May 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on ocean fertilisation by marine mammals
by Trish Lavery 11 May '12

11 May '12

Dear Colleagues, Following our recent paper demonstrating that whales fertilise the ocean with their nutrient-rich defecations (available free online: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2010/06/14/rspb.2010.0…) we are pleased to announce a paper published today in PLoS showing that marine mammals also defecate microbes which help to break down the nutrients defecated, making them more bioavailable to the food chain. Lavery TJ, Roudnew B, Seymour J, Mitchell JG, Jeffries T (2012) High Nutrient Transport and Cycling Potential Revealed in the Microbial Metagenome of Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) Faeces. PLoS ONE 7(5): e36478. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0036478 Available free online: (http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0036478)… Metagenomic analysis was used to examine the taxonomic diversity and metabolic potential of an Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) gut microbiome. Bacteria comprised 98% of classifiable sequences and of these matches to Firmicutes (80%) were dominant, with Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria representing 8% and 2% of matches respectively. The relative proportion of Firmicutes (80%) to Bacteriodetes (2%) is similar to that in previous studies of obese humans and obese mice, suggesting the gut microbiome may confer a predisposition towards the excess body fat that is needed for thermoregulation within the cold oceanic habitats foraged by Australian sea lions. Core metabolic functions, including carbohydrate utilisation (14%), protein metabolism (9%) and DNA metabolism (7%) dominated the metagenome, but in comparison to human and fish gut microbiomes there was a significantly higher proportion of genes involved in phosphorus metabolism (2.4%) and iron scavenging mechanisms (1%). When sea lions defecate at sea, the relatively high nutrient metabolism potential of bacteria in their faeces may accelerate the dissolution of nutrients from faecal particles, enhancing their persistence in the euphotic zone where they are available to stimulate marine production. Kind thanks, Dr. Trish Lavery Flinders University. Australia.

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New paper on the estimated blood and tissue N2 levels in odontocetes following sonar exposure
by Andreas Fahlman 11 May '12

11 May '12

Dear All We are happy to to announce the publication of our open access paper in Frontiers in Aquatic Physiology called "Estimated tissue and blood N2 levels and risk of decompression sickness in deep-, intermediate- and shallow diving toothed whales during exposure to naval sonar". (Kvadsheim, P. H., Miller, P. J. O., Tyack, P. L., Sivle, L. L. D., Lam, F.-P. A. and Fahlman, A. (2012). Estimated tissue and blood N2 levels and risk of in vivo bubble formation in deep-, intermediate- and shallow diving toothed whales during exposure to naval sonar. Frontiers in Physiology 3). For those that might be interested, the paper can be downloaded at the following link: http://www.frontiersin.org/aquatic_physiology/10.3389/fphys.2012.00125/abst… Sincerely, Andreas Abstract: Naval sonar has been accused of causing whale stranding by a mechanism which increases formation of tissue N2 gas bubbles. Increased tissue and blood N2 levels, and thereby increased risk of decompression sickness (DCS), is thought to result from changes in behavior or physiological responses during diving. Previous theoretical studies have used hypothetical sonar-induced changes in both behavior and physiology to model blood and tissue N2 tension (PN2), but this is the first attempt to estimate the changes during actual behavioral responses to sonar. We used an existing mathematical model to estimate blood and tissue N2 tension (PN2) from dive data recorded from sperm, killer, long-finned pilot, Blainville’s beaked and Cuvier’s beaked whales before and during exposure to Low- (1-2 kHz) and Mid- (2-7 kHz) frequency active sonar. Our objectives were; 1) to determine if differences in dive behavior affects risk of bubble formation, and if 2) behavioral- or 3) physiological responses to sonar are plausible risk factors. Our results suggest that all species have natural high N2 levels, with deep diving generally resulting in higher end-dive PN2 as compared with shallow diving. Sonar exposure caused some changes in dive behavior in both killer whales, pilot whales and beaked whales, but this did not lead to any increased risk of DCS . However, in three of eight exposure session with sperm whales, the animal changed to shallower diving, and in all these cases this seem to result in an increased risk of DCS, although risk was still within the normal risk range of this species. When a hypothetical removal of the normal dive response (bradycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction), was added to the behavioral response during model simulations, this led to an increased variance in the estimated end-dive N2 levels, but no consistent change of risk. In conclusion, we cannot rule out the possibility that a combination of behavioral and physiological responses to sonar have the potential to alter the blood and tissue end-dive N2 tension to levels which could cause DCS and formation of in vivo bubbles, but the actually observed behavioral responses of cetaceans to sonar in our study, do not imply any significantly increased risk of DCS. -- Andreas Fahlman Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M- Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Dr Unit 5892 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 Ph. +1-361-825-3489 Fax +1-361-825-2025 mail: andreas.fahlman(a)tamucc.edu web: http://www.comparative-physiology.tamucc.edu/

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New publication on trends in cetacean density
by Rebecca Jewell 10 May '12

10 May '12

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce that a new publication on detecting trends in cetacean density is now available with open access in Marine Ecology Progress Series at http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v453/. Jewell R, Thomas L, Harris CM, Kaschner K, Wiff R, Hammond PS, Quick NJ. 2012. Global analysis of cetacean line-transect surveys: detecting trends in cetacean density. Marine Ecology Progress Series 453:227-240 doi: 10.3354/meps09636 Abstract: Measuring the effect of anthropogenic change on cetacean populations is hampered by our lack of understanding about population status and a lack of power in the available data to detect trends in abundance. Often long-term data from repeated surveys are lacking, and alternative approaches to trend detection must be considered. We utilised an existing database of line-transect survey records to determine whether temporal trends could be detected when survey effort from around the world was combined. We extracted density estimates for 25 species and fitted generalised additive models (GAMs) to investigate whether taxonomic, spatial or methodological differences among systematic line-transect surveys affect estimates of density and whether we can identify temporal trends in the data once these factors are accounted for. The selected GAM consisted of 2 parts: an intercept term that was a complex interaction of taxonomic, spatial and methodological factors and a smooth temporal term with trends varying by family and ocean basin. We discuss the trends found and assess the suitability of published density estimates for detecting temporal trends using retrospective power analysis. In conclusion, increasing sample size through combining survey effort across a global scale does not necessarily result in sufficient power to detect trends because of the extent of variability across surveys, species and oceans. Instead, results from repeated dedicated surveys designed specifically for the species and geographical region of interest should be used to inform conservation and management. ----------------------------------------- Rebecca Jewell, Research Student Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews St Andrews KY16 8LB Scotland Raising money for a great cause: https://www.bmycharity.com/theclimb

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Polar bear comments
by Naomi Rose 08 May '12

08 May '12

Dear colleagues: The US Fish and Wildlife Service currently has a comment period open for its proposed CITES actions at the next Conference of the Parties in 2013. They have three categories of proposals - those they will sponsor, those they are still considering, and those they have decided not to sponsor. Polar bears are in the "still considering" category. The links below give additional details about this situation, if you are interested in submitting public comments on this process. http://www.fws.gov/international/CITES/CoP16/3rdFederalRegisterNotice77FR21… http://www.fws.gov/international/CITES/CoP16/3rdFederalRegisterNoticeWeb.pdf Best regards, Naomi Rose 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/> From: Teresa Telecky Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 5:15 PM To: Naomi Rose Subject: Marmam / PB Hi Naomi, I think you agreed to post the opportunity to comment to the USFWS on submitting the CITES PB proposal onto Marmam? Can you let me know when this has been done? Here are the relevant links: http://www.fws.gov/international/CITES/CoP16/3rdFederalRegisterNotice77FR21… http://www.fws.gov/international/CITES/CoP16/3rdFederalRegisterNoticeWeb.pdf Thanks! T Teresa M. Telecky, Ph.D. Director, Wildlife Department ttelecky(a)hsi.org<mailto:ttelecky@hsi.org> t 301.258.1430 f 301.258.3082 Humane Society International 2100 L Street NW Washington, DC 20037 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: Description: Description: Humane Society International - Celebrating Animals | Confronting Cruelty | Worldwide]<http://www.hsi.org/> Humane Society International is rated a 4-star charity (the highest possible) by Charity Navigator<http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3848> and approved by the Better Business Bureau<http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/animal-protection/humane-societ…> for all 20 standards for charity accountability. Our American affiliate, The Humane Society of the United States, was voted by Guidestar's Philanthropedia<http://www.myphilanthropedia.org/blog/2011/08/24/humane-society-of-the-unit…> experts as the #1 high-impact animal protection group and named by Worth Magazine<http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/about/worth_top_10_fiscally_respon…> as one of the 10 most fiscally responsible charities in the USA.

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Dolphin Research Internships
by Emily Guarino 08 May '12

08 May '12

Dolphin Research Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Fall term. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to get "behind the scenes" to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing behavioral and cognitive research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions. Specific job duties include: * Collecting observational behavioral data * Preparing stimuli for cognitive research sessions * Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for cognitive research sessions * Operating video equipment * Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis * General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Publications: Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., & Rodriguez, M. (2010). Blindfolded imitation in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 23, 671-688. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects? Animal Cognition, 13, 103-120. Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically "less" by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. The deadline to apply is *** June 1st***. To apply, you must download the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Research", and then "Internship Information". The application, and all associated materials (resume, transcript, and letters of rec.) must be mailed to DRC. -------------------------------- Emily Guarino Administrative Director of Research emily(a)dolphins.org Dolphin Research Center 58901 Overseas Hwy. Grassy Key, FL 33050 www.dolphins.org

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New paper on the phylogeny of the subfamily Delphininae
by Ana Rita Amaral 08 May '12

08 May '12

Dear colleagues, I would like to inform you that the following paper was recently published: Amaral AR, Jackson JA, Möller LM, Beheregaray LB (2012) Species tree of a recent radiation: The subfamily Delphininae (Cetacea, Mammalia). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 64: 243-253. ABSTRACT Lineages undergoing rapid radiations provide exceptional opportunities for studying speciation and adaptation, but also represent a challenge for molecular systematics because retention of ancestral polymorphisms and the occurrence of hybridization can obscure relationships among lineages. Dolphins in the subfamily Delphininae are one such case. Non-monophyly, rapid speciation events, and discordance between morphological and molecular characters have made the inference of phylogenetic relationships within this subfamily very difficult. Here we approach this problem by applying multiple methods intended to estimate species trees using a multi-gene dataset for the Delphininae (Sousa, Sotalia, Stenella, Tursiops, Delphinus and Lagenodelphis). Incongruent gene trees obtained indicate that incomplete lineage sorting and possibly hybridization are confounding the inference of species history in this group. Nonetheless, using coalescent-based methods, we have been able to extract an underlying species-tree signal from divergent histories of independent genes. This is the first time a molecular study provides support for such relationships. This study further illustrates how methods of species-tree inference can be very sensitive both to the characteristics of the dataset and the evolutionary processes affecting the evolution of the group under study. Abstract link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S105579031200142X For pdf requests or additional information please contact: aramaral(a)fc.ul.pt. Thanks! Ana Rita Amaral ************************************** Ana Rita Amaral, PhD Postdoctoral Researcher Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th Street New York, NY 10024 USA Centre for Environmental Biology Faculty of Sciences University of Lisbon Campo Grande 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal E-mail: aramaral(a)fc.ul.pt **************************************

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LAST CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR LAND BASED MINKE WHALE TRACKING PROJECT IN ICELAND
by Christiansen, Fredrik Oscar 08 May '12

08 May '12

LAND BASED MINKE WHALE TRACKING IN ICELAND - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED I am looking for volunteers to collect land based data on minke whale movement and diving behaviour in Iceland between the end of May (25th) and the end of August (31st) 2012. The project is part of a larger study looking at the effects of whalewatching on Minke whales in Iceland and the land based data constitutes the control (or natural) behaviour data of this project. A land based station, a 27m high lighthouse, will be used as a platform from which Minke whale movement and diving behaviour will be collected in the absence of tourist boats, by using a theodolite and computer. FIELD WORK DESCRIPTION Continuous focal follows of individual Minke whales will be conducted from land. One person will use a theodolite to measure the position of the Minke whale every time it surfaces, as well as the orientation of the animal and any conspicuous surface behaviours (e.g. feeding). A second person with binoculars will assist the theodolite tracker and make sure that no surfacing is missed or that no other Minke whales enter the study area which might confuse the theodolite tracker. A third person will enter all the data into a computer in real time, together with environmental data etc. Volunteers will rotate between these positions, but if a person is really skilled with theodolite tracking they might be given priority for tracking when weather conditions are particularly favourable. The work schedule for the lighthouse will be between 06:00 and 18:00 (depending on the weather) and volunteers will rotate on a two hours basis, rotating between theodolite tracking, binocular tracking, computer entry and being off duty. Tourist will regularly come up to the lighthouse and ask what you are working with, during which time you have to be polite and informative. The major of Garður is keen on advertising our work to locals and tourists, and you should assist him with this task as much as possible. As in any cetacean work, there will be days when work will be very intense due to favourable weather conditions, when you will be expected to work up to 10h in the field. Other days will have bad weather and no work, or half a day’s work or less, so you have to be flexible and work according to the weather. When you are not working in the field there will be data entry work to do, as well as everyday equipment cleaning work etc. You also need to help out with everyday tasks of cooking, cleaning etc. LOCATION The lighthouse and accommodation is located in Garður, about 30km west of Reykjavik, north of Keflavik, and overlooks the southern part of Faxaflói Bay. It’s a small town consisting of about 1400 people and facilities are limited. There is a supermarket, swimming hall and a cafe. A few times per day there is a free shuttle bus between Garður and Keflavik, which is a slightly bigger city (8000 people). Accommodation will consist of a shared house in Garður with bathroom and kitchen, provided by the municipality of Garður. Volunteers need to live and cook together. The house will most likely have internet connection. COSTS Regarding costs, unfortunately this is an unpaid volunteer position and you would have to cover your own travel expenses to and from Iceland, your travel insurance (required!), as well as your food expenses during the project. Accommodation will be provided for free by the project. QUALIFICATION As theodolite tracking of Minke whales is difficult and takes a long time to learn, priority will be given to people with PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN THEODOLITE TRACKING. If you have this sort of experience, please specify in your application when and where you worked with this, what species you were studying and what sort of data you collected (did you collect positional data for every surfacing or just one fix per surfacing bout?). How many hours of theodolite tracking (actively working with the theodolite) do you have roughly? As the feasibility of this project is relying strongly on assistants, the successful candidate will need to be able to STAY FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE PROJECT. A departure in the middle of the project would be very difficult to accommodate for, and therefore I wish you to really consider your availability for this summer before you decide to apply for this position. Apart from setting up the project for the first week, I will personally not be stationed in Garður or Iceland this summer due to other commitments. For this reason, the successful candidates would have to be GOOD AT WORKING INDEPENDENTLY and taking their own initiatives. My Icelandic supervisor will be available in Iceland, but up in Húsavik, meaning that smaller logistical tasks would have to be sorted out by the research team themselves. Of course, any costs related to the research project would be paid by me. The successful applicant will need to both work and live together with people from different countries and backgrounds and therefore needs to be a very tolerant and flexible person. During time periods of bad weather, or periods when whales are not seen for a long time, you might become very frustrated, but it’s important to remain polite and respectful in all situations. EXPECTATIONS As I mentioned, when the weather is bad there won’t be any field work, so those days can also be used to relax. As the field season is relatively short (3 months) and bad weather will prevent work for roughly half of these days, days off will not be scheduled, but rather taken opportunistically during days when the weather is bad. Therefore you will need to be stationed in Garður throughout these three months, so any plans to travel around Iceland should be done prior to or after this project. As Garður is small and geographically isolated, there isn’t much to do when you are not working, so if you are a person that needs a lot of stimulation then this project isn’t for you. There is a lot of beautiful nature around Garður to where you can walk, and many species of birds for bird lovers or photographers. Apart from Minke whales you can also sometimes see white beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, basking sharks and seals from the coast. But for time periods when the weather is bad (sometimes for weeks) and there is no data processing to be done, I recommend that you bring along books, movies etc or whatever you like doing at your spare time basically. You should expect that the weather will be bad roughly half of the time you are in Iceland and prevent you from working. There will also be periods (sometimes weeks) when few or no Minke whales are sighted. For those periods it is important not to give up, and to keep working from the lighthouse, as the animals can return at any time. This is a rather difficult project, but to observing this species without disturbing it, and to see its natural behaviours is very rewarding. And even though being difficult, we managed to get a lot of data from last two seasons, showing that this project has great potential to be even better for 2012. I hope this project description hasn’t scared you off already, but I wanted to emphasize what the difficulties with this project are and that I am looking for people that can handle this sort of work and living conditions. This project will give you a great chance to work with an amazing species in an amazing place, and you will be able to learn some skills that are frequently practised in cetacean research and therefore really useful to know for anyone that wants to pursue a career in this field. Also you will have the opportunity to work with other like minded people from different countries and local Icelanders. WORK PERIOD: The tracking project is planned between the 25th of May and the 31st of August 2012. DAILY DUTIES: - collect Minke whale track data from land with theodolite - enter track data into computer in real time - data entry and processing - equipment cleaning and maintenance - talk and inform tourists and locals about the Minke whales and our work QUALIFICATIONS: - background in Marine biology/Oceanography preferable, but not necessary - previous wildlife field experience and ability to stand long working days - previous theodolite tracking skills - working knowledge of computers and MS Excel. Possibility to bring your own Laptop is much preferred - be hard-working, team oriented, able to share small living space - be adaptable, flexible and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent - good English language skills HOW TO APPLY: Send CV and resume. The resume should include the following: - details of your availability (ONLY APPLICANTS THAT CAN COMMIT FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE PROJECT WILL BE CONSIDERED) - contact details of two referees (no letters of recommendation needed) - a brief description of yourself including your interest in biology and what you hope to gain from this experience - any previous experience in theodolite tracking - any dietary requirements (i.e. vegetarian, vegan, etc.) Send applications to: Fredrik Christiansen (PhD Student) University of Aberdeen Institute of Biological Sciences Tillydrone Ave Aberdeen AB24 2TZ United Kingdom E-mail: f.christiansen(a)abdn.ac.uk Mobile: +44 78 18725081 The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for land-based bottlenose dolphin project in Scotland (UK)
by Enrico Pirotta 08 May '12

08 May '12

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for land-based bottlenose dolphin project in Scotland (UK) I am looking for volunteers to take part in the collection of land-based data on dolphin and boat occurrence between the end of May/beginning of June and the middle of September 2012, near Cromarty (Scotland). The visual data from land will integrate the acoustic information collected by a C-POD deployed off South Sutors (at the entrance of the Cromarty Firth) to understand how echolocation processes (regular clicking and foraging buzzes) vary with the size of dolphin schools and whether the dolphins respond to boats differently for different school sizes. This study is part of my PhD project on the assessment of the population consequences of disturbance on bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth, Scotland. Field work description The land-based observations will be conducted from an elevated location on the shoreline (South Sutors, Cromarty) by two observers, each doing one three-hour shift per day. The volunteers will use visual scan sampling every 15 minutes to collect presence and location of boats and dolphins. If dolphins are sighted, additional two-minute scans will be performed. During these scans, the number of dolphins present, the school’s behavioural state, the location at the time of the scan and the location of all boats will be recorded. The data collected in the field will then be entered in a dedicate spreadsheet and sent to me weekly. The volunteers are also asked to briefly report to me every week on the progress of the data collection. I will be joining the team repeatedly during the summer for periods of 1-2 weeks. Observations will be limited to Beaufort <3, i.e. there will be days with no work or half a day’s work. Volunteers are thus expected to be flexible and work according to the weather, and days off will be taken opportunistically when the weather is bad. Location South Sutors is a headland located within walking distance from Cromarty, a small town (approx. 700 people) along the coast of the Inner Moray Firth (Scotland), about 20 miles from Inverness. The Lighthouse Field Station of the University of Aberdeen is located here (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/lighthouse/) and Professor Paul Thompson and his team have been carrying out long-term studies on marine mammals and birds since the ‘80s. Researchers at the Lighthouse are an incredible source of knowledge and experience, but they are also busy with the data collection during the summer season. Applicants are thus expected to be completely independent and refer to me for any issue arising throughout the season. Despite being an extremely beautiful and peaceful place, Cromarty is also very small, geographically isolated and with limited facilities. Weather is also very unstable in Scotland. Please be aware of this before applying. Accommodation will consist of a private room with bathroom, and shared use of kitchen in Ardyne House, Cromarty (http://www.cromartyartstrust.org.uk/ardyne-house.asp) The house offers broadband internet access. Costs Unfortunately this is an unpaid volunteer position and you would have to cover your own travel expenses to, from and within Scotland, your accommodation, and your living expenses during the project. The price for the room at Ardyne house is set at £90 plus VAT (= £108 in total) per week. Work period End of May/beginning of June - 15th of September 2012 (but applications for shorter periods are considered). Duties - Collect data on bottlenose dolphin behaviour and boat occurrence - Enter data in ms excel spreadsheets - Briefly report to me weekly Requirements - Background in Marine Biology preferable, but not necessary - Possibility to bring your own laptop for data entry - Ability to stand long working hours - Working knowledge of computers and MS Excel - Be hard-working and with good team skills - Be flexible and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent - Be independent, and ready to live in a remote place - Good English language skills How to apply Please send CV and resume. The resume should include: - details of your availability – applicants that can commit for longer periods will be preferred, but applications for shorter periods (not shorter than 1 month) will also be considered - adherence to the listed requirements - a brief description of yourself, including what you hope to gain from this experience Kindly email applications to: Enrico Pirotta (PhD Student) E-mail: enrico.pirotta(a)abdn.ac.uk Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Aberdeen Tillydrone Avenue Aberdeen AB24 2TZ UK Mobile: +44 7547026975

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SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON HAWAIIAN SPINNER DOLPHINS
by Julian Tyne 08 May '12

08 May '12

Seeking field assistants for research on Hawaiian spinner dolphins PROJECT SUMMARY I am seeking experienced research assistants to join the existing team for my PhD field work that aims to a) quantify possible effects of human interactions on spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in resting bays in Hawaii and b) assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a proposed mitigation tool. This is the first stage of a long-term project on spinner dolphins along the west coast of the Island of Hawaii by Murdoch University, Western Australia (http://mucru.org/ <http://mucru.org/)> ) and Duke University, North Carolina (http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/ <http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/> ). The project aims to collect baseline data on the local abundance, distribution and behaviour of spinner dolphins using a suite of modern visual and acoustic techniques in four spinner dolphin resting bays in Hawaii. These data will be used to determine residency and fidelity patterns and investigate the possible effects of human interactions on the spinner dolphins and to assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a mitigation approach. This will assist in determining the long-term viability of the spinner dolphin population and the sustainability and management of the human interactions within the resting bays. FIELD WORK Boat based photo-identification surveys will be conducted in each of four resting bays off the west coast of the Island of Hawaii and at another control site, possibly off the island of Molokai, to evaluate abundance of spinner dolphins, in addition, group focal follows will be carried out on spinner dolphins both inside and outside the four resting bays. Where possible, the movements and behaviour of spinner dolphins and boats will be studied from local cliff tops overlooking spinner dolphin resting bays using a digital theodolite. Theodolite data will be used to derive time series of information on activity state, path sinuosity, speed, and synchronicity of schools. Bottom-mounted acoustic recorders will be deployed jn the resting bays, that will also be subject to photo-identification- and theodolite studies described above. Initially, acoustic survey periods will coincide with daily visual observations in order to link acoustic detections with the distribution and behaviour of dolphins. Field work will be physically and at times mentally demanding but you will have the opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience and improve existing skills in relation to theodolite survey techniques, photo-identification, and behavioural observations. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology or population biology. Research assistants I am seeking skilled research assistants to commence in July 2012. Assistants will help collect information on spinner dolphin abundance, distribution and behaviour off the west coast of the Hawai'i Island. The field season will last until mid January 2013. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime for a minimum of two months. Applicants willing to participate until the end of the field season will be given preference. PREREQUISITES 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field 2. Previous field experience with marine wildlife (photo-identification, theodolite tracking and boat handling skills would be advantageous but not a prerequisite). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented, have a positive attitude and good sense of humour as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science. 4. Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. Fieldwork will vary between weekends and weekdays. 5. Be prepared to work long days in a small vessel in small team of three-five people 6. Be able to commit for a minimum of five days a week for two months (though applicants willing to commit for longer will be preferred) Unfortunately, I am unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for travel to Hawai'i and their own living expenses. PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU ARE ABLE TO COMMIT TO THE PROJECT. If you are interested, please provide a short CV and cover letter attention of Julian Tyne (j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> ). Julian Tyne, BSc Hons PhD Candidate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Research Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences School of Biological Sciences Murdoch University, Western Australia Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/ <http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/> http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners <http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners>

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New paper on characteristics of whistles of rough-toothed dolphins in Rio de Janeiro coast, southeastern Brazil
by Isabela Lima 06 May '12

06 May '12

Dear colleagues, The following article has just been published online in the *Journal of Acoustical Society of America*: Lima, I.M.S., Andrade, L.G., Carvalho, R.R., Lailson-Brito Jr., J., and Azevedo, A.F. (*2012*). "Characteristics of whistles from rough-toothed dolphins (*Steno bredanensis*) in Rio de Janeiro coast, southeastern Brazil,"Journal of Acoustical Society of America V. 131, Issue 5, pp. 4173-4181. Contact: isabelaseabra.lima(a)gmail.com Abstract: There is no information about the whistles of rough-toothed dolphins in the South Atlantic Ocean. This study characterizes the whistle structure of free-ranging rough-toothed dolphins recorded on the Rio de Janeiro coast, southeastern Brazil, and compares it to that of the same species in other regions. A total of 340 whistles were analyzed. Constant (N=115; 33.8%) and ascending (N=99; 29.1%) whistles were the most common contours. The whistles recorded had their fundamental frequencies between 2.24 and 13.94 kHz. Whistles without inflection points were frequently emitted (N=255; 75%). Some signals presented breaks or steps in their contour (N=97; 28.5%). Whistle duration was short (347*+*236 ms and 89.7% of the whistles lasted <600 ms). Seventy-eight whistle contour types were found in the total of whistles analyzed, and 27 (7.9%) of these occurred only once. Most of the whistle types were unique to a particular recording session (N=43). The signals emitted by the rough-toothed dolphins in southeastern Brazil were characterized by low frequency modulation, short duration, low number of inflection points, and breaks. Differences in the mean values of the whistle parameters were found between this and other studies that recorded *Steno* *bredanensis*, but as in other localities, whistles above 14 kHz are rare. The article is available online at: http://link.aip.org/link/?JAS/131/4173 Best regards, Isabela Lima -- Isabela Maria Seabra de Lima Bióloga - Mestranda Oceanografia/UERJ Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores - MAQUA Faculdade de Oceanografia Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 4º andar sala 4002 bloco E Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro - RJ CEP 20.550-013 Tel: 21 23340065

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