January 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Two Alaska SeaLife Center Job Postings
by Lori Polasek 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Two positions: RESEARCH ASSOCIATE & SEASONAL TECHNICIAN Go to the link below to access the full posting announcements and to submit an application: http://www.alaskasealife.org/New/about-ASLC/index.php?page=employment.php If this link does not work got to http://www.alaskasealife.org/ and choose About Us, then Employment.

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Cetacean Ecology Field Course dedline extended to 15 February 2013
by Yeater, Prof. Deirdre M. 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Join Sacred Heart University and Dolphin Communication Project in Bimini, The Bahamas! Learn more http://www.sacredheart.edu/academics/studyabroad/studyabroadprograms/shortt… or email DCP at info(a)dcpmail.org<mailto:info@dcpmail.org>. Where is it located? The field portion of this course will take place on Bimini, a small island in The Bahamas around which groups of wild Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins frequent. When is the course? The field portion of this course begins on 28 May 2013, in Bimini. Students depart Bimini on 9 June 2013. What does it cost and how do I apply? Applications (online, see above) are due 15 February 2013. With your application, a non-refundable deposit of $466 is due. The remaining balance will be approximately $3804. What is included in the course fee? Tuition - 3 credits (200-level) HTH International Insurance Course instruction 13 days/ 12 nights in Bimini, The Bahamas, shared-rooms 3 meals/day, plus snacks while on boat trips Drinking water 8 wild dolphin surveys, including at least 2 snorkel opportunities 1 wild shark experience Gratuity (hotel & dock staff) Bimini-only airport/hotel transfers Orientation and support at SHU and on Bimini Important Notes Airfare to/from Bimini NOT included Students must be at least 18 years old Valid passports are required Students must take this course for SHU credit; inquire with your home institution about credit transfer A minimum of 10 students are required; maximum of 16 Deirdre Yeater, Ph.D Assistant Professor Sacred Heart University 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT 06825 Phone: 203-365-4870 Fax: 203-371-7998

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Announcement: Workshop on spatially managing cetaceans, ECS, Setubal, 7 Apr 2013
by Peter G.H. Evans 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Apologies for cross posting The following workshop, sponsored by the ASCOBANS & ACCOBAMS Regional Conservation Agreements, will be held at the forthcoming ECS Conference: ECS/ASCOBANS/ACCOBAMS Workshop on "THE CHALLENGE OF SPATIALLY MANAGING CETACEANS - A HIGHLY MOBILE ANIMAL GROUP" to be held in Setubal, Portugal, Sunday 7 April 2013 Organising Committee: Peter Evans, Heidrun Frisch (ASCOBANS Secretariat), Marie-Christine Grillo-Compulsione (ACCOBAMS Secretariat), Erich Hoyt, Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, and Michael Tetley During its history, the European Cetacean Society has held two workshops on Marine Protected Areas, the first entitled "Protected Areas for Cetaceans" was held in Valencia, Spain in April 1999, and the second "Selection Criteria for Protected Areas for Cetaceans" in San Sebastian, Spain in April 2007, in conjunction with the international conservation agreements, ASCOBANS and ACCOBAMS. These workshops introduced the concept of marine protected areas for cetaceans, the various functions they can serve, and recommended criteria for use in their selection. The main piece of legislation catering for MPAs in Europe has been the EU Habitats Directive with the Natura 2000 network of Special Areas of Conservation for Annex I habitats and Annex II species. However, the Natura 2000 network has been of limited benefit for marine mammals in general. First, amongst cetaceans, only harbour porpoise and bottlenose dolphin are considered for SAC designation, and offshore foraging areas for seals have scarcely been considered. Second, many countries have been slow to propose cetacean SACs and where they have done, they often comprise only small areas covering a minor portion of the range of the population they were established to protect. Thirdly, even once an SAC has been designated for a marine mammal species, managing threats to that species remains a challenge. The concept of marine spatial planning and the zoning of areas for different activities and with different levels of protection has become incorporated in the new EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Beyond the European Union, countries throughout Europe and adjacent seas are looking to ways to establish wider marine protected areas, although focus remains upon the coastal zone where potential conflict with human activities is greatest. This inevitably presents many challenges, particularly for highly mobile marine species such as cetaceans. In addition, the work undertaken through OSPAR and the Barcelona Convention on the identification of Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas, and the development of representative networks of MPAs including not only national waters but also the high seas, is of particular relevance for cetacean conservation. This workshop proposes to examine best ways to spatially manage threats to marine mammals in Europe and adjacent seas both within and beyond MPAs. Attention will be paid to the areas covered by the two Regional Agreements, including the area of overlap. The intention is to draw upon the direct experiences of policy makers, managers and scientists using case studies where appropriate from Europe and beyond; and to examine possible approaches to improve MPA management so that it can deal with the wide range of threats that impact marine mammal populations throughout their range. Emphasis should be placed upon consideration of large zoned MPAs and the incorporation of multiple species across marine taxa as well as more general ecosystem considerations. The workshop will run from 9.30 am until 6.00 pm, and will have session themes covering both Problems and possible Solutions, followed by a general discussion session. There will be a charge of 25 euros per person. Anyone interested in participating or offering a talk, please contact me at <peter.evans(a)bangor.ac.uk>. Further details with a programme will be sent closer to the date of the workshop to those who have registered to attend. best regards, Peter Evans on behalf of Workshop Organising Committee -- Dr Peter G.H. Evans Director Sea Watch Foundation, Ewyn y Don, Bull Bay, Amlwch, Isle of Anglesey Wales LL68 9SD Hon. Senior Lecturer School of Ocean Sciences, University of Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Wales LL59 5AB Tel: 01407-832892 Mobile: 0776-556-6102 E-mail: peter.evans(a)bangor.ac.uk> -- Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig / Registered Charity No. 1141565 Gall y neges e-bost hon, ac unrhyw atodiadau a anfonwyd gyda hi, gynnwys deunydd cyfrinachol ac wedi eu bwriadu i'w defnyddio'n unig gan y sawl y cawsant eu cyfeirio ato (atynt). Os ydych wedi derbyn y neges e-bost hon trwy gamgymeriad, rhowch wybod i'r anfonwr ar unwaith a dil�wch y neges. Os na fwriadwyd anfon y neges atoch chi, rhaid i chi beidio � defnyddio, cadw neu ddatgelu unrhyw wybodaeth a gynhwysir ynddi. Mae unrhyw farn neu safbwynt yn eiddo i'r sawl a'i hanfonodd yn unig ac nid yw o anghenraid yn cynrychioli barn Prifysgol Bangor. Nid yw Prifysgol Bangor yn gwarantu bod y neges e-bost hon neu unrhyw atodiadau yn rhydd rhag firysau neu 100% yn ddiogel. Oni bai fod hyn wedi ei ddatgan yn uniongyrchol yn nhestun yr e-bost, nid bwriad y neges e-bost hon yw ffurfio contract rhwymol - mae rhestr o lofnodwyr awdurdodedig ar gael o Swyddfa Cyllid Prifysgol Bangor. www.bangor.ac.uk This email and any attachments may contain confidential material and is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you must not use, retain or disclose any information contained in this email. Any views or opinions are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of Bangor University. Bangor University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of the text of the email, this email is not intended to form a binding contract - a list of authorised signatories is available from the Bangor University Finance Office. www.bangor.ac.uk

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ECS Workshop on Best Practise in Rescue
by Sarah Dolman 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Dear ECS and MARMAM members The Science Advisory Committee of the European Cetacean Society is holding a full day workshop entitled 'Best Practise in Rescue' at the 27th ECS Annual Conference in Setubal, Portugal on Sunday 7th April 2013. Marine mammal strandings and entanglements generate a significant welfare issue on the coasts and in the seas of Europe. Such events elicit a strong response from humans to intervene for the perceived benefit of the individuals concerned. Appropriate action has the potential to return an animal to the wild to become a fully integrated and productive member of the local population and species as a whole. However, inappropriate action, despite the good intentions driving it, can exacerbate the animal welfare problem and potentially have more serious consequences for the welfare and conservation of the individual, species and other species living in the same environment. The Science Advisory Committee has agreed that this is an appropriate topic for discussion in its series of 'Best Practice' workshops, with a view to making suitable recommendations for rescue, and invites scientists and rescuers directly or indirectly involved with this field, or with opinions on this matter to participate in this workshop. The workshop is open to any ECS member and is free of charge. Please email me if you would like to sign up to attend (sarah.dolman(a)whales.org<mailto:sarah.dolman@whales.org>). Many thanks, Sarah Dolman, workshop co-organiser Sarah.dolman(a)whales.org<mailto:Sarah.dolman@whales.org> [WDC - Whale and Dolphin Conservation]<http://www.whales.org/> Sarah Dolman Head of policy - Scotland Telephone: +44 (0)1316 617 722 Mobile: +44 (0)783 449 8275 WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Scottish Dolphin Centre Spey Bay Moray IV32 7PJ United Kingdom whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC on Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/whales.org> [WDC on Twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org> [WDC on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <http://www.whales.org/wdcsblog.php> [WDC E-Newsletter] <http://www.whales.org/newsletter> [http://www.wdcs.co.uk/media/images/EmailSignatureImages/Campaigns/WDCSchang…]<http://www.whales.org/wdc.php> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC") is a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02737421) and a registered charity (in England and Wales No. 1014705, in Scotland No. SC040231) WDC Shop is a trading name of WDC (Trading) Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02593116) Registered office : Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ. Tel: +44 (0)1249 449 500 This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify us and remove it from your system. ________________________________

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SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON HAWAIIAN SPINNER DOLPHINS
by Julian Tyne 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Seeking field assistants for research on Hawaiian spinner dolphins PROJECT SUMMARY This project will be extended until the end of March 2013, and as a consequence I am looking for interested parties who would be available as soon as possible from now until March 31st 2013 to help collect land based theodolite data, vessel scans and focal follow data on spinner dolphins in their resting bays along the Kona Coast of Hawai'i Island. I am seeking experienced research assistants to join the existing team for my PhD field work that aims to a) quantify possible effects of human interactions on spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in resting bays in Hawaii and b) assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a proposed mitigation tool. This is the first stage of a long-term project on spinner dolphins along the west coast of the Island of Hawaii by Murdoch University, Western Australia (http://mucru.org/ <http://mucru.org/)%20> ) and Duke University, North Carolina (http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/ <http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/> ). The project aims to collect baseline data on the local abundance, distribution and behaviour of spinner dolphins using a suite of modern visual and acoustic techniques in four spinner dolphin resting bays in Hawaii. These data will be used to determine residency and fidelity patterns and investigate the possible effects of human interactions on the spinner dolphins and to assess the effectiveness of time-area closures as a mitigation approach. This will assist in determining the long-term viability of the spinner dolphin population and the sustainability and management of the human interactions within the resting bays. FIELD WORK Where possible, the movements and behaviour of spinner dolphins and boats will be studied from local cliff tops overlooking spinner dolphin resting bays using a digital theodolite. Theodolite data will be used to derive time series of information on activity state, path sinuosity, speed, and synchronicity of schools. Boat based group focal follow surveys will be conducted along the west coast of the Island of Hawaii both inside and outside resting bays. Field work will be physically and at times mentally demanding but you will have the opportunity to observe and gain hands-on experience and improve existing skills in relation to theodolite survey techniques and behavioural observations. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioural ecology or population biology. Research assistants I am seeking skilled research assistants to commence in 10th January 2013. Assistants will help collect theodolite data and group focal follow dataon spinner dolphins in their resting bays and along the Kona Coast of Hawai'i Island. The field season will last until end March 2013. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project fulltime for the fieldwork period. PREREQUISITES 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field 2. Previous field experience with marine wildlife (theodolite tracking and boat handling skills would be advantageous but not a prerequisite). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented, have a positive attitude and good sense of humour as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal science. 4. Be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. Fieldwork will vary between weekends and weekdays. 5. Be prepared to work long days in small team of three-five people Unfortunately, I am unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for travel to Hawai'i and their own living expenses. However, there are a limited number of beds available in shared rooms for $500 per month plus a share of the monthly electricity bill. PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU ARE ABLE TO COMMIT TO THE PROJECT. If you are interested, please provide a short CV, including 2 referees (1 academic) that you are happy for me to contact, and cover letter attention of Julian Tyne (j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au) ______________________________________________________________ Julian Tyne * j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au <mailto:*j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> PhD Candidate, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystem Research Faculty of Sustainability, Environmental and Life Sciences Murdoch University South Street Murdoch WA 6150 http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/ http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners http://www.facebook.com/MUCRU

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Master's programme in Marine Mammal Science
by Sonja Heinrich 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Master's programmes at the University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK - Marine Mammal Science & Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems We are currently accepting applications for our Master's programmes at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, UK for 2013/14 entry. The Master's degrees require students to undertake two taught semesters (120 credits) followed by an independent research project of three months duration (60 credits, for the one year MRes), or 12 months duration (for the two year MPhil). During the taught semesters students undertake intensive training in quantitative methods, research techniques and study current issues in a broad range of topics. Teaching is done by means of lectures, student-led seminars and tutorials. Practicals involve lab work, field excursions, modelling and computer-based data analysis. The Master's in Marine Mammal Science (MRes MMS )is taught by members of the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), the School of Biology and the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) which are part of the Scottish Oceans Institute at the University of St Andrews. This unique programme is now being offered in its seventh year. The MRes MMS has been designed to prepare students fully for a professional career involved with conservation of and research into marine mammals. Optional modules reflect the research strengths of the SMRU covering biologging, bioacoustics and behaviour, as well as estimating animal abundance (taught by experts at CREEM). The option field course, Predator ecology in Polar Ecosystems, involves a vessel-based field expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula (requires additional payment of a substantial expedition fee). For detailed information on programme content, entry requirements and how to apply please refer to the MRes MMS website: http://bio.st-andrews.ac.uk/mms/. The Master's in Ecosystem-based Management of Marine Systems (MRes EMMS) is jointly organised and delivered by the Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI) at St Andrews and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) at the West coast of Scotland. Students study marine environments from the tropics to polar regions as integrated systems, exploring interconnections between the physical environment, biodiversity and the impacts of human activity and resource use. One of the optional modules, Tropical marine systems, involves a field trip to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia (requires additional payment of an expedition fee). For detailed information on programme content, entry requirements and how to apply please refer to the MRes EMMS website: http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/pageset.aspx?psr=458 Applications for the upcoming academic year (starting September 2013) must be received by Friday, 05 April 2013, and should be submitted online via the St Andrews Postgraduate Admission Portal: (http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/admissions/pg/apply//Howtoapply/<http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/admissions/pg/apply/Howtoapply/>). Please get in touch if you have further questions, via email: mresbiology(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:mresmammals@st-andrews.ac.uk> Best wishes from St Andrews, Sonja Dr Sonja Heinrich Course Director, MRes Marine Mammal Science The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland: No SC013532

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binoculars with integrated compass and laser rangefinder
by Jérôme COUVAT 21 Jan '13

21 Jan '13

Dear MARMAMers, For several years we have been collecting data on the movements of fin and sperm whales in the PELAGOS Sanctuary. During our data collection the position of the whale is taken with its bearing and distance from our sailing boat (observer usually between 3 and 5m above the sea surface) using binoculars with an integrated compass and reticle scale. However, hoping to increase the accuracy of our distance measurements we were wandering if anyone has heard of or is using binoculars with integrated compass and laser rangefinder all in one, and if they have some feedback on these. Thank you very much. Jerome Couvat Project Manager at Souffleurs d'Ecume jerome.couvat(a)souffleursdecume.com

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Whale Stranding Indonesia website
by Putu Liza Mustika 20 Jan '13

20 Jan '13

Dear colleagues, It's with a great pleasure I announce you the new Whale Stranding Indonesia website: <http://www.whalestrandingindonesia.com> http://www.whalestrandingindonesia.com This website is created to compile, analyse and present stranding events in Indonesia in a systematic and easy-to-use manner. The administrators are from Marine Mammals Indonesia mailing list; website design and webmaster are Stefan Baier and Wong Ee Phin from <http://www.wildandscience.com> www.wildandscience.com in Malaysia. We currently have almost 100 stranding cases from 1987 to January 2013. We haven't finished the data entry yet; we're at 87 cases now. But we're hoping that the whole data will be entered by late this month. We also are still building the query system for the website, so that users can search for stranding events based on place/province, species and year. Inputs and additional data are welcome through my email. Thank you and sincerely, Icha Dr Putu Liza Kusuma Mustika ('Icha') putu.liza(a)my.jcu.edu.au http://putuliza.blogspot.com

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Cape Fur Seal distribution on South Atlantic
by Joana Hancock 19 Jan '13

19 Jan '13

Dear all, There were a couple of unusual sitings of what we think are Cape Fur Seals (/Artocephalus pusillus pusillus/) in the Guinea Gulf islands, and we are preparing a short note on the occurrence. Looking for papers on their range and distribution, we only found some information (vagrant in Angola and Gabon) but we are lacking references. We would be very grateful if someone can send us the following papers, or shed some light in any information that may be useful: Oosthuizen, W.H. (1991) General movements of South African (Cape) fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus from analysis of recoveries of tagged animals. South African Journal of Marine Science, Volume 11, Issue 1, p.21-26. Mecenero, S., Roux, J.P., Underhill, L.G. & M.N. Bester (2010) Diet of Cape fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus at three mainland breeding colonies in Namibia. 1. Spatial variation. African Journal of Marine Science. Volume 28, Issue 1, p.57-71. Many thanks for your assistance, With best regards, Joana Hancock -

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ECS PAMGUARD Workshop - Places still available
by Olivia Harries 18 Jan '13

18 Jan '13

The “Introduction to PAMGUARD" workshop at the 27th ECS Conference 2013 will teach participants how to use PAMGUARD effectively in the field. Participants will be taught by experienced PAM operators and developers through a series of classroom lectures and computer sessions. This workshop should appeal to those looking for an introduction to passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). The workshop will give attendees intense training in using PAMGUARD; ultimately increasing their knowledge and understanding of marine mammal acoustics and its practical applications in the field. Course content will include an introduction to marine mammal and underwater acoustics, the practical application of PAM in marine mammal research and conservation, analysis software and why we use PAMGUARD and a PAMGUARD tutorial (this will be the primary focus). Participants will need to bring their own laptop, mouse and headphones. We are hoping to include as many practical scenarios as possible to fully immerse participants in the use of PAMGUARD.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. The workshop will be delivered on the 7th April 2013 at 27th ECS Conference, Setubal, Portugal between 09:30 and 18:30 The cost of the course will be €25 which will be payable on the morning of the workshop. To reserve a place or for further information, please email Olivia Harries at biodiversityofficer(a)hwdt.org Course numbers are limited and will be issued on a first-come-first-served basis, so contact us now to avoid disappointment.

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