January 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Reminder** The Whale Center of New England: Marine Mammal Research Summer & Fall Internships 2013
by Laura Howes 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

Marine Mammal Research and Education Internships 2013 (For a detailed description and application, please see our website at www.whalecenter.org/research-whales/whale-center-internships.html) The Whale Center of New England, located in Gloucester, MA, is a non-profit research organization involved with the study of the behavior, ecology, and natural history of the whales and dolphins found in the waters off of Massachusetts. The Whale Center is also heavily involved with habitat conservation and education programs. We are currently looking to fill research internships for the Summer (May 27 - August 23) and Fall (August 19 - December 13) semesters of 2013. The Whale Center of New England internship provides experience needed to further pursue fields in marine biology and animal behavior. It is our goal to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to collect valuable information important to the marine mammal field and to see how this information is used in management and conservation efforts in this area. Each internship session offers different experiences in marine mammal science that will depend on the season. These duties may include, but are not limited to: extensive photo-identification, and computer work (training provided), field data collection and public education aboard commercial whale watching vessels, educational and fundraising outreach, and attendance at conferences and meetings. There is often the possibility of future paid seasonal employment by the Whale Center of New England for interns who particularly excel during the internship. There is no fee required for the intern position. Interns are required to provide their own housing and board, and a means of transportation to the boats we work on in Boston and Gloucester, MA. (The Whale Center may be able to assist interns in finding housing and/or transportation). At times, housing can be difficult to find, but we put interns in contact with each other so that they can look for a place together. Past volunteers have also lived with friends or relatives in nearby areas such as Boston and Salem. Internships are full-time, with long hours expected especially during our summer internship. Also, college credit may be arranged by the student through their department or as an independent research program at their college or university. The Whale Center of New England encourages this, and will take whatever steps are required to facilitate such efforts. International applicants are often accepted to the Whale Center's internship program, but it should be noted that there are ancillary visa fees for international exchange. The Whale Center is looking for independent applicants with a blend of enthusiasm, scientific skills, and communication abilities. There may be opportunities for interns to specialize their focus during the internship (i.e. Education, Research, Database Management, Fundraising) depending on their background and interests. Internship applicants should also have the following: * A background in biology, zoology, or related field * Some knowledge of research methods and design * An ability to work and communicate well with others * Enthusiasm and dedication to work long days (sometimes 12 hours or more) in the field or office * Completed their freshmen year at the time of application In order to apply for an internship: please send our application (attached or refer to our website), a resume or CV, a cover letter detailing your reason(s) for applying, two letters of recommendation, and an updated transcript. Once your application has been received, an interview may be arranged. In-person interviews and phone interviews are both accepted. Interviews will be conducted during one of two weeks/weekends in March 2013. All applications for the Summer 2013 and Fall 2013 Internships must be submitted by March 1, 2013. Applicants should note which semesters they are applying for (a single application may enter an applicant into the pool for more than one session, in case they are not selected for their first choice). All positions are highly competitive. Application materials and questions regarding the internship should be directed to Laura Howes Laura Howes Program Coordinator P.O. Box 159 Gloucester, MA 01930 978-281-6351 (office) 978-281-5666 (fax) laura(a)whalecenter.org

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territorial behaviour of bottlenose dolphins
by Nienke Van Geel 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

Dear All, Happy New Year! Is anyone aware of (aggressive) behaviour of bottlenose dolphins against conspecifics or other species which can be classified as territorial behaviour. The only article I found is: Felix, F. (2001) Escorting behaviour: A territorial manifestation in wild bottlenose dolphins? Estud. Oceanol. 20: 67-70. I would really appreciate any information on this, either published or from anecdotal cases. Many thanks, Nienke Nienke van Geel PhD Student The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) Scottish Marine Institute Oban, Argyll PA37 1QA Scotland Tel: 01631 559331 (student room); 01631 559000 (switch panel) Fax: 01631 559001 Nienke.vanGeel(a)sams.ac.uk<mailto:Nienke.vanGeel@sams.ac.uk> http://www.sams.ac.uk The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is registered in Scotland as a Company Limited by Guarantee (SC009292) and is a registered charity (9206). SAMS has an actively trading wholly owned subsidiary company: SAMS Research Services Ltd a Limited Company (SC224404). All Companies in the group are registered in Scotland and share a registered office at Scottish Marine Institute, Oban Argyll PA37 1QA. The content of this message may contain personal views which are not the views of SAMS unless specifically stated. Please note that all email traffic is monitored for purposes of security and spam filtering. As such individual emails may be examined in more detail.

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New publication on anomalously white harbour porpoises
by Arda M. Tonay 07 Jan '13

07 Jan '13

Dear All, Apologies for cross posting. We would like to inform you that the new research article on anomalously white harbour porpoises has been published in the Italian Journal of Mammalogy. Tonay, A.M., Bilgin, A., Dede, A., Akkaya, A., Yeşilçiçek, T., Köse, Ö., Ceylan, Y. 2012. First records of anomalously white harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the Turkish seas with a global review. Hystrix, the Italian Journal of Mammalogy, online first-2013, doi:10.4404/hystrix-23.2-4792 The pdf file and supplementary files (on the right) available online via the following link: http://www.italian-journal-of-mammalogy.it/article/view/4792 Abstract Three anomalously white harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) were reported in Turkish Seas. One of them was bycaught on 19 June 2011 in bottom gill nets off the eastern coast of the Turkish Black Sea. The second one was observed four times in May and early June 2012 in the Istanbul Strait. The last one was stranded alive on 7 July 2012 in the Istanbul Strait. Records (published and unpublished) of anomalously white harbour porpoises in the world were reviewed. In total, 34 records were found from the world seas: the Black Sea, North Sea, Baltic Sea, North Atlantic Ocean and North Eastern Pacific Ocean. According to these records, three patterns of pigmentation were suggested. Figures S1 (video), S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 and S9 are available as supplemental material on the Journal web site. Regards Arda M. TONAY Ph.D Faculty of Fisheries, İstanbul University Marine Biology Dep. Ordu Cad. No:200 Laleli, 34480 İstanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 212 455 5700/16434 Fax: +90 212 514 0379 atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr http://suurunleri.istanbul.edu.tr/ Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) P.O. Box 10 Beykoz, İstanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 216 424 0772 Fax: +90 216 424 0771

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Recent paper on bowhead whale acoustics
by Outi Tervo 06 Jan '13

06 Jan '13

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in PLOS One: Tervo OM, Christoffersen MF, Simon M, Miller LA, Jensen FH, Parks SE, Madsen PT. (2012) High Source Levels and Small Active Space of High-Pitched Song in Bowhead Whales (Balaena mysticetus). PLoS ONE 7(12): e52072. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0052072 http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0052072 Abstract The low-frequency, powerful vocalizations of blue and fin whales may potentially be detected by conspecifics across entire ocean basins. In contrast, humpback and bowhead whales produce equally powerful, but more complex broadband vocalizations composed of higher frequencies that suffer from higher attenuation. Here we evaluate the active space of high frequency song notes of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) in Western Greenland using measurements of song source levels and ambient noise. Four independent, GPS-synchronized hydrophones were deployed through holes in the ice to localize vocalizing bowhead whales, estimate source levels and measure ambient noise. The song had a mean apparent source level of 185±2 dB rms re 1 µPa @ 1 m and a high mean centroid frequency of 444±48 Hz. Using measured ambient noise levels in the area and Arctic sound spreading models, the estimated active space of these song notes is between 40 and 130 km, an order of magnitude smaller than the estimated active space of low frequency blue and fin whale songs produced at similar source levels and for similar noise conditions. We propose that bowhead whales spatially compensate for their smaller communication range through mating aggregations that co-evolved with broadband song to form a complex and dynamic acoustically mediated sexual display. Best regards, Outi Tervo

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Dolphin Research Internships - Summer 2013
by Kel Melillo Sweeting 06 Jan '13

06 Jan '13

Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2013 Connecticut, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently seeking two interns for the summer of 2013. These internships have field and office components, both of which are mandatory, and total 8-12 weeks, depending on DCP's schedule. DCP looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions focus primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. Interns are needed at our Bimini, Bahamas research site, where we study wild Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. An abbreviated publication list is available at the end of this post. Responsibilities In the field: --Travel to and assist for 3-4 weeks at our Bimini research site (exact dates TBD, likely beginning mid-July, following the office component) --Assist gathering data (general observations, photographs) during 4-6 hour/day boat excursions (weather and schedule dependent) --Complete photo-identification of dolphins from still photography and video as well as other data entry and analysis tasks --Assist with on-board and outreach education as well as web-based projects --Represent DCP in an enthusiastic, responsible, mature and respectful manner At the office: --Travel to and assist for 4-6 weeks at our Connecticut office (exact dates TBD, likely prior to field component, beginning approximately 3 June) --Process and analyze data, including, but not limited to: photo-identification of individuals from other DCP research sites, event sampling from video data for behavioral analyses, and acoustic analysis of dolphin sounds --Assist in the development and implementation of education programs for schools and the general public, as needed Requirements Successful interns must have basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Current enrollment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required. The successful candidates will be comfortable on a boat for several hours at a time in varying conditions, including extreme heat. They will also be proficient swimmers with the desire to improve free-diving skills. They will be able to work as a team both in a small office and in a fairly remote and isolated field setting. Good writing and public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to details. Interns must be at least 18 years of age. Although international applicants are invited to apply, all applicants should know that interns are responsible for their own daily transportation to/from the CT office and public transportation is not available in this area; therefore all interns have their own vehicles while in CT. Expenses and Compensation This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Bimini and Connecticut. There is a $1,000.00 fee which will cover expenses in the field, including room and partial board. Room, board and transportation while in Connecticut are the responsibility of the intern, although assistance in finding housing may be available. Interested applicants should review information at this link: http://tinyurl.com/DCPInternships. Please read this page thoroughly before applying or emailing questions. Send a completed application (downloadable and detailed at the link above) to kelly(a)dcpmail.org. Applications are due 15 February 2013. Due to field schedules, only electronic applications will be accepted. Interviews (via telephone or Skype) will be arranged for selected candidates beginning approximately 19 February. For more information, please contact Kelly Melillo Sweeting at kelly(a)dcpmail.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selected Refereed Publications: (for a full list of publications by DCP researchers, please visit: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/publications/scientific-publicat…) Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., Würsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. Dudzinski, K.M., M. Sakai, M., Masaki, K., Kogi, K., Hishii, T., Kurimoto, M. 2003. Behavioral observations of adult and sub-adult dolphins towards two dead bottlenose dolphins (one female and one male). Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 108-116. Gregg, J.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Smith, H.V. 2007. Do dolphins eavesdrop on the echolocation signals of conspecifics? International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 20: 65-88 Paulos, R.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Kuczaj, S.A. 2008. The role of touch in select social interactions of Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). Ethology 26: 153-164. Dudzinski, K.M., Thomas, J. Gregg, J.D. 2008. Communication. In (W.F. Perrin, B. Würsig, H.C.M. Thewissen, eds) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, second edition. Academic Press, Inc. Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Ribic, C.A., Kuczaj, S.A. 2009. A comparison of pectoral fin contact between two different wild dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 80:182-190 Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291 Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Paulos, R.D., Kuczaj, S.A. 2010. A comparison of pectoral fin contact behaviour for three distinct dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 84: 559-567. Greene, W., Melillo-Sweeting, K., Dudzinski, K. 2011. Comparing object play in captive and wild dolphins. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 24(3):292-306. Dudzinski, KM, Gregg, JD, Melillo-Sweeting, K, Levengood, A, Seay, B., Kuczaj II, SA. 2012. Tactile contact exchanges between dolphins: self-rubbing versus inter-individual contact in three species from three geographies. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 25:21-43. _______________________________ Kelly Melillo Sweeting Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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Postdoctoral opportunity: US Navy Marine Mammal Program
by Finneran, James J CIV SPAWARSYSCEN-PACIFIC, 71510 04 Jan '13

04 Jan '13

A post-doctoral position is available at the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program to study the hearing abilities of and effects of sound on marine animals. APPLICATION TO THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO U.S. CITIZENS. Projects include developing acoustic impact criteria and safe exposure guidelines for marine animals, conducting behavioral and electrophysiological studies of hearing, investigating behavioral responses of marine mammals to sound, and determining the physiological effects of noise on the marine mammal auditory system (e.g., temporary threshold shifts). The applicant should possess a Ph.D. in acoustics, engineering, physics, experimental psychology (specializing in psycho-acoustics), or biology with a strong background in mathematics. For more information contact Jim Finneran, US Navy Marine Mammal Program, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Code 71510, 53560 Hull St., San Diego, California 92152-5001. E-mail: james.finneran(a)navy.mil

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Call for Abstracts: International Congress for Conservation Biology
by Katheryn Patterson 03 Jan '13

03 Jan '13

Society for Conservation Biology International Congress for Conservation Biology 21-25 July 2013 Baltimore, Maryland, USA The Call for Abstracts for Contributed Oral, Speed with Poster, Poster, and Student Award Presentations is now open. The deadline to submit your abstract is 30 January 2013. Visit the Call for Abstracts page of the ICCB website (conbio.org/2013) for complete instructions and to access the Abstract Management System. Decisions on submitted proposals will be made by 28 February 2013. We encourage proposals from individuals or groups involved in cutting edge conservation science or practice, especially those that can demonstrate an alignment with the theme of the congress: “Connecting Systems, Disciplines and Stakeholders.” Thank you for interest in participating in the most important meeting world meeting for conservation professionals and students! Sincerely, 2013 ICCB Local Organizing Committee Questions? E-mail 2013(a)conbio.org

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Allied Whale Intern/ Research Assistant Positions
by Tanya Lubansky 03 Jan '13

03 Jan '13

Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic located in Bar Harbor, Maine, seeks 4 intern/research assistants for the 2013 field season. These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research. Two three-month positions (June-August) and two five-month positions (June-October) are available. *Overview of position:* This is a unique internship program in that the selected individuals will have the opportunity to participate and receive training in a wide range of marine mammal research activities while receiving a small income. Allied Whale currently supports multiple field projects in the behavioral ecology and distributions of humpback and fin whales, the ongoing housing and maintenance of the North Atlantic humpback and fin whale photo ID catalogs, an active stranding response program, and a continued relationship with the local whale watch company. In addition, Allied Whale maintains the facilities on and conducts research from Mount Desert Rock, a remote offshore island. The interns play a critical role in the success of the field season and serve as support to all aspects of summer activities within Allied Whale. *Description of duties: *Once the season is in swing, interns will rotate through* *time on land and offshore. While on land, interns will take shifts of working as a Research Assistant (RA)/Deckhand for the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. and being on call for boat-based cetacean surveys on our research vessel. *On land: *Research responsibilities on the whale watch tours include searching for whales, photo-identification of whales and data collection/entry. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, helping seasick passengers and passenger safety. RAs are also responsible for assisting the naturalist in promoting education and conservation programs on each trip. While on board our research vessel, interns will be responsible to participate in cetacean surveys along transect lines, computer data entry, and photo identification of whales. While not on the water, interns may freely structure their time to complete office work, assist with/develop independent projects, assist with stranding activities...or explore Acadia National Park! *Offshore: *Interns will have multiple shifts (at least a week in length) at our offshore research station Mount Desert Rock. While on the island, interns will participate in land-based whale monitoring from the lighthouse tower (with use of a theodolite), opportunistic small boat photo-identification data collection of whales, seal counts, and maintenance/construction projects at the station. *Pay/Housing*: Those accepted to the program are able to earn income by their work on the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. Deckhands are paid $50 a trip (at the height of summer, there are 3 trips running a day) plus considerable tips. Interns also receive free First Aid Certification. Housing in Bar Harbor is provided and mandatory for a fee. Rent is $375 a month during the summer when all four interns are present and increases to $500 a month Sept-October for the two five month interns. While at Mount Desert Rock, food is provided for free. *Qualifications: *Applicants should have a college background in biology and/or marine sciences. Previous experience in a research setting and knowledge of marine mammals are great advantages. Experience offshore and skills in small boat handling are also assets. Unfortunately, because of employment through the whale watch company, all interns must also be U.S. citizens. Most importantly, applicants must be positive in attitude, flexible to quickly changing schedules, able to work independently, and comfortable working on boats. Because of the community living situation both in Bar Harbor and on Mount Desert Island, applicants must get along well with others and be able to handle working in a team setting. These positions begin June 1st and applicants must be able to work through with no other commitments (excluding COA students). Please specify which position you are interested in (three of five month). Deadline of application is February 15th. Please send a *cover letter* detailing your reasons for applying, a *resume*, and *two letters of recommendation* to: Tanya Lubansky (tlubansky(a)gmail.com <alliedwhale(a)coa.edu>) with subject title “AW Interns 2013” -- Tanya Lubansky PhD Candidate Federated Department of Biological Sciences Rutgers University/NJIT Newark, NJ Research Associate Allied Whale College of the Atlantic Bar Harbor, ME Phone: 973-997-2603

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Paper: New insights into the diets of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in the Salish Sea revealed by analysis of fatty acid signatures
by Bromaghin, Jeffrey 02 Jan '13

02 Jan '13

Bromaghin, J. F., M. M. Lance, E. W. Elliot, S. J. Jeffries, A. Acevedo-Gutiérrez, and J. M. Kennish. 2013. New insights into the diets of harbor seals in the Salish Sea revealed by quantitative fatty acid signature analysis. *Fishery Bulletin* 111:13-26. doi:10.7755/FB.111.1.2 Abstract Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are an abundant predator along the west coast of North America, and there is considerable interest in their diet composition, especially in regard to predation on valued fish stocks. Available information on harbor seal diets, primarily derived from scat analysis, suggests that adult salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii), and gadids predominate. Because diet assessments based on scat analysis may be biased, we investigated diet composition through quantitative analysis of fatty acid signatures. Blubber samples from 49 harbor seals captured in western North America from haul-outs within the area of the San Juan Islands and southern Strait of Georgia in the Salish Sea were analyzed for fatty acid composition, along with 269 fish and squid specimens representing 27 potential prey classes. Diet estimates varied spatially, demographically, and among individual harbor seals. Findings confirmed the prevalence of previously identified prey species in harbor seal diets, but other species also contributed significantly. In particular, Black (Sebastes melanops) and Yellowtail (S. flavidus) Rockfish were estimated to compose up to 50% of some individual seal diets. Specialization and high predation rates on Black and Yellowtail Rockfish by a subset of harbor seals may play a role in the population dynamics of these regional rockfish stocks that is greater than previously realized. ----------------------------------------------- Jeffrey F. Bromaghin, PhD Research Statistician USGS Alaska Science Center 4210 University Drive Anchorage, AK 99508 907-786-7086 jbromaghin(a)usgs.gov<https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1&tf=1&to=jbromaghin@usgs.gov>

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New paper: Negative long term effects on harbour porpoises from a large scale offshore wind farm in the Baltic - evidence of slow recovery
by Jonas Teilmann 01 Jan '13

01 Jan '13

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following open access paper in Environmental Research Letters. Teilmann, J. and Carstensen, J. (2012). Negative long term effects on harbour porpoises from a large scale offshore wind farm in the Baltic - evidence of slow recovery. Environmental Research Letters 7, doi:10.1088/1748-9326/7/4/045101 http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/7/4/045101/pdf/1748-9326_7_4_045101.pdf Abstract Offshore wind farms constitute a new and fast growing industry all over the world. This study investigates the long term impact on harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, for more than 10 years (2001-12) from the first large scale offshore wind farm in the world, Nysted Offshore Wind Farm, in the Danish western Baltic Sea (72 × 2.3 MW turbines). The wind farm was brought into full operation in December 2003. At six stations, acoustic porpoise detectors (T-PODs) were placed inside the wind farm area and at a reference area 10 km to the east, to monitor porpoise echolocation activity as a proxy of porpoise presence. A modified statistical BACI design was applied to detect changes in porpoise presence before, during and after construction of the wind farm. The results show that the echolocation activity has significantly declined inside Nysted Offshore Wind Farm since the baseline in 2001-2 and has not fully recovered yet. The echolocation activity inside the wind farm has been gradually increasing (from 11% to 29% of the baseline level) since the construction of the wind farm, possibly due to habituation of the porpoises to the wind farm or enrichment of the environment due to reduced fishing and to artificial reef effects. Best regards Jonas Teilmann _________________________________________________ Jonas Teilmann , Senior Scientist, Ph.D. Phone: 45) 21 42 42 91 Fax: (+45) 87 16 87 51 E-mail: jte(a)dmu.dk<mailto:jte@dmu.dk> Department of Bioscience (former NERI) Aarhus University Frederiksborgvej 399 DK-4000 Roskilde Denmark

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