February 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

USA vs. Nancy Black (U.S. whale scientist) - criminal case with broad implications for both researchers and whalewatching operators
by jim＠sfcelticmusic.com 23 Feb '12

23 Feb '12

Nancy Black, an American whale researcher and owner/operator of a whale-watching company in Monterey, California, has been charged with two felonies and two misdemeanors for activities associated with her whale research and one commercial whale-watching trip. If convicted, she could face up to more than 25 years in prison, fines of $700,000, and forfeiture of her research vessel. She has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. This case has significant implications for many marine mammalogists in the United States and those who collaborate with U.S. scientists. As the leader scientist of the Monterey Bay Cetacean Project, Nancy is best known for her research on orcas (killer whales), having authored and co-authored over 20 scientific papers and posters on orcas, including the first photo-ID catalog of orcas along the coasts of California and Mexico, the first detailed description of the offshore ecotype of orca, descriptions of orca ecology in Monterey Bay over a 22 year period, and detailed descriptions of orca predation on grey whale calves. Earlier research papers addressed the ecology of Pacific white-sided dolphins in Monterey Bay and the impacts of gillnetting on harbor porpoise mortality. She has also collaborated on blue and humpback photo-ID projects with the Cascadia Research Collective. In addition to permitted research conducted from an inflatable research boat, much of Nancy's research has been conducted using the daily whale watching cruises of her company as a platform of opportunity, allowing her to spend many days at sea without the need for external financial support from grants or contracts. For decades, Nancy has also used her whale-watching operations to support education at local schools and fund-raising for a variety of local charities and conservation organizations. On January 4, 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted Nancy, charging her with two felonies carrying maximum penalties of 20 and 5 years in prison respectively and fines of up to $250,000 per felony, and two misdemeanors which each carry sentences of up to one year in prison and $100,000 fines. In addition, the DOJ is demanding forfeiture of Nancys inflatable research boat. The case is USA v. Nancy Black (case 5.12-cr-00002-EJD) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (San Jose court) and has been assigned to District Judge Edward J. Davila. Nancy appeared before the court for the first time on February 2 and entered a plea of "not guilty" to all the charges The case raises several issues of interest to the broader whale research community. In the two misdemeanor counts, Nancy is accused of feeding orcas in violation of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). It is alleged that while researching orca predation on grey whales, on one occasion in 2004 and another in 2005, a pod of mammal-eating (Transient) orcas attacked and killed a grey whale calf as the calf and its mother tried to migrate north across Monterey Bay. On both occasions, it is alleged that Nancy found pieces of blubber from the dead calf floating in the water and attached a rope to the blubber so it would not drift too far from her inflatable so she could get underwater video footage of orcas feeding on the blubber. On one of the two occasions, an orca did grab the blubber and swam off. It was the first time orca feeding, most of which happens under water, had been captured on video. Nancy showed the videotape of this feeding behavior at a marine conference in Norway. On the other occasion, it appears the orcas did not take the piece of blubber. There is no allegation that any orca was injured or harassed in either event. A major issue regarding these charges is what constitutes illegal feeding of marine mammals under the MMPA. In an interview with a reporter from the Monterey Herald on January 31, Nancy stated that she merely positioned a piece of blubber from a dead gray whale calf closer to her research boat so she could film the orcas that killed it and were feeding....I am steadfast that I wasn't feeding the whales," she said. The two felony charges are related to a six year investigation NOAA conducted regarding a single whale-watching trip on October 12, 2005, where one or more humpback whales was seen. Since 2005, Nancys whale-watching company has operated approximately 2,000+ whale-watching trips during the spring through fall seasons when the humpback whales are the main attraction in Monterey Bay. NOAA has not charged Nancy with taking or harassing any marine mammal on that trip, or any other trip. In 2005, NOAA law enforcement investigators requested a videotape of the cruise of October 12. At the time, Nancy was taking videotapes as souvenirs of the cruise for her passengers, and she provided this tape to NOAA enforcement. The four page indictment charges that (1) Nancy did knowingly alter and caused the alteration..[of the videotape] with the intent to impede, obstruct, and influence [a NOAA] investigation. and (2) lied to NOAA by stating that the videotape she provided was the original videotape. Nancy denies both allegations, stating that she did not edit the tape to deceive NOAA and was clear to NOAA investigators in explaining to them what she was providing to NOAA. As reported in the January 31 Monterey Herald interview, Black... said her separate research work has all but stopped since 2006, when 15 armed agents and police stormed into her house with a search warrant. The impact then and now has been devastating, she said. "This is my whole life. This is not just some side thing that I do," an emotional Black said late Tuesday at her attorney's office in Monterey. "The stress has been tremendous for me. I've been to the doctor several times and the money is (costly). But I just can't plead to something I didn't do." In the course of NOAAs six year investigation, NOAA investigators have allegedly obtained numerous search warrants for the records, e-mails and documents of numerous whale researchers on the west coast and seized much of this material in a manner that has disrupted whale research and intimidated the researchers. Discovery in the case has just begun, and very few additional facts or allegations have been made public by either side. No trial date has been set, and it may be some time before one is set. In the meantime, Nancy has had to incur very large legal fees to defend herself against these charges. The many friends, scientific colleagues, and supporters of Nancy have created a website: www.nancyblacklegaldefense.org that provides detailed information about the charges, and Nancys long history of whale and dolphin research. The website will also provide current information about events in the case as they occur and scheduled future events. The website also contains information about various ways that persons who choose to can support Nancy in this case. Persons who have information either: (a) relevant to the case or the events in question or (b) comments about the effect NOAAs investigation and pretrial actions are having on ongoing and future whale research, are asked to contact either of Nancys attorneys: - Mark R. Vermeulen, Law Office of Mark R. Vermeulen, 755 Florida St. #4, San Francisco, CA 94110, ph: (415) 824-7533, fax: (415) 824-4833, e-mail: vermeulen(a)mindspring.com - Lawrence Biegel, Biegel Law Firm, 2801 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Suite A, Monterey, CA 93940, ph: (877) 223-8982, fax: 2801, e-mail: larry(a)biegellaw.com Jim Scarff (jim(a)sfcelticmusic.com) Independent whale researcher (mainly North Pacific right whales) Berkeley, California, USA

1 0

Cetus Research and Conservation Society Job Postings
by Cetus Research 22 Feb '12

22 Feb '12

*Cetus is seeking to fill the following positions:* • Straitwatch (North) Marine Educator (Vessel Operator/Outreach Educator) – Alert Bay • Straitwatch (South) Marine Educator (Vessel Operator/Outreach Educator) - Victoria • Robson Bight Marine Warden (Vessel Operator/Research Observer) - Alert Bay/Boat Bay *Responsibilities include:* • Educating boaters, kayakers, and park visitors about the marine mammal viewing guidelines, marine species at risk, the conservation issues they face and the boundaries of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve. • Collecting and entering data on marine mammals and vessel activity. • Public presentations: either as informal, individual interpretations or scheduled, formal community presentations. • Supervising volunteers and involving them in the daily responsibilities of the programs while ensuring a safe & productive work environment. • Responding to injured, sick or dead marine mammals in support of the BC Marine Mammal Response Network. • Observing and recording cetaceans in support of the BC Cetacean Sightings Network. *Knowledge, skill and ability required:* • The ability to safely operate 16-17ft rigid hull inflatable vessel (and kayak for Straitwatch North) in coastal waters, including rough waters with limited visibility. • The ability to multi-task and work in a fast paced, quickly changing environment. • The ability to work for 8-11 hour shifts in all weather conditions. • Willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays. • Effective communications skills. • The ability to record and observe data and record into a database. • The ability to be observant and timely with an ardent attention to detail. • The ability to live and work comfortably in a coastal wilderness environment. • Demonstrated background knowledge of marine mammal species in the area and current marine conservation issues and a passion for conservation. • The physical ability to carry 20 lbs of gear to and from the vessel (this varies from across the street to down a rocky shoreline). Robson Bight Marine Wardens are required to hike 5 km (each way) from the base camp to the observation site on alternate days. • Knowledge of boat and/or kayak maintenance and repair (preferred). *Required Certifications:* • A current BC drivers licence • A current First Aid and CPR ticket • A Marine Radio Operators license • A Marine Emergency Duties A3 certificate • A Small Commercial Vessel Operators Proficiency Certificate All positions are seasonal with contract dates ranging from May to the end of September 2012. Please forward your cover letter, resume and two references via email by *March 9th, 2012*. Please indicate which position you are applying for. Only successful applicants will be contacted. *Contact:* Megan Baker, Cetus Research & Conservation Society *Email:* info(a)cetussociety.org

1 0

National Marine Mammal Foundation Veterinary Internship
by Erika Putman 22 Feb '12

22 Feb '12

National Marine Mammal Foundation Veterinary Internship The National Marine Mammal Foundation is offering a one-year veterinary internship in aquatic animal medicine and research in cooperation with SeaWorld San Diego and the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, based in San Diego, California. The successful applicant will assist the veterinary staff in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of medical cases from the extensive collection of invertebrates, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, penguins, pinnipeds and cetaceans at SeaWorld San Diego and the population of pinnipeds and cetaceans at the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program. In addition, the intern will participate in the rescue, rehabilitation, and return program for stranded marine mammals, pelicans and sea turtles at SeaWorld San Diego. The intern will rotate between the two facilities, spending half of their time at each facility. The intern will be expected to pursue one or more clinical research interests, and will prepare the results of at least one project for in-house presentation and publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The intern will be expected to be available on weekends and holidays. Applicants for the internship must be U.S. citizens and have the ability to obtain a secret clearance. Applicants must be graduates of an AVMA accredited veterinary college or ECFVG certified institution and have a valid U.S. license. Preference will be given to applicants that have completed a one-year veterinary internship or have equivalent private practice experience. Previous marine mammal, zoo, and/or wildlife experience is a plus. The stipend for the position is expected to be $30,000 per annum plus benefits. Applicants should submit the following materials: 1. 2. 1) A cover letter/statement outlining the applicant's goals and interests in the area of aquatic animal medicine. 3. 4. 2) A current transcript from the veterinary school and any post-baccalaureate program which he/she has attended. 5. 6. 3) A certificate or letter confirming completion of a one-year veterinary internship, if applicable. 4) Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic and/or clinical performance. 5) A current curriculum vitae, limited to 4 pages. Applications should be sent to Erika Putman, Director of Education and Outreach, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106. Applications may also be emailed to Erika.Putman(a)NMMFoundation.org. All application materials must be received by 15 March 2012, with a decision being made by 15 April 2012. The internship period will extend approximately from 1 JUL 2012 through 30 JUN 2013. With prior agreement by all parties, an additional year in the program may be possible. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Erika Putman at Erika.Putman(a)NMMFoundation.org or by calling 619-767-4100.

1 0

2012 ACS 'Call for Poster Abstracts and Student Research Presentations'
by Cheryl M. McCormick 22 Feb '12

22 Feb '12

Dear colleagues, The American Cetacean Society Conference Program Committee invites poster presentation abstracts for the Society's 13th International Conference: "Whales and Humans: A Conflicted Relationship" November 9th-11th, 2012 Hyatt Regency, Mission Bay San Diego, California The Poster Presentation Session will showcase a variety of programs and projects based out of educational institutions, agencies, and non-profit organizations, and is intended to encourage discussion and facilitate the exchange of current information pertaining to cetacean research, conservation, policy, and education. We invite graduate and undergraduate students to present their work in the ACS Conference Student Contest. The contest is for poster presenters, with a $250 first-place prize for the top presenter. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be recognized at the conference banquet and will be featured in an upcoming issue of the ACS Spyhopper newsletter. The deadline for poster presentation abstract submissions is Friday, June 1st, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. PST. For additional details, please visit the ACS website conference page at: http://acsonline.org/education/conference/2012-conference/ We hope to see you in San Diego! Cheryl Cheryl M. McCormick, Ph.D. Executive Director American Cetacean Society P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 (310) 548-6279 (office) c.mccormick(a)acsonline.org

1 0

request of information for IWC on WW
by Marta Hevia 22 Feb '12

22 Feb '12

Good morning to you all, I'm posting the message copied below on behalf of Miguel Iñíguez. Please have a look. Cheers, Marta --------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Colleagues, The International Whaling Commission (IWC), through its Standing Working Group on Whale Watching, is looking for information on ongoing whale watching education and training information and workshop results, both past and present. Those who are interested to contribute with information, please contact Carole Carlson (science(a)whalewatch.com) or Miguel Iñíguez (miguel.iniguez(a)cethus.org) Thank you. Miguel

1 0

Marine mammal field courses to Antarctica & Scotland
by Chris Parsons 21 Feb '12

21 Feb '12

Marine mammal field courses to Antarctica & Scotland Announcing 2 field courses by the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at George Mason University in Virginia (USA), in conjunction with the Center for Global Education at George Mason University. Marine Mammal and Penguin Biology <http://globaled.gmu.edu/programs/facultyled/winterstudy/antarctica.html> in Antarctica will be held December 2012 - January 2013: Summer in Antarctica. Participants will spend New Year's Eve in Ushuaia, Argentina, preparing for a sixteen day voyage to Antarctica. After cross the Drake Passage, students will spend their days landing in different Antarctic environments in the South Shetland Islands, along the western Antarctic Peninsula, and Weddell Sea and in zodiac boats cavorting with whales! Marine Mammals and Turtle Conservation <http://globaled.gmu.edu/programs/facultyled/summerstudy/scotland.html> will be held in Scotland from July 7 to July 21. While working alongside students from Queen Mary College, University of London, the University of Glasgow, the University of Leicester and University of Stirling, students in this truly international program will gain broad knowledge and understanding of marine mammals from an ecological and behavioral sense. Lectures are given at the University Marine Biological Station Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland, during which research vessel trips are made to study common and grey seal behavior at local haul-out sites and to conduct transect surveys for porpoises, Minke whale, seabirds and basking shark in the outer Clyde area. The course then spends four days travelling to and based in Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull. Here two days are spent at sea looking for Minke whale and other cetaceans in the waters off Mull, on research and commercial whale watching boats. Students attending George Mason University and other universities and colleges are eligible for these programs. The application deadline is MARCH 2 for each of these programs. Students apply through the Center for Global Education website: globaled.gmu.edu <http://globaled.gmu.edu/index.html> CONTACT marnold7(a)gmu.edu for further details. Instructor: Associate Professor Dr Chris Parsons. Author of the new undergraduate textbook "An introduction to marine mammal biology & conservation"

1 0

SORP Living Whales Symposium now to have simultaneous translation with both Spanish and English.
by Simon Childerhouse 20 Feb '12

20 Feb '12

Hello MARMAM colleagues, Please find some updated information about the symposium and workshops *Living whales in the Southern Ocean in 2012, *including announcing that the symposium will now have simultaneous translation of both Spanish and English. This symposium is a major initiative of the Southern Ocean Research Partnership (SORP) to review the strengths and weaknesses of current methods for studying living whales in the Southern Ocean. Specifically, the objectives are to advance the synergies of non-lethal methods for investigations addressing three broad themes: 1. Population dynamics, health status and life history parameters of recovering whales. 2. Ecological linkages, functional roles and relationships of whales in their ecosystem(s). 3. The response of whales to climate change and anthropogenic impacts. For further information and to register, please visit http://www.simposioballenas.cl/?lang=en. The website is in English and Spanish. *Dates*: Symposium – 27 March 2012; Workshops – 28-29 March 2012 *Location*: Hotel Los Alerces (http://www.hotellosalerces.cl ); Av. Vicente Pérez Rosales 1281, Puerto Varas, Chile. Jefe.eventos(a)cabanaslosalerces.cl. Puerto Varas is 15km from the Puerto Montt airport in southern Chile. *Key audience*: The target audience for the workshop is scientists and managers interested in the application of new and developing non-lethal methods for understanding whales in the Southern Hemisphere and elsewhere. *Students*: Students are welcome to register for the Symposium and to submit a title and abstract for the poster session (evening of 27 March). Admission of students to workshops is on a case by case basis and numbers will be limited. SOME PLACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE SO PLEASE REGISTER NOW! Look forward to seeing you there. Simon Simon Childerhouse Research Partnerships Coordinator Australian Marine Mammal Centre, Australian Antarctic Division Dept. of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities 203 Channel Highway, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, AUSTRALIA Email. simon.childerhouse(a)aad.gov.au Phone. +61-3-6232-3146 <%2B61-3-6232-3146> Mob. +61-439-317-605 <%2B61-439-317-605> Web. www.antarctica.gov.au and www.marinemammals.gov.au

1 0

New paper on passive acoustic localization of walruses in the Chukchi Sea
by Xavier Mouy 20 Feb '12

20 Feb '12

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Mouy X., D. Hannay, M. Zykov and B. Martin. 2012. Tracking of Pacific walruses in the Chukchi Sea using a single hydrophone. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 131:1349-1358 (http://link.aip.org/link/?JAS/131/1349) Abstract: The vocal repertoire of Pacific walruses includes underwater sound pulses referred to as knocks and bell-like calls. An extended acoustic monitoring program was performed in summer 2007 over a large region of the eastern Chukchi Sea using autonomous seabed-mounted acoustic recorders. Walrus knocks were identified in many of the recordings and most of these sounds included multiple bottom and surface reflected signals. This paper investigates the use of a localization technique based on relative multipath arrival times (RMATs) for potential behavior studies. First, knocks are detected using a semi-automated kurtosis-based algorithm. Then RMATs are matched to values predicted by a ray-tracing model. Walrus tracks with vertical and horizontal movements were obtained. The tracks included repeated dives between 4.0 m and 15.5 m depth and a deep dive to the sea bottom (53 m). Depths at which bell-like sounds are produced, average knock production rate and source levels estimates of the knocks were determined. Bell sounds were produced at all depths throughout the dives. Average knock production rates varied from 59 to 75 knocks/min. Average source level of the knocks was estimated to 177.667.5 dB re 1 uPa peak @ 1 m. Cheers, Xavier Mouy Project Scientist ___________________ JASCO APPLIED SCIENCES 2101 - 4464 Markham Street Victoria, BC, Canada, V8Z 7X8 T. +1.250.483.3300 F. +1.250.483.3301 Xavier.mouy(a)jasco.com<mailto:Xavier.mouy@jasco.com> www.jasco.com<http://www.jasco.com/>

1 0

Request for whalewatching regulations and guidelines
by Carole Carlson 20 Feb '12

20 Feb '12

Dear MARMAMERS, I am in the process of updating the compendium of world-wide whalewatching guidelines and regulations for 2012. The updated version, as with past versions, will be posted on the website of the International Whaling Commission. I would greatly appreciate receiving any new codes, guidelines or regulations that have been formulated over the past year. Many thanks! Carole Carlson email:science@whalewatch.com <mailto:email%3Ascience@whalewatch.com>

1 0

Sound Analysis Workshop, 23rd - 27th April, 2012:
by Liz D. Rowland 20 Feb '12

20 Feb '12

The Bioacoustics Research Program at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, NY will be running a Sound Analysis Workshop from 23rd - 27th April, 2012. There are 4 places available (maximum class size is 10). Please see here for more details http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/sound-analysis-workshops . The curriculum focuses on sound spectrographic analysis techniques and how they can be applied to biological research. We mainly use Raven<http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/raven/RavenOverview.html>, which is a sound analysis and visualization software tool developed at BRP, for instruction and analysis in this course. The standard fee is $1,300, but there is a discounted rate of $1,040 for registered students (Bachelors, Master or Ph.D.). The fee covers tuition, lunches, a complimentary 1-yr license for Raven<http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/raven/RavenOverview.html>, and a hard copy of the Raven manual. Please contact Liz Rowland, edr6(a)cornell.edu<mailto:edr6@cornell.edu> if you're interested or have questions. Liz Rowland Tel: (607) 254-2127/2136 edr6(a)cornell.edu

1 0