October 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on killer whales of the Strait of Gibraltar
by Ruth Esteban 08 Oct '13

08 Oct '13

Dear Colleagues, The following paper was recently published in Journal of Marine Biological Association of the UK "Identifying key habitat and seasonal patterns of a critically endangered population of killer whales"<http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=90…> . *Abstract* Killer whales have been described in the Gulf of Cadiz, southern Spain, in spring and in the Strait of Gibraltar in summer. A total of 11,276 cetaceans sightings coming from different sources (dedicated research surveys, whale watching companies and opportunistic observations) were used to create two presence–‘pseudo-absence’ predictive generalized additive models (GAM), where presence data were defined as sightings of killer whales and ‘pseudo-absence’ data as sightings of other cetacean species. One model was created using spring data when killer whales’ main prey, Atlantic bluefin tuna, enter the Mediterranean Sea, and the other model used summer data when Atlantic bluefin tuna return to the Atlantic Ocean. Both model predictions show that killer whales are highly associated with a probable distribution of bluefin tuna during their migration throughout the study area, constraining their distribution to the Gulf of Cadiz in spring and the Strait of Gibraltar in spring and summer. Knowledge of the distribution of killer whales in the study area is essential to establish conservation measures for this population. It is available from publisher website ( http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=90…) or by request to this email. Kind Regards Ruth Esteban. -- *Ruth Esteban* *CIRCE (Conservation Information and Research on Cetaceans)* *C/Cabeza de Manzaneda 3* *C.P. Pelayo-Algeciras (Cadiz) Spain* *+34675837508*

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VOLUNTEER RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION for research on southern Australian bottlenose dolphins in South Australia
by Nikki Zanardo 08 Oct '13

08 Oct '13

SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON SOUTHERN AUSTRALIAN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS IN METROPOLITAN ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA Fieldwork dates: Volunteers are needed beginning the 15th December 2013 until the 31st of August 2014. Application deadline: 28th October 2013 Project title: Ecology of the endemic southern Australian bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops australis) in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. Institution: Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL); Flinders University; South Australia www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au> / www.facebook.com/CEBELresearch<http://www.facebook.com/CEBELresearch> Overview: I am seeking experienced field assistants to assist with boat-based photo-ID and biopsy sampling of bottlenose dolphins in metropolitan Adelaide in South Australia, beginning the 15th of December 2013 until the 31st of August 2014. * Commitment to the full duration, or large periods, of this time will be highly favoured. This project aims to collect baseline information on the abundance, habitat use and social structure of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops australis) in metropolitan Adelaide to improve the scientific basis for their conservation and management. This is an opportunity to gain experience in field techniques for small cetacean research and contribute to a project with very high conservation and management value. Duties: Searching for dolphins, driving of the boat, photo identification, assistance in biopsy sampling, recording field observations, equipment cleaning and, data entry (incl. fin matching). Expectations: Field assistants need to be adaptable and patient as weather is highly dependent. Field work will vary between weekdays and weekends, and assistants will need to be prepared for early morning departures (6-7AM) and long days (6-8 hours) on the water for multiple consecutive days. Expect up to a week between days off, as field work is weather dependent. If the weather isn't right we will NOT be conducting the surveys and will be postponed. Between field days there will be the opportunity for data entry and fin matching of identified individuals. Prerequisites: * Experience of working on a small boat (highly desirable, Coxswain certificate will be highly favoured); * Experience of photo-ID survey techniques (highly desirable); * Experience of field research on small cetaceans (highly desirable); * Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field (desirable) * No history of debilitating seasickness (essential); * Be team-oriented, patient, and have an enthusiastic attitude to hard work, long hours and collecting data on the natural environment (essential); * Fluent in English (highly desirable). Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions, and research assistants will be responsible for their own travel to South Australia and their living expenses. If you are interested, please send a CV, a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience, and contact details of two relevant referees to nikki.zanardo(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:nikki.zanardo@flinders.edu.au> by Monday 28th October 2013. Kind Regards, Nikki ------------------------------------------------------------------- Nikki Zanardo PhD Candidate Cetacean, Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab & Molecular Ecology Lab School of Biological Sciences Flinders University * Tel +61 8 8201 2357 | * nikki.zanardo(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:nikki.zanardo@flinders.edu.au> * www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> | * www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au My Page: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/nikki.zanardo [ZA102637861]<https://www.facebook.com/CEBELresearch> [ZA102637858] <https://twitter.com/Nikkerrrs>

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Request for information about stable isotopes to assess diet on whales
by Alejandra Brito Gómez-Silva 08 Oct '13

08 Oct '13

Hi everyone! My name is Alejandra Brito, I'm a marine biology student in Perú. I'm thinking in doing my thesis in Humpback whales, using stable isotopes to assess their diet. Does anyone has information about studies on carbon and nitrogen isotopes on skin samples of humpback whale in breeding season? And if someone has information about techniques and prosecution of skin samples, I would be very grateful! I know humpback whales are supose not to feed on breeding season, but probably someone has evaluated a possible diet at that season. If anyone can help me with this, you can e-mail me at: alebritogs(a)gmail.com Thanks!

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Lectureship in Conservation Biology (University of Exeter)
by Godley, Brendan 08 Oct '13

08 Oct '13

Dear Colleagues Advertisement for Lectureship in Conservation Biology is now live http://bit.ly/1aiGstW Please disseminate far and wide. This would be to work here at the Centre http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/cec/ And, the candidate would fit within this group http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/cec/research/ecology/members/ We have quite a number of us working on marine vertebrates. With kind regards Brendan Prof. Brendan J. Godley Chair in Conservation Science Centre for Ecology & Conservation University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus TR10 9EZ, UK Tel: +44 1326 371 861 Twitter: @BrendanGodley http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/index.php?web_id=brendan_godley http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/ [Description: Description: cid:image003.gif@01CE0AA5.105E7330]

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Functional convergence of echolocation in bats and toothed whales
by Peter Teglberg Madsen 08 Oct '13

08 Oct '13

Dear All, Sorry for cross posting. We have published a recent review in Physiology that reveals a remarkable functional convergence in the way bats and toothed whales independently have evolved to echolocate with ultrasound. Physiology. 2013 Sep;28(5):276-83. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00008.2013. Functional convergence in bat and toothed whale biosonars. Madsen PT<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Madsen%20PT%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=tru…>, Surlykke A<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Surlykke%20A%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=tr…>. Abstract Echolocating bats and toothed whales hunt and navigate by emission of sound pulses and analysis of returning echoes to form a self-generated auditory scene. Here, we demonstrate a striking functional convergence in the way these two groups of mammals independently evolved the capability to sense with sound in air and water. The paper can be found here: http://physiologyonline.physiology.org/content/28/5/276.long Or pdf request can be made to me peter.madsen(a)biology.au.dk<mailto:peter.madsen@biology.au.dk> or Annemarie Surlykke ams(a)biology.sdu.dk<mailto:ams@biology.sdu.dk> Best Peter Peter T. Madsen Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience Aarhus University, Build. 1131, CF Mollers Alle 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark Phone: 0045 8715 6501 email: peter.madsen(a)biology.au.dk<mailto:peter.madsen@biology.au.dk> Web: www.marinebioacoustics.com<http://www.marinebioacoustics.com> [sender_logo]

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New publication: Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook
by Jane Gardiner 08 Oct '13

08 Oct '13

Dear MARMAM Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that our book is now available for pre-order: Todd, VLG, Todd, IB, Gardiner, JC, and Morrin, ECN (2014): Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring handbook. Pelagic Publishing Ltd, UK. The 'Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook' is the ultimate instruction manual for mitigation measures to minimise man-made acoustical and physical disturbances to marine mammals from industrial and defence activities. Based on more than two decades of offshore experience, and a decade of supplying MMO and PAM services (commercial and scientific), the Handbook is a long-overdue reference guide that seeks to improve standards worldwide for marine operations such as seismic and drilling exploration, wind farm piling, civil engineering, dredging, rock-dumping, and hydrographical surveys. By popular request, this manual will also form an accompaniment to MMO and PAM courses. The Handbook consolidates all aspects of this discipline into one easily accessible resource, to educate all stakeholders (e.g. MMOs, PAM operators, suppliers, recruitment agencies, clients, contractors, regulators, NGOs, consultants, scientists, academia and media), regardless of experience. Topics include worldwide legislation, compliance, anthropogenic noise sources and potential effects, training, offshore life, visual and acoustic monitoring (theory and practice), marine mammal distribution, hearing and vocalisations, and report writing. Advice is provided on implementing sensible and practical mitigation techniques, appropriate technologies, data collection, client and regulator liaison, and project kick-off meetings. A foreword is provided by Dr Phillip J. Clapham. The book is available now for pre-order from the links below. If ordering from Pelagic Publishing before the 31^st March, enter this coupon code (MMOP20) to receive a 20% pre-publication discount. Pelagic publishing: http://www.pelagicpublishing.com/the-marine-mammal-observer-and-passive-aco… NHBS: http://www.nhbs.com/the_marine_mammal_observer_and_passive_acoustic_monitor… Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Observer-Passive-Acoustic-Monitoring-Handbook/dp/19… Kind Regards, Jane Gardiner -- Jane Gardiner Research Assistant Ocean Science Consulting Ltd Spott Road Dunbar, East Lothian Scotland EH42 1RR T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 F: +44 (0)1368 865 729 W: www.osc.co.uk <http://www.osc.co.uk> <http://www.osc.co.uk>

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PhD and Masters Opportunities in Marine Mammal Science
by Carol Scarpaci 07 Oct '13

07 Oct '13

PhD and Masters Opportunities in Marine Mammal Science Victoria University has PhD scholarships available for 2014 for Australian Citizens. Eligible candidates that are interested in pursuing marine mega fauna (marine mammals, sharks, turtles) research in context to anthropogenic pressures (tourism predominantly) please contact Dr Carol Scarpaci (carol.scarpaci(a)vu.edu.au<mailto:carol.scarpaci@vu.edu.au>) to discuss these research options with a brief CV. Applications close on the 30th of October and further information can be found on the following link http://www.vu.edu.au/research/graduate-research-studies/scholarships-for-re… Dr Carol Scarpaci (PhD) Senior Lecturer - BSc (Specialisations in Biotechnology, Chemistry or Environmental Management) Stream Course Co-ordinator -Ecology and Environmental Management College of Engineering and Science Victoria University PO Box 14428 (Werribee Campus) MCMC 8001 Vic Australia Office: 2207 Werribee Campus Telephone: 61 3 9919 2571 Fax 61 3 9919 8284 [Logo-intranet]<http://www.vu.edu.au/> This email, including any attachment, is intended solely for the use of the intended recipient. It is confidential and may contain personal information or be subject to legal professional privilege. If you are not the intended recipient any use, disclosure, reproduction or storage of it is unauthorised. If you have received this email in error, please advise the sender via return email and delete it from your system immediately. Victoria University does not warrant that this email is free from viruses or defects and accepts no liability for any damage caused by such viruses or defects.

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New paper in toxicology of small cetaceans from north coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
by Leila Lemos 07 Oct '13

07 Oct '13

Dear colleagues, the following paper was recently published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety: Small cetaceans found stranded or accidentally captured in southeastern Brazil: Bioindicators of essential and non-essential trace elements in the environment (Leila Soledade Lemos, Jailson Fulgencio de Moura, Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis, Reinaldo Calixto de Campos, Salvatore Siciliano) It can be found on the link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651313003370 or it can be requested to me (leslemos(a)hotmail.com) Abstract:Essential (Cu, Mn, Se and Zn) and non-essential (Cd and Hg) elements were analyzed in the hepatic tissue of 22 individuals of seven different species of small cetaceans (Feresa attenuata; Orcinus orca; Pontoporia blainvillei; Sotalia guianensis; Stenella frontalis; Steno bredanensis; Tursiops truncatus) accidentally caught in fishing nets or found stranded along the northern coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 2001 and 2010. Atlantic spotted dolphin (S. frontalis) showed the highest levels of Cd (20.23 μg g 1, dry weight), while rough-toothed dolphin (S. bredanensis) showed the highest levels of Hg (825.9 μg g 1 dw) and Se (221.9 μg g 1 dw). Killer whale (O. orca) presented the highest levels of Cu (64.80 μg g 1 dw) and Zn (2220μgg1 dw), and Guiana dolphin (S. guianensis), the highest level of Mn (13.05μgg1 dw). Cu, Hg, Mn and Zn in the hepatic tissue of killer whale (O. orca), Cu, Hg, Mn, Se and Zn in the hepatic tissue of rough-toothed dolphin (S. bredanensis) and Cd and Zn in the hepatic tissue of Guiana dolphin (S. guianensis) were significantly higher when compared to other studies with these species around the world. No significant correlations were observed between element accumulation and sex, sexual maturity and body length. An analysis of the interelemental relationships in the Guiana dolphin specimens showed strong positive correlations between Cd and Se, Cu and Zn, and Hg and Se. Differences were observed in the bioaccumulation of elements between the analyzed species, probably related to each species feeding habit, and differences between different element concentrations in the different dolphin species were probably due to the preference for certain preys and their bioavailability in the environment. Thus, the bioavailability of the analyzed elements in the marine environment should also be taken in consideration. This study also presents the first data ever reported for pygmy killer whale(F. attenuata) regarding trace element concentrations in hepatic tissue. Kind regards,Leila Lemos +55 21 81088524

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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Right Whale/Manatee GIS/spatial and mathematical modeling specialist; St. Petersburg, FL
by Reinert, Tom 07 Oct '13

07 Oct '13

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST-FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Position Number: 77071804-51197197 Annual Salary Range: $50,000-52,045 City: SAINT PETERSBURG Facility: FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE Closing Date: 10/23/2013 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify website. FULL ANNOUNCEMENT: http://jobs.myflorida.com/viewjob.html?optlink-view=view-653944&ERFormID=ne… Anticipated Vacancy (11/1/2013) JOB DESCRIPTION Designs and conducts scientific research and monitoring programs that address management concerns for marine mammal conservation. Integrates GIS methods and analytical techniques with spatial databases resulting in spatially-explicit models and analyses of marine mammals including North Atlantic right whales and Florida manatees. Conducts statistical analyses and builds mathematical and spatial models of right whale and manatee populations. Provides statistical inference from existing databases, and assists in the development of efficient sampling designs for the collection of future data. Develop models of marine mammal movements, distributions, risk assessments, and effectiveness of proposed management strategies using empirical data on distribution, habitat variables, and vessel traffic patterns. Consults with and advises government agencies in evaluation of marine mammal information collected by FWC and other agencies. Prepares and administers grant proposals, contracts, and agreements needed to achieve research objectives. Seeks extramural funding. Prepares reports and manuscripts of findings from above studies for Florida's wildlife resource managers and for publication in refereed scientific literature. Responsible for the supervision of assigned personnel with duties including but not limited to: recruitment, training, planning and directing work, reviewing performance. Maintains a professional working environment that promotes teamwork within working units and with other sections in the Institute. EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS A Master's degree in a physical or life science and 3 yrs. of professional experience as described above; or a Doctorate with 1 year of experience. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of wildlife ecology, terminology, principles and techniques used in research of marine mammals or other wildlife species; statistical, spatial, and simulation modeling methods. Ability to collect and maintain scientific data related to population and ecological research, biology and modeling; to perform quantitative analysis and modeling of scientific data; to publish manuscripts in refereed scientific journals; recent demonstrated experience effectively supervising assigned personnel; advanced use of statistical analysis and GIS software; use of word processing, spreadsheet and database software. Skill in use of ARCGIS including programming (such as Python or other scripting languages) and Model builders. TO APPLY Submit a complete an up-to-date State of Florida employment application form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing date listed. Go to: http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com. You may also submit a resume and cover letter in People First as an attachment. Note that supporting documentation does not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida employment application form. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, call People First staffing at 1-877-562-7287. If unable to attach supporting documents to your application, they may be faxed to the People First Service Center at 1-888-403-2110. Be sure to include the Requisition number for the position to which you are applying on each page of your faxed documents. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, eligible veterans and spouses of veterans will receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply. For applicants claiming Veterans' Preference, please attach supporting documentation that includes character of service (for example, DD form 214 Member Copy #4) when you apply for a vacancy. Applicants may also fax their supporting documentation to People First at 1-888-403-2110. All documentation is due by the closing date of the job announcement.

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Fish farming and its appeal to common bottlenose dolphins
by Silvia Bonizzoni 03 Oct '13

03 Oct '13

Dear colleagues, the following article has just been published online: Bonizzoni S., Furey N., Pirotta E., Valavanis V.D., Würsig B., Bearzi G. 2013. Fish farming and its appeal to common bottlenose dolphins: modelling habitat use in a Mediterranean embayment. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems DOI: 10.1002/aqc.2401. ABSTRACT 1. Common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus interact with fish farms in the Mediterranean Sea. These interactions were investigated in a Greek bay by incorporating multiple geographic, bathymetric, oceanographic, and anthropogenic variables. 2. Generalized additive modelling (GAMs) and generalized estimation equations (GEEs) were used to describe dolphin presence. Visual surveys were conducted over 2909 km under favourable viewing conditions that included 54 dolphin group follows for 457 km. Sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) data were obtained from remote sensing imagery, and distances to sources of human influences including fish farms, a ferro-nickel plant, and a slag disposal area were calculated within a geographic information system (GIS). 3. Bottlenose dolphins were encountered mainly in the south-eastern portion of the study area, and occurrence was not clearly related to SST and Chl-a, nor the ferro-nickel plant or nearby slag disposal area. 4. Dolphin occurrence generally increased within 20 km of fish farms, with four farms and dolphins displaying a positive relationship, seven no clear relationship, and two a negative one. 5. While it is likely that uneaten food and other detritus attract dolphin prey, individual farms (or clusters of farms) clearly had a different appeal. The proximity of the ferro-nickel plant and slag disposal area to 'attractive' fish farms could compromise dolphin health, but physiological data are unavailable. 6. The modelling of multiple variables allowed for a description of dolphin habitat use and attraction to some fish farms. More such data and analysed in similar manner would be instructive for other areas where marine mammals and fish farms co-occur. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.2401/abstract If you are unable to download the article from the journal's site, please send a request to: <silvia.bonizzoni(a)gmail.com> - - - - - - - Silvia Bonizzoni Dolphin Biology & Conservation http://www.dolphinbiology.org/

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