 Culloch, R.M., Pomeroy, P., Lidstone-Scott, R., Bourne, L., Twiss, S.D. 2012. Observations from Video Footage of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Activity Within a Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) Breeding Colony on the UK Mainland. Aquatic Mammals 38(1), 81-85, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.81 Sanfelice, D., Ferigolo, J. 2012. Skull Fracture in a Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni) Specimen from Southern Brazil. Aquatic Mammals 38(1), 98-101, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.98 Larrat, S., Measures, L.N., Lair, S. 2012. Rake Marks on a Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) Calf Suggestive of a Fatal Interaction with an Atlantic White-Sided Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus). Aquatic Mammals 38(1), 86-91, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.86 Smultea, M.A., Douglas, A.B., Bacon, C.E., Jefferson, T.A., Mazzuca, L. 2012. Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera brydei/edeni) Sightings in the Southern California Bight. Aquatic Mammals 38(1), 92-97, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.92 Historical Perspectives Herman, L.M. 2012. Birthing a Dolphin Research Laboratory: The Early History of the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory. Aquatic Mammals 38(1), 102-125, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.102 Book Review Belting, T. 2012. Book Review: ON THIN ICE: THE CHANGING WORLD OF THE POLAR BEAR. Aquatic Mammals 38(1), 126, http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.126

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public data for Pacific humpback whales
by Kara Johnson 28 Feb '12

28 Feb '12

Hi, does anyone know of satellite data available to the public for Pacific humpback whales that can be used in an educational curriculum for high school class? We've done web searches but have not been able to find anything online. We were able to find data for Atlantic whales through WhaleNet. Thank you for any information, Kara

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ONR Call for Pre-Proposals
by Weise, Michael CIV ONR 322 28 Feb '12

28 Feb '12

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Marine Mammals and Biology (MMB) program supports basic and applied research and technology development related to understanding the effects of sound on marine mammals, including physiological, behavioral, ecological effects and population-level effects. Our current program thrusts include, but are not limited to: 1. Monitoring & Detection 2. Integrated Ecosystem Research (including Sensor & Tag Development) 3. Effects of sound on marine life: -Hearing -Behavioral Response Studies -Physiology (Diving & Stress) -Population Consequences of Acoustic Disturbance (PCAD) 4. Models & Databases for Environmental Compliance Persons with an interest in obtaining support for their research should review the Marine Mammals and Biology (MMB) program topics and goals (webpage) to evaluate the potential overlap between ONR MMB program goals and areas of interest, and your own research. The next step in assessing the potential for support is to submit to the program a brief (2-3 pages) pre-proposal (also referred to sometimes as a planning letter or white paper). The pre-proposal is intended to be an informal document submitted to the program that briefly describes the rationale and nature of the work to be proposed, the approach to addressing questions posed, and estimates the costs of the research. Pre-proposals should: - Clearly and concisely describe the nature and objectives of the work proposed. - Indicate the amount of time needed to conduct the research. - Provide an estimate of funds required by federal fiscal year (Oct. 1 Sept. 30) - if applicable, days of ship time and class of ship required should be clearly noted, but not included in your budget estimates. - Include a short 1-2 page CV for each principal investigator (PI). - Include complete contact information for each PI, including phone number and e- mail address. 31 March 2012 - Pre-Proposal Deadline General ONR Funding Cycle: - Pre-proposals: Due March 31, 2012 - Invitation full proposal: June-July 2012 - Full proposals due: End of August 2012 (unless otherwise negotiated) - Funding Date: Oct. 1, 2012 - March 2013 More information on ONR MMB Program can be can be found at: http://www.onr.navy.mil/Science-Technology/Departments/Code-32/All-Programs… Dr. Michael J. Weise Marine Mammals & Biological Oceanography Program Office of Naval Research - Code 32 One Liberty Center - Rm 1068 875 N. Randolph St. Arlington, VA 22203-1995 703.696.4533 office 703.696.2007 fax michael.j.weise(a)navy.mil http://www.onr.navy.mil/en/Science-Technology/Departments/Code-32/All-Progr…

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Taiji pushing through plan for "whale ranch"
by Naomi Rose 28 Feb '12

28 Feb '12

Translated by a colleague - I thought this might be of interest to the community: Taiji pushing through plan for "whale ranch" Yomiuri Newspaper, Feb. 28th, 2012 http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20120227-00000680-yom-soci <http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20120227-00000680-yom-soci>In the town of Taiji, plans are moving forward for a "whale ranch" where visitors can interact with whales and dolphins that are confined to the bay. The facility is scheduled to open in 5 years, and aiming to attract 300,000 visitors per year. Although the town has been the target of criticism following The Cove, town officials and businessmen came up with the idea to show how Taiji has "long been a place where whales and dolphins coexist [with the townspeople]." According to the plans, a 40,000 sq. meter area of Moriura Bay in the northwest part of town would be portioned off with nets, and minke whales, pilot whales, and dolphins would be "ranched" there. Visitors could enjoy being in the presence of whales and dolphins in the wild, including swimming with trained dolphins and going out into the bay in kayaks. And this "ranch" does not only serve as a tourist destination--it also will be a site for cetacean research. Using part of a closed-down retirement home and part of the current town Whale Museum's "Whale Beach Park," the plans are to convert these into lodgings and research facilities respectively. The areas around the park will become a "scientific research area" and will be open for researchers to observe the reproduction of the cetaceans in the bay. Naomi A. Rose, Ph.D. Senior Scientist, HSI-Wildlife nrose(a)hsi.org<mailto:nrose@hsi.org> t +1 301.258.3048 f +1 301.258.3082 Humane Society International 700 Professional Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20879 USA hsi.org<http://www.hsi.org/> Join Our Email List<http://www.hsi.org/join> Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/hsiglobal> Twitter<http://twitter.com/hsiglobal> [Description: Humane Society International - Celebrating Animals | Confronting Cruelty | Worldwide]<http://www.hsi.org/>

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New publication on Bryde's Whale sightings in the Southern California Bight
by Cathy Bacon 27 Feb '12

27 Feb '12

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following recent publication in Aquatic Mammals. Smultea, M.A., A. E. Douglas, C.E. Bacon, T. A. Jefferson, andL. Mazzuca. 2012. Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera brydei/edeni) Sightings in the Southern California Bight. Aquatic Mammals 38(1), 92-97, DOI10.1578/AM.38.1.2012.92 This is a short note and does not contain an abstract. A PDF copy can be downloaded from the journal website at http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?page=shop.product_details&fl… or you can contact Cathy Bacon at cathyebacon(a)gmail.com Thank you, Cathy -- Cathy Bacon Marine Mammal Research Assistant/Marine Biologist Smultea Environmental Sciences, LLC (SES) www.smultea.com

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Navy to hold open house information sessions for Northwest Training & Testing EIS
by Nakahara, Liane L CIV Navy Region NW, N00P 27 Feb '12

27 Feb '12

Attached and pasted below is a press release for consideration in your electronic newsletter/blog. The U.S. Navy is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts from military readiness training and testing activities conducting primarily within existing range complexes and testing ranges in the Northwest Training and Testing Study Area. The Navy is seeing public involvement and input. As part of the public participation process, the Navy will hold open house information sessions to obtain public input on the scope, environmental resources or issues to address in the EIS. Very Respectfully, Liane Nakahara Public Affairs Specialist Navy Region Northwest Phone: (360) 396-1630 Fax: (360) 396-7127 liane.nakahara(a)navy.mil ----------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 27, 2012 Release # 12-002 NAVY TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR NORTHWEST TRAINING AND TESTING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT/OVERSEAS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SILVERDALE, Wash. - The U.S. Navy is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts from military readiness training and testing activities conducted primarily within existing range complexes and testing ranges in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Study Area. The Navy is initiating the scoping process to identify community concerns and issues for analysis in the EIS/OEIS. The Navy is seeking public involvement and input, which are fundamental parts of the EIS/OEIS development under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). As part of the public participation process, the Navy will hold open house information sessions to obtain public input on the scope, environmental resources or issues to address in the EIS/OEIS. The NWTT EIS/OEIS is environmental planning analysis for testing and training activities to support re-issuance of authorization for permitted activities analyzed by the Navy in previous environmental documents. The Navy proposes to adjust training and testing activities to support current and planned requirements and accommodate evolving mission requirements associated with force structure changes, including those resulting from the development, testing, introduction of new vessels, aircraft and weapon system(s). The Proposed Action would ensure the Navy accomplishes its mission to maintain, train and equip combat-ready military forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas. The public is invited to attend open house information sessions to learn about the Proposed Action and to provide comments on factors to be considered in the EIS/OEIS. The public may arrive at any time during each open house information session. There will not be a presentation or formal oral comment session. Navy representatives will be available to discuss the project and the Proposed Action. All written comments must be postmarked or received during the comment period to be considered in the Draft EIS. Written comments must be postmarked by April 27, 2012, and mailed to: Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest ATTN: Mrs. Kimberly Kler - NWTT Project Manager 1101 Tautog Circle Silverdale, WA 98315-1100 Comments may also be submitted online at www.NWTTEIS.com or submitted in person at the open house information sessions. Nine open house information sessions will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the following locations: Washington: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 Oak Harbor School District Administrative Services Center Board Room 350 S. Oak Harbor St. Oak Harbor Wednesday, March 14, 2012 Quilcene School District Multipurpose Room 294715 U.S. Highway 101 Quilcene Thursday, March 15, 2012 Central Kitsap High School Cafeteria 3700 NW Anderson Hill Road Silverdale Friday, March 16, 2012 Grays Harbor College HUB 1620 Edward P. Smith Drive Aberdeen Oregon: Monday, March 19, 2012 Tillamook County Fairgrounds Auditorium 4603 E. 3rd St. Tillamook Tuesday, March 20, 2012 Hatfield Marine Science Center 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport California: Thursday, March 22, 2012 Eureka Public Marina, Wharfinger Building #1 Marina Way Eureka Friday, March 23, 2012 Fort Bragg Town Hall 363 N. Main St. Fort Bragg Alaska: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 Ted Ferry Civic Center 888 Venetia Ave. Ketchikan Visit the project website at www.NWTTEIS.com to learn more about the project. MEDIA AVAILABILITY: If you are interested in attending the media opportunity, or for further information, contact: Liane Nakahara, Commander, Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs Specialist, 360-340-5372 or 360-340-5398.

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