December 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Vacancy Announcement
by Cathy Jones 12 Dec '13

12 Dec '13

The Marine Mammal Commission has a vacancy for a Research Program Officer. The vacancy announcement is listed on USAJobs and is open from December 12, 2013 through January 9, 2014. The link to the vacancy announcement is http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/355985200 Cathy Jones Marine Mammal Commission 301-504-0087

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PhD opportunity: Using agent-based models to understand the cultural evolution of whale song
by Luke Rendell 12 Dec '13

12 Dec '13

Colleagues, A 3yr PhD studentship (fully funded for UK/EU students, overseas fee waivers possible for exceptional non-EU candidates) is available at the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), University of St Andrews, starting April 2014. The studentship is part of a collaborative and highly interdisciplinary research project funded by the Leverhulme Trust involving the Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR) at Plymouth University and the Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory (CEAL) at the University of Queensland, Australia. The aim of the PhD project will be to study the cultural evolution of humpback whale song using agent-based models developed in conjunction with another PhD student being recruited at ICCMR. The two students will work closely to visit the University of Queensland and collate a database of song recordings, which will be used to test how well models are able to reproduce observed changes in song across years. The studentship advertised here will then involve describing the variation in both high-level song grammar and the acoustic structure of the song units within and between individuals and year. Both students will work together to develop biologically plausible simulation models that the SMRU student will use to understand how factors such as learning rules, zones of influence, and population density affect how songs evolve, and identify those conditions under which the song evolution best approximates that observed in nature in both evolutionary and revolutionary modes. Another primary aim is to incorporate replicator dynamics into the simulation models to test functional hypotheses for the evolution of culturally-transmitted song in humpbacks. Should these goals be met, secondary objectives will include the application of the modelling framework to a broader range of culturally-evolving animal vocal patterns. The project has a large quantitative and computational component, and will require a broad-minded approach to interdisciplinary research. Evidence of experience in Matlab is therefore essential, and R desirable. Experience of acoustic analysis and/or computational modelling are desirable, as is evidence of effective communication skills suitable for or direct experience of interdisciplinary research. Candidates must be available to start in April 2014. The student will work under the supervision of Dr Luke Rendell (ler4(a)st-andrews.ac.uk) Interested candidates should apply by January 31st 2014 only by using the online procedures here: http://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/research/phd-study/. Best regards, Luke -- Dr. Luke Rendell MASTS Lecturer (masts.ac.uk) Tel: (44)(0)1334 463499 E-mail: ler4(a)st-andrews.ac.uk WWW: http://bio.st-andrews.ac.uk/staff/ler4.htm School of Biology, University of St. Andrews Sir Harold Mitchell Building, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9TH U.K. The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (SC013532)

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IMBER Open Science Conference 2014 - Call for Abstracts - Reminder!
by FutureOceans 11 Dec '13

11 Dec '13

[cid:cbac118e-39de-4d2f-9c9d-0bb302d7d323] Integrated Marine Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Research (IMBER) Open Science Conference 23-27 June 2014, Bergen, Norway "Future Oceans - Research for marine sustainability: multiple stressors, drivers, challenges and solutions" Call for Abstracts - Reminder! The Integrated Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Research (IMBER) Project will convene an Open Science Conference<http://www.imber.info/index.php/Meetings/IMBER-OSC> from 23-27 June 2014 in Bergen, Norway, with the goals of: · highlighting research results from the IMBER project and activities, · promoting integrated syntheses of IMBER-relevant research, and · developing a new global research agenda for marine biogeochemistry and ecosystems in the Anthropocene. Plenary Speakers for our Conference include: · Alida Bundy (Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Canada) · Claudio Campagna (Wildlife Conservation Society, Argentina) · Jean-Pierre Gattuso (CNRS, Lab. d'Océanographie de Villefranche, France) · Nicolas Gruber (ETH Zurich, Switzerland) · Alistair Hobday (CSIRO, Australia) · Eileen Hofmann (Old Dominion University, USA) · Corinne Le Quéré (University of East Anglia, UK) · Kon-Kee Liu (National Central University, Taiwan) · Coleen Moloney (University of Cape Town, South Africa) · Carol Robinson (University of East Anglia, UK) The list of contributed sessions and workshops is available here<http://www.imber.info/index.php/Meetings/IMBER-OSC-2014/Sessions-Workshops>. The Call for Abstracts<http://www.imber.info/index.php/Meetings/IMBER-OSC/Announcements/IMBER-Open…> is open! Deadline for abstract submission: 31 January 2014. Contributions are welcome from all marine research communities. We encourage you to submit an abstract, and we look forward to meeting you in Bergen. Please forward this call widely! IMBER IPO, on behalf of the Organising Committees futureoceans(a)imr.no<mailto:futureoceans@imr.no> PS: Sorry for any cross-posting!

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Research Assistant needed for Ganges River dolphin project in Bihar, India
by Nachiket Kelkar 11 Dec '13

11 Dec '13

Dear All, We are looking for a research assistant (RA) to work in a project on conservation and research of Ganges River dolphins and other biodiversity in the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bhagalpur, Bihar. The details of the position are as follows: 1. Duration of work: from December 2013 to June 2014 (at least). Based in Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. 2. Enthusiastic and committed about wildlife conservation, research and able to work in difficult places, difficult conditions without complaint. Must be willing to work in Bihar throughout the given time period. 3. Basic but sufficient salary of per month will be provided, along with food, accommodation and basic long-distance and local travel fare. Salary will be discussed based on interest and CV. 4. Looking for a candidate who has some prior experience in any of the following: field surveys of wildlife, GIS and mapping skills, web design and brochure preparation, fisheries, conservation education and outreach, statistical data analysis. However, this is not an essential criterion. 5. Ability to converse, read and write in Hindi is preferable. 6. We encourage people with their own research ideas (esp. regarding otters, fisheries, river dolphins, birds, river hydrology or miscellaneous conservation issues) to work independently on small projects, while also helping us with field work. 7. The RA will report to me and Dr. Sunil Choudhary, T.M. Bhagalpur University, Bihar throughout the period of study. 8. The RA will also help out in organizing small workshops and outreach sessions for local fishers and other stakeholders associated with the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary riverscape. Interested folk can write to me directly, with their CV attached. Best regards, Nachiket Kelkar -- Nachiket Kelkar Ecologist Bangalore, India rainmaker.nsk(a)gmail.com Member, IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group ATREE, Bangalore; NCF-India, Mysore; VBREC, Bhagalpur

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Vacancy - Natural Power Consultants
by Suzanne Burns 11 Dec '13

11 Dec '13

Natural Power is a leading independent renewable energy consultancy and products provider offering consultancy, management and due diligence services across the onshore wind, offshore wind, wave, tidal and biomass sectors. We have built a successful ethos for delivering environmentally rewarding projects that allow Clients to reach their economic objectives. The Ecology & Hydrology department within Natural Power is made up of a diverse range of ecologists and hydrologists with considerable technical experience and expertise from having worked on renewable projects for over 12 years. Due to the continued success of the Ecology and Hydrology department, we are looking to recruit a Marine Mammal Ecologist to be based in either our newly refurbished office in Stirling or our global HQ in Dumfries and Galloway. We are seeking a highly motivated and competent marine mammal ecologist who wishes to apply excellent scientific knowledge to offshore projects. As the approach to marine mammal impact assessment develops, Natural Power seeks to develop and apply best practice and strives to apply the most up to date marine mammal science to projects to ensure a robust approach for our clients and to help realise Scotland's renewable objectives. You will primarily be responsible for providing marine mammal technical advice and guidance on Renewable Energy projects. More specifically you will work in conjunction with Project Managers, providing specialist information to assist with the overall consenting and construction phases of offshore wind, wave and tidal energy projects. Duties and responsibilities associated with this role include: * Prepare and provide written technical reports; * Prepare and provide scoping reports and EIA marine mammal chapters; * Provide input into survey recommendations, design and data analysis; * Provide marine mammal team and clients with acoustic advice, particularly in relation to Passive Acoustic Monitoring techniques; * Liaise with survey team, providing input into methodology where required; * Liaison with clients and statutory consultees throughout projects; You will hold a degree or equivalent in a biological, environmental or ecological discipline and be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge in the ecology and identification of a wide range of marine mammal species in the UK. Prior experience gained in both applied research and within a similar ecological/environmental consultancy would be highly advantageous. Ideally you will have experience in the following: * The renewable industry and client requirements; * Reporting on marine mammal ecology, including presentation and interpretation of technical data; * Experience of writing or contributing to EIA chapters; Understanding of the issues surrounding marine ecology for offshore construction projects and of mitigation measures; * A sound knowledge of UK and European legislation in relation to marine mammals and basking sharks; * Project management skills; * Understanding of marine mammal acoustics including practical data collection and analysis knowledge, and experience assessing potential impacts of anthropogenic noise sources; and * Organising and conducting offshore ecology surveys (including boat-based surveys, aerial surveys, and passive acoustic monitoring techniques including for mitigation). You will be meticulous, organised and self-motivated with an ability to work unsupervised to strict deadlines. You will possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to build and develop relationships with key stakeholders involved in projects. This role may involve travel therefore you will require a full UK driving license. Salary offered will be dependent on your experience and fit for the role. Further to salary, other benefits include; generous holidays that increase with tenure, group personal pension scheme, childcare vouchers, bike to work scheme, discounts at related companies, life assurance, critical illness cover and income protection - as well as a weekly barbeque. We offer a positive working environment, are relaxed in terms of dress code, yet highly professional with excellent support mechanisms in place to develop your knowledge and career. The position is based from either our HQ in Dumfries and Galloway (DG7 3XS) or our newest office in Stirling. Recently refurbished to an excellent standard, the office is just off the A91 with easy access to M80 and M9 motorways. We would also consider basing the role from our Newcastle office. Full details are available on our website, please see link below. Please apply online by uploading your CV and cover letter; this should clearly set out why you are suitable for the role. Our software uses CV parsing technology, so please ensure that information extracted is correct before submitting your application. Closing date: Monday 06 January 2014 https://careers.naturalpower.com/vacancies/vacancy-search-results.aspx Suzanne Burns HR Assistant Natural Power<http://www.naturalpower.com/> Renewable Energy Consultants tel: +44 1644 430 744 mobile: email: suzanneb(a)naturalpower.com ________________________ The Natural Power Consultants is a registered company (SC177881) in Scotland. Our Registered Office is The Greenhouse, Dalry, Castle Douglas, DG7 3XS, UK. Disclaimer <http://www.naturalpower.com/privacy-policy>

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South East Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SEAMMSN)
by Lemnuel Aragones 10 Dec '13

10 Dec '13

The South East Asian Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SEAMMSN) wasestablished last February 9, 2013 as a result of a regional Symposiumon marine mammal strandings in South East Asia, held at OceanAdventure in Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines. The SEAMMSN is anon-political, science based network dedicated to promoting the bestpractice of marine mammal stranding response and management throughthe open and free exchange of information, data, materials, methodsand protocols in order to conserve marine mammals and their habitatsin the South East Asian region. Eighty individuals from 12 countries attended the Symposium sharingtheir stranding experiences, engaging in discussion, and working insmall groups to identify goals and objectives for a regional strandingnetwork. The result of the Symposium was the formation of theSouth East Asia Marine Mammal Stranding Network. The core organizationsof this network include Ocean Park Conservation Foundation - HongKong, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Ocean Adventure, University of thePhilippines - Institute of Environmental Scienceand Meteorology,University of St Andrew's, Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network,Taiwan Cetacean Society, and Whale Stranding Indonesia. For a completelist of member organizations and more information on thisground-breaking organization, please check out our recently launchedwebsite (http://www.seammsn.org).LEMNUEL V ARAGONES, PhDSecretariat (SEAMMSN), Associate Professor, Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City PHILIPPINESwww.iesm.upd.edu.ph lemdva2001(a)yahoo.com Sent from Yahoo! Mail for Windows 8

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New Marine Mammal course on a Maine island!
by Robin Hadlock Seeley 10 Dec '13

10 Dec '13

Join us in Maine for Introduction to Marine Mammal Biology (BioSM 1650) this summer! http://www.sml.cornell.edu/sml_cc_immb.html Dates: June 30 - July 14, 2014 University credits: - 3 - through Cornell University Location: Appledore Island, Shoals Marine Laboratory, Isles of Shoals, Maine http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appledore_Island Students: College undergraduates, advanced high school students, and science teachers Faculty: Dr. Nadine Lysiak, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute/Marine Studies Consortium Shoals Marine Lab is a residential island campus run by the University of New Hampshire and Cornell University since 1966 where undergraduates are immersed in the study of marine science. Register today! https://www.apply.sml.cornell.edu/registerwho/rwho_login.php We expect this class to fill quickly. Course description: Introduction to the biology and conservation of the whales and seals, with a particular focus on species of the Gulf of Maine. Lectures will examine many facets of marine mammal science including: taxonomy and species diversity, morphological and physiological adaptations for life in the sea, foraging ecology and behavior, reproductive cycles, bioacoustics, anthropogenic interactions, and management of threatened species. Land and open-water observations of whale and seal behavior will give students hands-on opportunities to study marine mammals in the field. Laboratory work, including dissections, may also occur pending the availability of samples. ********************************************** Robin Hadlock Seeley, Ph.D. Assistant Director of Academic Programs; Senior Research Associate Shoals Marine Laboratory Appledore Island, ME www.sml.cornell.edu<http://www.sml.cornell.edu> rhs4 at cornell.edu<http://cornell.edu> **********************************************

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new publication: Basal metabolism of an adult male killer whale
by Graham Worthy 10 Dec '13

10 Dec '13

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: G.A.J. Worthy, T.A.M. Worthy, P.K. Yochem, and C. Dold. (2013) Basal metabolism of an adult male killer whale (Orcinus orca). Marine Mammal Science. Summary: The results of the present study confirm that it is feasible to collect data on basal metabolic rates from large cetaceans in zoological parks using indirect calorimetry. The system that was developed for the present study proved to be portable and effective, and was readily and rapidly accepted by the animal. Our results are support the hypothesis that adult killer whales have a basal metabolic rate consistent with predicted values for an adult terrestrial mammal of comparable mass. However, since these data relate to only a single ex situ adult whale, where a variety of factors may influence metabolic rate, caution must be exercised when extrapolating to in situ whales. The present study describes a methodology that can be applied to ex situ cetaceans to expand the available database for BMR data and metabolic rate values for the largest individual odontocete measured thus far and expanding the database for approximating energy requirements for in situ killer whales. The results of the present study are not consistent with suggestions that odontocetes have elevated basal metabolic rates, but instead lends cautious support to the notion that at least some species may have BMRs similar to terrestrial mammals of comparable size. The full text and PDF is available at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Graham_Worthy/?ev=hdr_xprf -- ______________________________________________________ Graham A.J. Worthy, Ph.D. Provost's Distinguished Research Professor of Biology, Hubbs-Sea World Endowed Professor of Marine Mammalogy, and Director, Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Lab Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr, Room BIO402A Orlando FL 32816-2368 Graham.Worthy(a)ucf.edu<mailto:Graham.Worthy@ucf.edu> http://worthy.cos.ucf.edu/PEBL/ 407-823-4701 office 407-823-5769 FAX skype: graham.worthy "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something" Plato ______________________________________________________

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New paper on surfacing characteristics and diving behaviour of blue whales in Sri Lankan waters
by Asha de Vos 09 Dec '13

09 Dec '13

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: de Vos A, Christiansen F, Harcourt RG, Pattiaratchi CB (2013) Surfacing characteristics and diving behaviour of blue whales in Sri Lankan waters. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 449:149-153 ABSTRACT Very little is known about the ecology of blue whales in Sri Lankan waters. Surfacing behaviour and dive characteristics were quantified from focal follows of individual blue whales between January-March 2012 and 2013. During this period individual whales were followed from small boats to observe their surfacing patterns and breathing behaviour. Data on time at first surface, length of surface interval, number of blows, final dive time and whether or not the whale ‘fluked up’ before a deep dive were recorded. A step-wise modelling approach was used to estimate a number of surfacing characteristics: mean Inter-Breath Interval (IBI), bout duration and the number of surfacings in a bout. First, dives were classified as either surface dives or deep dives based on the occurrence of arching or fluking behaviour at the surface prior to a deep dive. The mean IBI of surface dives was 17.6 sec (SD=26.14) and for deep dives, 640.3 sec (SD=214.38). To account for temporal dependence between dive types, a first-order Markov chain was used to estimate the transition probability between dive types. Time series of dive types were then simulated, using Monte Carlo methods, while accounting for heterogeneity in IBI of the different dive types. The mean IBI of blue whales in Sri Lanka, obtained from the Monte Carlo methods, was 84.7 sec (SD=11.17). The mean bout duration was 145 sec (SD=28.31), with the mean number of breaths per surface bout being 9.3 (SD=1.43). Whales also lifted their tail flukes out of the water on 55% of terminal dives, which is considerably more frequent than elsewhere in the world. These results significantly advance our understanding of blue whales in Sri Lankan waters. More specifically, this information is essential for the calculation of precise abundance estimates as it informs the detection probability parameters for line transect surveys. In this way it will help formulate better management decisions related to the conservation of this population. Reprints are available from the first author: asha.devos(a)lincoln.oxon.org Asha -- ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> Asha de Vos Marine Biologist TED Senior Fellow Postdoctoral Scholar Coastal Conservation Action Lab University of California Santa Cruz 100 Shaffer Rd. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA http://about.me/ashadevos www.ashadevos.com

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Wildlife physiologist position at Alaska Dept of Fish and Game
by Rehberg, Michael J (DFG) 09 Dec '13

09 Dec '13

Dear colleagues, The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Steller Sea Lion Program is recruiting for a Wildlife Physiologist III. This position leads the physiology research component of the Steller Sea Lion Research Program, manages and conducts field data collection and laboratory analysis, and directly supervises a biometrician, physiologist and interns. We are looking for strong candidates who can manage this segment of our program, plan research relevant to management and conservation needs, and to build the collaborative relationships and help pursue the resources to make this work happen. This position is based in our Fairbanks office. This recruitment is open to all applicants, and closes December 31 (Alaska Standard Time). Please see this link for details: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/alaska/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=74… For questions please contact me at michael.rehberg(a)alaska.gov<mailto:michael.rehberg@alaska.gov> . Best regards, Mike Rehberg ---- Michael J. Rehberg (michael.rehberg(a)alaska.gov<mailto:michael.rehberg@alaska.gov>) Program Leader, Steller Sea Lion Research Project - Alaska Department of Fish and Game

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