March 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

JOB(S) POSTING involving Marine Mammals: Marine Acoustic Technician and Marine Wildlife Observer vacancies
by Nick Robinson 07 Jun '16

07 Jun '16

Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences Limited Group of Companies and is a successful Environmental contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects for major clients in the UK and overseas. As GEL’s Marine Wildlife Department continues its expansion we are seeking to add to the diverse team and expertise in the following roles; MARINE ACOUSTIC TECHNICIAN(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to conduct acoustic surveys through the use of passive acoustic monitoring systems (PAMS) and noise measurement systems during offshore activities both nationally and internationally. The candidate will play a key role in the development of in-house systems and be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all Marine Wildlife Departmental acoustic equipment, in accordance with HSSE and QA standards. Compilation and preparation of PAMS and noise monitoring reports including the processing of acoustic data is required. Projects may include marine mammal mitigation or monitoring, ambient noise measurements and operational noise monitoring. The candidate will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend up to 120 days at sea at locations worldwide, during a 12-month period. Applicants will be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine acoustics, including both hardware and need to have field experience. Additionally, familiarity with the use of PAMS, CPODs or other underwater noise monitoring equipment is desirable. MARINE WILDLIFE OBSERVER(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to undertake a wide variety of marine wildlife surveys, including marine mammal observations, passive acoustic monitoring, seabird and environmental impact activities in the field, as well as providing general assistance to the project managers, lead scientists and report writer with the production of marine wildlife reports. You will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend approximately 120 - 180 days at sea, at locations worldwide, dependent on project requirements, during a 12-month period. Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine mammals, their biology and identification and need to have a minimum of two years field experience. Familiarity with the use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) or previous marine survey experience would certainly be advantageous. To apply for your choice of role, please send your CV and a Cover Letter to Nick Robinson at nick.robinson(a)gardline.com<mailto:nick.robinson@gardline.com>. Incomplete Applications will not be considered. Closing date: 21st April 2013 ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Assistant positions for a cetacean study in the Mediterranean (Barcelona)
by Lara Delgado 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

Dear all, Positions are open for assisting with a cetacean survey in the Mediterranean Sea (Barcelona-Mallorca), Spain. Dates from 22nd of July to 30th of July 2011. DESCRIPTION: The EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of aquatic environments, specially focused in the study of cetaceans; offer positions for volunteers for one of the trips of the summer campaign of the project “Cetacean population study of the Mediterranean Sea area: Barcelona-Balearic Islands, BCNCET 2010-2011”. The aim of the project is to study the cetacean species present in the Mediterranean Sea (Balearic Sea). The association catamaran will set sail to Mallorca, from the Barcelona port the 22nd of July and be back to Barcelona the 30th of July, both days included. Visual and acoustical surveys will be conducted from early morning to evening during the 9 days in the boat, studying the distribution, behaviour, and sound production of the sighted species. The assistants would be able to learn: species identification, environmental and behavioural data collection, sound collection, and basic marine navigating skills. Accommodation and food is offered in the catamaran during the 9 days, but assistants are required to pay 400€ for food and accommodation expenses. No previous experience is required, as the scientist present in the campaign will provide species identification information and teach assistants. If you are interested or want more information, please contact us to: edmaktub(a)edmaktub.com Thanks! EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of the aquatic environment. www.edmaktub.com

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ESR: a friend to marine mammals
by Godley, Brendan 27 Nov '14

27 Nov '14

Dear All The Journal ESR (Endangered Species Research) has been a good friend to marine mammals. An updated list of close to 100 papers is listed below (including hotlinks). We have created a facebook page to help promote the journal (post open access articles as they come out etc) and we would be grateful if you would “like” it and promote it widely within your networks. Here’s looking forward to the 200th ESR marmam paper! http://www.facebook.com/EndangeredSpeciesResearch Best Brendan ESR articles - Marine Mammals Baker JD, Littnan CL, Johnston DW. 2006. Potential effects of sea level rise on the terrestrial habitats of endangered and endemic megafauna in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands ESR 2:21-30<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v2/p21-30/> Michaud J, Taggart CT. 2007. Lipid and gross energy content of North Atlantic right whale food,Calanus finmarchicus, in the Bay of Fundy ESR 3:77-94<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n1/p77-94/> Slooten E. 2007. Conservation management in the face of uncertainty: effectiveness of four options for managing Hector’s dolphin bycatch ESR 3:169-179<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n2/p169-179/> Johnston DW, Chapla ME, Williams LE, Mattila DK. 2007. Identification of humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae wintering habitat in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands using spatial habitat modeling ESR 3:249-257<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n3/p249-257/> Calleson CS, Frohlich RK. 2007. REVIEW: Slower boat speeds reduce risks to manatees ESR 3:295-304<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n3/p295-304/> Middleton DAJ, Starr PJ, Gilbert DJ. 2007. COMMENT: Modelling the impact of fisheries bycatch on Hector’s dolphin: comment on Slooten (2007) ESR 3:331-334<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n3/p331-334/> Slooten E. 2007. REPLY COMMENT: Criticism is unfounded: reply to Middleton et al. (2007) ESR 3:335-339<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n3/p335-339/> Tougaard J, Teilmann J, Tougaard S. 2008. Harbour seal spatial distribution estimated from Argos satellite telemetry: overcoming positioning errors ESR 4:113-122<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n1-2/p113-122/> Insley SJ, Robson BW, Yack T, Ream RR, Burgess W. 2008. Acoustic determination of activity and flipper stroke rate in foraging northern fur seal females ESR 4:147-155<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n1-2/p147-155/> Thomton JD, Mellish JAE, Hennen DR, Horning M. 2008. Juvenile Steller sea lion dive behavior following temporary captivity ESR 4:195-203<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n1-2/p195-203/> Steiger GH, Calambokidis J, Straley JM, Herman LM, Cerchio S, Salden DR, Urbán-R J, Jacobsen JK, von Ziegesar O, Balcomb KC, Gabriele CM, Dahlheim ME, Uchida S, Ford JKB, Ladrón de Guevara-P P, Yamaguchi M, Barlow J. 2008. Geographic variation in killer whale attacks on humpback whales in the North Pacific: implications for predation pressure ESR 4:247-256<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n3/p247-256/> Vanderlaan ASM, Taggart CT, Serdynska AR, Kenney RD, Brown MW. 2008. Reducing the risk of lethal encounters: vessels and right whales in the Bay of Fundy and on the Scotian Shelf ESR 4:283-297<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n3/p283-297/> Parrish FA, Marshall GJ, Buhleier B, Antonelis GA. 2008. Foraging interaction between monk seals and large predatory fish in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands ESR 4:299-308<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n3/p299-308/> Cañadas A, Hammond PS. 2008. Abundance and habitat preferences of the short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis in the southwestern Mediterranean: implications for conservation ESR 4:309-331<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n3/p309-331/> Bearzi G, Agazzi S, Gonzalvo J, Costa M, Bonizzoni S, Politi E, Piroddi C, Reeves RR. 2008. Overfishing and the disappearance of short-beaked common dolphins from western Greece ESR 5:1-12<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n1/p1-12/> Baker JD. 2008. Variation in the relationship between offspring size and survival provides insight into causes of mortality in Hawaiian monk seals ESR 5:55-64<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n1/p55-64/> Chilvers BL. 2008. New Zealand sea lions Phocarctos hookeri and squid trawl fisheries: bycatch problems and management options ESR 5:193-204<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p193-204/> Karamanlidis AA, Androukaki E, Adamantopoulou S, Chatzispyrou A, Johnson WM, Kotomatas S, Papadopoulos A, Paravas V, Paximadis G, Pires R, Tounta E, Dendrinos P. 2008. Assessing accidental entanglement as a threat to the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus ESR 5:205-213<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p205-213/> Scheidat M, Gilles A, Kock KH, Siebert U. 2008. Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena abundance in the southwestern Baltic Sea ESR 5:215-223<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p215-223/> Brotons JM, Munilla Z, Grau AM, Rendell L. 2008. Do pingers reduce interactions between bottlenose dolphins and nets around the Balearic Islands? ESR 5:301-308<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p301-308/> Campbell R, Holley D, Christianopolous D, Caputi N, Gales NG. 2008. Mitigation of incidental mortality of Australian sea lions in the west coast rock lobster fishery ESR 5:345-358<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p345-358/> Bradford AL, Weller DW, Wade PR, Burdin AM, Brownell RL Jr. 2008. Population abundance and growth rate of western gray whales Eschrichtius robustus ESR 6:1-14<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n1/p1-14/> Fonnesbeck CJ, Garrison LP, Ward-Geiger LI, Baumstark RD. 2008. Bayesian hierarchichal model for evaluating the risk of vessel strikes on North Atlantic right whales in the SE United States ESR 6:87-94<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n1/p87-94/> Freeman MMR. 2008. Challenges of assessing cetacean population recovery and conservation status ESR 6:173-184<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n2/p173-184/> Williams R, Bain DE, Smith JC, Lusseau D. 2008. Effects of vessels on behaviour patterns of individual southern resident killer whales Orcinus orca ESR 6:199-209<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n3/p199-209/> Lusseau D , Bain DE , Williams R, Smith JC. 2008. Vessel traffic disrupts the foraging behavior of southern resident killer whales Orcinus orca ESR 6:211-221<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n3/p211-221/> Swaim ZT, Westgate AJ, Koopman HN, Rolland RM, Kraus SD. 2008. Metabolism of ingested lipids by North Atlantic right whales ESR 6:259-271<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n3/p259-271/> Vanderlaan ASM, Corbett JJ, Green SL, Callahan JA, Wang C, Kenney RD, Taggart CT, Firestone J. 2008. Probability and mitigation of vessel encounters with North Atlantic right whales ESR 6:273-285<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n3/p273-285/> Reynolds JE III , Marsh H, Ragen TJ. 2009. AS WE SEE IT: Marine mammal conservation ESR 7:23-28<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v7/n1/p23-28/> MacLeod CD. 2009. REVIEW: Global climate change, range changes and potential implications for the conservation of marine cetaceans: a review and synthesis ESR 7:125-136<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v7/n2/p125-136/> Noren DP, Johnson AH, Rehder D, Larson A. 2009. Close approaches by vessels elicit surface active behaviors by southern resident killer whales ESR 8:179-192<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v8/n3/p179-192/> Gonzalez-Socoloske D, Olivera-Gomez LD, Ford RE Detection of free-ranging West Indian manatees Trichechus manatus using side-scan sonar ESR 8:249-257<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v8/n3/p249-257/> Scolardi KM, Schwacke LH, Koelsch JK, Reynolds JE III, Kessenich TJ, Sprinkel JM, Gannon JG Trends in counts of manatees Trichechus manatus latirostris from 1987 to 2006 in waters of Sarasota County, Florida, USA ESR 9:1-11<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v9/n1/p1-11/> McDonald MA, Hildebrand JA, Mesnick S Worldwide decline in tonal frequencies of blue whale songs ESR 9:13-21<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v9/n1/p13-21/> Andersen LW, Born EW, Doidge DW, Gjertz I, Wiig Ø, Waples RS Genetic signals of historic and recent migration between sub-populations of Atlantic walrus Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus west and east of Greenland ESR 9:197-211<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v9/n3/p197-211/> Hart KM, Hyrenbach KD REVIEW: Satellite telemetry of marine megavertebrates: the coming of age of an experimental science ESR 10:9-20<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p9-20/> Skinner JP, Norberg SE, Andrews RD Head striking during fish capture attempts by Steller sea lions and the potential for using head surge acceleration to predict feeding behavior ESR 10:61-69<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p61-69/> Andrews-Goff V, Hindell MA, Field IC, Wheatley KE, Charrassin JB Factors influencing the winter haulout behaviour of Weddell seals: consequences for satellite telemetry ESR 10:83-92<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p83-92/> Bailey H, Mate BR, Palacios DM, Irvine L, Bograd SJ, Costa DP Behavioural estimation of blue whale movements in the Northeast Pacific from state-space model analysis of satellite tracks ESR 10:93-106<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p93-106/> Baird RW, Schorr GS, Webster DL, McSweeney DJ, Hanson MB, Andrews RD Movements and habitat use of satellite-tagged false killer whales around the main Hawaiian Islands ESR 10:107-121<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p107-121/> Horning M, Mellish JAE Spatially explicit detection of predation on individual pinnipeds from implanted post-mortem satellite data transmitters ESR 10:135-143<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p135-143/> Lander ME, Loughlin TR, Logsdon MG, VanBlaricom GR, Fadely BS Foraging effort of juvenile Steller sea lions Eumetopias jubatus with respect to heterogeneity of sea surface temperature ESR 10:145-158<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p145-158/> Mazzaro LM, Dunn JL Descriptive account of long-term health and behavior of two satellite-tagged captive harbor seals Phoca vitulina ESR 10:159-163<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p159-163/> Schorr GS, Baird RW, Hanson MB, Webster DL, McSweeney DJ, Andrews RD Movements of satellite-tagged Blainville’s beaked whales off the island of Hawai‘i ESR 10:203-213<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p203-213/> Simmons SE, Crocker DE, Hassrick JL, Kuhn CE, Robinson PW, Tremblay Y, Costa DP Climate-scale hydrographic features related to foraging success in a capital breeder, the northern elephant seal Mirounga angustirostris ESR 10:233-243<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p233-243/> Cronin MA, Zuur AF, Rogan E, McConnell BJ Using mobile phone telemetry to investigate the haul-out behaviour of harbour seals Phoca vitulina vitulina ESR 10:255-267<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p255-267/> Gucu AC Preliminary study on the effects of photo traps used to monitor Mediterranean monk seals Monachus monachus ESR 10:281-285<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p281-285/> Holland KN, Meyer CG, Dagorn LC Inter-animal telemetry: results from first deployment of acoustic ‘business card’ tags ESR 10:287-293<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p287-293/> Rayment W, Dawson S, Slooten L Use of T-PODs for acoustic monitoring of Cephalorhynchus dolphins: a case study with Hector’s dolphins in a marine protected area ESR 10:333-339<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p333-339/> Salvadeo CJ, Lluch-Belda D, Gómez-Gallardo A, Urbán-Ramírez J, MacLeod CD Climate change and a poleward shift in the distribution of the Pacific white-sided dolphin in the northeastern Pacific ESR 11:13-19<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n1/p13-19/> Hanson MB, Baird RW, Ford JKB, Hempelmann-Halos J, Van Doornik DM, Candy JR, Emmons CK, Schorr GS, Gisborne B, Ayres KL, Wasser SK, Balcomb KC, Balcomb-Bartok K, Sneva JG, Ford MJ Species and stock identification of prey consumed by endangered southern resident killer whales in their summer range ESR 11:69-82<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n1/p69-82/> Rowe LE, Currey RJC, Dawson SM, Johnson D Assessment of epidermal condition and calf size of Fiordland bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus populations using dorsal fin photographs and photogrammetry ESR 11:83-89<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n1/p83-89/> Christiansen F, Lusseau D, Stensland E, Berggren P Effects of tourist boats on the behaviour of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins off the south coast of Zanzibar ESR 11:91-99<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n1/p91-99/> Johanos TC, Becker BL, Baker JD, Ragen TJ, Gilmartin WG, Gerrodette T Impacts of sex ratio reduction on male aggression in the Critically Endangered Hawaiian monk seal Monachus schauinslandi ESR 11:123-132<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n2/p123-132/> Andriolo A, Kinas PG, Engel MH, Albuquerque Martins CC, Rufino AM Humpback whales within the Brazilian breeding ground: distribution and population size estimate ESR 11:233-243<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n3/p233-243/> Rugh DJ, Shelden KEW, Hobbs RC Range contraction in a beluga whale population ESR 12:69-75<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n1/p69-75/> Kuhn CE, Tremblay Y, Ream RR, Gelatt TS Coupling GPS tracking with dive behavior to examine the relationship between foraging strategy and fine-scale movements of northern fur seals ESR 12:125-139<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n2/p125-139/> Samaran F, Adam O, Guinet C Discovery of a mid-latitude sympatric area for two Southern Hemisphere blue whale subspecies ESR 12:157-165<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n2/p157-165/> Cotté C, Guinet C, Taupier-Letage I, Petiau E Habitat use and abundance of striped dolphins in the western Mediterranean Sea prior to the morbillivirus epizootic resurgence ESR 12:203-214<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n3/p203-214/> Rajamani L, Marsh H Using parallel regional- and local-scale initiatives to inform conservation management of rare wildlife: a case study of the dugong Dugong dugon in Sabah, Malaysia ESR 13:17-23<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n1/p17-23/> Heide-Jørgensen MP, Laidre KL, Wiig Ø, Postma L, Dueck L, Bachmann L NOTE: Large-scale sexual segregation of bowhead whales ESR 13:73-78<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n1/p73-78/> Shaughnessy PD, Goldsworthy SD, Hamer DJ, Page B, McIntosh RR Australian sea lions Neophoca cinerea at colonies in South Australia: distribution and abundance, 2004 to 2008 ESR 13:87-98<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n2/p87-98/> Wade PR, De Robertis A, Hough KR, Booth R, Kennedy A, LeDuc RG, Munger L, Napp J, Shelden KEW, Rankin S, Vasquez O, Wilson C Rare detections of North Pacific right whales in the Gulf of Alaska, with observations of their potential prey ESR 13:99-109<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n2/p99-109/> Robbins J, Dalla Rosa L, Allen JM, Mattila DK, Secchi ER, Friedlaender AS, Stevick PT, Nowacek DP, Steel D NOTE: Return movement of a humpback whale between the Antarctic Peninsula and American Samoa: a seasonal migration record ESR 13:117-121<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n2/p117-121/> Marques TA, Munger L, Thomas L, Wiggins S, Hildebrand JA Estimating North Pacific right whale Eubalaena japonica density using passive acoustic cue counting ESR 13:163-172<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n3/p163-172/> Fearnbach H, Durban JW, Ellifrit DK, Balcomb KC III Size and long-term growth trends of Endangered fish-eating killer whales ESR 13:173-180<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n3/p173-180/> Hatfield BB, Ames JA, Estes JA, Tinker MT, Johnson AB, Staedler MM, Harris MD Sea otter mortality in fish and shellfish traps: estimating potential impacts and exploring possible solutions ESR 13:219-229<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n3/p219-229/> Frasier TR, Koroscil SM, White BN, Darling JD Assessment of population substructure in relation to summer feeding ground use in the eastern North Pacific gray whale ESR 14:39-48<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v14/n1/p39-48/> Lagueux KM, Zani MA, Knowlton AR, Kraus SD  Response by vessel operators to protection measures for right whales Eubalaena glacialis in the southeast US calving ground ESR 14:69-77<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v14/n1/p69-77/> Gobush KS, Baker JD, Gulland FMD  Effectiveness of an antihelminthic treatment in improving the body condition and survival of Hawaiian monk seals ESR 15:29-37<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n1/p29-37/> Corkeron PJ, Minton G, Collins T, Findlay K, Willson A, Baldwin R  Spatial models of sparse data to inform cetacean conservation planning: an example from Oman ESR 15:39-52<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n1/p39-52/> Parks SE, Searby A, Célérier A, Johnson MP, Nowacek DP, Tyack PL  Sound production behavior of individual North Atlantic right whales: implications for passive acoustic monitoring ESR 15:63-76<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n1/p63-76/> Gerrodette T, Eguchi T  Precautionary design of a marine protected area based on a habitat model ESR 15:159-166<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n2/p159-166/> Pomerleau C, Patterson TA, Luque S, Lesage V, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Dueck LL, Ferguson SH  Bowhead whale Balaena mysticetus diving and movement patterns in the eastern Canadian Arctic: implications for foraging ecology ESR 15:167-177<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n2/p167-177/> Michaud J, Taggart CT Spatial variation in right whale food, Calanus finmarchicus, in the Bay of Fundy ESR 15:179-194<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n3/p179-194/> Lambert E, MacLeod CD, Hall K, Brereton T, Dunn TE, Wall D, Jepson PD, Deaville R, Pierce GJ  Quantifying likely cetacean range shifts in response to global climatic change: implications for conservation strategies in a changing world ESR 15:205-222<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n3/p205-222/> Gregr EJ  Insights into North Pacific right whale Eubalaena japonica habitat from historic whaling records ESR 15:223-239<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n3/p223-239/> Gulesserian M, Slip D, Heller G, Harcourt R  Modelling the behaviour state of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in response to vessel presence off Sydney, Australia ESR 15:255-264<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n3/p255-264/> Becker EA, Foley DG, Forney KA, Barlow J, Redfern JV, Gentemann CL Forecasting cetacean abundance patterns to enhance management decisions ESR 16:97-112<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v16/n2/p97-112/> Forney KA, Ferguson MC, Becker EA, Fiedler PC, Redfern JV, Barlow J, Vilchis IL, Ballance LT  Habitat-based spatial models of cetacean density in the eastern Pacific Ocean ESR 16:113-133<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v16/n2/p113-133/> Goetz KT, Montgomery RA, Ver Hoef JM, Hobbs RC, Johnson DS  Identifying essential summer habitat of the endangered beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas in Cook Inlet, Alaska ESR 16:135-147<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v16/n2/p135-147/> Murphy S, Spradlin TR, Mackey B, McVee J, Androukaki E, Tounta E, Karamanlidis AA, Dendrinos P, Joseph E, Lockyer C, Matthiopoulos J  Age estimation, growth and age-related mortality of Mediterranean monk seals Monachus monachus ESR 16:149-163<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v16/n2/p149-163/> Wheeler B, Gilbert M, Rowe S Definition of critical summer and fall habitat for bowhead whales in the eastern Canadian Arctic ESR 17:1-16<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n1/p1-16/> Mussoline SE, Risch D, Hatch LT, Weinrich MT, Wiley DN, Thompson MA, Corkeron PJ, Van Parijs SM  Seasonal and diel variation in North Atlantic right whale up-calls: implications for management and conservation in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean ESR 17:17-26<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n1/p17-26/> Bailleul F, Lesage V, Power M, Doidge DW, Hammill MO  Differences in diving and movement patterns of two groups of beluga whales in a changing Arctic environment reveal discrete populations ESR 17:27-41<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n1/p27-41/> Pereira CM, Booth DT, Limpus CJ  Swimming performance and metabolic rate of flatback Natator depressus and loggerhead Caretta caretta sea turtle hatchlings during the swimming frenzy ESR 17:43-51<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n1/p43-51/> Kittinger JN, Bambico TM, Watson TK, Glazier EW  Sociocultural significance of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal and the human dimensions of conservation planning ESR 17:139-156<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n2/p139-156/> Braulik GT, Bhatti ZI, Ehsan T, Hussain B, Khan AR, Khan A, Khan U, Kundi KU, Rajput R, Reichert AP, Northridge SP, Bhagat HB, Garstang R  Robust abundance estimate for endangered river dolphin subspecies in South Asia ESR 17:201-215<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n3/p201-215/> Silber GK, Adams JD, Bettridge S  Vessel operator response to a voluntary measure for reducing collisions with whales ESR 17:245-254<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n3/p245-254/> Doniol-Valcroze T, Lesage V, Giard J, Michaud R  Challenges in marine mammal habitat modelling: evidence of multiple foraging habitats from the identification of feeding events in blue whales ESR 17:255-268<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n3/p255-268/> Blasi MF, Boitani L  Modelling fine-scale distribution of the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus using physiographic features on Filicudi (southern Thyrrenian Sea, Italy) ESR 17:269-288<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n3/p269-288/> 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 Online cetacean habitat modeling system for the US east coast and Gulf of Mexico ESR 18:1-15<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n1/p1-15/> Baird RW, Hanson MB, Schorr GS, Webster DL, McSweeney DJ, Gorgone AM, Mahaffy SD, Holzer DM, Oleson EM, Andrews RD  Range and primary habitats of Hawaiian insular false killer whales: informing determination of critical habitat ESR 18:47-61<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n1/p47-61/> Johnston DW, Friedlaender AS, Read AJ, Nowacek DP  Initial density estimates of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the inshore waters of the western Antarctic Peninsula during the late autumn ESR 18:63-71<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n1/p63-71/> Keller CA, Garrison L, Baumstark R, Ward-Geiger LI, Hines E  Application of a habitat model to define calving habitat of the North Atlantic right whale in the southeastern United States ESR 18:73-87<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n1/p73-87/> Stafford KM, Moore SE, Berchok CL, Wiig Ø, Lydersen C, Hansen E, FEATURE ARTICLE - Kalmbach D, Kovacs KM Spitsbergen’s endangered bowhead whales sing through the polar night ESR 18:95-103<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p95-103/> Ramírez-Macías D, Vázquez-Haikin A, Vázquez-Juárez R  Whale shark Rhincodon typus populations along the west coast of the Gulf of California and implications for management ESR 18:115-128<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p115-128/> Castelblanco-Martínez DN, Nourisson C, Quintana-Rizzo E, Padilla-Saldivar J, Schmitter-Soto JJ  Potential effects of human pressure and habitat fragmentation on population viability of the Antillean manatee Trichechus manatus manatus: a predictive model ESR 18:129-145<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p129-145/> Pendleton DE, Sullivan PJ, Brown MW, Cole TVN, Good CP, Mayo CA, Monger BC, Phillips S, Record NR, Pershing AJ  Weekly predictions of North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis habitat reveal influence of prey abundance and seasonality of habitat preferences ESR 18:147-161<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p147-161/> LeDuc RG, Taylor BL, Martien KK, Robertson KM, Pitman RL, Salinas JC, Burdin AM, Kennedy AS, Wade PR, Clapham PJ, Brownell RL Jr  NOTE: Genetic analysis of right whales in the eastern North Pacific confirms severe extirpation risk ESR 18:163-167<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p163-167/> Rioux È, Lesage V, Postma L, Pelletier É, Turgeon J, Stewart REA, Stern G, Hammill MO  Use of stable isotopes and trace elements to determine harvest composition and wintering assemblages of belugas at a contemporary ecological scale ESR 18:179-191<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p179-191/> FEATURE ARTICLE - Weller DW, Klimek A, Bradford AL, Calambokidis J, Lang AR, Gisborne B, Burdin AM, Szaniszlo W, Urbán J, Gomez-Gallardo Unzueta A, Swartz S, Brownell RL Jr Movements of gray whales between the western and eastern North Pacific ESR 18:193-199<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n3/p193-199/> Ivashchenko YV, Clapham PJ Soviet catches of right whales Eubalaena japonica and bowhead whales Balaena mysticetus in the North Pacific Ocean and the Okhotsk Sea ESR 18:201-217<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n3/p201-217/> Gallus A, Dähne M, Verfuß UK, Bräger S, Adler S, Siebert U, Benke H  Use of static passive acoustic monitoring to assess the status of the ‘Critically Endangered’ Baltic harbour porpoise in German waters ESR 18:265-278<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n3/p265-278/> Oremus M, Hamner RM, Stanley M, Brown P, Baker CS, Constantine R Distribution, group characteristics and movements of the Critically Endangered Maui’s dolphin Cephalorhynchus hectori maui ESR 19:1-10<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v19/n1/p1-10/> Stimpert AK, Mattila D, Nosal EM, Au WWL  NOTE: Tagging young humpback whale calves: methodology and diving behavior ESR 19:11-17<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v19/n1/p11-17/> Whitehead H, Hooker SK  REVIEW: Uncertain status of the northern bottlenose whale Hyperoodon ampullatus: population fragmentation, legacy of whaling and current threats ESR 19:47-61<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v19/n1/p47-61/> You may be interested in our recent you Tube videos: Darwin Initiative (Peru) (English) http://youtu.be/OhtVmUJ6hkY (Spanish) http://youtu.be/jyQinupAqVw Kenya Field Course (MSc) http://youtu.be/IkBmIehMZ9Q Prof. Brendan J. Godley Chair in Conservation Science Centre for Ecology & Conservation University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus TR10 9EZ, UK Tel: +44 1326 371 861 http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/index.php?web_id=brendan_godley http://www.linkedin.com/in/brendangodley http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/ Editor-in-Chief, Endangered Species Research http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/

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Senior Marine Mammal Observer(s) vacancy
by Nick Robinson 07 Feb '14

07 Feb '14

Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences Limited Group of Companies and are a successful Environmental contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects for major clients in the UK and overseas. As GEL's Marine Wildlife Department continues its expansion we are seeking to add to the diverse team and expertise in the following role; SENIOR MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to lead and undertake a wide variety of marine wildlife surveys, including marine mammal observations, passive acoustic monitoring, seabird and environmental impact activities in the field, as well as providing general assistance to the project managers, lead scientists and report writer with the production of marine wildlife reports. You will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend approximately 120 days at sea, at locations worldwide, dependent on project requirements, during a 12-month period. Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine mammals, their biology and identification and need to have a minimum of two years field experience. Familiarity with the use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) or previous marine survey experience would certainly be advantageous. To apply for your choice of role, please send your CV and cover letter to Nick Robinson at nick.robinson(a)gardline.com<mailto:recruitment@gardline.com> or via the careers section of our website www.gardlinemarinesciences.com<http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/> Closing date: 29th June 2012 ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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River dolphin internships in Brazil
by Tony Martin 11 Aug '13

11 Aug '13

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak fluent Spanish, in addition to English. There can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria. This wastes everyone's time, so please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 50 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially the relatively new harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking 2 people to commence work as soon as possible, ideally in July or Aug 2012. But we would also like to hear from people available later in 2012 or early 2013. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 500 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend. Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Further information on all aspects of the work is available at www.projetoboto.com Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com) Closing date is 26 June 2012. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 3 days, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 June latest.

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Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute - BDRI INTERNSHIPS (Winter -Spring, 2013)
by Bruno Diaz 16 Jun '13

16 Jun '13

Hi everyone, on behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI)on Sardinia Island, Italy, I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting internship applications for the Winter-Spring term 2013 (a minimum of 60 days of participation between February and June 2012). BDRI's research is focused on a long term study about the ecology and behaviour of wild unrestrained bottlenose dolphins, distribution of other cetaceans (whales and pelagic dolphins), and the potential effects of human activities (fisheries, aquaculture and tourism) in their distribution and behaviour. An internship period with the BDRI offers an invaluable exposure to boat based field work,marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine biology. Undergraduate and postgraduate students could present their BDRI's personal research project as their Thesis works if requested with the application. Internships will be under direct supervision by BDRI's director Mr. Bruno Diaz Lopez. The internship can be used for academic or vocational purposes, but students are solely responsible for making all arrangements for receiving relevant credit(s) as a result of completing the internship. Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of marine mammal research as research assistants in four diverse research projects: 1. Behavioural ecology of Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins: We collect information about distribution and behaviour of free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins from boat based platforms. By using different behavioural sampling methods this study is particularly focused in the interaction of dolphins with human activities as fisheries, aquaculture and marine traffic. These studies provide values insight for the conservation of this top predator in an area characterized by high anthropogenic pressure. 2. Wild bottlenose dolphins’ communication: We obtain knowledge of how individuals within a population of common bottlenose dolphins communicate and what they are communicating. This can generate information ranging from; measures of habitat use, social relevance, geographical variation, cultural transmission to genetic fitness that can be applied to conservation. 3. The cetacens role in the coastal ecosystem: An ecosystem modelling approach becomes an interesting tool to examine the impact of fisheries and human activities (aquaculture, marine traffic) on cetaceans and vice versa. Mass-balance models are built to characterize the role of cetaceans in a coastal and pelagic ecosystem conditioned by human activities. 4. Pelagic cetaceans off the Sardinian coast: Data about distribution of pelagic cetaceans (fin whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, striped dolphins, common dolphins, risso’s dolphins etc.) are collected from multiple platforms including shore and boat based platforms. The behaviour and distribution of large cetaceans observed off Sardinia is still unknown. While some animals could be in migration between the Ligurian and Thyrrenian Sea, others could be mainly engaged in foraging activities. To address this and other questions the BDRI has since 2011 carried out this project. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research camp (Sardinia, Italy). As a number of students are unemployed and are unable to meet our program, BDRI offers accommodation for participants and has developed a financial aid to support some of them. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Start and end dates are flexible. Positions are open until filled. Successful candidates should be ready to work, self-motivated and flexible. Prior field research experience is recommended but not required. Please download the internships general information and application form at: www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc Send the application form and cover letter by email to the BDRI, at info(a)thebdri.com. Selected scientific publications by the BDRI: 1. Diaz Lopez B., 2012. Bottlenose dolphins and aquaculture: interaction and site fidelity on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy). Marine Biology, DOI 10.1007/s00227-012-2002-x 2. Diaz Lopez B. Mariño, F., 2011. A trial of acoustic harassment device efficacy on free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in Sardinia, Italy. Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology 2011, pp 44(4):197-208. 3. Diaz Lopez B., 2011. Aquaculture systems. In: Handbook of Models used in Ecosystem and Environmental Management, Sven Erik Jørgensen (Ed.), CRC Press, Taylor & Francis, FL.pp 241-256. 4. Diaz Lopez B., 2011. Whistle characteristics in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mediterranean Sea: influence of behaviour. Mammalian Biology 76: 180-189. 5. Diaz Lopez, B. & Shirai, J.A.B., 2010. Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphin's repertoire and communication use. In: Dolphins: Anatomy, Behavior, and Threats, (A.G. Pierce & L. Correa Eds.), Nova Science Publishers, New York. Pp 129 -148. 6. Diaz Lopez, B., 2009. The bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus foraging around a fish farm: Effects of prey abundance on dolphins' behaviour. Current Zoology 55(4):243-248. 7. Diaz Lopez, B., Bunke, M. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture off Sardinia Island (Italy): ecosystem effects evaluated through a trophic mass-balance model. Ecological Modelling 212: 292-303. 8. Diaz Lopez, B. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture and bottlenose dolphins social structure.Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 62 (6): 887-894. 9. Diaz Lopez, B., Shirai, J.A.B., Bilbao Prieto, A. & Méndez Fernández, P., 2008. Diving activity of a solitary wild free ranging bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Journal Marine Biological Association of U.K 88, Special Issue 06: 1153-1157. 10. Diaz Lopez, B & Bernal Shirai, J.A.B., 2007. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presence and incidental capture in a marine fish farm on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy)" Journal of Marine Biological Association of U.K 87: 113 – 117. 11. Diaz Lopez, B., 2006. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Predation on a Marine Fin Fish Farm: Some Underwater Observations". Aquatic Mammals 32 (3): 305 – 310. 12. Diaz Lopez, B., 2006. "Interactions between Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and gillnets off Sardinia". ICES Journal of Marine Science 63: 944-951. 13. Diaz Lopez, B., Marini, L. and Polo, F. 2005. The Impact of a fish farm on a Bottlenose dolphin population in the Mediterranean Sea. Thalassas 21(1):53-58. Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Researcher / Marine Zoologist Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI V.Armando Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy www.thebdri.com info(a)thebdri.com tel.+ 39 346 081 5414 tel. + 0789 183 1197

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AIMM seeks research assistants - Season 2012
by Isabel Andrade 06 May '13

06 May '13

The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM - seeks applications as research assistant to help with the ongoing study of cetaceans in the South of Portugal (Algarve). The field season will run from May, 1st to October, 30th 2012. This project intends to continue the study that AIMM has been developing along the South coast of Portugal, as well as the collaboration with the local dolphin watching companies. Participants will join the team for, at least, 7-days period but preference will be given to applicants that can stay for longer periods. Activities include boat surveys on the research vessel and on opportunistic platforms (dolphin watching boats). Data collection comprises species identification, group size, behaviour, photo-identification, amongst others. Training is provided by AIMM researchers, mainly marine biologists. The assistant is responsible for his own transportation to/from Albufeira, where the AIMM assistant’s house is located. Accommodation and transport to/from the dock is provided. Food is at the assistant’s own expenses except breakfast, but communal shopping keep the expenses low. Apart from research activities, participants share everyday duties and chores with the other team members. A fee for basic maintenance of the AIMM assistant’s house is required (300€ per week). No previous experience is required. Anyone above the age of 16 can participate, regardless of nationality or field of expertise. Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be autonomous and quickly operational - be able to live and work constructively with others members of the team - speak fluent Portuguese and/or English Preference will be given to those who have: - relevant marine mammal field experience - working experience on research vessels - experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - experience in photo-identification - professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID Applicants should send an e-mail with a small introduction, qualifications and previous experience, as well as an outline explaining why they would like to work with AIMM. A brief CV should also be attached. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended. Contacts: direccao(a)aimm-portugal.org || http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/

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Research assistant position - common dolphin photoID study, Tauranga, New Zealand
by Anna Meissner 25 Apr '13

25 Apr '13

Two research assistants are required to assist with a PhD study investigating common dolphin ecology (*Delphinus* sp.) in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. This PhD project is part of the ongoing research of the New Zealand Common Dolphin Project (NZCDP) and the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. ( http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz) PROJECT BACKGROUND: Growing interest in observing and swimming with free-ranging cetaceans has contributed to a rapid growth of dolphin-based tourism operations. The PhD project aims to examine distribution and habitat use of common dolphins in the East Coast Bay of Plenty and assess the effects of interacting activities on both populations. Part of the study focuses on photo-identification in order to assess common dolphin site fidelity in the Bay of Plenty. DATES: March - September 2013. A minimum commitment of 3 months is required. Priority will be given to candidates who can commit for longer periods. LOCATION: Tauranga, New Zealand RESPONSIBILITIES & FIELD WORK OPPORTUNITY: Analysis of photo-identification data, including assistance with photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, maintenance of long-term photo-id catalogue using a MS Access database. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days analysing photographs and matching them with the photo-identification catalogue. Opportunistically, the candidate will be able to join the team on the field and learn environmental and behavioural data collection for cetaceans. Surveys will be conducted from tourism boats. Surveys will be carried out in the coastal waters of Tauranga. Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants need to be available FULL-TIME (including WEEKENDS and PUBLIC HOLIDAYS if on the field) and be prepared to work on computer 6-8 hours per day. This position is suitable in the framework of a degree, with the opportunity to write up a report/thesis for the candidate university/school. PREREQUISITES: . Be meticulous, reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient. . Have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research. . Speak fluent English . Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude . Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation . Previous experience in photo-ID on small cetaceans will be considered. QUALIFICATIONS: . The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent grads and graduate students who have some background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related fields. . Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Access) Preferred qualifications but not required: . Field research including photo-identification experience . Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research . Prior experience working on small research vessels APPLICATION PROCESS: This is a volunteer position, so there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. However, help can be provided to find accommodation. Assistants will be responsible for travel to Tauranga and their own living expenses. Applicants should email a letter of interest outlining relevant experience and motivation for participation, as well as a CV and the contacts for referees to Anna Meissner a.m.meissner(a)massey.ac.nz Early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. Kindest regards, Anna Meissner ------------------------------------------------- Anna M. Meissner PhD student Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore City, 0745 Auckland, New Zealand Tel: +64 9 414 0800 ext 41520 Cell: +64 22 603 6646 Fax: +64 9 443 9790 Email: a.m.meissner(a)massey.ac.nz Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz -------------------------------------------------

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New publication on winter habitat preferences for Florida manatees
by Cynthia Taylor 03 Apr '13

03 Apr '13

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper on Florida manatees is now available at http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0058978: D. W. Laist, C. Taylor, and J. E. Reynolds, III. (2013) Winter habitat preferences for Florida manatees and vulnerability to cold. PLoS ONE8(3): e58978. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0058978 Abstract To survive cold winter periods most, if not all, Florida manatees rely on warm-water refuges in the southern two-thirds of the Florida peninsula. Most refuges are either warm-water discharges from power plant and natural springs, or passive thermal basins that temporarily trap relatively warm water for a week or more. Strong fidelity to one or more refuges has created four relatively discrete Florida manatee subpopulations. Using statewide winter counts of manatees from 1999 to 2011, we provide the first attempt to quantify the proportion of animals using the three principal refuge types (power plants, springs, and passive thermal basins) statewide and for each subpopulation. Statewide across all years, 48.5% of all manatees were counted at power plant outfalls, 17.5% at natural springs, and 34.9 % at passive thermal basins or sites with no known warm-water features. Atlantic Coast and Southwest Florida subpopulations comprised 82.2% of all manatees counted (45.6% and 36.6%, respectively) with each subpopulation relying principally on power plants (66.6% and 47.4%, respectively). The upper St. Johns River and Northwest Florida subpopulations comprised 17.8% of all manatees counted with almost all animals relying entirely on springs (99.2% and 88.6% of those subpopulations, respectively). A record high count of 5,076 manatees in January 2010 revealed minimum sizes for the four subpopulations of: 230 manatees in the upper St. Johns River; 2,548 on the Atlantic Coast; 645 in Northwest Florida; and 1,774 in Southwest Florida. Based on a comparison of carcass recovery locations for 713 manatees killed by cold stress between 1999 and 2011 and the distribution of known refuges, it appears that springs offer manatees the best protection against cold stress. Long-term survival of Florida manatees will require improved efforts to enhance and protect manatee access to and use of warm-water springs as power plant outfalls are shut down. David W. Laist Senior Policy and Program Analyst Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Highway, Rm. 700 Bethesda, MD 20814 main office: 301-504-0087 fax: 301-504-0099 e-mail: dlaist(a)mmc.gov

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ECS sperm whale workshop
by Marta Acosta 31 Mar '13

31 Mar '13

Dear all, Apologies for cross posting. We would like to announce that there are still some places available for the upcoming ECS workshop "Towards a large scale collaboration on sperm whale research". Workshop title: Towards a large scale collaboration on sperm whale research Date: 06/04/2013 Organizer: Marta Acosta Plata (Marine Research and Education Fund of Andenes - MAREFA) Time: Full day (9:30 - 18:00) Cost: 25 euro Summary: With the present workshop we are aiming to review the current knowledge about sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the Mediterranean Sea and North Atlantic and bring together any research group, individuals, whale watching companies or non-profit organizations working on the species, in order to gain a better understanding at a larger scale and identify potential knowledge gaps to be addressed in the upcoming years. During this workshop we also expect to facilitate the sharing of data, including photo-identification images, acoustic recordings and tissue samples. Special attention will be destined to re-build the large scale photo-identification database NAMSC (North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sperm whale Catalogue). All the potential contributors to the workshop will be invited in advance, and other places will be available for interested individuals, in particular, students that are already or would like to get involved with sperm whale research. If you wish to participate, please send you request to m.acosta(a)marefa-whaleresearch.org Thanks, Marta Acosta Plata Marine Research and Education Fund of Andenes m.acosta(a)marefa-whaleresearch.org

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