February 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Use of dolphins as shark bait and marine bushmeat
by Sarah Baulch 21 Feb '13

21 Feb '13

Dear colleagues, I am compiling information on two issues: 1. The use of dolphins as bait in shark fisheries. 2. "Marine bushmeat” – directed hunts of cetaceans for consumption that are poorly documented, unregulated and often occur in remote, poorly studied areas. This work is being undertaken to update the information currently available on these activities. I would be very grateful if you could contact me if you have any recent information on either of these, in particular locations where it is occurring and any indications of the species and numbers of cetaceans being used. Please contact me at sarahbaulch(a)eia-international.org Many thanks, Sarah Baulch

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SEACR Marine Research Internship: Some positions still available for summer 2013
by Jacqueline Clare 20 Feb '13

20 Feb '13

> There are still some positions available for this summer! > > SEACR MARINE RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS – SUMMER 2013 > > The Society for Ecological and Coastal Research - SEACR - is a non-profit organization, established in 1998, dedicated to scientific research on the ecology of near-shore marine systems. SEACR is sponsoring several long-term ongoing research projects on gray whale ecology in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Canada. The projects are organized and run by members of the Whale Research Lab of the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (http://www.geog.uvic.ca/whalelab/) > > INTERNSHIPS > > Enthusiastic individuals with a keen interest in nature and science are invited to discover the challenges of marine field research along Canada's coastal rainforest through SEACR's Marine Research Intern Program! > > MRIP is a volunteer program where Research Interns assist experienced and dedicated marine biologists and ecologists with their field research. Through MRIP, Research Interns will live and work at a remote research field-station in the coastal rainforest of Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, to aid researchers with ongoing field research related to coastal and marine ecology. > > Internships are offered on a competitive basis, at cost and provide invaluable exposure to boat based field work, the Pacific coastal ocean environment, marine mammal research, intensive training and mentoring in marine ecology, and encouragement to work and play hard! > > We are offering 2 or 4 week Marine Research Internships from June 1rst to August 30th 2013. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first serve basis and spaces are quite limited. > > 2 Week Option: June 1-June 15, June 16-June 30, July 17-July 31, > > August 1-August 15, August 16-August 30 > > 4 Week Option: June 1-June 30, July 17-August 14, or August 1-30 > > > > QUALIFICATIONS > > This internship is an excellent opportunity for an individual working toward a career in marine science to gain practical experience in the field. Ideal candidates possess a personal interest in marine ecology and a commitment to conservation research. > > Marine research is difficult and challenging work, so being a Research Intern is not for everyone! Those who wish to participate in MRIP must be in good physical health, especially free of back and leg injuries, as the field hours (in the boat and in the lab) can be long - though very satisfying! This is not a program that certifies individuals in field research. It is, however, an experience that delivers a unique opportunity for education, development of field ecology research skills, travel, and enjoyment of wildlife. > > > > THE RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT > > Flores Island is the home of the Ahousaht First Nations peoples and is nestled in world-famous Clayoquot Sound, in the Pacific Coast rainforest. Flores is an excellent place to learn about marine ecology and the study of nature. Along with learning field and technical skills during the course of work, when the opportunity arises Research Interns may engage in informal talks with graduate students, take hikes along the Wild Side Trail, have beach campfires, and interact with the Ahousaht First Nations peoples. Professors from the University of Victoria, local scientists and previous MRIP researchers will be frequent visitors to the field research station. > > Flores Island's natural beauty, sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife will keep you enthralled. Being here is the experience of a lifetime. > > > > APPLICATION PROCESS & COSTS > > To qualify as a candidate for the MRIP, see the pre-application process on our website: http://whalelab.geog.uvic.ca/MRIPapply > > Unlike many other volunteer internship opportunities, SEACR provides and organizes the room and board for our interns at cost. The internship package includes basic accommodations and three meals per day at the research station. Interns and research staff live together and are responsible for cooking and cleaning duties. Rooms are shared with at least one other person. The internship costs do not include transportation to and from the research camp on Flores Island, personal items, or special dietary requirements. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required upon acceptance to MRIP. > > > > Two week Internship - $ 2200 Cdn > > Four week Internship - $ 3400 Cdn > > > > If you are interested in applying for a position, please see the details of our application process on our http://whalelab.geog.uvic.ca/MRIPapply > > Questions regarding the MRIP application or internships can be directed by email to: whalelab(a)gmail.com > > > > **************************** > > Society for Ecological and Coastal Research > > P.O. Box 35052 > > Victoria, British Columbia > > CANADA V8T 5G2 > > whalelab(a)gmail.com >

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2012 Report on Responsible Whale and Dolphin Watching now available
by Dylan Walker 20 Feb '13

20 Feb '13

Dear colleagues, *Apologies for cross posting.* We have just published the 2012 REPORT ON RESPONSIBLE WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING which is available for free download. The report discusses a variety of issues of interest to the scientific community, including the use of citizen science by responsible swim-with operators, the evolution of self-managed codes of conduct, and measuring the value of an guided educational curriculum. The report is a groundbreaking document, produced by and for the whale watching industry. It includes contributions from twelve businesses that formed a coalition in 2012 called the Responsible Whale Watch Partnership, and facilitated by Planet Whale. The report is available for download here: * http://www.planetwhale.com/2012-report-on-responsible-whale-and-dolphin-wat… * We welcome comments and feedback as we look to make improvements on the 2013 report, which will be in production shortly. With thanks and best wishes, *Dylan* ________________________ *Dylan Walker * co-founder Planet Whale & WhaleFest www.planetwhale.com www.whale-fest.com mob/cell: +44 (0)7900 471490 <%2B44%20%280%297775%20871953> office: +44 (0)1273 355011 skype: planet.whale * *

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New Paper: Signature Whistle Copying in Bottlenose Dolphins
by stephanie king 20 Feb '13

20 Feb '13

Dear All We are pleased to announce a new publication on Signature Whistle Copying in Bottlenose Dolphins which is published online with open access in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, click here to get to the article; http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/280/1757/20130053 Citation: King, S.L., Sayigh, L.S., Wells, R.S, Fellner, W., and Janik, V.M. 2013. Vocal copying of individually distinctive signature whistles in bottlenose dolphins. Proc. R. Soc. B. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2013.0053. Abstract: Vocal learning is relatively common in birds but less so in mammals. Sexual selection and individual or group recognition have been identified as major forces in its evolution. While important in the development of vocal displays, vocal learning also allows signal copying in social interactions. Such copying can function in addressing or labelling selected conspecifics. Most examples of addressing in non-humans come from bird song, where matching occurs in an aggressive context. However, in other animals, addressing with learned signals is very much an affiliative signal. We studied the function of vocal copying in a mammal that shows vocal learning as well as complex cognitive and social behaviour, the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Copying occurred almost exclusively between close associates such as mother–calf pairs and male alliances during separation and was not followed by aggression. All copies were clearly recognizable as such because copiers consistently modified some acoustic parameters of a signal when copying it. We found no evidence for the use of copying in aggression or deception. This use of vocal copying is similar to its use in human language, where the maintenance of social bonds appears to be more important than the immediate defence of resources. Enjoy, Stephanie -- -- Dr. Stephanie L. King Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews East Sands St Andrews Scotland KY16 8LB

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Workshop announcement: Using collaborative ocean geodesign to identify marine protected areas for cetaceans
by Dylan Walker 19 Feb '13

19 Feb '13

Dear all, The following workshop, facilitated by Planet Whale in collaboration withthe University of California Santa Barbara Marine Science Institute, will be held at the forthcoming ECS Conference in Setubal, Portugal, Saturday 6 April 2013 * * *USING COLLABORATIVE OCEAN GEODESIGN TO IDENTIFY MARINE PROTECTED AREAS FOR CETACEANS* * * Although there is an urgent need to expand upon the current number of designated Marine Protected Areas for cetaceans, there are many issues restricting our ability to do so. These include a continued lack of data on the critical habitat for many species, only limited identification of potential MPAs, and restrictions placed upon scientists and managers by current legislation. This interactive workshop will look at the potential for both the scientific and wider stakeholder communities to use collaborative ocean geodesign technology to identify MPAs for cetaceans and develop management plans with the potential for widespread implementation and successful application. Collaborative ocean geodesign combines sophisticated online mapping technology with social media such as forums to address site management issues. Mapped areas requiring management are drawn by stakeholders who can then make plans to deal with the issues affecting those areas. The maps and plans are then released to other stakeholders for review. The result is a cost-effective and engaging way to define priority MPAs and develop effective management plans supported by the wider stakeholder community, thereby significantly improving their chances of being designated. In this workshop we plan to use the SeaSketch tool, kindly made available by Dr Will McClintock and colleagues at the University of California Santa Barbara Marine Science Institute. We would like to encourage participants to attend from a wide range of backgrounds both within the scientific community and beyond. The workshop will be designed to engage and involve all participants regardless of experience. Your interest in the subject is all that we require. Presentations will be kept to an absolute minimum. Instead, sessions will be group-based, challenging, instructive, inspiring, and fun, and we anticipate outputs which will contribute to progress and inform further planned debate on this issue. The workshop will be split into three sessions: 1. Setting the criteria for cetacean MPAs. What’s important to you? 2. Live mapping workshop. Map your ‘Area of Concern’, share your management solutions and adapt your plans based on the advice of others. 3. Empower the stakeholder community. Successful MPAs often have management plans that involve and engage coastal communities and local marine users. How can we improve our chances of designation and implementation by ensuring everybody has their say from the beginning? This workshop will focus on mapping potential MPAs in European waters, including regions covered by both ASCOBANS and ACCOBAMS. We therefore welcome participants planning to attend the workshop organised for the following day by Peter Evans and colleagues, entitled ‘The challenge of spatially managing cetaceans – a highly mobile animal group’. We hope that our outputs will help to inform discussions on the following day. The workshop will start at 9.30 am and finish at 6.00 pm. There will be a charge of €25 per person. Anyone interested in participating or offering to share their experiences relating to any of the three sessions please contact me at dylan(a)planetwhale.com. There are also two places available for volunteers to assist with the workshop (thereby avoiding the fee). Further information and an itinerary will be emailed to participants in March. Regards, Dylan Walker Co-founder, Planet Whale www.planetwhale.com dylan(a)planetwhale.com Tel: +44 (0)1273 355011 Skype: planet.whale

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Ship strikes and the IWC
by Simone Panigada 19 Feb '13

19 Feb '13

Dear Marmam colleagues, with this message we would like to enquire about your knowledge of ships strike events - and remind everybody about the global (IWC) ship strike data base . The International Whaling Commission is addressing the problem of ship strikes since many years and has taken a leading role in this issue. It's Scientific Committee considers methods of estimating the number of whales killed from ship strikes; it is also fostering the dialogue between researchers, Authorities and the shipping industry and thus takes part in developing mitigation measures. The Conservation Committee has established a dedicated Ship Strikes Working Group to set up a five years strategic plan to develop a policy framework for mitigation of ship strike events and to co-ordinate work between member governments. The IWC is also working in conjunction with other international bodies such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and its Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC). Both committees provide a forum to report ship strike cases on the one hand, and the measures being taken within countries to reduce and record incidences of ship strikes. The IWC has developed a standardized global database to report collisions between vessels and whales. The database is open for anyone to submit data and includes information on the whales (e.g., species, size, observed injuries, etc.) and on the vessels. The objectives of the database are accurate estimates of mortality and injuries, to help detect trends over time, to allow better modeling of risk factors (e.g., vessel type, speed, size), and to identify high risk or unsuspected problem areas. The data base provides an on-going facility for collecting new information. Most importantly, it relies on scientists and mariners providing information. Therefore, any report of a ship strike is important. With this, we are looking for new records and invite any of you with information regarding collision cases or evidence of animals with clear sign of ship strike to compile the online database at: <http://data.iwc.int/ShipStrike/logon.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fshipstrike%2fdefault…>http://data.iwc.int/ShipStrike/logon.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fshipstrike%2fdefault…. Such information can come from witness reports you may have heard of but also from (your own) scientific publications, etc. We would like to thank you for your cooperation; please do not hesitate to get in touch with us in case you need further information and any assistance. Please visit the IWC ship strike website to find out more at: <http://iwc.int/ship-strikes>http://iwc.int/ship-strikes. Simone Panigada - panigada(a)inwind.it Fabian Ritter - ritter(a)m-e-e-r.de IWC ship strikes coordinators

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Seeking volunteer research assistants for a project on endangered Australian sea lions
by Sylvia Osterrieder 18 Feb '13

18 Feb '13

*Seeking volunteer research assistants for a project on endangered Australian sea lions* *Project title: **Conservation ecology and human disturbance of Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) in Western Australia* *Project description: *In this study, baseline information on the ecology and behaviour of Australian sea lions in Western Australia are collected. Individual focal follows (behavioural observations) will be conducted to measure the level of disturbance caused by humans using the beaches simultaneously with these endangered otariid. Also, a new photo-identification method is being tested and developed to recognize individual Australian sea lions in the field. This method will aid estimating the population size of Australian sea lions and investigating their residency patterns and habitat use on key breeding islands and haul-out locations in Western Australia. This project is aiming to provide basic knowledge on the sea lions’ colony sizes, movement patterns, temporal and spatial habitat use as well as critical haul-out behaviour that will inform the management of Australian sea lions inhabiting key breeding and non-breeding locations in Western Australia. *Main field sites: *Seal Island in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, Carnac Island Nature Reserve and potentially Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Few other haul-out islands off Perth Metropolitan area are visited during monthly boat surveys. *Fie**ld trip dates:* April - May 2013, July - August 2013 June and September 2013 will be spent entering and processing data with opportunistic field trips. Research assistants who can commit for 2 months are strongly preferred. Priority will be given to assistants who can commit for longer periods due to the training required. *Assistant duties: *Collecting and recording observational data, both on land and from the boat. Assistants will be helping with data entry and processing, including sorting and processing photos and data on dictaphones. *Prerequisites:* 1.* *Background knowledge in marine biology, ecology or conservation and experience in field research is a plus. 2. Research assistants should be confident working for long hours on islands with limited facilities and on small boats. Boat license and handling skills would be beneficial. 3. Assistants need to be dedicated to help in this project. During data collection the ability to focus for long periods is required. Assistants are expected to maintain a positive attitude during long hours in the field and towards other team members, also in varying weather conditions. 4. Field trips are very weather dependant and will therefore be organised on short notice (often only 1-2 days prior) and will vary between week and weekend days and may take place on public holidays. Field trips may start early in the morning. *Expenses: *This is an unpaid opportunity to gain training and experience in ecological sciences and particularly in marine mammal research. Unfortunately, travel expenses cannot be covered and research assistants are responsible for their own living expenses around Perth/Fremantle. Rides to the study sites can be provided from Fremantle. Research assistants are expected to bring their own lunch and water. If you are interested in helping out in this project, please send a CV, a brief cover letter highlighting previous experience and relevant qualifications along with contact details of two relevant referees to: sylvia.osterrieder(a)gmail.com. Sylvia Osterrieder PhD Candidate Ecology & Sustainability Group, School of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria and Research Associate Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia

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ECS Conference, Setubal, Porgual
by sara.heimlich 18 Feb '13

18 Feb '13

A group has been set up for attendees who might want to coordinate travel or lodging arrangements to the 27th ECS conference in Setubal, Portugal. If you are looking to share the costs of a car rental, or lodgings, or find a ride to and from Lisbon and Setubal, or want a travel companion to take the bus or train from Lisbon airport, or someone to join you on a 'field trip' in Portugal, this is the place to make the connection! https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/ecs-27th-setubal <https://groups.google.com/forum/#%21forum/ecs-27th-setubal> -- Sara Heimlich CIMRS/OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center Newport, OR. 97365 (541) 867-0328 office (541) 961-1737 cell

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PAMGuard Training, St. Andrews, Scotland, March 25/26, 2013
by Chris J. Hancock 18 Feb '13

18 Feb '13

[cid:image001.jpg@01CE086D.BE473C00] & [http://www.mtcmedia.co.uk/foliopics/1337332216pamguard.png] Dear MARMAMers SMRU Ltd are pleased to announce our next PAMGuard training Course will be on the 25th & 26th March in St Andrews, UK. To book or if you have any questions please email info(a)smru.co.uk<mailto:info@smru.co.uk?subject=PAMGUARD%20Training> The course dates have been set to follow on directly from one of the visual Marine Mammal Observer Induction courses<http://www.carolynbarton.co.uk/> run by Carolyn Barton which will take place on the Tuesday and Wednesday of that week Courses will take place over the two days and will run from 13:00 to 17:00 on the first day and from 09:00 to 12:30 on the second day. This will give attendees time to travel to and from St Andrews, and a free evening in which to digest the content of the first afternoon. Location St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. Course Content The course will comprise both lectures and practical sessions. Day 1 (afternoon) Lecture - An introduction to PAM Lecture - Sampling, Detection and Localisation Practical - PAMGUARD introduction, navigating the GUI and configuring detectors Day 2 (morning) Lecture and practical - Hardware configuration (sound cards, GPS, depth readout) Lecture and practical - PAMGUARD modules for mitigation What you should bring Course attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptop computer, and mouse. At the very least, this means you will leave St Andrews with a working PAMGUARD configuration on your machine. Please notify us in advance if you are unable to bring your own laptop. A number of USB sound cards and GPS connections will be made available. Attendees may also wish to bring their own sound cards, GPS receivers and any other hardware they wish to receive specific advice on. Registration Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Further details of the course location and travel information will be provided following registration. For further information, please email: info(a)smru.co.uk<mailto:info@smru.co.uk?subject=PAMGUARD%20Training> Tutors The courses will be led by Dr Douglas Gillespie of St Andrews University, one of the principle architects of the PAMGUARD software. There will also be other experienced PAMGUARD operators and developers to help with one to one tuition during the practical sessions. Language All lectures will be given in English. We hope to see you there!

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Marine Mammal Photo-ID Interships - Summer Session
by Elizabeth Hartel 15 Feb '13

15 Feb '13

Voluntary Research Positions at HBOI Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University is now accepting applications for two voluntary research positions in the Population Biology and Behavioral Ecology (PBBE) Program. Successful applicants will participate in marine mammal photo-identification including image analysis, field work, and potentially GIS mapping work. Positions are available throughout the year with 3 sessions: · mid January - mid May · mid May - mid August · mid August - mid December There is some flexibility with the above dates. Please submit application materials with as much notice as possible, preferably at least 1.5 months prior to your desired session start date. If interested in participating for a longer duration, it may be possible to combine two of the above sessions. Volunteers will be expected to commit to a minimum of 30 hours per week, excluding University recognized holidays. Harbor Branch is located in Fort Pierce, FL, adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon. The PBBE program conducts boat-based photo-ID surveys of Western North Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in estuarine waters of Eastern Florida. We investigate multiple aspects of dolphin population biology, foraging ecology and social organization, including temporal and spatial aspects of abundance and distribution. Voluntary Researchers will primarily focus on image analysis with some photo-ID field work. These are unpaid positions, but this is an excellent opportunity to gain experience with marine mammal research and image analysis. Participants will be under the supervision of experienced dolphin researchers and will learn many valuable skills. If students intend to receive university credit for their participation, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Participants are also responsible for their own living arrangements and expenses. Ideal candidates will be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates of a university program in marine science, biology, ecology, or a related field. We are seeking applicants with a strong work ethic, a mature attitude towards marine mammal research, and preferably prior marine mammal experience. As these are unpaid positions, applicants must fill out the Volunteer Application found at http://www.fau.edu/hboi/Donate.php (scroll down to "Donate Your Time" and click on Volunteer Application). To apply, please send a résumé and cover letter with the completed Volunteer Application to Cathy Rossmell at crossmel(a)fau.edu. Please indicate PBBE- Photo-ID as your area of interest on the application. Please include the session(s) and/or dates you are applying for in your cover letter. Florida Atlantic University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and is committed to the diversity of its workforce. Liz Hartel Biological Scientist Population Biology and Behavioral Ecology Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute - FAU 5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946 work: (772) 242-2238 cell: (772) 216-4363 www.hboi.fau.edu

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