July 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Posting: Project Manager - Marine Species Monitoring Program
by Fredericksen, John 20 Jul '12

20 Jul '12

HDR EOC is currently in need of a Project Manager - Marine Species Monitoring Program for our San Diego, CA office. The ideal candidate will have project management consulting expertise along with an extensive knowledge of Marine Science emphasizing the effects of underwater sound to marine mammals as well as experience monitoring marine mammal abundance, distribution, and/or behavioral responses to stimuli. This individual must possess excellent communication skills, a demonstrated history of reliability, strong work ethic, solid time management skills, and a demonstrated history of team-oriented performance. This position will assist in a wide range of project management and team support roles with our current clients and expand our client-base in the San Diego area with an anticipated concentration of work assignments concentrated on the Southern California and Pacific Northwest region. Travel up to 25% may be required. Requirements Masters Degree in Marine Biology or a related field strongly preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills a must. Demonstrated history of reliability, strong work ethic, solid time management skills are all required. Successful candidates must have a minimum of 3+ years of experience managing scientific research projects focused on marine mammal biology in a consulting or university-related research capacity; ideally this would include a background of direct interface with customers, and regulatory experience in a combination of Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance. Candidates must also be highly proficient in writing procedures, guides and/or studies. Qualified candidates must have the ability to obtain a security clearance at the secret level. Due to client contract requirements, only candidates with US citizenship will be considered for this position, as permitted pursuant to section 274B(a)(2)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. IN ORDER TO APPLY, please visit the 'Careers' section of our website, https://prod.fadvhms.com/hdr/jobboard/searchjobs.aspx?__VT=ExtCan , and reference job # 121169. For more information about HDR, Inc., please visit www.hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com>. John Fredericksen HDR, Inc. Regional Recruiter 3230 El Camino Real, Suite 200 | Irvine, CA 92602 714.730.2373 | c: 714.884.8224 John.Fredericksen(a)hdrinc.com<mailto:first.last@hdrinc.com> | hdrinc.com<http://www.hdrinc.com/> (or hdrarchitecture.com<http://www.hdrinc.com/markets/architecture>) Follow Us - Architizer | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr

1 0

Abstract: Hawaiian insular false killer whale habitat use: informing determination of critical habitat
by Robin Baird 20 Jul '12

20 Jul '12

Paper published today on-line in Endangered Species Research. Subscribers to Endangered Species Research can download a copy at http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n1/p47-61/ or it is also available at www.cascadiaresearch.org<http://www.cascadiaresearch.org> Robin Baird, R.W., M.B. Hanson, G.S. Schorr, D.L. Webster, D.J. McSweeney, A.M. Gorgone, S.D. Mahaffy, D.M. Holzer, E.M. Oleson and R.D. Andrews. 2012. Range and primary habitats of Hawaiian insular false killer whales: informing determination of critical habitat. Endangered Species Research 18:47-61. doi: 10.3354/esr00435. ABSTRACT: For species listed under the US Endangered Species Act, federal agencies must designate ‘critical habitat’, areas containing features essential to conservation and/or that may require special management considerations. In November 2010, the National Marine Fisheries Service proposed listing a small demographically isolated population of false killer whales Pseudorca crassidens in Hawai‘i as endangered but has not yet proposed designating critical habitat. We assessed the population’s range and heavily used habitat areas using data from 27 satellite tag deployments. Assessment of independence of individuals with temporally overlapping data indicated that data were from 22 ‘groups’. Further analyses were restricted to 1 individual per group. Tag data were available for periods of between 13 and 105 d (median = 40.5 d), with 8513 locations (93.4% from July− January). Analyses of photo-identification data indicated that the population is divided into 3 large associations of individuals (social clusters), with tag data from 2 of these clusters. Ranges for these 2 clusters were similar, although one used significantly deeper waters, and their high-use areas differed. A minimum convex polygon range encompassing all locations was ~82 800 km2, with individuals ranging from Ni‘ihau to Hawai‘i Island and up to 122 km offshore. Three high-use areas were identified: (1) off the north half of Hawai‘i Island, (2) north of Maui and Moloka‘i and (3) southwest of Lana‘i. Although this analysis provides information useful for decision-making concerning designation of critical habitat, there are likely other high-use areas that have not yet been identified due to seasonal limitations and availability of data from only 2 of the 3 main social clusters. ============================================================================= Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 USA www.cascadiaresearch.org<http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/> Follow Cascadia on facebook<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cascadia-Research-Collective/110495958982184>

1 0

New blue whale microsatellites loci
by Juan Pablo Torres Florez 20 Jul '12

20 Jul '12

Dear Colleagues, We would like to inform you of a new publication now available at Conservation Genetics Resources. J.P. Torres-Florez; R. Hucke-Gaete; H. Rosenbaum & C.C. Figueroa. 2012. Isolation and Characterization of nine new polymorphic microsatellites loci for blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). Abstract Nine polymorphic microsatellite markers for blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) are developed from, genomic libraries. They are characterized using 32 B. musculus individuals from Southern and Northern Chile population(s). The number of alleles per locus range from 5 to 9. The observed and expected heterozygosities range from 0.438 to 0.906 and from 0.520 to 0.839, respectively. None loci departed significantly from HWE (P \ 0.05). These microsatellite loci are expected to contribute to reveal blue whale population boundaries, taxonomic status and to improve conservation priorities with the aim to propose management units of B. musculus. A PDF file is available at: http://www.springerlink.com/openurl.asp?genre=article&id=doi:10.1007/s12686… Or by emailing me at: jptorresflorez(a)uach.cl Best regards, Juan Pablo Torres Florez, Dr. Postdoctoral researcher Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales y Evolutivas Universidad Austral de Chile Casilla 567 - Valdivia, CHILE Phone: +56 9 78769167 http://www.ballenazul.org

1 0

Request of underwater pictures for educational purpose
by Pauline Gauffier 20 Jul '12

20 Jul '12

Dear Colleagues, In the next few months, Tarifa (Cádiz, Spain) will host a new interpretation centre for cetaceans of the Strait of Gibraltar. This centre has been created as a joint initiative from the GDR (Rural Development Group) de Los Alcornocales and GDR de La Janda, the NGO CIRCE (Conservation, Information and Research on Cetaceans) and whale watching operators based in Tarifa. The three main objectives are: (1) to provide the local population and the tourists with a high quality minimum mandatory educational package about cetacean species and conservation status of the marine environment in the Strait of Gibraltar before they go onboard any of the whale watching excursions in Tarifa. Then (2) to offer to anyone who is interested in knowing more about the biodiversity of the Strait of Gibraltar extensive up-to-date information about all the species in the area etc. Finally (3) to offer an alternative to whale watching trips during windy days in summer or during the whole winter when the activity is stopped. On behalf of CIRCE and all our partners, I am kindly requesting underwater high quality pictures of the seven species of cetaceans that can commonly seen in the Strait of Gibraltar, namely Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), Killer whale or orca (Orcinus orca), Long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas), Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). The pictures can be taken in other places, as far as they match these species. The pictures will be given freely by the author to the interpretation centre and be used only for this educational purpose, however all author information will be shown on the picture, including its name, email contact, website etc. or anything that she/he would like to appear near the picture (including QR code that links to the author website…). The pictures should be sent to me at low/medium resolution as soon as possible and in any case before August, 10th , with all the needed information regarding the authorship (name and contact details) and the picture (Species, place it was taken, date, full size of the image in pixels and in Mo…). Then, a selection of the best pictures will be done based on the educational (showing species features, interesting behaviour…) and artistic characteristics. The selected authors will then be informed and asked to send the high resolution pictures. Thank you in advance to everyone who wants to help us raise the awareness about the marine environment. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any information. All the best Pauline ---------------------------- Pauline GAUFFIER CIRCE (España/Spain) http://www.circe.info ----------------------------

1 0

Job: Marine Biologist / Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)
by Kirstie Goodman-Rendall 19 Jul '12

19 Jul '12

Marine Biologist / Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Coast Ridge Ecology (CRE) is an ecological consulting firm located in San Francisco, California. CRE is a certified small business in the State of California and a Local Business Enterprise in the City and County of San Francisco, and has been in business since 2007. CRE serves a variety of private and public agency clients in conducting endangered species surveys and reporting, permitting assistance, and biological monitoring. We are looking to fill 3 part-time positions for MMOs for a project in San Francisco Bay from August 2012 – Summer 2013. Essential Duties: * Monitor for marine mammals (California sea lion, harbor seal, harbor porpoise, and elephant seal) during construction activities (pile driving) and regattas. * Collect data on marine mammal behavior in relation to construction and race activities, and data on environmental conditions. * Communicate with other MMOs and construction supervisors and crews; Responsible for monitoring construction activities to prevent injury to marine mammals. * Use binoculars, the naked eye, digital video/camera, radio, GPS, and range finder to document marine mammal behavior and movements. Essential Requirements: * Minimum of BA or BS in biological science, wildlife management, mammalogy, or related field * Experience or training in field identification of marine mammals, including the identification of behaviors (especially local experience) * Experience and ability to conduct field observations and collect data * Have transportation to job site (multiple locations along the San Francisco waterfront between Pier 80 and Aquatic Cove) * Reliable, responsible, and professional * Work well individually and in a team environment * Have excellent communication and writing skills * Be in good physical condition Coast Ridge Ecology complies with all State of California, and City and County of San Francisco labor laws. If you are qualified for this position, please email a resume with your qualifications and professional references to CRecology(a)gmail.com. Please provide a brief summary of your pertinent qualifications in the body of your email.

1 0

Position as GIS and databse expert at the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources
by fernando ugarte 19 Jul '12

19 Jul '12

Dearlist, There is a position available for a GIS and database expert at the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources. The work is not limited to marine mammals, but marine mammals will be a substantial part of it. GIS and database expert at the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources"Oil and mineral development are growing activities in Greenland and the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources has recently established an environmental unit that advices the government about how to mitigate the effects of exploration and exploitation activities, protect the environment, and secure the biological diversity. This work is done in collaboration with the Institute for Bioscience, University of Aarhus (DCE). We are looking for a GIS and database expert for this newly formed and still developing environmental unit..." More information at: http://www.natur.gl/en/the-institute/jobs/gis-and-database-expert-at-the-gr… Best regards, Fernando Ugarte Fernando Ugarte Head of Department of Birds and Mammals. Greenland Institute of Natural Resources Box 570, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland Tel.: +299 361242 (direct )/+299 262357 (cell phone) http://www.natur.gl/en/

1 0

Register your interest for "Practical PAM"
by Olivia Harries 19 Jul '12

19 Jul '12

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) and its associated partners are planning on hosting a practical PAM (Passive Acoustic Monitoring) course in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Scotland. Attendees will be taught how to use PAMGUARD effectively in the field by experienced PAM operators and developers through a series of classroom sessions and boat-based workshops onboard the HWDT research vessel Silurian http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-Silurian.asp The course should appeal to those looking for the practical experience necessary to become a PAM operator or those with a research interest in this field. Course content will include software and hardware troubleshooting, involving practical scenarios and discussions, and offline analysis of data collected. We would like to invite you to register your interest by emailing Gemma Cave at education(a)hwdt.org and indicating which dates would be more suitable. The 3 day course will be delivered between either the 15th and 17th September 2012 or between the 30th September and 2nd October 2012. As we anticipate a large amount of interest in this course we encourage you to respond by the 30th July to avoid disappointment. The cost of the course will be £295.

1 0

NEW PAPER Predictive habitat models to manage MPAs
by Arianna Azzellino 18 Jul '12

18 Jul '12

Dear sirs I would like to post on the MARMAM list the following announcement: Subjetc: NEW PAPER Predictive habitat models to manage MPAs Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the Ocean and Coastal Management: Azzellino A., Panigada S., Lanfredi C, Zanardelli M., Airoldi, S. and Notarbartolo di Sciara, G. 2012. Predictive Habitat Models For Managing Marine Areas: Spatial And Temporal Distribution Of Marine Mammals Within The Pelagos Sanctuary (Northwestern Mediterranean Sea). Ocean and Coastal Management 67:63-74. ABSTRACT: Habitat use of seven different species of cetaceans inhabiting the Pelagos Sanctuary was studied using 18-year summer shipboard surveys data, in an area of approximately 25,000 km2. 2940 sightings were collected: 1996 striped dolphins, 626 fin whales, 120 Risso's dolphins, 114 sperm whales, 27 common bottlenose dolphins, 25 long-finned pilot whales, 23 Cuvier's beaked whales. Stepwise Logistic Regression Analysis was used to develop presence/absence predictive models. Statistics of depth and slope were used as covariates. Significant correlations were outlined (P < 0.05) supporting the hypothesis that physiographic factors may be employed as predictors of the species presence. The temporal variability of the species habitat use was also analyzed, confirming the reliability of the physiographic predictors. Temporal trends and variability in the species distribution were also assessed through a GLM analysis. The understanding offered by this long-term study is essential for managing the conservation status of these wide-ranging species. PDF copies are available upon request to arianna.azzellino(a)polimi.it All the best =================================================================================== Dr. Arianna Azzellino, PhD Environmental Engineering Politecnico di Milano University of Technology, Milan D.I.I.A.R. Environmental Engineering Department http://www.diiar.polimi.it/amb/persona.asp?id=37 P.za Leonardo da Vinci, 32 20133 Milano - ITALY ph. +39 02 - 23996431 fax. +39 02 - 23996499 e-mail arianna.azzellino(a)polimi.it

1 0

NEW PAPER - humpback whale abundance estimates from Western Australia
by Phil Bouchet 17 Jul '12

17 Jul '12

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management (apologies for cross-postings): Salgado Kent, C., Jenner, K.C.S., Jenner, M.-N., Bouchet, P., Rexstad, E. (2012). Southern Hemisphere breeding stock "D" humpback whale population estimates from North West Cape, Western Australia. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, 12(1):29-38. ABSTRACT: Estimates of the abundance of Breeding Stock D humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are key to the conservation and management of what is thought to be one of the largest populations of the species. Five years (2000, 2001, 2006, 2007 and 2008) of aerial surveys carried out over an eight-year period at North West Cape (Western Australia) using line transect methodology allowed trends in whale numbers to be investigated, and provided a base for comparison with estimates made approximately 400km south at Shark Bay (Western Australia). A total of 3,127 whale detections were made during 74 surveys of the 7,043km2 study area west of NWC. Pod abundance for each flight was computed using a Horvitz-Thompson like estimator and converted to an absolute measure of abundance after corrections were made for estimated mean cluster size, unsurveyed time, swimming speed and animal availability. Resulting estimates from the migration model of best fit with the most credible assumptions were 7,276 (CI = 4,993-10,167) for 2000, 12,280 (CI = 6,830-49,434) for 2001, 18,692 (CI = 12,980-24,477) for 2006, 20,044 (CI = 13,815-31,646) for 2007, and 26,100 (CI = 20,152-33,272) for 2008. Based on these data, the trend model with the greatest r2 was exponential with an annual increase rate of 13% (CI = 5.6%-18.1%). While this value is above the species' estimated maximum plausible growth rate of 11.8%, it is reasonably close to previous reports of between 10-12%. The coefficient of variation, however, was too large for a reliable trend estimate. Perception bias was also not accounted for in these calculations. Based on a crude appraisal which yielded an estimated p(0) of 0.783 (from independent observer effort, CV = 0.973), the 2008 humpback population size may be as large as 33,300. In conclusion, the work here provides evidence of an increasing Breeding Stock D population, but further surveys are necessary to confirm whether the population is indeed increasing at its maximum rate. PDF copies are available upon request to phil.bouchet(a)uwa.edu.au All the best, Phil Bouchet - on behalf of the first author Dr Chandra Salgado Kent and co-authors Phil Bouchet | PhD candidate Centre for Marine Futures - Oceans Institute The University of Western Australia (M470), 39 Fairway Road, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia Tel: +61 (8) 6488 8118 | Mob: +61 (0) 406 811 113 Email: phil.bouchet(a)uwa.edu.au

1 0

Data request Guatemala
by andrea cabrera 17 Jul '12

17 Jul '12

Dear MarMam I am a researcher from the University of “San Carlos de Guatemala” and currently I am working on a Project of Cetaceans from Guatemala. We are looking for historic and recent data of marine mammals collected from Guatemala. One of the objectives of the project is to analyze historical and recent distribution of cetaceans and determine gaps of information in Guatemala. If you have papers or other information related to marine mammals of Guatemala or the Eastern Tropical Pacific please write me. Thanks in advance Best Regards, Andrea Andrea Cabrera Biologa CDC-CECON Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala

1 0