March 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Assistants sought for melon-headed whale social behavior study in Bohol, Philippines
by Dominic Clarke 12 Mar '13

12 Mar '13

The international nonprofit organization *Physalus* is looking for *2 research assistants* for its *Large Marine Vertebrate Project* (LAMAVE) for the upcoming field season in *Bohol**, Philippines* from *the 10th of April to the 30th of June 2013.* * * We conduct boat-based cetacean surveys focusing on the north-eastern portion of the Bohol Sea. The area has some of the highest cetacean diversity in South East Asia with 18 species already identified, the most common encounters being with melon-headed whales and Fraser’s dolphins. Behavioral observation will be done daily alongside the collection of photo-identification and acoustic data as part of a long term monitoring of the melon-headed whale population in the region. We are looking for individuals with previous marine mammal experience especially in the field of photo-identification and behavioral data collection, although other qualified individuals will be considered. Qualifications we are looking for include: - Basic knowledge of photography - Basic ethological knowledge and behavioral data collection techniques - Boating experience - Ability to swim - Experience with data entry and analysis - Ability to work well with a small team - Strong work ethic * * *Room and board will be provided for the whole duration of the project.* *Research assistants will be responsible for costs related to the travel to the field site and any visa fees. * Assistants will share a living space with 1 or 2 other individuals as well as house and cooking duties. The Large Marine Vertebrates Project Philippines also has other projects on whale shark and ray ecology, wildlife tourism interaction, marine wildlife stranding networks and environmental awareness in local schools. The assistant will have the chance if requested, to extend their stay beyond June and collaborate on one of the other projects. For more informationvisit our website ( www.lamave.org) and facebook page (large marine vertebrates project). Interested applicants should send a cover letter and cv/resume with references to *lamave.project(a)gmail.com as soon as possible.* The application deadline is *March 18th 2013* and a final decision will be taken as soon as a suitable candidate is found. We look forward to hearing from you. Alessandro Ponzo President of Physalus Director of the Large Marine Vertebrate Project - Philippines

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New paper: Resident community of bottlenose dolphin in the Swan Canning Riverpark, Western Australia
by Delphine Chabanne 11 Mar '13

11 Mar '13

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Chabanne, D., Finn, H., Salgado-Kent, C., and Bejder, L. (2012). Identification of a resident community of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops aduncus*) in the Swan Canning Riverpark, Western Australia, using behavioural information. *Pacific Conservation Biology* 18: 247-262. The pdf can be accessed online via the PCB website http://pcb.murdoch.edu.au/pcb_online.html or via email request to D.Chabanne(a)murdoch.edu.au Abstract Identifying appropriate management units is vital for wildlife management. Here we investigate one potential management unit – resident communities of bottlenose dolphins – using information from ranging, occupancy, and association patterns. We identify a resident community of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops* *aduncus*) in the Swan Canning Riverpark, Western Australia based on: ranging patterns, sighting rates, Lagged Identification Rates (LIR), and three measures of social affinity and structure (Simple Ratio Index, preferred dyadic association analyses, and Lagged Association Rates (LAR)). The analyses yielded an estimated ‘community size’ of 17-18 individuals (excluding calves). High seasonal sighting rates (> 0.75 sightings per season) and a long mean residence time (ca. nine years) indicated year-round residency. The model best-fitting the LIR (emigration and mortality) also supported this. The social structure of dolphins was species-typical, characterized by significant dyadic associations within age-sex classes (permutation test; *P *< 0.001), stronger associations among adult males than among adult females (LAR males > LAR females), and temporally stable associations (LAR > null LAR). Constant companions or long-lasting association models best explained adult male and female LARs. While behavioural information identified a resident community in the Riverpark, genetic and demographic information is needed to assess its appropriateness as a management unit. Cheers, Delphine

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One Harbour Seal Internship Vacancy
by phocid＠aol.com 11 Mar '13

11 Mar '13

One Harbour Seal Internship Vacancy Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre is a registered not-for-profit marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility operating under permits from the Department of Fisheries & Oceans, the Ministry of Environment and Environment Canada. Located in the Pacific Northwest, on Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada, Island Wildlife specializes in the care of up to 100 seal pups (and occasionally other species of marine mammals) each year. We also provide rescue services and temporary emergency care for other species of indigenous wildlife (avian and terrestrial mammals). We have one internship left to fill. The dates of the internship are July 1st thru September 30th. This is prime pupping season and some experience with Harbour Seal rehabilitation is a must. Internships are voluntary positions and candidates are responsible for their own transportation to and from British Columbia and for their own expenses during their internship (i.e. travel, food, entertainment). We provide shared sleeping cabins (including bedding), and a communal kitchen (including all cooking utensils) and bathrooms, as well as wireless internet and use of a shared vehicle. There is no cost for accommodation. Interns will work directly under our marine mammal specialists and can expect to learn or improve skills in the following: - Safe handling and restraint of Harbour Seal pups - Assisting in stabilizing critical patients and new arrivals - Food preparation through all stages of rehabilitation - Gavage (tube) feeding, force feeding and hand feeding techniques - Proper hygiene and isolation protocols to prevent the spread of disease - Administration of oral medications - Behavioral and medical observation and proper record keeping - Assisting with the rescue hotline, transporting patients and public interface - Interns may also take part in rescues and releases may assist with diagnostic work such as x-rays and microscopic exams - General care of many other indigenous avian and mammalian species Interns are accepted internationally. Internships are open to students and non-students with an educational background in the animal sciences or veterinary medicine (including vet techs and AHTs). Candidates must be able to work well in a team, possess a strong work ethic and be willing to work long hours during our busiest months (a work day can be up to 10 hours during peak “pupping” season). To apply please e-mail your resume to <iwncc(a)aol.com> The internship will be awarded to the first qualified applicant. For more information on Island Wildlife go to www.sealrescue.org and www.Facebook.com/sealrescue

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Thanks by WAV sounds
by Daniel Patón Domínguez 11 Mar '13

11 Mar '13

Dear colleagues: Many thanks to all the specialists that send me records or information of different cetaceans species. We live far away to any cetaceans species except the dolphins of Madrid zoo to 300 km ;-). Really, this mail list is a very nice example of scientific collaboration. I am greatly surprised. This is not the normal behavior in my country ;-). If somebody need my assistance in any aspect of data analysis that I can do it, please feel free of comment me. At the moment and after of a very intense search in the web, we finally had obtained the following list of species: Balaena_mysticetus Balaenoptera_acutorostrata Balaenoptera_borealis Balaenoptera_edeni Balaenoptera_musculus Balaenoptera_physalus Berardius bairdii Berardius_arnuxii Cephalorhynchus_hectori Delphinapterus_leucas Delphinus_delphis Eschrichtius_robustus Eubalaena_australis Eubalaena_glacialis Eubalaena_japonica Feresa_attenuata Globicephala_macrorhynchus Globicephala_melas Grampus_griseus Hyperoodon_ampulatus Inia_geoffrensis Kogia_breviceps Lagenodelphis_hosei Lagenorhynchus_albirostris Lagenorhynchus_obliquidens Lagenorynchus_acutus Lipotes_vexillifer Lissodelphis_borealis Megaptera_novaeangliae Mesoplodon_densirostris Monodon_monoceros Neophocaena_phocaenoides Orcaella_brevirostris Orcaella_heinsohni Orcinus_orca Pepenocephala_electra Phocoena_phocoena Phocoena_sinus Phocoenoides_dalli Physeter_macrocephalus Platanista_gangetica Pontoporia_blainvillei Pseudorca_crassidens Sotalia_fluviatilis Sousa_chinensis Stenella_attenuata Stenella_coeruleoalba Stenella_frontalis Stenella_longirotris Steno_bredanensis Tursiops_truncatus Ziphius_cavirostris If somebody have records of other species the analysis is in course ;-) Our idea is that students analyze these species using different software packages as seewave (R-environment), audacity, send me the results and I determine a global model using multivariate analysis or artificial neural networks, that are methods more complex for students. The main idea is determining a global pattern of variation in the group. We use this procedure with amphibians and birds in previous practices with curious results. For example, with Spanish species of woodpeckers we found a taxonomic pattern, but with Sylviidae family of birds the differences were due to habitats.... What results can we finally obtain with cetaceans? I don't know but this is very funny ;-) Probably scientifically irrelevant but very funny and specially didactic ;-). Finally we discuss the main tendencies of characteristics of sound communication in the group ;-) Many regards -- ******************************************************** Daniel Patón Domínguez Numerical Ecology. Ecology Unit Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences Faculty of Sciences. University of Extremadura Avda. Elvas s/n 06071 Badajoz (Spain) http://unex.academia.edu/DanielPatonDominguez http://sites.google.com/site/numericalecologyuex/home ********************************************************

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Webcast of talk on "Marine mammals and navy sonar"
by Potter, Charley 11 Mar '13

11 Mar '13

. Webcast: Marine Mammals and Military Sonar. Brandon Southall, SEA Inc. and University of California Santa Cruz, will be presenting "Marine Mammal Responses to Simulated Military Sonar: Southern California Behavioral Response Study" on Tuesday, March 12 at noon (4 pm GMT) at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. The talk will be webcast and can be viewed at: http://www.mnh.si.edu/video/live.html Brandon's talk will be posted later, a link to his talk will be available at: http://vertebrates.si.edu/mammals/index.html

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[LAJAM] Announcing Vol. 9, No. 1
by lajam editors 11 Mar '13

11 Mar '13

The Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals (LAJAM), the scientific journal of SOLAMAC (Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mamíferos Acuáticos) and SOMEMMA (Sociedad Mexicana de Mastozoología Marina), has just published its latest issue, Vol. 9, No. 1. The centerpiece of this issue is a monograph by the late Dr. Robert Clarke and colleagues representing the final part in his series *Sperm Whales of the Southeast Pacific*, which first appeared in 1968. In addition, this issue features an Editorial dedicating the issue to him, and an In Memoriam written by his wife, Obla Paliza, and his children. It can be freely accessed at: http://www.lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/issue/current We invite you to review the Table of Contents here and then visit our web site to review articles and items of interest. Registered users can sign up to receive notifications and table of contents via email. In parallel, we continue to work on the production of Vol. 9, No. 2, which should be available in the next couple of months, and in the edition of two special issues, one on *Tursiops* in the Southwest Atlantic and one on giant river otters (*Pteronura*). Since its inception, LAJAM has been generously funded by Yaqu Pacha (Germany) and by Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Brazil). It also has received support from Petrobras, Cetacean Society International, US Marine Mammal Commission, Wildlife Conservation Society, International Whaling Commission, and Instituto Aqualie. LAJAM depends on the efforts and commitment of the Board of Associate Editors and the many individuals who serve selflessly and impartially as reviewers for the journal. To all of them, "Thank You!" Sincerely, Editor-in-Chief Daniel M. Palacios Managing Editor Doris Oliva Associate Editors Fernando Félix Diane Gendron Carlos Olavarría Nicholas Pyenson Marcos Santos Maritza Sepúlveda Diana Szteren Jorge Urbán Alexandre Zerbini President SOLAMAC Mario Cozzuol President SOMEMMA Karina Acevedo-Whitehouse

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Publication on blue whale foraging habitat
by Doniol-Valcroze, Thomas 11 Mar '13

11 Mar '13

Dear MARMAM members, We thought the following paper might be of interest. Doniol-Valcroze T., Lesage V., Giard J. & Michaud R. (2012) Challenges in marine mammal habitat modelling: evidence of multiple foraging habitats from the identification of feeding events in blue whales. Endangered Species Research 17: 255-268. Abstract: Effective conservation of animal species depends on accurate identification of their critical habitat. Marine mammals, however, often transit through heterogeneous habitats and perform various activities within short periods of time. The predictive power of habitat modelling techniques can thus suffer from variability in behaviour and the use of multiple habitat types. We used data loggers and ecological-niche factor analysis (ENFA) modelling techniques to determine blue whale Balaenoptera musculus associations with underwater topography on a feeding ground in the St. Lawrence River estuary, Canada. We compared a naïve model that had no knowledge of behaviour with a model that used the locations of feeding events inferred from specific velocity signatures. Blue whales travelled over several habitat types with different characteristics, which confounded modelling efforts when pooled together. The model based on the feeding set had considerably higher predictive power but could not highlight all suitable habitats at the same time. Using cluster analysis, we identified 4 habitat types used for feeding, each corresponding to distinct underwater topographies. Feeding depth and behaviour varied across these habitats, which were used preferentially at different times of the tidal cycle and appeared linked to known prey aggregation mechanisms. Our results suggest that failure to identify feeding activity or to take into account the existence of multiple foraging habitats at a fine scale could result in spurious modelling results. Key words: Habitat modelling · Feeding behaviour · Habitat suitability · ENFA · Blue whale · St. Lawrence River · Marine mammals The paper is part of the ESR special "Beyond Marine Mammal Habitat Modeling: Applications For Ecology And Conservation", and is available in open access at: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n3/p255-268/ Questions and comments can be addressed to: thomas.doniol-valcroze(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca Best regards, Thomas Doniol-Valcroze Biologist, Marine mammal section Fisheries and Oceans Canada Maurice-Lamontagne Institute 850, route de la mer Mont-Joli, QC, Canada G5H 3Z4 Telephone 418-775-0666 Facsimile 418-775-0740

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Cetacean Research Opportunity in Iceland
by Huld Hafliðadóttir 11 Mar '13

11 Mar '13

Cetacean Research Opportunity in Iceland: Conservation Biology of Whales and Dolphins in Faxaflói Bay Project: Volunteers and assistants in Iceland are needed for the year 2013 to assist in Ph.D. dissertation research focusing on common minke whales and white-beaked dolphins occurring off Reykjavik. This is a research project being conducted along the southwest (Reykjavík area) coast of Iceland in collaboration with the Faxaflói Cetacean Research project (www.faxa-cetacean.org) Elding whale-watching (www.elding.is) and the University of Icelands Research Centre in Húsavík (http://www.stofnanir.hi.is/nordausturland) Location: Faxaflói Bay is a bay facing Reykjavík city where both whale-watching and whaling are currently taking place. Daily whale-watching tours are arranged from Reykjavik to spot feeding common minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, humpback whales, harbour porpoises and orcas. Elding whale-watching has been running whale-watching trips since 1998, with special interest in all whales visiting the bay. The company is member of Green Globe 21 and tries to fulfil environmental standards as well as certain whale-watching guidelines. Faxaflói Bay - examining patterns of residency using multiple photo-identification efforts - establishing sex ratio estimates via biological sampling - analyse the feeding behaviour of common minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and humpback whales and data collected on associated bird species - determining population structure of the resident population of white-beaked dolphins occurring in the coastal waters of Faxaflói Bay - assess cutaneous disorders on common minke whales and white-beaked dolphins during photo-identification surveys Reykjavík area: One research assistant and two volunteers (per research period*) are requested to partake in a project aiming to investigate abundance, patterns of residency, social structure, health status and behavioural budget of whales and dolphins occurring in the coastal waters of Faxaflói Bay, southwest Iceland. An intensive photo-identification study will be used to estimate number of individual whales/dolphins and their site fidelity (seasonal and annual) in the coastal waters of Faxaflói Bay during spring, summer and autumn months. Data on common minke whales and humpback whales have been collected since 2007, since 2002 on white-beaked dolphins. The existing ID-Catalogue already counts over 400 common minke whales, 300 white-beaked dolphins, 50 humpback whales and 8 orcas. Most frequently sighted species: common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) Other species: humpback whales (Megaptera novaengliae), orcas (Orcinus orca), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) Time periods: Reykjavik area research period*: 1st April to 30th May 2013 1st August to 30th September 2013 1st December to 30th January 2014 1st February to 30th March 2014 Conditions: In Reykjavík, several whale-watching motor vessels will be used as research platform, for boat based work. In Reykjavik, living space for the boat based people is located on a former fishing boat in the old harbour, with 4 single rooms, bathroom, kitchen, living room and internet access (25 square metres); 10 min walking distance to the city centre. Internet access is also provided. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the project a minimum of two months (longer stay could be discussed). Because of the training provided participants must be able to join the project one week prior to the research period starting date. The positions are not paid and candidates must support their everyday living during their stay, as well as travel costs. Accommodation and food during working hours (mainly lunch) will be provided in Reykjavik. In Húsavík accommodation is provided in an apartment with other volunteers working on different projects in Skjálfandi Bay. The apartment is located in the centre of Húsavík town, just 5 minute walk from the harbour area. There are possibilities for students to develop their own academic projects using data collected during their stay (please contact Huld Hafliðadóttir for more information). Duties of Work: Applicants should be ready to work 5-6 days a week (depending on weather conditions) and be expected to participate in the following duties: - data collection (behavioural data, photo-id images, environmental parameters, ect.) - data entry under the supervision of the PI - recognition of feeding manoeuvres (engulfment and entrapment) - identification of species and behaviour of associated avian species (e.g. auks, gulls, gannets, arctic terns, skuas, fulmars and shearwaters) - identification of skin marks (infectious, parasitic, anthropogenic and antagonistic) - use of photo-ID matching softwares (Darwin) Above this, cleaning, painting and other maintenance tasks is part of staying at the fishing boat. At the beginning and end of each whale-watching trip, applicants also help the boat crew out by assisting passengers with life jackets, warm blankets etc. Qualifications: - have a strong background in Marine biology/Oceanography, with knowledge and experience of marine mammal behaviour and/or sea birds - have previous wildlife field experience and ability to stand long working days, sometimes in rough sea conditions (seasick people should not apply for these positions!) - have previous cetacean photo-identification and/or wildlife photography skills - be computer literate with a working knowledge PC operating system and proficiency with MS Word and MS Excel. Familiarity with software including MS Access and Photoshop is very helpful. Possibility to bring your own Laptop is much preferred - be enthusiastic, hard-working, team oriented, able to share small living space on board - be adaptable, flexible and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent - have good English language skills - bring your own digital reflex camera and zoom lens: 70-300mm, 70-200mm and/or 80-400mm zoom lenses preferred (Nikon compatible) This project provides excellent opportunity for people seeking experience within the field of cetacean researches, as well as a broad overview of which methods can be applied. How to apply: CV or resume should include the following: - details on your availability - contact details of two referees - a brief description of yourself including your interest in marine mammals and what you hope to gain from this experience - specify if you have any preference for the Reykjavík project or the Húsavík project. - any dietary requirements (i.e. vegetarian, vegan, etc.) Send applications to Huld Hafliðadóttir huld(a)hi.is Huld Hafliðadóttir Project Manager / Volunteer Liaison University of Icelands Research Centre Hafnarstétt 3 640 Húsavík E-mail: huld(a)hi.is Tel: (00354) 525-5884 Website: www.stofnanir.hi.is/nordausturland/

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Seeking advice on cetacean monitoring using remote surveillance cameras
by Dylan Walker 09 Mar '13

09 Mar '13

Dear Marmamers, Does anybody have experience in using remote surveillance video cameras to monitor the presence of cetaceans? Motion-activated 'TrailCams' are being increasingly used in the terrestrial environment to record the presence of mammals, operating both during the daytime and at night. They are motion-activated enabling them to be efficient on battery usage and time-saving in terms of reviewing the footage. Whilst I appreciate that waves are likely to trigger such equipment even when cetaceans are not present, I wondered whether anybody had been successful in using such cameras from coastal viewpoints to record passing cetaceans such as Gray Whales for example? If possible, I would like to test this equipment at seal haul-out sites which may be frequented by hunting killer whales, Orcinus orca. As any killer whales present are likely to be very close to shore, it may be possible to use video cameras without extensive zoom lenses to record their presence? I would be very happy to post a summary of replies on this subject in order to assist others who might take advantage of this technology. I would also be interested to hear from anybody who has successfully used live webcams in salt-spray filled coastal or boat-based environments. Regards, *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 * <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RiZoWDGJUrs>*

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Photo ID Internship with Aquarium of the Pacific
by Kera Mathes 08 Mar '13

08 Mar '13

The Aquarium of the Pacific seeks interns to join the Marine Mammal Photo ID program for the summer months of 2013. This intern will be responsible for assisting the Boats Coordinator on photo IDing blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales during our daily whale watching cruises, as well as interpreting data to guests at the Aquarium. Commitment: 15-20 hours/week for 15 weeks starting in Late May/Early June and lasting through August. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Taking dorsal fin photos of animals encountered during daily cruises Maintain detailed data logs of sightings and enter them into ACESS databases Answer questions and interpreting for guests on board. Photo processing and IDing individual whales seen during daily trips QUALIFICATIONS Must be 18 or over Major/ed in biology, marine biology, or conservation a plus Lift a maximum of 50 lbs KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Each applicant must have a broad knowledge of ecological and biological principles, especially those relating to marine habitats, Ability to spend many hours standing especially on a boat Experience working with digital SLR camera’s a plus but not required Experience in data entry, preferably with Microsoft Access Comfortable speaking in front of large groups Have excellent oral and written communication skills Be able to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and work with a diverse group of people. To apply, please visit http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/volunteer/college_internships/ Kera Mathes Education Specialist Aquarium of the Pacific kmathes(a)lbaop.org 562-951-1651

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