April 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Call for Applications: Analyzing Animal Vocal Communication Sequences, a NIMBioS Investigative Workshop
by Catherine Crawley 29 Apr '13

29 Apr '13

The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) is now accepting applications for its Investigative Workshop, "Multidisciplinary Approaches to Analyzing Animal Vocal Communication Sequences," to be held October 21-23, 2013, at NIMBioS. *Objectives:* The aim of this workshop is to bridge the gap between mathematical and biological researchers with an interest in the quantitative analysis of animal vocal sequences. Recent developments in the mathematical analysis of complex animal communication have generated opportunities to understand the functional aspects of animal vocalizations, their role in social organization, and ultimately to explore the origins and evolution of human language. Until now, however, the collaboration between mathematicians/computer scientists and biologists/zoologists in this field has been very limited. We aim to define the state of the art in this field, explore new horizons for collaboration, and provide new techniques through a synthesis of the mathematical and biological approaches to communication analysis. We will also use this unique gathering to define some of the key questions that need to be posed to address ultimate and proximate hypotheses about behavior, in the context of animal vocal communication systems. *Location: *NIMBioS at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville *Co-Organizers: *Dan Blumstein, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of California, Los Angeles; Marie A. Roch, Computer Science, San Diego State Univ.; and Arik Kershenbaum, NIMBioS, Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville For more information about the workshop and a link to the online application form, go to http://www.nimbios.org/workshops/WS_vocal Participation in the workshop is by application only. Individuals with a strong interest in the topic are encouraged to apply, and successful applicants will be notified within two weeks of the application deadline. If needed, financial support for travel, meals, and lodging is available for workshop attendees. *Application deadline:* June 24, 2013 The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) (http://www.nimbios.org) brings together researchers from around the world to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries to investigate solutions to basic and applied problems in the life sciences. NIMBioS is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture with additional support from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. ***************************** Catherine Crawley, Ph.D. Communications Manager National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) University of Tennessee 1122 Volunteer Blvd, Ste. 106 Knoxville, TN 37996 e ccrawley(a)nimbios.org t +1 865 974 9350 f +1 865 974 9461 http://www.nimbios.org http://www.facebook.com/nimbios http://twitter.com/nimbios To receive email notifications of blog updates, click here To subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter, click here

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List serv posting
by Tish Klein 29 Apr '13

29 Apr '13

Good morning, Please post the below information to your list serv. If you have any questions or I have not done this correctly, please contact me. This is my first time posting to your list serv. Thank you, Tish Klein ******************************************** Executive Assistant to Dr. Christopher W. Clark, MSEE, Ph.D. Sr. Scientist I.P Johnson Director of Bioacoustics Research Program Cornell University 159 Sapsucker Wood Rd. Ithaca, NY 14853 T. 607.254.6260 CALL FOR PARTICIPATION Workshop on Machine Learning for Bioacoustics - 30th International Conference on Machine Learning WBIOAC ICML 2013 20-21 June 2013, Atlanta http://icml.cc/2013/?page_id=41 http://sabiod.univ-tln.fr/icml2013/index.html Machine Learning (ML) will become central in biodiversity assessment. This is a highly complex & challenging task, which involves the application of both discriminative & generative approaches. We are pleased to announce the CFP for the workshop Machine Learning for Bioacoustics under the ICML conference, which is an annual, highly regarded conference in the machine learning community. The workshop is comprised of : 1. A regular paper submission regarding common bioacoustics topics such as classification, localization, detection and others. 2. A technical challenge on avian and/or marine mammal data, including a prize for the winners! Important Dates : Regular paper deadline: 4/30 Author notification: 5/10 Technical Challenge deadline: 5/15 Publication of results: 5/22 Submission of working notes: 5/30 Keynote speakers will provide informative presentations regarding state of the art methodologies in both the bioacoustic and machine learning fields. The workshop organizers are : Pr. Y. LeCun - Computational and Biological Learning Lab at New York University, USA Pr. C. Clark - Director of Bioacoustics Research Program at Cornell University, NY, USA Pr. H. Glotin - Institut Universitaire de France, CNRS LSIS and USTV, FR Dr. X. Halkias - CNRS LSIS and USTV, FR Dr. Peter Dugan - Cornell University, NY, USA Dr. Jérôme Sueur, - Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, FR For additional information please visit the website or contact us at icml4b(a)gmail.com<mailto:icml4b@gmail.com> If you hav

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Discounted airfares now available for Marine Mammal Conference attendees
by Alana Phillips 27 Apr '13

27 Apr '13

Hi all, Great news! Air New Zealand has just come onboard as a sponsor of the 20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals this December! We have just secured some discounted airfares for conference attendees travelling to New Zealand from North America. We have blocks of seats reserved out of both Los Angeles and Vancouver. For ALL the details, please visit our Travel & Accomodation page: http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl… Hot tip: You can book your seat now, and pay later (by June 15th). So, to take advantage of these great airfares, please reserve your seat as soon as possible! Note to our members in UK and Europe: We are close to finalizing discounted airfares out of London for you - stay tuned for an update in the next week. Kind regards, Alana Alana V. Phillips ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Membership Chair, Society for Marine Mammalogy http://www.marinemammalscience.org Victoria, BC, Canada alana.phillips(a)me.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.ca/in/alanaphillips (apologies for cross-postings)

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App for photo-id
by Rene Byrskov 27 Apr '13

27 Apr '13

Dear MARMAMERS, While tablets are getting more commonplace for fieldwork, I was lacking a good photo-id app for comparing images side-by-side. So for the iPad I've created a new app called "Sight Resight", which allows you to take galleries of images and compare, as well as overlaying images. The app can be downloaded from here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sight-resight/id637379231?ls=1&mt=8 Right now I'm just focusing on the way that our lab normally does photo-id, but I'd like to get feedback from community on what kind of features you'd like implemented. If you're interested, give the app a try, and send feedback to byrskov+appvaerk(at)gmail.com. Best regards René Byrskov

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Fluke Matching Internships in Hawai'i
by PWF Research Director 26 Apr '13

26 Apr '13

Aloha, Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) -based in Maui, Hawai'i- is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine life through research, education, and conservation. Our researchers have studied whales and dolphins throughout the Pacific for over 30 years and currently conduct projects in Hawaii, Australia, and Ecuador. PWF is offering two summer internships. Commitment PWF seeks performance-driven and dedicated individuals for a 3-month internship (June-August) to assist with our humpback whale fluke matching project. Successful applicants are expected to work a minimum of 30 hours per week on a flexible schedule. Responsibilities Interns will work alongside Research Staff at PWF's headquarters in Ma'alaea, Maui. Primary responsibilities will include processing and matching humpback whales' flukes with PWF existing catalogs as well as data entry and archival tasks. Occasionally, interns may be asked to assist staff in other projects as the need arises. Requirements Ideal applicants should: Be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates in biology, zoology, marine biology, ecology, or a related field; Possess fluke matching experience and be familiar with the SPLASH score system; Have a mature attitude towards research, i.e. be willing and able to work long hours in office environment and in adverse field conditions; Be proficient with computers and data entry; Have strong work ethics and superior organizational skills; Be independent, adaptable, and a fast-learner; Be enthusiastic and possess a positive attitude; Be sociable and team-oriented; Speak English fluently. Compensation There is no financial compensation for these positions and interns are responsible for their own living and transportation expenses. This is, however, an excellent opportunity to gain experience in marine mammal research. Application process Applicants must be authorized to legally remain in Hawai'i if they are not a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. Interested candidates should submit an application by May 17th (1700, HI time) with the following: A cover letter, including your availability; A resume/CV describing training and relevant experience; Names and contact information of three references. Please send these items as e-mail attachments to Dr. Emmanuelle Martinez <mailto:researchdirector@pacificwhale.org> researchdirector(a)pacificwhale.org. No phone calls, please! If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to: Pacific Whale Foundation Research Department 300 Ma'alaea Rd., Suite 211 Wailuku, HI 96793, USA Mahalo! Dr Emmanuelle Martinez Senior Research Scientist Pacific Whale Foundation http://www.pacificwhale.org/

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New paper: Cultural Transmission of Lobtail Feeding in Humpback Whales
by Jenny Allen 26 Apr '13

26 Apr '13

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper today (April 26) in Science: Allen, J., Weinrich, M., Hoppitt, W. & Rendell, L. (2013). Network-Based Diffusion Analysis Reveals Cultural Transmission of Lobtail Feeding in Humpback Whales. Science Vol. 340 no. 6131 pp. 485-488 DOI: 10.1126/science.1231976 Abstract: We used network-based diffusion analysis to reveal the cultural spread of a naturally occurring foraging innovation, lobtail feeding, through a population of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) over a period of 27 years. Support for models with a social transmission component was 6 to 23 orders of magnitude greater than for models without. The spatial and temporal distribution of sand lance, a prey species, was also important in predicting the rate of acquisition. Our results, coupled with existing knowledge about song traditions, show that this species can maintain multiple independently evolving traditions in its populations. These insights strengthen the case that cetaceans represent a peak in the evolution of nonhuman culture, independent of the primate lineage. The paper can be obtained from http://www.sciencemag.org/content/340/6131/485 or by emailing Jenny Allen at ja465(a)st-andrews.ac.uk Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. Best wishes, Jenny Allen and co-authors

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SEACR Internship- Two positions left for August 2013
by Jacqueline Clare 25 Apr '13

25 Apr '13

> Two Positions Still Available in August! > > 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. > > > 2 Week Option: August 1-August 15, August 16-August 30 > > 4 Week Option: 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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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 about Group structure of Sotalia guianensis in Ilha Grande Bay, Southeastern Brazil
by Rodrigo Tardin 25 Apr '13

25 Apr '13

Hi all, We are please to announce the following publication in Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research (LAJAR): Tardin R., Galvão C., Espécie M., Simão S. Group structure of Guiana dolphins, Sotalia guianensis (Cetacea, Delphinidae) in Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil Abstract: ABSTRACT. Cetaceans present a group structure of great complexity and display a wide behavioral plasticity. Many efforts have been made to understand the group structures of the various species, however, this type of information is still lacking for some species. Therefore, our objectives were to 1) characterize the structure of the Sotalia guianensis groups in Ilha Grande Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and 2) investigate how both behavior and season influence the group structure of this population. This species is considered “data deficient” by the IUCN. We conducted 28 boat trips using group focal procedures, and a total of 1,314 groups were observed. Of these groups, 1,268 (94.4%) contained calves, the largest percentage ever reported for the species. Groups with calves were larger than those without them, suggesting a strategy to protect these individuals with underdeveloped physiology. The mean group sizes reached 17.6 ± 18.3 individuals. Within these groups, we observed that both behavior (H = 112.5, d.f. = 2, P < 0.05) and season (number of simulations: 10,000; sample size of fall-winter = 544; sample size of spring-summer = 684; P < 0.05), demonstrated a statistically significant influence. The most common degree of cohesion was mixed, and cohesion also varied with behavior (χ² = 10.1, P < 0.05) and season (χ² = 31.0, P < 0.05). This paper contributes towards understanding the highly variable nature of S. guianensis group dynamics. These data may be important in understanding the structure of groups in a site that is being increasingly impacted by different human activities. Moreover, this area contains the largest aggregation ever observed for this species and may therefore represent an important source of genetic diversity for the species as a whole. For pdf copies please contact me or retrieve in the folowing website: http://www.lajar.cl/det_en.php?id=58 Best regards, Rodrigo -- Rodrigo Tardin Doutorando em Ecologia e Conservação - IBRAG - UERJ Mestre em Biologia Animal - PPGBA - UFRRJ Especialista em Docência do Ensino Superior - IAVM Laboratório de Bioacústica e Ecologia de Cetáceos - UFRRJ/ IF/ DCA

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BBC request for help
by Sophie Meyjes 24 Apr '13

24 Apr '13

Dear all, I am sorry for the mass email but I am working on a program for the BBC revealing the weird and wonderful operations carried out on wild animals ‘Operation Wild’. We are looking to get in touch with as many Cetacean Veterinarians in North America as possible and any cetacean sanctuaries/ reserves/ rescue units worldwide. Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to message me on contact me on the details below. Many thanks, Sophie Sophie Meyjes Production Management Assistant- Operation Wild Assistant to Helen Thomas and Jonathan Renouf Tel: +44 (0)7734978851/ +44 (0)7792813278 Sophie.Meyjes01(a)bbc.co.uk W1 NBH 07C BBC Broadcasting House Portland Place London W1A 1AA ---------------------------- http://www.bbc.co.uk This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and may contain personal views which are not the views of the BBC unless specifically stated. If you have received it in error, please delete it from your system. Do not use, copy or disclose the information in any way nor act in reliance on it and notify the sender immediately. Please note that the BBC monitors e-mails sent or received. Further communication will signify your consent to this. ---------------------

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