September 2012 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Humpback Whale Internships: Jan-April 2013
by Mithriel MacKay 09 Sep '12

09 Sep '12

*Two Internships Available for 2013 Field Season!* Two full time internships are available for the winter of 2013 to assist in PhD dissertation research focusing on humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) wintering off Puerto Rico. *General description:* Research for this project includes occupancy, habitat use, and movement of humpback whales wintering off Puerto Rico. We anticipate a minimum of 1-3 days/week of vessel based data collection, 2-3 days/week land based data collection, and inclement weather days spent managing data at the base station. Acoustic data will be analyzed during days when field excursions are not practical or possible. There may be opportunity for aerial survey experience. *Commitment:* Interns are required to be available full time from January 5, 2013 until April 30, 2013. Interns are required to stay at the base station and be prepared for very long days. We typically rise well before sunrise and finish well after sunset each day. Breaks (“days off”) are infrequent. This is a low density area for humpbacks. The ability to maintain land based observations for hours (or even a full day) without seeing a whale requires commitment and patience. Vessel based data collection will be from a small boat and is dependent on a team that is able to work well in close quarters. *Responsibilities: *Interns are fully involved in all aspects of this project including preparation and maintenance of equipment, data collection and management, and mentoring students who join our team during the field season. We interact with the public and peers frequently. Interns will be involved in outreach opportunities (impromptu and scheduled). *Provisions & Accommodations: *You will be provided with a place to sleep at the base station and transportation to all field sites from the base station at no cost. Interns will pitch in for food. Please visit the MCERC website and read the entire description of the base station (see below for link). *Travel: *Interns are responsible for transportation to and from Puerto Rico, USA. Residents of Puerto Rico are required to live at the base station with the team during their internship. Interns are responsible for determining and acquiring necessary travel documents to the USA. *Qualifications: *Priority is given to students with an upbeat, hardworking and positive attitude. The ability to take direction and live in close quarters with 6-8 people is a key to a successful field season. A stellar academic average is a plus, but is not a requirement and should not discourage interested people with less than perfect academic scores from applying. A strong desire to learn new skills, mentor other students, and promote a positive attitude towards stewardship is essential for candidates. Interested senior undergraduates (with majors in marine biology or related field), recent graduates seeking to gain experience in marine biology/ecology, and graduate students are encouraged to look over the website (Marine-Eco.org) and submit a letter of interest, CV, and availability to MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com. Candidates for internships will complete an interview via Skype or in person prior to being accepted for a position for the 2013 field season. -- *}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> ** }-wh^ale>* Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Candidate Marine Mammal Research Program Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University, Galveston (830) 688-9878 mithriel.mackay(a)gmail.com and Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center HC02 6382 Guayanilla, PR and PO Box 63435 Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 www.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.marine-eco.org/> MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com

1 0

Dolphin Research Internships
by Emily Guarino 09 Sep '12

09 Sep '12

Dolphin Research Internships Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Winter / Spring 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. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing behavioral, cognitive, and field 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 * Assisting with DRC's field research program by note taking on the boat, and fin matching in the office * 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 *** October 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

1 0

New Special Issue of Journal of Marine Biology
by Marino, Lori 07 Sep '12

07 Sep '12

Dear Colleagues, I'd like to call your attention to a new special issue in the Journal of Marine Biology guest edited by myself, Frances Gulland, and Chris Parsons entitled: Protecting Wild Dolphins and Whales: Current Crises, Strategies, and Future Projections Summary: In this special issue, we explore the topic of protecting wild dolphins and whales from several angles. The papers in this volume reach across previously separated domains and also reflect the new approach of moving beyond the numbers and incorporating individual welfare into conservation analyses. New stressors and threats of concern are highlighted, such as marine debris and the growth of whale watching. Whale watching is currently the most globally important economic activity involving cetaceans that have been put forward by many as a sustainable practice, that is, obviously more ethically acceptable than whaling. But even so, without proper management, even this activity can be a stressor to cetacean populations. The papers also reflect the urgency that is felt as we strive to protect and conserve wild cetaceans. We hope that the papers in this volume engender further thinking about new and even further "out of the box" ideas about how to ensure that wild cetaceans move into the future in their own natural habitats. For online access to the issue please go to: http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jmb/si/895691/ Thank you, Lori Emory University Atlanta, Georgia 30322 (404) 727-7582 ________________________________ This e-mail message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please contact the sender by reply e-mail message and destroy all copies of the original message (including attachments).

1 0

Marine mammal welfare, cognition and behavior seminar in San Diego, CA - USA
by Sabrina Brando 07 Sep '12

07 Sep '12

Dear Colleagues, Apologies for cross-postings. In collaboration with Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute we are organizing a seminar titled "Marine mammal welfare, cognition and behavior". The dates are November 9th - 11th, 2012 in San Diego, CA - USA. For more information, the provisional program and registration please visit http://www.animalconcepts.eu/styled-4/styled-12/styled-2/index.html A flyer is also available online to print and hang at your facility / university. Thank you for sharing this email with colleagues and friends who might be interested, your help advertising the seminar is highly appreciated. Best regards, Sabrina Sabrina Brando AnimalConcepts www.animalconcepts.eu sbrando(a)animalconcepts.eu +31633008373

1 0

new Australian sea lion foraging ontogeny publication
by Lowther, Andrew (PIRSA-SARDI) 06 Sep '12

06 Sep '12

Dear list members, The Australian sea lion story continues. Pleased to announce the publication of a recent paper looking at early foraging ontogeny, published in Marine Biology. Lowther, A.D. and Goldsworthy, S.D. (2012). "Head Start: Australian sea lion pups gain experience of adult foraging grounds before weaning". Marine Biology DOI 10.1007/s00227-012-2026-2 Abstract: The extended lactation period of the Australian sea lion Neophoca cinerea is suggested to provide additional time for offspring to achieve nutritional independence. We examine the dive and movement development of pups at two age classes (six and 10 months) from two colonies (Lilliput and Olive Islands) in South Australia using archival GPS and time-depth recorders to investigate the degree of overlap with maternal home range. Older pups from Lilliput travelled significantly further and spent more time at sea than younger pups. At Olive there was a similar increase in distance travelled and time spent at sea with age. Pups at both colonies started occupying adult female home range at six months. Australian sea lion pups can explore adult foraging habitat at least eight months prior to weaning allowing them to learn the location of suitable habitat and the skills required to hunt successfully. Any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Dr Andrew Lowther Research Scientist (Marine Mammal Ecology) Threatened, Endangered & Protected Species (TEPS) South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI) - Aquatic Sciences 2 Hamra Avenue West Beach SA 5024 AUSTRALIA -------------- Postal address: PO Box 120, Henley Beach, SA 5022, AUSTRALIA -------------- Tel : +61 8 8207 5428 Fax : +61 8 8207 5481 Mob: 0458 120 688 http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/ <http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/>

1 0

World Whale Conference Schedule Announced
by Dylan Walker 06 Sep '12

06 Sep '12

Dear Marmamers, The full schedule for the forthcoming World Whale Conference is now available and listed below: *INTRODUCING THE WORLD WHALE CONFERENCE* *25-26 October 2012, Hilton Brighton Metropole, near London, UK * * * The first World Whale Conference will be held over two days during WhaleFest 2012 week. Open to anyone with a passion for cetaceans, it will involve members of the public, whale and dolphin charities, government agencies, and businesses discussing the best way of working together to implement a global whale-saving campaign. The World Whale Conference will also include celebrity keynote speakers, as well as the official launch of the *Save The Whales: Reloaded *campaign. At the end of the conference the attendees will have the option to be part of a public declaration for the campaign. * THURS 25 OCTOBER 2012 * 8.30 – 9.00 Tea and Coffee 9.00 – 9.20 Together we can save the whales Keynote speaker Roger Payne (Ocean alliance) via video link 9.20 – 10.00 “Tell them about the dream” Host Dylan Walker (Planet Whale) unveils plans for a new global campaign that will involve everybody at the conference and beyond! 10.00 – 10.45 Protecting the Special Places where Whales and Dolphins Live Expert speaker Erich Hoyt (Global Critical Habitat / MPA’s Programme, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society) discusses what we have to do before we can say that whale and dolphin populations and the ecosystems that support them are effectively protected across the vastness of the oceans 10.45 – 11.15 Tea and Coffee 11.15 – 12.00 Collaborative GeoDesign: Science-Based Web Technologies for Marine Conservation Expert Speaker Dr. Will McClintock (Marine Science Institute, University of California) explains how cutting edge technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) can now empower average citizens, without any experience with science or technology, to make science-based decisions and take ultimate responsibility for managing our oceans 12.00 – 12.30 Live mapping the places where whales and dolphins most need our help – an interactive opportunity for everybody Expert speaker Dr Mike Tetley (mapping technology specialist) asks conference delegates to map the places of greatest concern for whales and dolphins using live mapping software 12.30 – 13.30 Buffet lunch 13.30 – 15.00 It’s over to you! Discussions on the new global campaign 15.00 – 15.30 Tea and Coffee 15.30 – 17.00 It’s over to you! Feedback and action plan for the new global campaign *FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER 2012 * 8.30 – 9.00 Tea and Coffee 9.00 – 9.30 The whale. from natural history to human history Celebrity speaker Philip Hoare (BBC broadcaster and acclaimed author of ‘leviathan’) discusses our changing relationship with whales and dolphins and asks what the future holds? 9.30 – 10.00 The thoughts of an outspoken conservationist Celebrity speaker Mark Carwardine (zoologist, conservationist, TV and radio presenter, photographer, and best-selling author of several whale and dolphin books) takes a look at the successes and failures of the whale conservation movement and asks “Could we have done more?” 10.00 – 10.30 Together we can achieve so much! Host Dylan Walker (Planet Whale) draws upon compelling past success stories to discuss the opportunity for linking important areas for whales and dolphins with online communities of people united in their desire to protect them. 10.30 – 11.00 Tea and Coffee 11.00 – 12.30 Social media: uniting communities, driving change. Interactive presentation. Speaker TBA. 12.30 – 13.30 Buffet lunch 13.30 – 15.00 It’s over to you! Discussion and feedback: uniting communities through the new global campaign 15.00 – 15.30 Tea and Coffee 15.30 – 16.00 Summary / voluntary sign up to the pledge 16.00 – 17.00 The pledge goes public! the delegates head outside to meet the public and mingle with demonstrators, as the declaration is announced to the press For further information go to http://www.whale-fest.com/?page_id=551 or contact me at dylan(a)planetwhale.com Regards, *Dylan Walker* ***______________________ **Co-Founder* *PLANET WHALE * **Office: +44 (0)1273 355011 Planet Whale, 2a Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2FL, UK

1 0

One volunteers needed to help with seabird and cetacean fieldwork in South of Spain (Andalusia)
by Joan Giménez Verdugo 05 Sep '12

05 Sep '12

One volunteers needed to help with seabird and cetacean fieldwork in South of Spain (Andalusia) CIRCE (http://www.circe.info) is seeking applications from one volunteer to help in the motorboat ELSA in the study of abundance and distribution of seabirds and cetaceans in the Gulf of Cadiz (Andalucia - Spain) from 17 September to 26 October. Volunteers should be available for the entire period. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once here, we will provide accommodation, transport to the different harbors and food expenses (communal shopping/cooking will be arranged). The main port will be Chipiona and all the volunteers and research team will be based there, although other ports (Barbate, Isla Cristina) could be used during the surveys (in that case everyone will sleep in the boat). We have planned to do lineal transect to cover the coastal area of the Gulf of Cadiz (12 nautical miles) with the motorboat ELSA (10 meters) with an observation point at 5 meters above sea level to monitor seabirds, cetaceans and anthropogenic activities. Volunteers should be prepared to long working days (some days more than 10 hours) under the sun, the wind and cold weather and to help with data entry and office duties during bad weather days. Successful applicants will: -have previous experience in seabirds identification at sea. -have a mature attitude towards seabird and marine mammal research. -be autonomous and quickly operational -be able to live and work constructively with others in a team -be able to live in a small boat (10meters) for some days - speak fluently Spanish and/or English - be available for the entire one month period Applicants should send an email introducing themselves to gimenez.verdugo(a)gmail.com. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV, detailing your previous experiences relevant to this project. *Applications will be considered in order of arrival.* Sincerely, -- Joan Giménez Verdugo PhD Student gimenez.verdugo(a)gmail.com

1 0

New ESME acoustic simulator release
by David Mountain 05 Sep '12

05 Sep '12

A new release of the ESME acoustic simulator is available for download from http://esme.bu.edu/download/index.shtml. This version includes sound-field calculations as well as animal exposure statistics. The simulator uses the 3MB animal movement model developed by Dorian Houser. This version uses compiled MATLAB scripts to generate graphics for the animal exposure statistics so if you don't already have the MATLAB runtime environment installed, you will be automatically prompted to download the runtime environment (its free). Note: A known bug <http://hrcbugzilla.bu.edu/show_bug.cgi?id=139> exists which will cause ESME to crash on startup on machines whose current language localization is set to a non-English setting. This bug affects several modules in the software so it is taking some time to resolve all the problems. A new release of ESME will be issued as soon as this bug is fixed. Until that time, the temporary fix is to temporarily change the language localization to English -- see this Microsoft help page<http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/install-or-change-a-display-lan…> for more information. -- David C. Mountain, Ph.D. Professor of Biomedical Engineering Boston University 44 Cummington St. Boston, MA 02215 Email: dcm(a)bu.edu Website: http://www.bu.edu/hrc/research/laboratories/auditory-biophysics/ Phone: (617) 353-4343 FAX: (617) 353-6766 Office: ERB 413

1 0

IUCN review of southern right whale distribution
by Emma Carroll 04 Sep '12

04 Sep '12

Dear Marmamers, I am providing an updated list of countries/territories where southern right whales Eubalaena australis have been seen in recent decades for an IUCN review. The list includes countries/territories where the species is a vagrant. If anyone has confirmed sightings of the species in Angola, Reunion, or Crozet Islands, or any other area that I have missed from the list below, can you please email me at ecar026(a)aucklanduni.ac.nz. Thank you! Here is the list of countries/territories I have compiled to date (reference in parentheses): Argentina (Payne 1986; Rowntree et al 2001) Auckland and Campbell Islands (Patenaude et al 1998) Australia (Bannister 2001; Burnell 2001; Kemper et al 1993) Brazil (Groch et al 2005) Chile (IWC 2007; Vernazzani et al 2011) Falkland Islands/Malvinas (Moore et al 1999) Gabon (Weir et al 2010) Gough Island (Best et al 1993) Kerguelen Islands (Acevedo-Guitierrez et al 1997) Madagascar (Rosenbaum et al 2001) Mauritius (P. Best pers comm in Rosenbaum et al 2001) Mozambique (Banks et al 2011) Namibia (Roux et al 2011) New Zealand (Patenaude 2003; Carroll et al 2011) Peru (Santillán et al 2004; Van Waerebeek et al 2008) South Africa (Best 1982; 1990; 2000) Tristan da Cunha (IWC 2001; Best et al 2009) Uruguay (Costa et al 2003) Emma Carroll PhD Molecular Ecology and Evolution | School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland | ecar026(a)aucklanduni.ac.nz

1 0

Vacancy Announcement: Marine Mammal Technician, Georgia, USA
by Clay George 04 Sep '12

04 Sep '12

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division is seeking applications for a full-time marine mammal technician: JOB TITLE: Natural Resources Tech (AL) POSITION #: 00099765 LOCATION: Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia, U.S.A. APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 14, 2012 START DATE: As soon as filled ENTRY SALARY: $2,964.11/month (includes benefits, housing not provided) DESCRIPTION: The Marine Mammal Technician will assist a Natural Resources Biologist in implementing the Department's marine mammal conservation program. Primary responsibilities will include: 1) assisting with North Atlantic right whale, manatee and bottlenose dolphin field research and conservation activities (e.g., aerial surveys, boat-based surveys, data entry, database management, report writing), 2) implementing the Georgia Marine Mammal Stranding Network (e.g., conducting necropsies, processing diagnostic samples, training and supervising volunteers, administering humane euthanasia to sick and injured marine mammals, participating in an on-call rotation) and 3) maintaining and organizing research equipment, facilities and supplies. Other responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 1) conducting public education and outreach programs, 2) providing technical assistance to the public regarding nongame wildlife issues and 3) assisting with other nongame research and conservation activities as needed (e.g., shorebird surveys, sea turtle strandings). MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Completion of coursework equivalent to an Associate’s degree in Wildlife Management or a related field AND One year of experience at a level equivalent to a Wildlife Technician 2. OR Two years of experience in the Wildlife Resources Division as a Wildlife Technician 2. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience operating small boats in coastal water. Experience and skills in operation of biological databases. Experience in marine mammal surveys and in marine mammal stranding network. Experience collecting biological data from stranded marine mammal including necropsies. Experience with the maintenance of boats. Due to aerial survey duties, the selected candidate must be able to meet the NOAA Aviation Safety program minimum training standards, including ability to pass a "water ditching safety and survival" course. TO APPLY: Go to http://www.gadnr.org/careers, click on the “View DNR Vacancy Announcement” link to download the vacancy announcement, and apply as directed for position #00099765. Complete applications must be postmarked by September 14, 2012. —------------------------------------------------------ R. Clay George Wildlife Biologist Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Nongame Conservation Section, Coastal Office One Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520 clay.george(a)dnr.state.ga.us

1 0