December 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

ESR Theme Section on marine mammal habitat modeling
by Mark Baumgartner 20 Dec '13

20 Dec '13

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the completion of the Endangered Species Research Theme Section entitled "Beyond Marine Mammal Habitat Modeling: Applications For Ecology And Conservation". The papers in the Theme Section were published upon acceptance, and are available for free via Open Access in the virtual volume located at www.int-res.com/journals/esr/esr-specials/beyond-marine-mammal-habitat-mode…. Below is a description and the contents of the Theme Section. This Theme Section grew out of a decade of workshops on modeling marine mammal distribution and habitat held in conjunction with the Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals (workshop agendas, presentations, and other modeling resources available here: www.whoi.edu/sites/marinemammalmodeling) We are grateful for the contributions of all of the workshop participants over the years. We are particularly thankful to the scientists who responded to our call for manuscripts, the contributors to the Theme Section, Brendan Godley (ESR Editor-in-Chief), the very patient Penny Kuhn (ESR Managing Editor), and the entire ESR editorial staff. Edward Gregr (SciTech Environmental Consulting, Canada) Daniel Palacios (Oregon State University, USA) Mark Baumgartner (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, USA) Kristin Laidre (University of Washington, USA) Description: Habitat modeling for marine mammals has made tremendous advances in the past decade. The application of statistical models to elucidate relationships between species and their environment has become commonplace in the literature. While these models have provided some insights into marine mammal–habitat associations, the biological or ecological significance of many relationships remains frustratingly unclear. Only by combining these largely descriptive efforts with additional oceanographic and ecosystem studies will we begin to provide insights into the processes that govern marine mammal distribution and behavior and ultimately contribute to conservation. Emerging from an ongoing series of workshops on marine mammal habitat modeling (www.whoi.edu/sites/marinemammalmodeling) this ESR Theme Section showcases studies that emphasize the ecological and management implications of modeled species-environment relationships. Contents: Gregr EJ, Baumgartner MF, Laidre KL, Palacios DM, 2013, OVERVIEW: Marine mammal habitat models come of age: the emergence of ecological and management relevance, Endangered Species Research 22:205-212. Gilles A, Adler S, Kaschner K, Scheidat M, Siebert U, 2011, Modelling harbour porpoise seasonal density as a function of the German Bight environment: implications for management, Endangered Species Research 14:157-169. Corkeron PJ, Minton G, Collins T, Findlay K, Willson A, Baldwin R, 2011, Spatial models of sparse data to inform cetacean conservation planning: an example from Oman, Endangered Species Research 15:39-52. Gerrodette T, Eguchi T, 2011, Precautionary design of a marine protected area based on a habitat model, Endangered Species Research15:159-166. Lambert E, MacLeod CD, Hall K, Brereton T, Dunn TE, Wall D, Jepson PD, Deaville R, Pierce GJ, 2011, Quantifying likely cetacean range shifts in response to global climatic change: implications for conservation strategies in a changing world, Endangered Species Research 15:205-222. Gregr EJ, 2011, Insights into North Pacific right whale Eubalaena japonica habitat from historic whaling records, Endangered Species Research 15:223-239. Becker EA, Foley DG, Forney KA, Barlow J, Redfern JV, Gentemann CL, 2012, Forecasting cetacean abundance patterns to enhance management decisions, Endangered Species Research 16:97-112. Forney KA, Ferguson MC, Becker EA, Fiedler PC, Redfern JV, Barlow J, Vilchis IL, Ballance LT, 2012, Habitat-based spatial models of cetacean density in the eastern Pacific Ocean, Endangered Species Research 16:113-133. Goetz KT, Montgomery RA, Ver Hoef JM, Hobbs RC, Johnson DS, 2012, Identifying essential summer habitat of the endangered beluga whaleDelphinapterus leucas in Cook Inlet, Alaska, Endangered Species Research 16:135-147. Wheeler B, Gilbert M, Rowe S, 2012, Definition of critical summer and fall habitat for bowhead whales in the eastern Canadian Arctic, Endangered Species Research 17:1-16. Doniol-Valcroze T, Lesage V, Giard J, Michaud R, 2012, Challenges in marine mammal habitat modelling: evidence of multiple foraging habitats from the identification of feeding events in blue whales, Endangered Species Research 17:255-268. Blasi MF, Boitani L, 2012, Modelling fine-scale distribution of the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus using physiographic features on Filicudi (southern Thyrrenian Sea, Italy), Endangered Species Research 17:269-288. Best BD, Halpin PN, Read AJ, Fujioka E, Good CP, LaBrecque EA, Schick RS, Roberts JJ, Hazen LJ, Qian SS, Palka DL, Garrison LP, McLellan WA, 2012, Online cetacean habitat modeling system for the US east coast and Gulf of Mexico, Endangered Species Research 18:1-15. Keller CA, Garrison L, Baumstark R, Ward-Geiger LI, Hines E, 2012, Application of a habitat model to define calving habitat of the North Atlantic right whale in the southeastern United States, Endangered Species Research 18:73-87. Pendleton DE, Sullivan PJ, Brown MW, Cole TVN, Good CP, Mayo CA, Monger BC, Phillips S, Record NR, Pershing AJ, 2012, Weekly predictions of North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis habitat reveal influence of prey abundance and seasonality of habitat preferences, Endangered Species Research 18:147-161. Gallus A, Dähne M, Verfuß UK, Bräger S, Adler S, Siebert U, Benke H, 2012, Use of static passive acoustic monitoring to assess the status of the ‘Critically Endangered’ Baltic harbour porpoise in German waters, Endangered Species Research 18:265-278. Palacios DM, Baumgartner MF, Laidre KL, Gregr EJ, 2013, AS WE SEE IT: Beyond correlation: integrating environmentally and behaviourally mediated processes in models of marine mammal distributions, Endangered Species Research 22:191-203.

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Vacancy announcement
by Ben Wilson 20 Dec '13

20 Dec '13

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has a vacancy for an acoustician to join the cetaceans and renewables team. The post-holder will quantify tidal turbine acoustic outputs in relation to ambient noise and marine mammal hearing capabilities. The post is a 3 year full time Post-Doctoral Research Associate position. For further details see: https://sams.ciphrro.com/ Closing date 6th January 2014. Dr Ben Wilson, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Argyll, PA371QA, UK, The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is registered in Scotland as a Company Limited by Guarantee (SC009292) and is a registered charity (9206). SAMS has an actively trading wholly owned subsidiary company: SAMS Research Services Ltd a Limited Company (SC224404). All Companies in the group are registered in Scotland and share a registered office at Scottish Marine Institute, Oban Argyll PA37 1QA. The content of this message may contain personal views which are not the views of SAMS unless specifically stated. Please note that all email traffic is monitored for purposes of security and spam filtering. As such individual emails may be examined in more detail.

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CETASMUS 2014 – Internship in North Western Mediterranean Sea
by Pao Tepsich 20 Dec '13

20 Dec '13

CIMA Research Foundation is a private non-profit research organization aimed at the advancement of science and engineering in environmentally related fields, focusing on public health and safety, civil protection and the preservation of terrestrial and water-related ecosystems. CIMA RF is based in Savona, Italy, and it is seeking undergraduate/postgraduate students for the CETASMUS PROGRAM 2014. General details about the CETASMUS program can be found HERE <http://www.cimafoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=…> In particular open positions refer to two different projects: - FERRIES – this project is held in collaboration with a national ferry company. CETASMUS interns will be on-board of ferries operating between Italy and Corsica / Sardinia at least twice a week and they will be part of the Marine Mammal Observer team working on the ferries · ZIPHIUS – this project is focused on the local Cuvier’s beaked whale population and it foresees surveys in the Ligurian, Corsica and Tyrrhenian Seas onboard of a 18m long dedicated research sailing vessel. Each survey usually last 3-5 consecutive days. CETAMSUS interns will assist researchers with data collection, photo-id as well as actively participating in life on-board. Successful applicants will be assigned to *one of the two projects*. These are full-time positions requiring a 5-months commitment from May through September. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the fulltime project: all interns will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification. Qualifications - Applicants must be reliable, motivated and team oriented, have a positive attitude as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal sciences; - Applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology, environmental sciences or a related major; - Applicants must be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means a lot of data-entry work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits; - Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and previous experience with GIS. - Previous field experience is preferred. These positions are an excellent opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal research to strengthen their skills and above all to gain practical experience in the field. These are unpaid positions and successful applicants are responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from Italy and for accommodation in Savona during the entire staying. All costs related to at sea surveys will be covered by CIMA RF If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV and a cover letter via email to: paola.tepsich(a)cimafoundation.org -- Non stampare questa mail, pensa all'ambiente!! Before printing, think about the environment! Avant d'imprimer, pensez à l'environnement!

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volunteers needed in Picardie - France.
by Laetitia Dupuis 20 Dec '13

20 Dec '13

Hello, Picardie Nature, which is a protection and study association for nature and environment in Picardie-France, is looking for volunteers to participate: - in the summer surveillance of seals in two estuaries (baie de Somme and baie d'Authie), which will be from the 7th of june untill the 30st of august; - at taking care of seals, in our seal center which will be ready to receive stranded seals from the 7th of june untill the animals are able to go back to sea. To get more informations about the missions and conditions of participation of theses ecolontary works, plesase take a look on our website: http://www.picardie-nature.org/spip.php?article1145 [1] To participate, fill in the form before the 9th of march 2014 on: http://ecovolontaires.picardie-nature.org/ [2] ALL VOLUNTEERS NEED TO SPEAK FRENCH. Best greetings, Laetitia DUPUIS -- [3] LAETITIA DUPUIS | Chargée de mission mammifères marins BP 70010 - 80097 Amiens Cedex 3 T. 03 22 23 87 90 - 06 08 83 44 99 laetitia.dupuis(a)picardie-nature.org www.picardie-nature.org [3] [4] Links: ------ [1] http://www.picardie-nature.org/spip.php?article1145 [2] http://ecovolontaires.picardie-nature.org/ [3] http://www.picardie-nature.org [4] http://www.picardie-nature.org/spip.php?article2516

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Paper on Right Whale Acoustics
by Gerstein2＠aol.com 20 Dec '13

20 Dec '13

Dear list members, We are pleased to announce the following article on North Atlantic right whale acoustics and vocal behavior: _Vocalization characteristics of North Atlantic right whale surface active groups in the calving habitat, southeastern United States_ (http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/134/6/10.1121/1.4824682) (2013) _Trygonis_ (http://scitation.aip.org/search?value1=Vasilis+Trygonis&option1=author&noRe…) , V., Gerstein, E., Moir, J., and _McCulloch_ (http://scitation.aip.org/search?value1=Stephen+McCulloch&option1=author&noR… ) , S. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 134, (6) 4518 Abstract: Passive acoustic surveys were conducted to assess the vocal behavior of North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) in the designated critical calving habitat along the shallow coastal waters of southeastern United States. Underwater vocalizations were recorded using autonomous buoys deployed in close proximity to surface active groups (SAGs). Nine main vocalization types were identified with manual inspection of spectrograms and standard acoustic descriptors were extracted. Classification trees were used to examine the distinguishing characteristics of calls and quantify their variability within the SAG vocal repertoire. The results show that descriptors of frequency bandwidth and spectral disorder are the most important parameters for partitioning the SAG repertoire contrary to duration-related measures. The reported source levels and vocalization statistics provide sound production data vital to inform regional passive acoustic monitoring and conservation for this endangered species. The full text is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1121/1.4824682 Regards, Edmund R. Gerstein, Ph.D., Director Marine Mammal Research Charles E. Schmidt College of Science Behavioral Sciences Building Florida Atlantic University 777 Glades Road Boca Raton, Florida 33431 561-338-9185 direct, 561-809-9185 cell _egerste1(a)fau.edu_ (http://egerste1@aol.com/) , _gerstein2(a)aol.com_ (http://gerstein2@aol.com/)

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Graduate Opportunity in Stable Isotope Ecology of Marine Birds/Mammals
by mpolito＠whoi.edu 19 Dec '13

19 Dec '13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- M.S. / Ph.D. Opportunity in Stable Isotope Ecology of Marine Birds/Mammals --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seeking a highly motivated graduate student (M.S. or Ph.D.) to begin graduate research in a dynamic, new lab at Louisiana State University's Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences (DOCS) in fall 2014. Active areas of research focus on using stable isotopes to provide insights into the ecology of seabirds and marine mammals and examining the impacts of invasive species on island ecosystems. Desired qualifications include: 1) B.S./M.S. degree in biology, marine science, chemistry, or relevant discipline, 2) laboratory experience (i.e., sample preparation, organic extractions, gas chromatography, bulk and compound-specific stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry), and 3) experience working on ecological studies in remote field settings. Interested candidates should fill out a pre-application form for the graduate program in the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences at Louisiana State University (www.oceanography.lsu.edu/index.php/academics/pre-application-form/) Please indicate on this form that you would like to work with Dr. Polito. In addition, please email a single pdf containing your CV, a cover letter with your potential research interests, a brief summary of accomplishments (educational background, GPA, GRE scores), and contact information for at least three professional references to Dr. Michael Polito (mpolito(a)whoi.edu) Qualified candidates will be contacted directly and encouraged to submit a full application to the graduate program in DOCS. Graduate positions will include tuition and stipend. Outstanding candidates (Combined GRE scores > 310 or 1250, GPA > 3.5, excellent references, and/or strong publication record) can also compete for Board of Regents Fellowships (about $28K/year+tuition) if full applications are completed ASAP and received by the Graduate School and DOCS prior to January 15, 2014. For more information about the lab's research program and DOCS see www.whoi.edu/people/mpolito and www.oceanography.lsu.edu. -- Michael J. Polito, PhD ----------------------------------------------- Postdoctoral Scholar (current position) Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution ----------------------------------------------- Assistant Professor (starting August 2014) Louisiana State University Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences ----------------------------------------------- Phone: (508) 289-4864 Email: mpolito(a)whoi.edu Web: www.whoi.edu/people/mpolito Twitter: @MJPolito -----------------------------------------------

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New paper on Trophic Relationships and Habitat Preferences of Delphinids
by Tatiana Bisi 19 Dec '13

19 Dec '13

Dear Colleagues, The following article has recently been published: Bisi TL, Dorneles PR, Lailson-Brito J, Lepoint G, Azevedo AF, Flach L, Malm O, Das K. (2013) Trophic Relationships and Habitat Preferences of Delphinids from the Southeastern Brazilian Coast Determined by Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotope Composition. PLoS ONE 8(12): e82205. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0082205 Abstract: To investigate the foraging habitats of delphinids in southeastern Brazil, we analyzed stable carbon (d13C) and nitrogen(d15N) isotopes in muscle samples of the following 10 delphinid species: Sotalia guianensis, Stenella frontalis, Tursiopstruncatus, Steno bredanensis, Pseudorca crassidens, Delphinus sp., Lagenodelphis hosei, Stenella attenuata, Stenella longirostris and Grampus griseus. We also compared the d13C and d15N values among four populations of S. guianensis. Variation incarbon isotope results from coast to ocean indicated that there was a significant decrease in d13C values from estuarinedolphins to oceanic species. S. guianensis from Guanabara Bay had the highest mean d13C value, while oceanic speciesshowed significantly lower d13C values. The highest d15N values were observed for P. crassidens and T. truncatus, suggestingthat these species occupy the highest trophic position among the delphinids studied here. The oceanic species S. attenuata,G. griseus and L. hosei had the lowest d15N values. Stable isotope analysis showed that the three populations of S. guianensis in coastal bays had different d13C values, but similar d15N results. Guiana dolphins from Sepetiba and Ilha Grande bays haddifferent foraging habitat, with specimens from Ilha Grande showing more negative d13C values. This study provides furtherinformation on the feeding ecology of delphinids occurring in southeastern Brazil, with evidence of distinctive foraginghabitats and the occupation of different ecological niches by these species in the study area. Full text is freely available at: http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0082205 For further inquiries, please feel free to contact me at tbisi(a)yahoo.com.br Best regards, Tatiana. ------- Dra. Tatiana Lemos Bisi Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores “Profa. Izabel Gurgel” (MAQUA) Faculdade de Oceanografia Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 sala 4002, bloco E, 4o andar Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro - RJ CEP 20.550-013 Tel: +55 21-2334-0065 / 2334-0795 email: tbisi(a)yahoo.com.br

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Volunteers urgently needed to help with seabird and cetacean fieldwork in South of Spain (Andalusia) - Last campaign.
by Joan Giménez Verdugo 19 Dec '13

19 Dec '13

Volunteers urgently needed to help with seabird and cetacean fieldwork in South of Spain (Andalusia) - Last campaign. CIRCE (http://www.circe.info) is seeking applications from volunteers to help in the motorboat ELSA in the study of abundance and distribution of seabirds and cetaceans in the Gulf of Cadiz (Andalucia - Spain) from 10th January to 18th February 2014. Project: Seabirds and cetaceans of the Gulf of Cádiz (south of Spain) have been monitored since 2004. However, the information on the distribution and abundance of seabirds is limited to censuses along the coastline, and for cetaceans only the number of individuals found stranded on beaches has been recorded. The available data for seabirds suggest a high species diversity but with considerable temporal variability across the year. During some periods the area holds a high percentage of the global population of some species, for example the endangered Balearic shearwater (*Puffinus mauritanicus*). While the Gulf of Cádiz also holds a rich community of cetaceans, there is no information on abundance, distribution and impact of human activities on these populations. Distribution of these marine predators is mainly influenced by food resource availability, but also by oceanographic characteristics that define habitat suitability. The aim of this project is to determine the abundance and distribution, both spatial and temporal, of seabirds and cetaceans in the Gulf of Cadiz. Our approach is to examine abiotic and biotic environmental variables including activity and impact of local fisheries. Results from this project are of considerable interest from a scientific point of view, but also have an important application in the management of Doñana National Park. We will generate critical data for sound decision making, given current discussions as to the appropriate limits for the marine protected area. Our data will also allow for the prediction of the potential impact of anthropogenic alterations to the environment, such as oil spills, fisheries, wind-energy generation and harbour construction. Volunteers should be available for the entire period. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once here, we will provide accommodation, transport to the different harbours and food expenses (communal shopping/cooking will be arranged). The main port will be Chipiona and all the volunteers and research team will be based there, although other ports (Barbate, Isla Cristina and Tarifa) could be used during the surveys (in that case everyone will sleep in the boat). We will do lineal transects to cover the coastal area of the Gulf of Cadiz (12 nautical miles) with the motorboat ELSA (10 meters) with an observation point at 5 meters above sea level to monitor seabirds, cetaceans and anthropogenic activities. Volunteers should be prepared to long working days (some days more than 10 hours) under the sun, the wind and cold weather and to help with data entry and office duties during bad weather days. Successful applicants will: -have previous experience in seabirds and cetacean identification at sea. -have a mature attitude towards seabird and marine mammal research. -be autonomous and quickly operational. -be able to live and work constructively with others in a team. -be able to live in a small boat (10meters) for some days. -speak fluently Spanish and/or English. -be available for the entire period. Applicants should send an email introducing themselves to gimenez.verdugo(at)gmail.com. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV, detailing your previous experiences relevant to this project. **Applications will be considered in order of arrival.** Sincerely, Joan Giménez -- Joan Giménez Verdugo gimenez.verdugo(a)gmail.com

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Eco-volunteering and internship opportunity at the Adriatic sea, Croatia
by tihana vučur 19 Dec '13

19 Dec '13

*Gain experience by joining Adriatic Dolphin Project at the island Lošinj, Croatia* The Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation is a non profit organization that carries out several projects aimed at recording data about the life of endangered marine organisms. The Adriatic Dolphin Project conducts research of population ecology, genetics, acoustics and habitats of bottlenose dolphins and other Cetacean species of the Adriatic. It is the longest ongoing study of one resident bottlenose dolphin community in the Mediterranean Sea. *The internship* offers the opportunity for motivated students in biology or related sciences to experience work on collection and elaboration of scientific data. The students will actively participate in collection of behavioral, surfacing and navigational data, learn to use photo identification methods and analyse collected data, all that under mentorship of experienced marine biologists. *Eco-volunteering program* is for highly motivated individuals who come to join our research and provide great help throughout the season. During the course period eco-volunteers are educated in cetacean biology, marine conservation and scientific research techniques by the resident researchers. In addition eco-volunteers live with the researchers; they help in everyday tasks such as the preparation of meals and field base maintenance. The motivation of the people involved in the program is of great importance for the project as a whole. The funding received from volunteers is important to the survival of the project and the continued research in this region. Find more information on: http://www.blue-world.org/media/files/Internship_Info_2013-2014.pdf http://www.blue-world.org/media/files/ADP_Volunteer_info_2014_.pdf http://www.blue-world.org/en/about-us/ For any other information contact Tihana Vučur on tihanavucur10(a)gmail.com

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ECS workshop
by ecs2014 19 Dec '13

19 Dec '13

Dear ECS and MARMAM member, The deadline for ECS workshop submission is Friday the 20 December (midnight, GMT). Please send your submission by email: ECSconference2014(a)ulg.ac.be Could you please follow instructions and information on http://liege.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/workshops Looking forward to meeting you soon On behalf of the Scientific Committee T. Jauniaux

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