November 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Opening: Senior Social Scientist
by Katherine McClellan 26 Nov '13

26 Nov '13

Consultancy Opportunity Senior Social Scientist International Marine Mammal Bycatch Assessment Project Summary The New England Aquarium is seeking to hire a consultant for a project that is assessing marine mammal bycatch in three countries: Ecuador, Chile, and one in Southeast Asia (Vietnam or Thailand). Bycatch is the principal and most immediate threat to many species and populations of marine mammals. In many parts of the world, especially in countries with large artisanal fishing sectors, the extent of this bycatch is largely undocumented. This project will take the initial step of understanding the bycatch associated with particular fisheries-industrial and small-scale-in three target countries, so that bycatch reduction programs can be directed at the fisheries where they are most needed. The consultant will work with a team of in-country data collectors (4) from each of the three countries. The consultant's responsibilities will be to: (1) Assist in the design of questionnaires and interview protocols for collecting information from fishermen about bycatch; (2) Train in-country data collectors hired by the NEAq in administering questionnaires and carrying out interviews; (3) Assist in the analysis of the results from these surveys; and (4) Help write the final assessment as a technical report for NOAA Fisheries. The total period of the consultancy is approximately 30 work days (210 hours) spread over a one-year period. The Social Scientist will be required to make three overseas trips altogether totaling less than two weeks: Two short trips to South America (Ecuador and Chile), and one to Southeast Asia. The consultancy offers a competitive fee for services. Expertise Required * Experience in community assessment methodologies, in particular using interview and questionnaire administration protocols * A PhD or equivalent experience in the social sciences * Excellent written and verbal communication abilities * Excellent analytical skills with social science information * Familiarity with working in third world countries, and both flexibility and sensitivity when working within different cultures and societies Expertise Preferred * Fluency in Spanish and/or Thai or Vietnamese * Previous work with fishing communities and marine conservation issues Starting Date February, 2014 Application Interested applicants should Email a CV and expression of interest to: bycatch(a)neaq.org Assistant Scientist Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction John H. Prescott Marine Laboratory New England Aquarium Central Wharf, Boston MA 02110 617.226.2217 www.bycatch.org twitter: bycatchorg

1 0

Marine Mammal Ecologist position, Wellington, New Zealand
by Leigh Torres 25 Nov '13

25 Nov '13

Marine Mammal Ecologist – Wellington - NIWA NIWA is New Zealand's leading environmental science research institute and the key provider of atmospheric, freshwater and marine research and consultancy services. We wish to appoint talented and enthusiastic marine mammal researcher with demonstrated quantitative skills to lead a cetacean habitat use modelling project based upon existing sightings data. This project is funded by a combination of internal and external funds and will require establishing strong working relationships with external stakeholders. You will also work closely with a team undertaking research on the population demographics, foraging ecology, migrations and distribution of a variety of marine megafauna, with a particular focus on the relationships between key species, their environment and human activities. In addition, you will undertake consultancy work for government agencies and commercial entities, develop new research opportunities and prepare funding proposals. Regular and timely publication of high quality scientific reports and papers is expected. With a PhD in marine ecology or biology and at least two years post-graduate experience in quantitative marine mammal ecology, you will have a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of analysis of sightings, locations, and distribution data, habitat use modelling, marine mammal ecology, and environmental drivers of and threats to threatened cetacean populations, and experience in designing and carrying out field campaigns in remote locations. Your ability to communicate complex matters to both technical and general audiences will ideally be backed by a strong publication record and history of oral presentations and scientific reporting. We provide an excellent work environment, offer competitive remuneration and benefits, and an attractive waterfront location at Greta Point. A job description, online applications and further information about NIWA can be found at https://careers.sciencenewzealand.org/niwa/niwa-jobs Applications close on 5 January 2014.

1 0

REMINDER: SMM evening event on the science of free-ranging and captive killer whales
by Douglas Wartzok 25 Nov '13

25 Nov '13

This is a reminder of the upcoming panel discussion at the 20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. If you want to submit a question, please do so by 30 November. At that time the question site will close so the panelists will have time to review the relevant scientific literature that can inform their discussion on the questions raised. As noted previously, all questions submitted and the questions selected for panel discussion will be posted on the Society web site. The previous email regarding the details of the 12 December evening event is repeated below a well as instructions on how to submit questions. The goals of this session are: 1) To provide an overview of scientific data collected from free-ranging and captive killer whales; and 2) to offer an opportunity for experts to discuss comparative aspects of killer whale biology in these two environments and the implications thereof. The panel members are Drs. Doug DeMaster, Dave Duffus, Robin Baird, Mark Orams, Judy St. Leger, and Naomi Rose. The facilitator will be Dr. Doug Wartzok. This evening event welcomes questions from all conference registrants - to use the hour allotted for the discussion most efficiently, questions will be submitted in advance via the conference website. If you have registered for the conference, please go to My Conference Account<http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl…>, log in, and submit your question. All questions or comments that are submitted via this page will be made public to all members prior to the conference and are not anonymous. The working group that is organizing the session (Doug Wartzok, Helene Marsh, Nick Gales, and Naomi Rose) will select a set of the questions that encompass salient, scientific aspects of the issue. We encourage an open and respectful dialog on this important and controversial topic. Please be considerate in your questions and comments. Any offensive remarks will be removed from the site. If you have any questions please contact the SMM Committee of Scientific Advisors at smm.science(a)gmail.com<mailto:smm.science@gmail.com>. Doug Wartzok Facilitator Killer Whale Panel Douglas Wartzok Chair, Committee of Scientific Advisors Society for Marine Mammalogy Provost and Executive Vice President [Description: Description: Description: Florida International University]<Florida%20International%20University> 11200 SW 8th St, PC 526 Miami, Florida 33199-0001 Phone 305-348-2151 | Fax 305-348-2994 Email wartzok(a)fiu.edu Web http://academic.fiu.edu<http://academic.fiu.edu/>

1 0

New paper on Hawaiian False Killer Whales
by Itana Freire 25 Nov '13

25 Nov '13

Topic: New paper on Hawaiian False Killer Whales (Itana Silva) Dear all We are pleased to announce the following publication on Hawaiian False Killer Whales. Silva, I.F., Kaufman, G.D., Rankin R.W., Maldini, D. (2013). Presence and Distribution of Hawaiian False Killer Whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in Maui County Waters: A Historical Perspective. Aquatic Mammals, 39(4): 409-414, DOI 10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.409 This is a short note and an abstract is not available. The short note can be downloaded directly on the Aquatic Mammals website: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/. Or you can contact me for PDF at itana_freire(a)hotmail.com Aloha, Itana Silva State of Hawai’i Division of Aquatic Resources, 130 Mahalani Street,Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793, USA

1 0

Review article - Cetacea
by Ewan Fordyce 25 Nov '13

25 Nov '13

Dear List Members This review article has just been published online: Fordyce, R Ewan (Nov 2013). Cetacea (Whales, Porpoises and Dolphins). 9 pp. In: Encyclopedia of Life Sciences. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, Chichester. http://www.els.net [doi: 10.1002/9780470015902.a0001574.pub2] Abstract Cetaceans (whales and dolphins) are streamlined aquatic mammals that spend all their lives in water. They are all carnivorous, taking either many small prey by bulk filter‐feeding (Mysticeti, baleen whales), or larger prey by echolocation‐assisted hunting (Odontoceti, dolphins and toothed whales). The main living groups, Mysticeti and Odontoceti, arose from archaic whales – Archaeoceti – some 35 Mya. Cetaceans have been distinct for more than 50 My. Their closest relatives are the hoofed mammals, artiodactyls, such as hippos and cows. Cetaceans include the largest living animals, and range through all oceans and into some rivers. Their active aquatic lifestyle makes them difficult to study. Developments in electronic data‐gathering, tissue analyses, genetic sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, and discoveries of new fossils, have hugely expanded recent understanding. Most of the diversity of living cetaceans (currently 87 species) is concentrated in the oceanic dolphins – Delphinidae (36 species), Ziphiidae (beaked whales, 21 species) and Balaenopteridae (rorquals, 8 species). A pdf is available on request: email ewan.fordyce[at]otago.ac.nz R. Ewan Fordyce Professor, Department of Geology University of Otago, Box 56, Dunedin 9054, NZ Research Associate, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution; Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa; Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum; Michigan State University Museum.

1 0

New paper: ship noise monitoring in marine mammal habitat
by Nathan Daniel Merchant 25 Nov '13

25 Nov '13

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the online publication of the following article in Marine Pollution Bulletin: Merchant, N.D., Pirotta, E., Barton, T.R., Thompson, P.M. (In Press). Monitoring ship noise to assess the impact of coastal developments on marine mammals. Marine Pollution Bulletin. The paper is Open Access, and can be downloaded free here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.10.058 There are also some videos in the publication, which can be viewed at higher resolution here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqY7G7-fUmc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNpebf4SYzc and the full-resolution source files are at the bottom of my webpage: http://people.bath.ac.uk/ndm23/ Abstract The potential impacts of underwater noise on marine mammals are widely recognised, but uncertainty over variability in baseline noise levels often constrains efforts to manage these impacts. This paper characterises natural and anthropogenic contributors to underwater noise at two sites in the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation, an important marine mammal habitat that may be exposed to increased shipping activity from proposed offshore energy developments. We aimed to establish a pre-development baseline, and to develop ship noise monitoring methods using Automatic Identification System (AIS) and time-lapse video to record trends in noise levels and shipping activity. Our results detail the noise levels currently experienced by a locally protected bottlenose dolphin population, explore the relationship between broadband sound exposure levels and the indicators proposed in response to the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and provide a ship noise assessment toolkit which can be applied in other coastal marine environments. Best regards, Nathan Merchant -- Nathan D. Merchant Postdoctoral Researcher Parks Lab, Dept. of Biology Syracuse University 114 Life Sciences Complex 107 College Place Syracuse, NY 13244 USA ndmercha(a)syr.edu<mailto:ndmercha@syr.edu> http://people.bath.ac.uk/ndm23 +1 315 443 7258

1 0

Aquatic Mammals 39(4) now available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 25 Nov '13

25 Nov '13

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Aquatic Mammals is proud to announce that issue 4 of Volume 39 is now available online (see below for full citations). Also, we updated the journal's website for our visitors. The site is now easier to navigate, and will display correctly on all mobile devices. Take a look around as you check out the new articles from our distinguished colleagues in this most recent issue. Click on the below DOI links to go to the journal’s website, where online subscribers can log in and download the latest articles. For individuals with a print subscription, the joint hardcopy of 39.3/39.4 will be mailed in early December. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals by following this link http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Please do not contact the listserv editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. PDFs of individual articles can also be purchased directly from the website. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and issue postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com ******************* Research Articles Kastelein, R.A., Steen, N., Gransier, R., de Jong, C.A.F. 2013. Brief Behavioral Response Threshold Level of a Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) to an Impulsive Sound. AquaticMammals 39(4): 315-323. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.315 Lewis, L., Lamb, S.V., Schaefer, A.M., Reif, J.S., Bossart, G.D., Fair, P.A. 2013. Influence of Collection and Storage Conditions on Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Measurements in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals 39(4): 324-329. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.324 Daniels, R.L., Smith, C.R.,Venn-Watson, S. 2013. Effects of Freeze-Thaw Cycle on Urine Values from Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals 39(4): 330-334. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.330 Dudzinski, K.M., Danaher-García, N., Gregg, J.D. 2013. Pectoral Fin Contact Between Dolphin Dyads at Zoo Duisburg, with Comparison to Other Dolphin Study Populations. Aquatic Mammals 39(4): 335-343. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.335 Yeater, D.B., Miller, L.E., Caffery, K.A., Kuczaj II, S.A. 2013. Effects of an Increase in Group Size on the Social Behavior of a Group of Rough-Toothed Dolphins (Steno bredanensis).Aquatic Mammals 39(4): 344-355. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.344 Nowacek, D.P., Bröker, K., Donovan, G., Gailey, G., Racca, R., Reeves, R.R., et al. 2013. Responsible Practices for Minimizing and Monitoring Environmental Impacts of Marine Seismic Surveys with an Emphasis on Marine Mammals. Aquatic Mammals 39(4): 356-377. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.356 Iwata, T., Yonezaki, S., Kohyama, K., Mitani, Y. 2013. Detection of Grooming Behaviours with an Acceleration Data Logger in a Captive Northern Fur Seal (Callorhinus ursinus).Aquatic Mammals 39(4): 378-384. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.378 Short Notes Alstrup, A.K.O., Hedayat, A., Jensen, T.H., Hammer, A.S., Munk, O.L., Jensen, H.E. 2013. Necropsy Report of a Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Stranded in Denmark in 2010.Aquatic Mammals 39(4): 385-388. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.385 Boström, M.K., Krog, C., Kindt-Larsen, L., Lunneryd, S-G., Wahlberg, M. 2013. Acoustic Activity of Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) Around Gill Nets. Aquatic Mammals39(4): 389-396. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.389 Atkins, S., Cliff, G., Pillay, N. 2013. Multiple Captures of Humpback Dolphins (Sousa plumbea) in the KwaZulu-Natal Shark Nets, South Africa. Aquatic Mammals 39(4): 397-400. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.397 Ponnampalam, L.S., Hines, E.M., Monanunsap, S., Ilangakoon, A.D., Junchompoo, C., Adulyanukosol, K., et al. 2013. Behavioral Observations of Coastal Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) in Trat Province, Eastern Gulf of Thailand. Aquatic Mammals 39(4): 401-408. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.401 Silva, I.F., Kaufman, G.D., Rankin, R.W., Maldini , D. 2013. Presence and Distribution of Hawaiian False Killer Whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in Maui County Waters: A Historical Perspective. Aquatic Mammals 39(4): 409-414. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.409 Elorriaga-Verplancken, F.R., Morales-Luna Hadrys, L. Moreno-Sánchez, X.G.,Mendoza-Salas, I. 2013. Inferences on the Diet of the Eastern Pacific Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) at the Southern End of Its Distribution: Stable Isotopes and Scats Analyses. Aquatic Mammals 39(4): 415-421. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.39.4.2013.415

1 0

SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund
by Street, William 25 Nov '13

25 Nov '13

The application process for the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is now open. The Fund provides funding for projects between $5-25K centered on four key areas: species research, habitat protection, conservation education, and animal rescue/rehab. Annually, the Fund typically provides over $1 million in grants. This year, the Fund is providing specific areas of focus for applicants (those potentially pertaining to the marine mammal community detailed below). For more information about the Fund and the projects it supports, and to download the application form, visit www.swbg-conservationfund.org<http://www.swbg-conservationfund.org> Applications will be accepted through January 1, 2014. SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund Priorities Conservation Education Nature Deficit Disorder Programs designed to encourage youth to spend more time outdoors connecting with nature. This includes education programs for youth who live in biodiverse range countries to understand the value of nature and the mechanisms for sustainability. Leadership Development Programs designed to identify potential conservation leaders and develop their leadership skills and knowledge base. Specifically, these programs can target young adults and offer peer connections within the conservation community to further develop the next generation of conservation leaders. Species Research Marine Fish Sustainability Research that contributes to the ability to create sustainable populations of marine fishes through aquaculture, with great emphasis on the most popular marine fishes in home hobbyist and commercial aquariums. Research can focus on fish lifecycles, nutrition, reproduction and aquaculture techniques. Marine Mammals Research on the behavior, distribution, reproduction, longevity, mortality, physiology and population health of marine mammals. Research also can include diet studies, disease detection, prevention and treatment, and testing of new data collection technologies. Particular interest in research focused on killer whales, other cetaceans, pinnipeds and manatees. Arctic Mammals and Environment Research on the effects of climate change/global warming on arctic animals, with particular focus on polar bears and other marine mammals. Research can include distribution and population studies, behavioral ethology, and research incorporating zoological animal comparison. Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Species Specific Rescue and Rehabilitation Programs designed to protect, rescue or rehabilitate manatees. Native Wildlife in Our Park Communities Native wildlife rescue programs located in Florida, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, or Virginia. Proposals that focus on small equipment purchase, supplies and dietary needs are most successful. Habitat Protection MesoAmerican Reef Protection and Restoration Support for the creation, restoration and maintenance of marine protected areas along the MesoAmerican Reef. Successful proposals can include research necessary to implement marine protected areas, populations studies of reef species, and restoration efforts to reverse the impacts of man-made and natural impacts to the reef. Marine and Aquatic Debris Efforts to remove marine and aquatic debris from waterways, estuaries, coasts and underwater. Includes efforts to identify sources of pollution and physically remove debris. Anti-Poaching Efforts Efforts to reduce poaching of endangered and threatened species, including anti-snare activities. Bill Street Corporate Curator of Conservation and Education SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment 3605 E. Bougainvillea Avenue Tampa, FL 33612 813.987.5551 cell: 813.918.5246

1 0

Wanted: Chilean MMO/PAMs
by Emma Forrester - Hydenlyne 25 Nov '13

25 Nov '13

Dear all, Hydenlyne are an E&P consultancy supplying MMO & PAM services to the worldwide seismic industry. I am currently looking for Chilean MMOs & PAM operators. If you are interested please send your CV to emmaforrester(a)hydenlyne.com<mailto:emmaforrester@hydenlyne.com> You must have a valid offshore survival certificate, offshore medical and past experience on a seismic vessel as MMO or PAM. All enquires are welcome but may not be considered for this position. Kind regards, Emma Forrester Project Manager (MMO/PAM) UK Mobile +44 (0)7730222001 Office +44 (0)1202 900078 Hydenlyne 1 Princes Court Princes Road Ferndown Dorset England BH22 9JG

1 0

Info on declining bottlenose dolphin populations
by Els Vermeulen 24 Nov '13

24 Nov '13

Dear Collegues, In the framework of my PhD regarding a small and declining coastal population of bottlenose dolphins in Argentina, I am gathering as much information as possible on other declining populations of this species worldwide, in order to create a general overview and map where most of these declines take place. If you work with coastal bottlenose dolphins and think it might be worth including your population in this overview, please inform me about the geographical place, data and reference on this matter. Thank you very much! Kind regards, Els Els Vermeulen, MSc Doctorandus Laboratory of Oceanology - MARE Research Centre University of Liege, Belgium www2.ulg.ac.be/oceanbio

1 0