August 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Call for Abstracts -- Wakefield Fisheries Symposium
by Quakenbush, Lori (DFG) 04 Aug '12

04 Aug '12

Please post the Call for abstracts and details for the Wakefield Fisheries Symposium. Thank you. ************************************************** Symposium: Responses of Arctic Marine Ecosystems to Climate Change March 26-29, 2013 Anchorage, Alaska, USA Call for abstracts, due November 30, 2012, http://seagrant.uaf.edu/conferences/2013/wakefield-arctic-ecosystems/call.p… Alaska Sea Grant, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and other sponsors will hold a 3.5-day Wakefield Fisheries Symposium, to advance understanding of present and future responses of arctic marine ecosystems to climate change at all trophic levels. Organizers encourage contributions that focus on collaborative approaches to understanding and managing living marine resources in a changing Arctic, and to managing human responses-locally, regionally, and globally-to changing arctic marine ecosystems. For more information on the symposium, including invited speakers, steering committee, sponsors, and online registration, see http://seagrant.uaf.edu/conferences/2013/wakefield-arctic-ecosystems/index.… ************************************************** Lori Quakenbush Arctic Marine Mammal Program Alaska Department of Fish and Game 1300 College Road Fairbanks, AK 99701 Ph: (907) 459-7214; Fax: (907) 459-7332 e-mail: lori.quakenbush(a)alaska.gov

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NEW PAPER: Vessel noise affects beaked whale behavior: results of a dedicated acoustic response study
by Enrico Pirotta 04 Aug '12

04 Aug '12

Dear MARMAM members, We are pleased to announce that the following paper has been published on PLoS ONE: Pirotta E, Milor R, Quick N, Moretti D, Di Marzio N, Tyack P, Boyd I, Hastie G (2012) Vessel Noise Affects Beaked Whale Behavior: Results of a Dedicated Acoustic Response Study. PLoS ONE 7(8): e42535. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0042535 ABSTRACT: Some beaked whale species are susceptible to the detrimental effects of anthropogenic noise. Most studies have concentrated on the effects of military sonar, but other forms of acoustic disturbance (e.g. shipping noise) may disrupt behavior. An experiment involving the exposure of target whale groups to intense vessel-generated noise tested how these exposures influenced the foraging behavior of Blainville’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) in the Tongue Of The Ocean (Bahamas). A military array of bottom-mounted hydrophones was used to measure the response based upon changes in the spatial and temporal pattern of vocalizations. The archived acoustic data were used to compute metrics of the echolocation-based foraging behavior for 16 targeted groups, 10 groups further away on the range, and 26 non-exposed groups. The duration of foraging bouts was not significantly affected by the exposure. Changes in the hydrophone over which the group was most frequently detected occurred as the animals moved around within a foraging bout, and their number was significantly less the closer the whales were to the sound source. Non-exposed groups also had significantly more changes in the primary hydrophone than exposed groups irrespective of distance. Our results suggested that broadband ship noise caused a significant change in beaked whale behavior up to at least 5.2 kilometers away from the vessel. The observed change could potentially correspond to a restriction in the movement of groups, a period of more directional travel, a reduction in the number of individuals clicking within the group, or a response to changes in prey movement. A PDF copy of the work can be downloaded from: http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0042535 Please do not hesitate to contact me for any question regarding our work. Best Regards, Enrico Pirotta

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new publication on feeding habits of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in Brazil
by Marcos Santos 03 Aug '12

03 Aug '12

Dear Marmamers; a new publication on on feeding habits of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in Brazil is available. Pdf requests through: sotalia(a)gmail.com. Lopes, X.M.; Santos, M. C. de O.; da Silva, E.; Bassoi, M. and Dos Santos, R.A. 2012. Feeding habits of the Atlantic spotted dolphin, Stenella frontalis, in southeastern Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Oceanography, 60(2): 189-198. Abstract: This study presents new information on the feeding habits of the Atlantic spotted dolphins, Stenella frontalis, in the Western South Atlantic. Nine stomach contents of S. frontalis incidentally caught in fishing operations conducted by the gillnet fleet based on main harbour of Cananeia (25o00’S; 47o55’W), southeastern Brazil, were analyzed. These specimens were captured between 2005 and 2007. A total of 1 422 cephalopod beaks, 147 otoliths and three crustaceans were recovered from the stomach contents. The dolphins assessed preyed on at least eight different fish species of the families Trichiuridae, Carangidae, Sparidae, Merluccidae, Engraulidae, Sciaenidae, Congridae and Scombridae, five cephalopod species of the families Loliginidae, Sepiolidae, Tremoctopodidae and Thysanoteuthidae, and one shrimp species of the Penaeidae family. Based on the analysis of the Index of Relative Importance (IRI), the Atlantic cutlassfish, Trichiurus lepturus, was the most important fish species represented. Of the cephalopods, the squid Doryteuthis plei was by far the most representative species. Several items were reported for the first time as prey of the S. frontalis: Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, Tremoctopus violaceus, Semirossia tenera, Merluccius hubbsi, Pagrus pagrus and Paralonchurus brasiliensis. S. frontalis presented teuthophagous and ichthyofagous feeding habits, with apparent predominance of the first, and preyed mainly on pelagic and demersal items. -- Dr. Marcos Cesar de Oliveira Santos Laboratorio de Biologia da Conservacao de Mamiferos Aquaticos Departamento de Oceanografia Biologica, Instituto Oceanografico, Universidade de São Paulo Praca do Oceanografico, 191, Sala 145-A Butanta, Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil 05508-120

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MARINElife Cetacean & Seabird Training Courses
by Adrian Shephard 03 Aug '12

03 Aug '12

Cetacean & Seabird Surveyor Training Courses around the UK If you are interested in learning more about cetacean and seabird identification from land or in becoming an offshore marine wildlife surveyor then join a day-long MARINElife course to learn more. MARINElife are teaming up with some of the Wildlife Trusts to offer training days in the UK Yorkshire Wildlife Trust: Saturday 25th August at Flamborough in Yorkshire Cumbria Wildlife Trust: Saturday 1st September 2012 in Kendal in Cumbria Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust: Saturday 15th September 2012 at Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve in Lincolnshire Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Saturday 29th September 2012 venue in Suffolk to be confirmed The day-long training day will consist of a series of presentations given by experienced MARINElife research surveyors covering identification of cetaceans and seabirds and the conduct of effort-based surveys and will help those with limited or no practical experience in understand more about cetacean and seabird identification and the methodology for conducting ship-based surveys. MARINElife is unparalleled in its experience of conducting ferry-based cetacean surveys, operating since 1995 and currently supported across 13 different commercial vessel routes leaving the UK. We also operate opportunistic small boat surveys in the English Channel and North Sea. Many of our volunteer surveyors have gone on to have careers in marine mammal observation and we have conducted surveys and training for JNCC, Natural England, CEFAS and the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities. For those interesting in taking their knowledge and experience further, the training would be supplemented by one to one tuition by experienced MARINElife team leaders during surveys aboard commercial vessels. For further information visit the website at www.marine-life.org.uk/surveyor-training-courses or contact Tricia Dendle to book your place (tricia.dendle(a)marine-life.org.uk) The course costs £30 which does not cover transport to the venue or lunch. Adrian Shephard Chairman of MARINElife Trustees www.marine-life.org.uk

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New papers: Behavioural effects of swim-with-cetacean tourism
by Dave Lundquist 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following two papers: Lundquist, D., N. Gemmell, and B. Würsig. 2012. Behavioural responses of dusky dolphin groups to tour vessels off Kaikoura, New Zealand. PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041969 Lundquist, D., M. Sironi, B. Würsig, V. Rowntree, J. Martino, and L. Lundquist. 2012. Response of southern right whales to simulated swim-with-whale tourism at Península Valdés, Argentina. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2012.00583.x The first article is freely available via Open Access using the following link: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0041969. Requests for a PDF of the second article can be made to me at lundquistdave(a)hotmail.com or accessed directly at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2012.00583.x/abstract . Abstracts for both articles are below. Regards, Dave Lundquist, Ph.D. University of Otago Behavioural responses of dusky dolphin groups (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) to tour vessels off Kaikoura, New Zealand Background Commercial viewing and swimming with dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) near Kaikoura, New Zealand began in the late 1980s and researchers have previously described changes in vocalisation, aerial behaviour, and group spacing in the presence of vessels. This study was conducted to assess the current effects that tourism has on the activity budget of dusky dolphins to provide wildlife managers with information for current decision-making and facilitate development of quantitative criteria for management of this industry in the future. Methodology/Principal Findings First-order time discrete Markov chain models were used to assess changes in the behavioural state of dusky dolphin pods targeted by tour vessels. Log-linear analysis was conducted on behavioural state transitions to determine whether the likelihood of dolphins moving from one behavioural state to another changed based on natural and anthropogenic factors. The best-fitting model determined by Akaike Information Criteria values included season, time of day, and vessel presence within 300 m. Interactions with vessels reduced the proportion of time dolphins spent resting in spring and summer and increased time spent milling in all seasons except autumn. Dolphins spent more time socialising in spring and summer, when conception occurs and calves are born, and the proportion of time spent resting was highest in summer. Resting decreased and traveling increased in the afternoon. Conclusions/Significance Responses to tour vessel traffic are similar to those described for dusky dolphins elsewhere. Disturbance linked to vessels may interrupt social interactions, carry energetic costs, or otherwise affect individual fitness. Research is needed to determine if increased milling is a result of acoustic masking of communication due to vessel noise, and to establish levels at which changes to behavioural budgets of dusky dolphins are likely to cause long-term harm. Threshold values from these studies would allow managers to set appropriate operational conditions based on quantifiable criteria. Response of southern right whales to simulated swim-with-whale tourism at Península Valdés, Argentina Abstract Guidelines for sustainable tourism involving swimming with large whales are not well-developed compared to those focused on programs of swimming with delphinids. From September to November 2005 and August to September 2006, we collected behavioral and movement data for southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) exposed to interactions with boats and swimmers at Península Valdés, Argentina. Whales were tracked from shore using a theodolite before, during, and after a series of directed interactions with swimmers and a boat. Resting, socializing, and surface active behavior decreased, traveling increased, and whales swam faster and reoriented more often during interactions. Responses were variable by age/sex class, with mother/calf pairs showing strongest responses. Increased levels of tourism activity are a concern, as reduction in resting time and disruption of socialization among adults, juveniles, and mother/calf pairs have unknown long-term consequences. Additional data should be collected for whale behavior in proposed tourism and non-tourism areas to build a long-term database which can be used to determine if reactions of whales change over time. Our data suggest that swimming with whales in Chubut Province should not be legalized until further investigations are completed, especially in light of the recent southern right whale die-offs recorded in Península Valdés.

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American Cetacean Society Conference: early bird registration deadline Sept. 1, 2012
by Uko Gorter 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY 13th International Conference ‘Whales and Humans: A Conflicted Relationship’ November 9-11, 2012 Hyatt Regency, Mission Bay, San Diego, California Dear MARMAM subscribers, A reminder to all of you, the EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION for our ACS conference will END on SEPTEMBER 1. So sign up now! Below is a direct link to our ACS conference page with a direct link to the registration page: http://acsonline.org/education/conference/2012-conference./ A direct link to the conference registration and conference program (PDF) can be found here: http://acsonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/2012-Confererence-Program-7… A Direct link to the Hyatt Regency, Mission Bay, San Diego, can be found here below (conference rate is $149/night): https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=9379502 This is shaping up to be an incredible conference with amazing speakers and special guests, whale watch trips, and more. Our Keynote Speaker is Dr. Frans de Waal, C.H. Chandler Professor of Primate Behavior, Emory University, and director of Living Links, Yerkes National Primate Research Center. Speakers and Special Guests are: Bob Brownell (NOAA); Cheryl McCormick (Ascend Nonprofit Consulting); Kate O’Connell (Balaena Consulting); Andrés Ciscneros Montemayor (UBC); Deborah Giles (UC Davis); Cara Lachmuth (UBC); Stephanie Norman (Marine-Med); Brandon Southall (SOCAL-BRS); Denise Herzing (Wild Dolphin Project); Lori Marino (Emory University); Diana Reiss (Hunter College); Thomas White (Loyola Marymount Univ.); Charles “Flip” Nicklin (National Geographic Society); Taryn Kiekow (NRDC); Marla Holt (NOAA); Peter Ross (Dept. Fisheries Oceans, Canada); Susan Chivers (NOAA-SWFSC); Ari Friedlaender (Duke Univ.); Robert Pitman (NOAA- SWFSC); John Durban (NOAA-SWFSC); Michael Weise (Off. Naval Res.); Bruce Mate (OSU); Cindy McInnis (Ocean Alliance), and many more! Don't miss it. Sign up today. We look forward to seeing you... Questions? Contact Kaye Reznick at acsoffice(a)acsonline.org or call 310-548-6279 Kathy Zagzebski, ACS President Kaye Reznick, ACS Business Manager American Cetacean Society National Headquarters P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 310-548-6279 www.acsonline.org Uko Gorter, ACS-Puget Sound Chapter president, on behalf of ACS National Headquarters

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Sea Watch Foundation - Intern Research Volunteer position in Cardigan Bay for 2012
by Danielle Gibas 01 Aug '12

01 Aug '12

Sea Watch Foundation Intern Research Volunteer position in Cardigan Bay for 2012 Sea Watch Foundation ( <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/> www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk) has one last intern research volunteer position available to assist with the running of the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project. The project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and takes care of the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. The intern will help the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer with land and boat-based surveys and photo-identification studies, database entry, awareness raising and education initiatives, acoustic monitoring, and will assist with and participate in training courses and public talks. One intern Research Volunteer position is available and is required for 6 weeks: September 17th October 28th. Volunteers will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of £55/week. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Important skills/qualifications Essential: · an ability to work in a conscientious and reliable manner · strong commitment to volunteering work · willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather · basic IT skills (Office package) · an ability to get on well with others in a small team Desirable: · a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar · a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans · prior experience in boat-based survey work · good verbal and written communication skills and in public speaking · experience in interacting with the public All volunteers will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins. To apply: Please send to Daphna Feingold (daphna.feingold(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk) your cv, covering letter and contact details of two references, reporting any relevant experience you have. Deadlines: 28th August 2012. Please specify NEW QUAY VOLUNTEER APPLICATION into your subject title. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research is to monitor the marine mammal populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: * Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys * Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories. * Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs) and hydrophones. * Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods. Danielle Gibas National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2012 - 27th to 29th July See them Report them Save them! Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House Wellington Place New Quay SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/> www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk Sea Watch Foundation is a registered charity. If you would like to support us you can adopt a Cardigan Bay bottlenose dolphin. All monies go directly back into the research and conservation of the dolphins you adopt. Voted best animal adoption scheme by BBC Wildlife. <http://www.adoptadolphin.org.uk/> http://www.adoptadolphin.org.uk

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SEEKING RESEARCH ASSISTANTS FOR DOLPHIN RESEARCH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
by Kate Sprogis 31 Jul '12

31 Jul '12

Program: The South West Marine Research Program is a long-term, multi-faceted project on the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins of South West Australia. This program is based in Bunbury (south of Perth) and is a collaboration between Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (www.mucru.org) and numerous industry and non-profit partners. The research, of PhD and masters students, focuses on dolphin population dynamics, abundance, social structure and behaviour, habitat use, conservation genetics and foraging ecology. http://mucru.org/research-projects/south-west-marine-research-program/ PhD Outline: Here, I am specifically seeking ONE research volunteer to assist (from late August -October 2012) on my PhD project focussing on population dynamics and predictive habitat modelling of coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Bunbury. Long term data will be used to investigate population dynamics and habitat use, in order to aid in future conservation and management efforts. Field work is conducted from Busselton to Binningup within a 520km2 area consisting of coastal beaches, inshore bays, estuarine inlets and a river. Using a rigid sampling design, this research is conducted year round via standardised line transect surveys (up to 5nm offshore) from a small research vessel. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology, population biology or marine science. http://mucru.org/group-members/kate-sprogis/ Office: Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, South West Marine Research Program Office based at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury. http://www.dolphindiscovery.com.au/ Duties: Field: spotting wildlife, data collection, boat driving, photo identification Office: Data entry, fin matching, project organisation Computer programs used for data are: FinBase, ACDSee, Logger, Microsoft Access, Excel and Word. Assistants should: Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. Fieldwork will vary between weekdays and weekends. When the weather permits fieldwork could be long and on consecutive days. Preferred skills/traits:PRE 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field. 2. Previous field experience with wildlife (field data collection, photo-identification, boat handling skills). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented and have a positive attitude as well as a genuine interest in wildlife science. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for their own travel to Western Australia and living expenses. Please note, the Bunbury backpackers provide good discounts for assistants of the Dolphin Discovery Centre. If you are interested in volunteering or interning, please provide a short CV and a cover letter to the attention of Kate Sprogis (k.sprogis(a)murdoch.edu.au) Kate Sprogis, BMarSt Hons PhD Candidate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit Centre for Fish and Aquatic Ecosystems Research School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Faculty of Science and Engineering Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia http://mucru.org/group-members/kate-sprogis/ www.katesprogisphotography.com <http://www.mucru.org/>

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Mercury-Selenium Relationships in Liver of Guiana Dolphin
by Jose Lailson Brito 31 Jul '12

31 Jul '12

Dear colleagues, The following article has just been published on line in PLOS ONE: Lailson-Brito J, Cruz R, Dorneles PR, Andrade L, Azevedo AdF, et al. (2012) Mercury-Selenium Relationships in Liver of Guiana Dolphin: The Possible Role of Kupffer Cells in the Detoxification Process by Tiemannite Formation. PLoS ONE 7(7): e42162. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0042162 Abstract: Top marine predators present high mercury concentrations in their tissues as consequence of biomagnification of the most toxic form of this metal, methylmercury (MeHg). The present study concerns mercury accumulation by Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis), highlighting the selenium-mediated methylmercury detoxification process. Liver samples from 19 dolphins incidentally captured within Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil) from 1994 to 2006 were analyzed for total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg), total organic mercury (TOrgHg) and selenium (Se). X-ray microanalyses were also performed. The specimens, including from fetuses to 30-year-old dolphins, comprising 8 females and 11 males, presented high THg (0.53–132 mg/g wet wt.) and Se concentrations (0.17–74.8 mg/g wet wt.). Correlations between THg, MeHg, TOrgHg and Se were verified with age (p,0.05), as well as a high and positive correlation was observed between molar concentrations of Hg and Se (p,0.05). Negative correlations were observed between THg and the percentage of MeHg contribution to THg (p,0.05), which represents a consequence of the selenium-mediated methylmercury detoxification process. Accumulation of Se-Hg amorphous crystals in Kupffer Cells was demonstrated through ultra-structural analysis, which shows that Guiana dolphin is capable of carrying out the demethylation process via mercury selenide formation. The article is available online at: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0042162 Best regards, Jose Lailson -- -- Dr. José Lailson Brito Junior Professor Adjunto Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Faculdade de Oceanografia Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 4º andar sala 4002 bloco E Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro - RJ CEP 20.550-013 Tel:21-2334-0065 / 2334-0795 Fax:21-2334-0621 / 23340795 email: lailson(a)uerj.br ou joselailson(a)gmail.com

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