February 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

International Course: Ecology and Conservation of Marine Mammals of Humboldt Upwelling Ecosystem
by Susana Cardenas Alayza 10 Feb '12

10 Feb '12

Please distribute widely! Por favor difundir! ****************************************************** The Center for Environmental Sustainability (CSA - Centro para la Sostenibilidad Ambiental) and Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia´s (UPCH) Life Sciences Field School are pleased to announce the course: Ecology & Conservation of Marine Mammals of the Humboldt Upwelling Ecosystem Dates: June 30th – July 9th 2012 Location: Punta San Juan, Peru This is a residential field-based course in Peruon the biology, anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution, behavior, population biology, management and conservation of marine mammals, explaining why this group is so important, controversial and interesting. Students will be provided with comprehensive knowledge on marine mammal ecology with special enphasis on species inhabiting the Humboldt Current Upwelling Ecosystem off the coast of Peru a developing country with the largest single species fishery in the world. This is a university-accredited course and is intended for students in the summer vacation of 2012 and for enthusiastic individuals with keen interest in the marine environment. This course is suitable for MSc., undergraduate students in the last 3 years of study and individuals who want to learn from experts about sea lions, fur seals, dolphins, whales, marine otters of the south Pacific Ocean. For more information, please visit: http://upch-fieldschool.edu.pe/front/course_information_marine_mammals * Students from any country are encouraged to attend, but please note that the course will be taught in English. An 8-day field-based course in Peru that will allow you to get first hand experience with marine mammlas of the southern Pacific Ocean Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. For More information: www.upch-fieldschool.edu.pe Copyright © 2012 Centro para la Sostenibilidad Ambiental, All rights reserved. Este boletín está dirigido a todos los miembros del equipo CSA. Our mailing address is: Centro para la Sostenibilidad Ambiental Av. Armendáriz 445, MirafloresLima 18 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences -- Susana Cardenas Alayza, Blga. Investigadora Proyecto Punta San Juan Centro para la Sostenibilidad Ambiental Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia MSc. candidate Marine Mammal Research Unit University of British Columbia Tlf. 511 447 0317 (Peru) Cel. 9 999 31218 (Peru)

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Experience the Adriatic dolphins
by Nikolina Rako 10 Feb '12

10 Feb '12

Adriatic Dolphin Project Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation Island of Lošinj, northeastern Adriatic Sea, Croatia The Adriatic Dolphin project is the main scientific project of the Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation, a non - profit organization dedicated to research and conservation of the Adriatic bottlenose dolphins with field bases on Croatian islands of Lošinj (Northern Adriatic, Kvarnerić) and Vis (Central Adriatic, Dalmatia). ADP Lošinj has a long tradition with eco - volunteering program that offers a unique opportunity to experience encounters with dolphins in their natural surroundings actively participating in the research. This includes boat - based surveying, gaining knowledge in data collection at sea, data entry and participation in preliminary analysis of collected data. The research activities include application of photo - identification techniques, behavioural observations, diet study and acoustic sampling. The eco - volunteers are also invited to participate in various lectures on dolphin research and marine biology offered by the research team. Stages are now available for the period May to September 2012, with the prices that include a discount of 10% to students. More information you may find on Blue World web site: www.blue-world.org http://www.blue-world.org/en/get-involved/volunteer/ For further details and any question please contact us at info at blue-world.org or adp.losinj at gmail.com On behalf of Blue World Research team Nikolina Rako Adriatic Dolphin Project Lošinj, Head researcher

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Field Research Courses in Marine Mammals Science (Winter- Spring Season, 2012)
by Bruno Diaz 10 Feb '12

10 Feb '12

Field Research Courses in Marine Mammals Science (Winter- Spring Season, 2012) The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI (www.thebdri.com) is pleased to announce the 10 days-long, Field Research-oriented Courses (FRC) in Marine Mammals Science (Winter- Spring Season, 2012). These training courses are limited to 6 students to ensure individualized instruction and specifically designed for everyone seriously interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal science. Students may choose one or more of the three exclusive courses, listed bellow, depending on interest. Each academical FRC combines exclusive lectures, hands-on boat-based field work and computer exercises, assignments and tests. These academically intensive training courses are developed with varied curicular designes and varied instructional strategies in order to meat specific learning goals. Courses are participatory in nature and are designed to stimulate inquiry and active learning. The exclusive FRC learning model helps students to connect the conceptual material presented in each course to case studies, learn field research techniques, collect and analyse field data, and develops holistic and critical thinking skills.The variety of subjects approached on these FRC's provides students with the tools and practical experience needed for a greater understanding about cetaceans populations and their conservation, as well as deeper insight into behavioural research concepts and methodology. FRC are divided in three exclusive training courses, (http://www.thebdri.com/education/courses.htm) FRC 1001 (Dates: 12th March – 21st March, 30th April – 9th May) MONITORING COASTAL BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN POPULATIONS: This FRC is general and provides an in-depth, hands-on immersion into the field of marine mammal science and more particularly applied dolphin research. As a result of successful completion of this course, you will be able to select and use appropriate research methods available to characterise the status of a coastal bottlenose dolphin population. FRC 1002 (Dates:9th April – 18th April, 14th May – 23rd May) SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION IN A FISSION-FUSION SOCIETY: This advanced FRC aims to provide specialization in behavioural methods, focusing in particular on bottlenose dolphin social behaviour and communication. By the end of the course, students will be able to design a project to assess the social organization of a bottlenose dolphin population. In addition, course attendants will get experience in using bioacoustical methods via computer practical sessions involving classification and analyses of bottlenose dolphin vocalizations. FRC 1003 (Dates: 16th April – 25th April, 30th April – 9th May) CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL POPULATIONS: This advanced FRC surveys an extensive amount of knowledge and ongoing investigations concerning marine mammals conservation. Students will learn how to achieve an integrated approach to address human-dolphin conflicts and about mitigation. As a result of successful completion of this specialization course, attendants will gain a deeper insight into the various factors influencing the incidental capture of bottlenose dolphins, use of ecosystem-level models to predict the impact of human activities and explain the importance of local, national, and international policies that aim to protect bottlenose dolphin populations. BDRI offers a discounted price for students, covering a 25% of the FRC Tuition & Program fee. Accomodation (private and double rooms), with shared cooking and bathroom facilities are included in the courses fee. There is no deadline to apply. However, applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled. APPLY NOW! Step 1. Read through this general information carefully: www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/courses.pdf Step 2. Decide what course/s you want to study, take note of any dates that may be preferred. Step 3. Submit your application by email to info(a)thebdri.com Find out more information on our new website: www.thebdri.com Email: info(a)thebdri.com; Telephone: 00 39 346 0815414 Selected scientific publications by BDRI: 1. Díaz López B. Mariño, F., 2011. A trial of acoustic harassment device efficacy on free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in Sardinia, Italy. Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology 2011, pp 1–12. 2. Díaz López B., 2011. Aquaculture systems. In: Handbook of Models used in Ecosystem and Environmental Management, Sven Erik Jørgensen (Ed.), CRC Press, Taylor & Francis, FL.pp 241-256. 3. Díaz López B., 2011. Whistle characteristics in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mediterranean Sea: influence of behaviour. Mammalian Biology 76: 180-189. 4. Díaz López B. & Shirai, J.A.B., 2010. Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphin's repertoire and communication use. In: Dolphins: Anatomy, Behavior, and Threats, (A.G. Pierce & L. Correa Eds.), Nova Science Publishers, New York. Pp 129 -148. 5. Díaz López B., 2009. The bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus foraging around a fish farm: Effects of prey abundance on dolphins' behaviour. Current Zoology 55(4):243-248. 6. Díaz López B., Bunke, M. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture off Sardinia Island (Italy): ecosystem effects evaluated through a trophic mass-balance model. Ecological Modelling 212: 292-303. 7. Díaz López B. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture and bottlenose dolphins social structure.Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 62 (6): 887-894. 8. Díaz López, B., Shirai, J.A.B., Bilbao Prieto, A. & Méndez Fernández, P., 2008. Diving activity of a solitary wild free ranging bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Journal Marine Biological Association of U.K 88, Special Issue 06: 1153-1157. 9. Díaz López, B & Bernal Shirai, J.A.B., 2007. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presence and incidental capture in a marine fish farm on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy)" Journal of Marine Biological Association of U.K 87: 113 – 117. 10. Díaz López, B., 2006. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Predation on a Marine Fin Fish Farm: Some Underwater Observations". Aquatic Mammals 32 (3): 305 – 310. 11. Díaz López, B., 2006. "Interactions between Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and gillnets off Sardinia". ICES Journal of Marine Science 63: 944-951. 12. Díaz López, B., Marini, L. and Polo, F. 2005. The Impact of a fish farm on a Bottlenose dolphin population in the Mediterranean Sea. Thalassas 21(1):53-58. Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Researcher / Marine Zoologist Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Armando Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy www.thebdri.com info(a)thebdri.com tel.+ 39 346 081 5414 tel. + 0789 183 1197

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Research Internship - Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
by Alex Hill 09 Feb '12

09 Feb '12

The Whale and Dolphin Conservation society is seeking a research intern to assist with a non-lethal vessel strike scar study. The study will evaluate the proportion of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeanglia) in the Southern Gulf of Maine bearing scars consistent with vessel strikes. This population of humpback whales has been the subject of detailed entanglement scar studies, but there is currently little data about human related impacts of vessel strikes to these whales. The results of this study will help decision makers to understand the actual risk posed by vessels operating in the vicinity of whales. The intern will work directly with the Project Supervisor and will conduct a secondary image review for quality control. The candidate will be required to work from WDCS-NA Headquarters in Plymouth, MA, US and commit to the position full time from April 1st –June. This is not a paid position, however, WDCS will work with the candidate to receive university credits in cases where this is possible. The individual who successfully fills this position will be very detail-oriented, have prior Photo-identification experience, be proficient in database entry; work well independently, and successfully meet deadlines. Prior experience with Microsoft Access and IMatch preferred, but not required. To Apply: Please submit your CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references to Alex.Hill(a)wdcs.org<mailto:Alex.Hill@wdcs.org> by Monday, February 27, 2012. For more detailed information about the project please do not hesitate to contact. WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society is the largest global charity dedicated solely to the conservation of cetaceans. www.whales.org<http://www.whales.org>

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New publication comparing chromatographic techniques in Pinnipeds
by Young, Kathy 09 Feb '12

09 Feb '12

A new publication regarding marine mammals has been published in the International Journal of Applied Science and Technology (authors Young, Quinn, Waite, Usenko, Andrews, and Trumble). The abstract is included below: Comparing Gas Chromatographic Techniques Used in Fatty Acid Profiling of Northern Fur Seals (Callorhinusursinus) and Steller Sea Lions (Eumetopiasjubatus) from Lovushki Island Complex, Russia Northern fur seal (NFS, Callorhinusursinus, n = 22) and Steller sea lion (SSL, Eumetopiasjubatus, n = 12) blubber samples were collected from adults occupying the same rookery near the Lovushki Island complex, Russia. The objective of this study was to compare identified fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) between species for each lipid class (saturated, SFA; monounsaturated, MUFA; polyunsaturated, PUFA). GC-FID identified an average of 26 FAMEs from each species against a set of 37 FAMEs. ANOVA detected differences between detectors and species, with GC-MS recovering greater numbers of total FAMEs but with fewer SFA detected. Interestingly, the GC-MS recovered greater numbers of FAMEs for NFS when compared to SSL. The use of both GC-FID and GC-MS, rather than solely one method, seems appropriate in order to avoid drawing spurious conclusions regarding potential resource partitioning in ecological studies. Email Kathy_young(a)baylor.edu<mailto:Kathy_young@baylor.edu> for pdf's. Thanks! Kathy Young, M.Sc. Ph.D. Candidate Department of Biology Baylor University Ph.: (713)204-6274 Email: kathy_young(a)baylor.edu

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FW: MSc Conservation and Biodiversity scholarships
by Godley, Brendan 09 Feb '12

09 Feb '12

Dear all We have just confirmed and launched the MSc Conservation and Biodiversity scholarships for 2012. These are now live on the funding database and will based at the University of Exeter's Centre for Ecology and Conservation where several of the staff specialise in marine vertebrates and students regularly undertake marine mammal projects generated by the staff or self-generated. These are three full fees scholarships offered for one year to one student from each of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Full details of the scholarship can be found at: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=932 The deadline for applications is Monday 2 April 2012. Please forward to colleagues as appropriate. Kind regards Ruth Ruth Tyrer Assistant College Manager External Relations, Internationalisation, Communication and Alumni College of Life and Environmental Sciences Tel: 01392 725335 Email: R.Tyrer(a)exeter.ac.uk This email and any attachment may contain information that is confidential, privileged, or subject to copyright, and which may be exempt from disclosure under applicable legislation. It is intended for the addressee only. If you received this message in error, please let me know and delete the email and any attachments immediately. The University will not accept responsibility for the accuracy/completeness of this e-mail and its attachments. The University cannot guarantee that this message and any attachments are virus free. Any views or opinions expressed in this message are my own and do not necessarily represent those of the University.

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Temporary Field Assistant(s) required for spring and summer 2012 baleen whale research projects in the Azores, North Atlantic and Iceland.
by Anna Cucknell 09 Feb '12

09 Feb '12

Temporary Field Assistant(s) required for spring and summer 2012 baleen whale research projects in the Azores, North Atlantic and Iceland. Song of the Whale's research team is seeking experienced and enthusiastic individual(s) to join the team as temporary field work assistant(s) during a number of consecutive projects in and around the Azores including a transit to the USA (April - May) and North Atlantic and Iceland (July and August). Working in close collaboration with other research groups, the projects will take place from the end of March to the end of September (with a break during June) and will primarily be focused on conducting passive acoustic / visual research on baleen whales, although other cetaceans will be documented/recorded too. The projects will be conducted from International Fund for Animal Welfare's dedicated research vessel, Song of the Whale. R/V SOTW is a 22 m long, purpose-built sailing research vessel with accommodation for 10. R/V SOTW is operated by a dedicated team from Marine Conservation Research Ltd. Experience in boat-based field work on cetaceans, particularly acoustic research is essential as is familiarity with the use of computers. The team onboard will be made up of MCR staff, visiting scientists and volunteers/student interns. Reasonable travel expenses and board and lodging onboard the boat will be provided and a small weekly allowance may also be available. The season may be split between two research assistants if appropriate. For more information about MCR and R/V Song of the Whale please see the following websites: <http://www.marineconservationresearch.co.uk/> www.marineconservationresearch.co.uk/ and <http://www.ifaw.org/sotw> www.ifaw.org/sotw Please email a letter of interest and CV, outlining your previous experience, availability and why you think you should be considered for the post to <mailto:info@mcr-team.co.uk> info(a)mcr-team.co.uk by the 27th February 2012.

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Announcing "Whale Song!", the peer-reviewed children's album about cetaceans
by Eric Keen 08 Feb '12

08 Feb '12

Dear MARMAM, I'm happy to announce the release of my educational children's album about whales and dolphins: "WHALE SONG! Groovin' Lessons on the Cetacea for kids and their grown-ups" is the first-ever peer-reviewed children's album about cetaceans. Packed with original, fact-filled, toe-tappin' tunes, "Whale Song!" blends science and imagination into a lyrical adventure for the whole family! It's an ideal gift for kids of all ages -- the perfect way to inspire youngsters to know and care more about what we do. CDs are available now at: <http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/erickeen>. Or download the album from iTunes: < http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/whale-song!-groovin-lessons/id485603165?ig… > or Facebook: < http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whale-Song/119217438194317?sk=app_15532648120… > For more info and reviews from leading whale scientists, see below. Best wishes to all, Eric Keen Scripps Institution of Oceanography ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peer Review for "Whale Song!": "Baby Beluga move over! Here is a new cetacean kids song -- not just one song but a whole album! What I liked most was that these songs were fun and funny for kids but also had interesting lyrics for adults and even whale scientists (not sure if they qualify as adults). Who would think you could get something like “their vestigial features show it” into a children’s song and pull it off? There are valuable conservation themes, vocabulary building, and educational aspects that the songs provide while making it entertaining. This is a fun album for all ages through adults and a must-have for budding whale scientists." -- John Calambokidis, director of the Cascadia Research Collective "I subjected Eric's songs to the toughest critics I could muster: my 4 yr old and 1 yr old. Within seconds they were laughing, dancing, and clapping along. They had great fun...The problem I have now is that my 4 yr old is continuously pestering me, 'Can I hear another funny song please?'" -- Trevor Branch, PhD, UW Professor "Fun. Fun! FUN! I listened carefully to the whole thing because I didn't want to miss a single chorus or bad pun. Its creative, educational, and (did I mention?) fun. I recommend it to cetacean biologists of all ages, but especially those who will be getting their degrees in 20 years. As a whale biologist with over 30 years of experience, I can testify that he got all the science right. But none of that would matter to kids unless it was also a hoot. Listen, it will make you smile." -- Jay Barlow, PhD, Scripps Institution of Oceanography; NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center "As someone who studies whale songs for a living, I was as enchanted by these songs ABOUT whales as I am by songs sung BY whales. Eric's work here is funny, catchy, and spot-on scientifically. Kids, adults, and marine mammal scientists alike will find themselves singing along to the 'Whale BCs' , tracing the evolution of whales from land to water and back again in song, and learning about a species most of us have never heard of, the "ole' walrus whale". -- Kate Stafford, PhD, whale acoustician, UW ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Special thanks goes my sister, Sara, to whom this album is dedicated.

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New publication: Humpback whale song occurs extensively on feeding grounds in the western North Atlantic Ocean
by Sofie Van Parijs 08 Feb '12

08 Feb '12

Dear Marmam, Here is a recent publication that may be of interest. Elizabeth T. Vu, Denise Risch, Christopher W. Clark, Shonda Gaylord, Leila T. Hatch, Michael A. Thompson, David N. Wiley, Sofie M. Van Parijs (2012). Humpback whale song occurs extensively on feeding grounds in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Aquatic Biology 14: 175-183 ABSTRACT: Male humpback whales produce complex, patterned songs that are traditionally heard on their breeding grounds. Short-term studies demonstrated that they also sing along migration routes and on higher-latitude feeding grounds. This study expands the current understanding of feeding-ground song by providing yearlong views of singing activity. Acoustic recordings were made in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, part of the western North Atlantic Ocean feeding grounds. Recordings were made in 2006 and 2008. Song occurred during all months except February 2006 and June 2008. Song occurred most frequently in November for both years (mean ± SE--2006: 18.26 ± 0.66 h with song d-1; 2008: 18.59 ± 0.82 h with song d-1). The longest song sessions occurred in April for both years (2220 ± 348, 1430 ± 274 s, respectively) in November and December for 2006, and in May for 2008. This study demonstrates that song occurs often, when whales arrive at the feeding grounds in early April. The occurrence and length of song sessions decrease during July and August when whales are observed to be feeding in the sanctuary. Song occurrence and song session length increase when most males prepare to migrate southward in October to December. Such patterns are congruent with the hypothesis of seasonal hormonal activity and its potential role in song production. It is open access if you want to download it: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/ab/v14/n2/p175-183/

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MARINE WILDLIFE FIELD TEAM COORDINATOR VACANCY
by Nick Robinson 08 Feb '12

08 Feb '12

The Marine Wildlife Department continues its incredible expansion and increased expertise in this specialist area of our business. It offers a range of services including consultation of methodology and procedures, implementation of monitoring and mitigation measures for a range of industries and countries and comprehensive project reporting service. We are seeking to add to the team numbers and expertise in the following role; MARINE WILDLIFE FIELD TEAM COORDINATOR Reporting to the Marine Wildlife Business Manager, you will be responsible for the line-management of field personnel involved in marine mammal and bird surveys and mitigation work. You will also be responsible for co-ordinating the supply of field personnel for projects undertaking marine mammal and seabird survey and mitigation work on Gardline Marine Sciences Ltd and third-party vessels and to act as contact point for all operations concerning Marine Wildlife Department personnel requirements. You will work closely with the Marine Wildlife Department Manager and Marine Wildlife Department Project Team Manager on all offshore issues and with the Marine Wildlife Department Technician on all equipment issues within the department and with the applicable personnel within Gardline Environmental Ltd and Gardline Marine Sciences Ltd. Ideally you will be of degree calibre or equivalent, and demonstrate a sound knowledge of the marine mammals, seabirds and the marine environment with both a scientific and commercial awareness. You will possess previous managerial skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to gain and process complex information, present that information clearly and concisely and think logically, critically and decisively. This is an office based position in Great Yarmouth however you may be required to undertake occasional travel around the world. To apply for this role, please send your CV and cover letter to Robert Rae, Group Recruitment Officer at robert.rae(a)gardline.co.uk<mailto:robert.rae@gardline.co.uk> or via the careers section of our website www.gardlinemarinesciences.com<http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/> Closing date: 16th December 2011 ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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