June 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Paper: Detecting changes in distribution of calling bowhead whales
by W. John Richardson 17 Jun '12

17 Jun '12

The following new paper describes a statistical approach suitable for analyzing effects of disturbance from a stationary sound source (in this case, an oil production facility) on the distribution of localized calls from migrating whales: McDonald, T.L., W.J. Richardson, C.R. Greene Jr., S.B. Blackwell, C. Nations, R.M. Nielson and B. Streever. 2012. Detecting changes in the distribution of calling bowhead whales exposed to fluctuating anthropogenic sounds. J. Cetac. Res. Manage. 12(1): 91-106. PDF copies are available from tmcdonald(a)west-inc.com or wjr(a)LGL.com This paper includes approaches to deal with lack of statistical independence among repeated calls from the same individual whale or group of whales, variable call detection probability, and confounding effects of covariates. On the expectation that the strongest disturbance effects would be on the closest whales, it uses quantile regression to assess effects on the proximal edge of the distribution of calls. Previous related papers describe the fluctuating anthropogenic sounds (S.B. Blackwell et al., 2006, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 119(1): 182-196); procedures for detecting and localizing the bowhead whale calls (C.R. Greene Jr. et al., 2004, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 116(2): 799-813); and basic features of the bowhead migration as evident from the acoustic monitoring (S.B. Blackwell et al., 2007, Arctic 60(3): 255-270). Abstract: This paper describes an analysis approach designed to detect the effects of fluctuating anthropogenic underwater sound on the distribution of calling bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) during migration. The anthropogenic sounds in this case were associated with an offshore oil production island (Northstar Island) in the Beaufort Sea northwest of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, but the method has wider applicability. In autumn, bowhead whales migrate westward at varying distances offshore where some are exposed to Northstar sounds. Anthropogenic effects, if present, were hypothesized to be most pronounced in the southern (proximal) part of the migration corridor. Underwater sound levels were measured continuously ca. 500 m from Northstar, and locations of calling whales were determined by a seafloor array of directional acoustical recorders. Weighted quantile regression related the 5th quantile of offshore call distance to anthropogenic sounds and other covariates. Case weights were inversely proportional to both probability of detection and location uncertainty. Due to potential dependencies in call locations, block permutation of uncorrelated whale call clusters was used to assign significance levels to coefficients in the quantile regression model. Statistical model selection was used to determine the anthropogenic sound measures most correlated with the 5th quantile of offshore call distances, after allowing for natural within-season variation quantified by day-night changes, distance of the call east or west of Northstar, and date. Data used to illustrate the method were collected over 29 days in September 2003 and included 25,176 bowhead calls. The estimated offshore distance of the 5th quantile call was 0.67 km (95% confidence interval 0.31 to 1.05 km) farther offshore when tones associated with Northstar were recorded in the 10-450 Hz band during the 15 minutes just prior to each call. The method has been applied successfully to similar data collected near Northstar in other years, and may be useful in other studies that simultaneously collect data on animal locations and fluctuating stimuli. KEYWORDS: ACOUSTICS; ARCTIC; BOWHEAD WHALE; MIGRATION; MODELLING; MONITORING; MOVEMENTS; NOISE; SURVEY-ACOUSTIC ----------------------------------------------------------------- W. John Richardson LGL Ltd., environmental research associates e-mail wjr(a)LGL.com web www.LGL.com

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New paper on Antarctic killer whales
by Paula Olson 16 Jun '12

16 Jun '12

A new paper on Antarctic killer whales has been published in the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management: Observations of killer whales off East Antarctica, 82°-95°E, in 2009. 2012. Olson, P.A., Ensor, P., and Kuningas, S. *J. Cetacean Res. Manage*. 12(1): 61-64. ABSTRACT Observations of killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) during a survey off east Antarctica, 082° - 095°E revealed previously undescribed variations in pigmentation and group associations. During the survey 24 killer whale groups were sighted south of 60°S and classified, when possible, to Types A, B, or C (Pitman and Ensor 2003) based on their external morphology. Sufficient observation was available for nine groups to be classified: 2 groups of Type A; 1 mixed group of Type A and Type B; 3 groups of Type C; and 3 groups with eyepatch pigmentation intermediate in size between Types B and C. These whales may represent an intergrade between Types B and C or a previously unrecognized form. One of the 'intermediate' groups was observed feeding in a multi-species aggregation with other cetaceans in deep water. Clearly distinguishable Type A and Type B whales were observed feeding together in a mixed aggregation, the first time that this has been documented.

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New paper about Distribution of the Antillean manatee (Trichecus manatus manatus) in the Alvarado Lagoon System
by arturoserrano 15 Jun '12

15 Jun '12

Dear all: We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in the Journal of Ciencias Marinas: IC Daniel-Rentería, A Serrano, G Sánchez-Rojas. 2012. Distribution of the Antillean manatee (Trichecus manatus manatus) in the Alvarado Lagoon System (Veracruz, Mexico). Ciencias Marinas. 38(2): 459–465 Abstract The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is considered endangered in Mexico. Local extinctions have been documented in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and the only remaining population with a northern distribution is found in the Alvarado Lagoon System (ALS). The objective of this study was to determine manatee distribution in ALS. The system covers an area of 267,010 ha and includes hundreds of lagoons, floodable areas, and dozens of rivers. To detect manatees, systematic line transects were done in a boat 7.6 m in length, totaling 332.6 h of search effort with an average of 7.38 h d–1 in 45 surveys. There were a total of 13 manatee sightings: seven direct sightings, five with hydrophones, and one with a side-scan sonar. For each record the geographical coordinates were taken and integrated in a geographical information system to analyze their distribution. Manatee distribution was not uniform throughout the study area. Manatees were sighted in very specific areas of ALS considered part of their habitat, mainly in areas with inland water bodies, in some estuarine and marshy areas, and in some wetlands with vegetation generally in appropriate condition. This lagoon system is very important for manatee conservation since it is the last site with viable populations in Veracruz and the northern Gulf of Mexico. Key words: manatee, Trichechus manatus manatus, distribution, Alvarado Lagoon System. ______________________________ Dr. Arturo Serrano Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos Universidad Veracruzana km 7.5 Carretera Tuxpan-Tampico C.P. 92850 Tuxpan, Veracruz MEXICO Tel.: (783) 834 4350 Ext. 46113 Cel.: (783) 112 0346

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The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA is hiring a Research Assistant
by Heather Groninger 13 Jun '12

13 Jun '12

Announcing an employment opportunity at The Marine Mammal Center. This listing can also be found on our website here: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/organization-information/jobs/ RESEACH ASSISTANT The Marine Mammal Center, an equal opportunity, non-profit employer, is seeking a Research Assistant to join our team. The Marine Mammal Center's mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals-their health and that of their ocean environment-and to inspire their global conservation. Our core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community. Reporting to the research lead, the Research Assistant is a full time, non-exempt position with competitive benefits. This position works closely with the Veterinary Science research team. The Research Assistant provides administrative and research assistance to the veterinary science department. The research assistant is a member of the Veterinary Science team and works closely with the Necropsy Manager, Lab Manager, and Senior Scientist to facilitate collection, analysis, storage and shipment of samples for collaborative research projects. Specific Duties: * Coordinate requests for marine mammal specimens and educational samples; * Coordinate with clinical and necropsy staff to ensure sample acquisition for a variety of projects; * Help maintain necropsy equipment and facilities; * Assist Necropsy Manager and veterinary science staff in coordinating and conducting necropsies of dead and euthanized marine mammals; * Prepare and ship diagnostic and research samples for analyses; * Track sample storage, shipment, and results received electronically and on paper; * Add new scientific contributions to the TMMC library; * Assist with other departmental projects and objectives Core competencies: * Data entry and management * Specimen storage and management * Shipping of fresh and frozen samples * Necropsy assistance including carcass disposal * Equipment maintenance * Coordination of sample requests and collaborative research projects * Library management * Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team Qualifications: * B.S. in Biology, Zoology or related field. * Competence in MS Office (ex. Excel, Access, Powerpoint) * Enthusiastic, detail oriented individual. To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume attention Human Resources and Operations Manager to admin(a)tmmc.org<mailto:admin@tmmc.org>. Please put "Research Assistant" in the subject line. Deadline for applications is June 25, 2012. Please no phone calls or faxed submissions. Heather Groninger Human Resources and Operations Manager The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, CA 94965 415-289-7348 Fax: 415-754-4048 groningerh(a)tmmc.org<mailto:groningerh@tmmc.org> www.tmmc.org<http://www.tmmc.org> Adopt-a-Seal! [cid:image001.jpg@01CD4961.374D7190] Adopt a past patient like Garnett and you'll give future patients a second chance at life. Adopt-a-Seal today<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/Get-Involved/adopt-a-seal/>!

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Chronic Large Whale Entanglement Review
by Michael Moore 13 Jun '12

13 Jun '12

The live stranding of a chronically entangled, emaciated humpback in Vancouver, BC this week makes this recently published short review remain pertinent. It is available Open Access at: http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jmb/2012/230653/ Journal of Marine Biology Volume 2012 (2012), Article ID 230653, 4 pages doi:10.1155/2012/230653 Review Article The Painful Side of Trap and Fixed Net Fisheries: Chronic Entanglement of Large Whales Michael J. Moore and Julie M. van der Hoop Abstract Concern over the well-being of marine mammals at sea has focused on intentional harvests, both in terms of individual welfare and population sustainability. Unintentional mortalities from fishing gear entanglement are primarily seen as a risk to population viability. Additionally, larger whales breaking free of, and subsequently carrying, fixed trap and net gear are subject to a very slow demise, averaging 6 months in the case of the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis). Chronic cases can involve impaired foraging, increased drag, infection, hemorrhage, and severe tissue damage. The individual suffering of these cases appears to be extreme. Thus management measures should go beyond legally mandated conservation measures to include avoidance of such scenarios. Seafood consumers could succeed, where laws have failed, to demand fishing practices that do not kill whales in this manner. The effective absence of such demands would seem to reflect the cryptic nature of these cases to most consumers. -- Michael Moore Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 508 289 3228

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New paper on provisioning of bottlenose dolphins and potential to learn harmful behaviours from associates (horizontal transmission)
by Bec Donaldson 11 Jun '12

11 Jun '12

Hullo all, For those interested in human- marine mammal feeding interactions, or human-wildlife conflict, the following paper may be of use: Donaldson, R., Finn, H., Bejder, L., Lusseau, D., Calver, M. (2012), The social side of human-wildlife interaction: wildlife can learn harmful behaviours from each other. Animal Conservation. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2012.00548.x Keywords:human-wildlife interaction; wildlife conservation management; feeding behaviour; maladaptive behaviour; social learning; bottlenose dolphin Abstract Although harmful human-wildlife interactions involving anthropogenic food sources are a significant issue for wildlife conservation, few studies have addressed whether social learning may influence how animals learn to use anthropogenic foods. We examined a long-term (1993-2003) human-wildlife interaction involving the illegal feeding of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) by recreational fishers in south-western Australia. We developed predictor variables for whether dolphins learned to accept food handouts from human provisioners, based on biological (age-class, sex) and behavioural (ranging and association patterns) data for a population of 74 dolphins. Two variables provided clear predictors for whether dolphins became conditioned to food handouts: the use of areas with high densities of recreational boats (BOAT) and the average coefficient of association with previously conditioned dolphins (ASSOC). An individual was more likely to become conditioned when it spent more time in high boat density areas and when it spent more time with other conditioned dolphins. When considering all the models available, there was strong weight of evidence for the effects of ASSOC and BOAT on the response variable. We were unable to detect any effects of age-class and sex with the available statistical power. These findings suggest that social learning can facilitate the acquisition of undesirable and maladaptive behaviours in wildlife, and indicate the value of long-term individual-specific data for the conservation management of wildlife engaging in undesirable interactions with humans. Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit blog about the publication: http://mucru.org/latest-news/new-publication-reports-that-dolphins-learn-ma… <http://mucru.org/latest-news/new-publication-reports-that-dolphins-learn-ma…> Please contact Bec Donaldson (Murdoch University Conservation Medicine Program) or Hugh Finn (Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit) for copies of the paper. r.donaldson(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:r.donaldson@murdoch.edu.au> h.finn(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:h.finn@murdoch.edu.au> Related papers: Donaldson, R., Finn, H., and Calver, M. (2010) Illegal feeding increases risk of boat-strike and entanglement in Bottlenose Dolphins in Perth, Western Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology 16: 157-161. Finn, H.C., Donaldson, R., and Calver, M.C. (2008) Feeding Flipper: a case study of a human-dolphin interaction. Pacific Conservation Biology 14: 215-225. Kind regards Bec Bec Donaldson Research Associate & Project Officer | Conservation Medicine Program School of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences Murdoch University South Street Murdoch 6150 Western Australia http://www.vetbiomed.murdoch.edu.au/Conservation_Med/index.html Tel +61 (0) 448 580 525 | R.Donaldson(a)murdoch.edu.au

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Sound Analysis Workshop, 6-10 August, 2012
by Liz D. Rowland 11 Jun '12

11 Jun '12

The Bioacoustics Research Program at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, NY will be running a Sound Analysis Workshop from 6th - 10th August, 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, and a complimentary 1-yr license for Raven<http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/raven/RavenOverview.html>. 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

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Job Opportunity - Field Support Scientist(s), Anchorage, Alaska
by Scott Carr 08 Jun '12

08 Jun '12

Position Description: Field SUPPORT SCIENTIST(S) JASCO Applied Sciences is an international group of companies with over 30 years' experience in the Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy, Marine Construction, Environmental, Oceanographic and Defense sectors. We are a world-leader in the science related to anthropogenic noise and its effects on marine life. JASCO has immediate openings for Field Support Scientist(s) in our Anchorage, Alaska office. Position Overview As a Field Support Scientist you will conduct scientific research programs in the field and at sea participating in the preparation, deployment, and retrieval of a variety of underwater acoustic instrumentation packages. This may require considerable travel worldwide. Responsibilities * Participate in scientific research studies at sea and in the field, possibly in remote locations * Conduct routine maintenance, assembly and disassembly of oceanographic instruments and moorings * Sea going support of oceanographic equipment deployments and recoveries * Packaging of oceanographic instrumentation in preparation for shipping prior to deployment * Unpacking and cleaning of oceanographic instrumentation after recovery * Adherence to quality and health & safety policies and procedures Required Qualifications and Experience * Sea-going experience, ideally in support of scientific research, offshore oil & gas exploration or passive sonar operations * Traditional Knowledge of the Alaskan Marine Environment * Experience in the deployment, recovery and mooring of oceanographic instrumentation * Keen attention to detail * Excellent verbal and written communication skills * Ability to work in a team environment maintaining focus on work quality * Ability to perform physically and mentally demanding tasks * Willingness and ability to learn * Able to obtain/maintain a Marine Medical Certificate * Able to travel internationally and to pass a government security clearance Education * Relevant Degree or Traditional Knowledge in Marine/Environmental Science, Physics or Biology * Desirable: Knowledge of Underwater Acoustics and Noise Impact Assessment especially as they pertain to Marine Mammals. * Desirable: Current Offshore Survival and Medical Certificates * Desirable: Formal First Aid Training & Qualifications Benefits: * Competitive compensation package Please send resume to careers(a)jasco.com<mailto:careers@jasco.com> We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates being considered for an interview will be contacted. Scott Carr Chief Executive Officer ___________________ JASCO APPLIED SCIENCES 202 - 32 Troop Ave. Dartmouth, NS, Canada, B3B 1Z1 T. +1.902.405.3336 ex. 1001 F. +1.902.405.3337 C. +1.902.691.0174 www.jasco.com<http://www.jasco.com/> P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This email and any files transmitted with it contains proprietary information and, unless expressly stated otherwise, all contents and attachments are confidential. This email is intended for the addressee(s) only and access by anyone else is unauthorized.

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Book chapters: Zero inflated models using seals and whales data
by Highland Statistics Ltd 08 Jun '12

08 Jun '12

MARMAM readers may be interested in two newly published book chapters: 1. A roadmap for analysis of overdispersed sandeel counts in seal scat Ieno, Pierce, Santos, Zuur, Edridge, and Saveliev 2. Zero inflated GAM for temporal correlated sperm whale strandings time series Zuur, Pierce, Santos, Ieno, and Saveliev Additional details on the book can be found here: http://www.highstat.com/book4.htm Kind regards, Alain Zuur -- Dr. Alain F. Zuur First author of: 1. Analysing Ecological Data (2007). Zuur, AF, Ieno, EN and Smith, GM. Springer. 680 p. URL: www.springer.com/0-387-45967-7 2. Mixed effects models and extensions in ecology with R. (2009). Zuur, AF, Ieno, EN, Walker, N, Saveliev, AA, and Smith, GM. Springer. http://www.springer.com/life+sci/ecology/book/978-0-387-87457-9 3. A Beginner's Guide to R (2009). Zuur, AF, Ieno, EN, Meesters, EHWG. Springer http://www.springer.com/statistics/computational/book/978-0-387-93836-3 4. Zero Inflated Models and Generalized Linear Mixed Models with R. (2012) Zuur, Saveliev, Ieno. http://www.highstat.com/book4.htm Other books: http://www.highstat.com/books.htm Statistical consultancy, courses, data analysis and software Highland Statistics Ltd. 6 Laverock road UK - AB41 6FN Newburgh Tel: 0044 1358 788177 Email: highstat(a)highstat.com URL: www.highstat.com URL: www.brodgar.com

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New paper on gas bubbles amount and composition in stranded marine mammals
by Yara Bernaldo de Quirós Miranda 08 Jun '12

08 Jun '12

Dear Colleagues We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper: “Decompression versus decomposition: distribution, quantity and gas composition of bubbles in stranded marine mammals”, by Yara Bernaldo de Quirós, Óscar González-Díaz, Manuel Arbelo, Eva Sierra, Simona Sacchini, Antonio Fernández, published in Frontiers in Aquatic Physiology. The article is open access, and available from: http://www.frontiersin.org/Journal/Abstract.aspxs=54&name=aquatic_physiolog… ABSTRACT Gas embolic lesions linked to military sonar have been described in stranded cetaceans including beaked whales. These descriptions suggest that gas bubbles in marine mammal tissues may be more common than previously thought. In this study we have analyzed gas amount (by gas score) and gas composition within different decomposition codes using a standardized methodology. This broad study has allowed us to explore species-specific variability in bubble prevalence, amount, distribution, and composition, as well as masking of bubble content by putrefaction gases. Bubbles detected within the cardiovascular system and other tissues related to both pre- and port-mortem processes are a common finding on necropsy of stranded cetaceans. To minimize masking by putrefaction gases, necropsy, and gas sampling must be performed as soon as possible. Before 24 h post mortem is recommended but preferably within 12 h post mortem. At necropsy, amount of bubbles (gas score) in decomposition code 2 in stranded cetaceans was found to be more important than merely presence vs. absence of bubbles from a pathological point of view. Deep divers presented higher abundance of gas bubbles, mainly composed of 70% nitrogen and 30% CO2, suggesting a higher predisposition of these species to suffer from decompression-related gas embolism. Regards, Prof. Antonio Fernández PhD Yara Bernaldo de Quirós

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