October 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Research assistant position NEW ZEALAND - common dolphin photoID
by Anna Meissner 23 Oct '13

23 Oct '13

Enthusiastic individuals with a keen interest in dolphin studies are invited to assist with a PhD study investigating common dolphin ecology (* Delphinus* sp.) in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. This PhD project is part of the ongoing research of the New Zealand Common Dolphin Project (NZCDP) and the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz) PROJECT BACKGROUND: This project aims to explore the distribution, habitat use and site fidelity of common dolphins (*Delphinus* sp.) in an oceanic environment: the East Coast Bay of Plenty, and assess the effects of local tourism on dolphin population. Photo-identification is used to assess common dolphin abundance and site fidelity in the region. DATES: November 2013 – February 2014. A minimum commitment of 2 months is requested. Priority will be given to candidates who can commit for longer periods. LOCATION: Tauranga, New Zealand RESPONSIBILITIES & FIELD WORK OPPORTUNITY: Analysis of photo-identification data, including assistance with photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, maintenance of long-term photo-id catalogue using a MS Access database. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days analysing photographs and matching them with the existing photo-identification catalogue. PREREQUISITES: . Be meticulous, reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient. . Have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research. . Speak fluent English . Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude . Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation . Previous experience in photo-ID on small cetaceans will be considered. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS but no required: . Photo-identification experience APPLICATION PROCESS: This is a volunteer position, so there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. However, help can be provided to find accommodation. Assistants will be responsible for travel to Tauranga and their own living expenses. Applicants should email a letter of interest outlining relevant experience and motivation for participation, as well as a CV and the contacts for referees to Anna Meissner a.m.meissner(a)massey.ac.nz Early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. Kindest regards, Anna Meissner ------------------------------------------------- Anna M. Meissner PhD student Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore City, 0745 Auckland, New Zealand Tel: +64 9 414 0800 ext 41520 Cell: +64 22 603 6646 Fax: +64 9 443 9790 Email: a.m.meissner(a)massey.ac.nz Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz -------------------------------------------------

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21st Annual BC Marine Mammal Symposium
by Robertson, Frances 23 Oct '13

23 Oct '13

Dear List Members, We are pleased to announce that registration for the 21st Annual BC Marine Mammal Symposium is now open. Specifics of the meeting are detailed below and may also be found on the following webpage http://www.marinemammal.org/2013/10/21st-annual-b-c-marine-mammal-symposium… We look forward to seeing you on the 23 November. 21st Annual B.C. MARINE MAMMAL SYMPOSIUM Saturday, November 23, 2013 – 9:30am – 5:00pm UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH LABORATORY GROUND FLOOR, AERL, 2202 MAIN MALL VANCOUVER, B.C. V6T 1Z4 Registration Fee: Advanced: $0 (pre-register by Nov 15) Late: $5 (cash only at the door) Join us for presentations as well as discussion on issues that concern us all. This meeting is open to researchers, educators and businesses involved with marine mammals and anyone in one or more of these categories is welcome to attend. Please email bc.symposium(a)fisheries.ubc.ca<mailto:bc.symposium@fisheries.ubc.ca> before November15, 2013, to indicate that you plan to attend. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, but we need to know how many people to plan for. There will also be a social evening (6:00-9:00 pm) where beer and pizza can be purchased. The Agenda will be distributed at the meeting. Please email bc.symposium(a)fisheries.ubc.ca<mailto:bc.symposium@fisheries.ubc.ca> before November 15, 2013 if you would like to make a five minute presentation about your research. Longer presentations on topics of general interest are welcomed. We would also like to know if there are any issues that should be discussed by the group at large. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at: 9:30 am on Saturday, November 23, 2013 Telephone: (604) 822-8181 Email: bc.symposium(a)fisheries.ubc.c<mailto:bc.symposium@fisheries.ubc.ca> Frances C. Robertson PhD Candidate Marine Mammal Research Unit Fisheries Centre University of British Columbia Canada: 604 339 4967 US: 360 420 4403 www.distantfin.net<https://www.mail.ubc.ca/owa/www.distantfin.net> http://www.marinemammal.org/MMRU2/personnel/frances-robertson/

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MMO & PAM positions in NZ waters
by Recruitment 23 Oct '13

23 Oct '13

Dear MMOs and PAM operators, We invite applications for a seismic survey in New Zealand waters, for the first quarter of 2014. Please specify your availability. For this particular contract, applicants must have experience in NZ waters (ideally 12 weeks); however, Ocean Science Consulting Ltd (www.osc.co.uk) operates worldwide and always welcomes applicants for work elsewhere. Positions: 2 x MMOs & 2 x PAM operators Platform: seismic vessel Duration: 5/7 week rotations (tbc) Location: New Zealand Subject to suitable qualifications and experience, work is typically awarded on a first-come-first-served basis. Due to volume of recruitment mail, we are unable to respond to all applicants, sorry, so please do not expect an acknowledgement. We also cannot respond to specific questions about contracts, as this information is reserved for successful applicants only. Please apply by email only to recruitment(a)osc.co.uk; recruitment enquiries to other OSC email addresses will be deleted. Please feel free to circulate this email amongst colleagues looking for work. If the applicant is not already on our database, we will require a CV (Word format) that includes, inter alia, a current phone number, with copies (ideally JPEGs) of offshore survival and medical certs including any vaccinations (all of which should be listed on CVs along with expiry details for quick reference), passport, any resident permit(s), any visa(s), driver's licence(s), and degree certs. Note that only a CV is required in the first instant for short-listing candidates, so the rest is optional. Clients are increasingly requesting evidence of any science / engineering degrees (e.g. marine biology, oceanography, acoustics, signal processing), so be prepared to follow up immediately with necessary documents in the event that you receive a phone call. If you've provided documents previously, rest assured they are already on file and you should not resend them; be aware that when the same applicants regularly bombard us with the same attached documents, we have no choice but to delete their emails as they otherwise clog up our inbox/server; however, we do encourage all applicants to send us updated CVs or replacement scans for expired offshore survival/medical certs, or simply contact us to provide an update on your availability. Thanks and kind regards, Recruitment Team -- Recruitment Dept OSC Limited Ocean House 4 Brewery Lane Belhaven, Dunbar East Lothian, Scotland EH42 1PD T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk

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World Cetacean Alliance Conference, 6-7 November 2013
by William Rossiter 22 Oct '13

22 Oct '13

The World Cetacean Alliance's first conference will convene in Gloucester. Massachusetts, USA, on 6-7 November 2013. The Alliance's purpose is to work collectively to protect whales, dolphins, and porpoises and their habitats. For further information please visit the conference website at: http://www.planetwhale.com/conferences-2013-home <http://www.planetwhale.com/conferences-2013-home> World Cetacean Alliance Agenda /Wednesday 6th November DAY 1 Funding, Science, and Governance SESSION 1. WELCOME 9:00 -- 10:00. Refreshments. 9:30 -- 10:00. Welcome and thanks. Speakers Dylan Walker (WCA Secretariat), Bill Rossiter (co-hosts Cetacean Society International) and Keith Takaoka (Conference supporter BiLLe Fund Ltd) introduce the conference 10:00 -- 10:30. WORKSHOP ACTIVITY: How much do we really know about cetaceans? 10:30 -- 11:00. PRESENTATION. WCA and a crowdsourcing future for whales and dolphins. Speaker Dylan Walker, WCA Secretariat 11:00 -- 11:30. Refreshments break SESSION 2. PUTTING CETACEANS ON THE MAP! 11:30 -- 12:00. PRESENTATION: Putting cetaceans on the map. Setting our global and regional priorities. Speaker Thorsten Lisker, WCA individual partner 12:00 -- 13:00. WORKSHOP ACTIVITY. Putting cetaceans on the map -- delivering a programme for global change 13:00 -- 14:00. Lunch SESSION 3. FUNDING 14:00 -- 14:45. PRESENTATION: Hitting the jackpot! How the BiLLe Fund Ltd plans to provide vital funding support for the WCA and its partners through a unique donations-based strategy. Q& A to follow. Speaker Keith Takaoka, BiLLe Fund Ltd 14:45 -- 15:15. PRESENTATION: WhaleFest -- global platform of the World Cetacean Alliance and fund-raising opportunity. Q&A to follow. Speaker Ian Rowlands, WhaleFest co-founder SESSION 4. GOVERNANCE: HOW THE WORLD CETACEAN ALLIANCE WILL WORK? 15:15 -- 15:45. PRESENTATION. Developing the roles, responsibilities, and workings of a global partnership. Advice from BirdLife International -- the world's largest partnership of conservation organizations. Speaker John Fanshawe, BirdLife International 15:45 -- 16:00. Refreshments break 16:00 -- 16:15. PRESENTATION. Current structure of the WCA and intro to the workshop. Speaker Dylan Walker, WCA Secretariat 16:15 -- 17:30. Discussion and workshop activities to determine the working framework for the World Cetacean Alliance. 17:30. Close Evening cinema outing -- BlackFish Movie plus Q&A 19:30pm -- 21:30. See the movie BlackFish at the Gloucester Community Cinema followed by a Q&A with experts and contributors to the film, Dr Ingrid N. Visser and Dr Naomi Rose Thursday 7th November DAY 2 Campaigns SESSION 1: Issues from around the world 9:00 -- 9:30 Refreshments 9:30 -- 10:45. Short talks and discussions on the issues that matter to you This series of short presentations and discussions will highlight the campaigns of the partners and other delegates, followed by a discussion on how the WCA and the partnership intends to provide support for these and other campaigns. Speakers will include: · Patricia Sullivan talks cetaceans in the Middle East. Endangered humpback whales plus captivity · Michael Fishbach (The Great Whale Conservancy) talks blue whales and ship strikes in the USA · Sami Mhenni (Houtiyat) talks interactions between dolphins and purse seine nets and the implementation of dolphin watching in Tunisia · Dr Ingrid N. Visser (Orca Research Trust) talks about the Trust's work in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Antarctica, plus Punta Norte Orca Research's work in Argentina · Floppy (Jo) Halliday (Whale Rescue) talks about the work of the organization in New Zealand More short talks will be announced shortly... 10.45 -- 11.15. Drinks refreshments 11.15 -- 11.45. PRESENTATION AND MAJOR CAMPAIGN FOCUS: Maui's dolphin campaign update Speaker Barbara Maas, Nabu International (via video recording) SESSION 2: Free the Captive Orca -- major campaign focus 11:45 -- 12:00. PRESENTATON: Introducing the captive orca issue and activity Speaker Dylan Walker, WCA Secretariat 12:00 -- 13:15. KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: David Kirby, author of 'Death at SeaWorld', talks about the lives of captive killer whales. Includes Q&A Speaker David Kirby, author 13:15 -- 14:00. Lunch and book signing by David Kirby 14:00 -- 14:05. Activity review 14:05 -- 15:10. PRESENTATION: Freeing Morgan and the WCA orca campaign, including current progress, anticipated impact, and support required. Includes Q&A Speaker Dr Ingrid N. Visser, Orca Research Trust 15:10 -- 15:15. Activity review 15:15 -- 15:30. Refreshment break 15:30 -- 16:30. WORKSHOP. Your thoughts and ideas on how to run the most effective campaign possible. Any resolutions will be passed at the AGM at 17:30. 16:30 -- 17:00. World Orca Day and the Orca Awards! Presented by Dr Ingrid N. Visser 17:00 -- 17:30. Closing session 17:30 -- 18:30. AGM, election of trustees and the interim Global Council, and the passing of resolutions discussed during conference./ * *

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Bio-Waves Passive Acoustic Technician training course, Feb 2014
by Julie Oswald 21 Oct '13

21 Oct '13

Bio-Waves, Inc. is pleased to announce that registration ( www.bio-waves.com/education) is now open for our Passive Acoustic Technician training course scheduled to occur Monday, February 10th through Friday February 14th, 2014. This 4.5 day course combines lectures covering concepts, theory and methods with hands-on demonstrations and computer training. The aim of the course is to give participants a working knowledge of passive acoustic hardware, software and methods used to monitor marine mammals. The training course will familiarize individuals with passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) equipment and best practices, as well as offer instruction for troubleshooting and field repairs. We will teach the basic skills required to prepare individuals for work as passive acoustic field and post processing technicians. It will be held at the San Diego Supercomputer Center on the University of California, San Diego campus in La Jolla, California. The training course will include the following: · An introduction to the physics of underwater sound (lectures) · An introduction to marine mammal acoustics (lectures) · An introduction to PAM hardware such as hydrophones, sonobuoys and autonomous recorders (lectures and demo) · Instruction on the design, setup, troubleshooting and repair of towed hydrophone array systems (Demo and hands-on training) · Training in software used to detect, localize, and classify sounds produced by marine mammals (lectures, computer laboratory work and demos) · Training in software used to review and post-process acoustic data (lectures and computer laboratory work) · Lectures on the role of passive acoustic methods in mitigation and marine mammal monitoring · Lectures on best practices for effective acoustic data collection and management · Guest lectures from subject area experts (e.g., scientists from local research institutes such as UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography presenting current research projects) At the conclusion of the course, participants will have gained a working knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of passive acoustic system design, operations, and maintenance. They will have had hands-on experience with a variety of software programs commonly used during real-time field operations and for data review and analysis. Additionally, participants will have performed specific tasks (e.g. repairing cables, troubleshooting acoustic systems etc.), and will receive a set of materials for reference in the field. For those participants that are interested, we are pleased to offer course credit for the training course through the University of California, San Diego's Extension Program. Four quarter units are available to those who are interested via a separate UCSD application and fees. To register or obtain more information about the course please visit ( www.bio-waves.com/education) A $300 non-refundable deposit towards $1,450 total fee will be required to secure your position in the course, and a minimum number of participants must be registered by Wednesday, January 8th, 2014 (deposits will be refunded if the minimum is not met prior to this date and we will notify all registrants). Limited space is available at a discounted rate for groups or graduate students; discounts are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact education(a)bio-waves.net with any questions. We look forward to seeing you this coming winter! -- "If you have the desire for knowledge and the power to give it physical expression, go out and explore" -Apsley Cherry-Garrard

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Analyst/Programmer Position in Alaska
by Small, Robert J (DFG) 21 Oct '13

21 Oct '13

The Marine Mammals Research Program of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is recruiting for an Analyst-Programmer position. The position is full-time and permanent, and the selected candidate will aid in the management, storage, access, and analysis of marine mammal research data. The ADF&G Marine Mammals Research Program is a research team currently focused on ice seals, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, walruses, belugas, and bowhead whales; additional information may be found on the program's website: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=marinemammalprogram.main A significant portion of the near-term data management tasks for this Analyst-Programmer position will involve designing a data management system and consolidating and migrating these data into SQL Server and creating user interfaces using Access or web-based programming languages. The incumbent will also conduct analyses independently and with staff biometricians and biologists; as such, there will be opportunities to be involved in scientific publications and field work. In addition to solid technical skills, the ideal applicant for this position will have a biological background (or experience working with biological data), excellent analytical skills, and interest in facilitating research on Alaska's marine mammals. The incumbent should have a strong interest in ecology, dedication to developing and delivering datasets with high integrity, and have experience working in a collaborative environment. Full details about the recruitment for this position may be found here: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/alaska/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=74…

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FW: New Publication on cetacean responses to sesimic surveys
by Thompson, Professor Paul M. 21 Oct '13

21 Oct '13

Our new paper on responses of harbour porpoises to a seismic survey is now available via Open Access at: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/280/1771/20132001.full.pdf+h… Thompson, P.M., Brookes, K.L., Graham, I.M., Barton, T.R., Needham, K., Bradbury, G. & Merchant, N.D. (2013) Short-term disturbance by a commercial two-dimensional seismic survey does not lead to long-term displacement of harbour porpoises. Proceedings of the Royal Society, B. 280 20132001; doi:10.1098/rspb.2013.2001 Abstract Assessments of the impact of offshore energy developments are constrained because it is not known whether fine-scale behavioural responses to noise lead to broader-scale displacement of protected small cetaceans. We used passive acoustic monitoring and digital aerial surveys to study changes in the occurrence of harbour porpoises across a 2000 km2 study area during a commercial two-dimensional seismic survey in the North Sea. Acoustic and visual data provided evidence of group responses to airgun noise from the 470 cu inch array over ranges of 5–10 km, at received peak-to-peak sound pressure levels of 165–172 dB re 1 µPa and sound exposure levels (SELs) of 145–151 dB re 1 µPa2 s−1. However, animals were typically detected again at affected sites within a few hours, and the level of response declined through the 10 day survey. Overall, acoustic detections decreased significantly during the survey period in the impact area compared with a control area, but this effect was small in relation to natural variation. These results demonstrate that prolonged seismic survey noise did not lead to broader-scale displacement into suboptimal or higher-risk habitats, and suggest that impact assessments should focus on sub-lethal effects resulting from changes in foraging performance of animals within affected sites. The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

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Senior Marine Mammal Specialist/Marine Biologist Position at Hemmera
by Marianne Gilbert 17 Oct '13

17 Oct '13

Hemmera is looking for an exceptional candidate to fill a Senior Marine Mammal Specialist position. Position overview: We are looking for a Senior Leader and expert in Marine Mammals based in British Columbia, Canada, to be the technical lead for our team of marine specialists, leading, directing and managing highly technical studies on exciting projects in BC. Through this role you will also help Hemmera build long-term capacity and opportunity for further marine mammal related work in BC, Canada and the US. Ideally you will be well published, possess highly effective team and communication skills as well as knowledge and experience in environmental assessment, and recent experience providing technical solutions to industry that may affect marine mammals. To learn more, please visit Hemmera's career page: http://www.hemmera.com/careers/career-opportunities Marianne Gilbert Marine Ecologist and Planner HEMMERA Suite 250 - 1380 Burrard Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 2H3 tel: 604.669.0424 ext. 507 mobile: 778.886.1373 web: www.Hemmera.com<http://www.hemmera.com/> Hemmera is Creating Opportunities through responsive client service and environmental expertise. PPlease consider the environment before printing this e-mail. Read Hemmera's newsletter<http://www.hemmera.com/news/newsletters>

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Marine Mammal Genomes
by Andy Foote 17 Oct '13

17 Oct '13

Dear colleagues, The first high coverage genome sequences of marine mammal species are now publicly available: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/170427 This data has been generated at significant cost and effort by a collaboration between the University of Copenhagen and Baylor College for Medicine. The decision to make the data public prior to publication was based on the lack of a high quality reference genome that would aid other genomic studies, for example by providing a mapping reference for RADseq data. This is in keeping with principles set out in the Toronto, Bermuda and Ft. Lauderdale meetings/reports: http://www.genome.gov/pages/research/wellcomereport0303.pdf We hope that resource users will also respect and follow these principles and would contact us before publishing any large-scale analyses of the data, so that we can coordinate with our own publication of the data we have generated. Andrew Foote

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New publication on potential climate change effects on the diet of minke whales
by Gisli Vikingsson 17 Oct '13

17 Oct '13

Dear colleagues We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article on potential effects of climate change on the feeding ecology of common minke whales: Víkingsson, G.A., Elvarsson, B.Þ, Ólafsdóttir, D., sigurjónsson, J., Chosson, v. and Galan, A. 2013. Recent changes in the diet composition of common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Icelandic waters. A consequence of climate change? Marine Biology Research, 10:2, 138-152, DOI: 10.1080/17451000.2013.793812 Abstract The common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) is the most abundant mammalian top predator in Icelandic continental shelf waters. Here, an account is given on the first systematic research programme into the feeding ecology of common minke whales in Icelandic waters based on an analysis of minke whale stomach contents data collected in Icelandic waters during 20032007. The results show pronounced spatial and temporal variation in the diet. The temporal changes include a decrease in the proportion of sandeel in the diet over the study period and a corresponding increase in herring (Clupea haerengus) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), particularly in the southern area. The diet also differed markedly from the previously available, limited data from Icelandic waters with less krill and the cold water species capelin (Mallotus villosus) and more gadoids and herring in the more recent period. These changes in diet composition are consistent with recent changes in the Icelandic continental shelf ecosystem, including increased sea surface and bottom temperatures and changes in distribution and abundance of several fish species, including sandeel (Ammodytidae) and capelin. Although natural fluctuations cannot be ruled out at this stage, these dietary changes, together with decreased abundance in coastal waters, may reflect the responses of minke whales to a changed environment possibly driven by global warming. The article can be obtained at the Journal website http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/smar20#.Ul_4YlMshDI or by a request for a pdf to gisli(a)hafro.is Regards -- Gísli A. Víkingsson Head of Whale Research Marine Research Institute Skulagata 4 PO Box 1390 121 Reykjavík Iceland Tel. +354 575 2000 Fax +354 575 2001 Email: gisli(a)hafro.is www.hafro.is If you experience difficulties with this email, please try: gisliviking(a)gmail.com

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