April 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Funded PhD opportunity in marine bioacoustics
by Jennifer Miksis-Olds 19 Apr '13

19 Apr '13

The Graduate Program in Acoustics at Penn State is advertising for a PhD student in the field of marine bioacoustics. This is a funded position on a research assistantship that begins August 2013. The research assistantship is part of a larger project investigating ocean ambient sound and the effects of sound on the marine environment. The hired student will be required to participate in at-sea fieldwork 1-2 times per year. Applicants should have a strong background in math with an interest in applying that knowledge to biological systems. Preference will be given to applicants with strong signal processing knowledge, Matlab experience, and familiarity with R. U.S. citizenship is a requirement. The Graduate Program in Acoustics is a rolling admissions process and more information about the program and how to apply is found at: http://www.acs.psu.edu/. Technical questions should be directed to Jennifer Miksis-Olds at jlm91(a)arl.psu.edu. Initial inquiries along with a CV and transcripts should be directed to Jennifer Miksis-Olds at the email address above. Jennifer L. Miksis-Olds, PhD Senior Research Associate, The Applied Research Laboratory Associate Professor, Graduate Program in Acoustics The Pennsylvania State University PO Box 30, Mailstop 3510D State College, PA 16804 (814) 865-9318 jlm91(a)arl.psu.edu www.personal.psu.edu/jlm91/

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New publication on New Zealand southern right whales
by Emma Carroll 18 Apr '13

18 Apr '13

Dear Colleagues, we are please to announce the following publication presenting evidence for the re-establishment of the mainland New Zealand southern right whales http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12031/abstract Reestablishment of former wintering grounds by New Zealand southern right whales Emma L. Carroll* , William J. Rayment*, Alana M. Alexander, C. Scott Baker, Nathalie J. Patenaude, Debbie Steel, Rochelle Constantine, Rosalind Cole, Laura J. Boren, Simon Childerhouse *These two authors contributed equally to the data analysis and preparation of this manuscript. Historically, the range of the southern right whale (SRW) included winter calving grounds around the North and South Islands (mainland) of New Zealand (NZ) and in the NZ subantarctic Auckland and Campbell Islands. Due to extensive whaling in the 19th and 20th centuries, no SRW was seen around mainland NZ for nearly four decades (1928–1963). Here we present evidence for the regular use of the mainland NZ wintering ground, presumably from a remnant population that persisted in the NZ subantarctic Auckland and Campbell Islands. SRWs have been sighted every year around mainland NZ since 1988, with 125 sightings during the focus of this work: from 2003 to 2010. There were 28 cow-calf pairs sighted around mainland NZ from 2003 to 2010, compared with 11 sightings from 1991 to 2002. Furthermore, two females, identified by DNA profiles, were sighted with calves around mainland at 4 yr intervals: the first evidence of female site fidelity to the mainland NZ calving ground. Individual identification from photographs of natural markings and DNA profiles provided information on within-year movements and residency around the mainland, and further evidence for exchange between the mainland and subantarctic wintering grounds. Despite these promising signs, the distribution of NZ SRWs remains primarily concentrated in the NZ subantarctic. -- Emma Carroll PhD Postdoctoral Researcher Molecular Ecology and Evolution | School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland | phone 64 9 3737599 x 71762

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New publication on mark-recapture modelling when there is heterogeneity linked to reproductive state: application to southern right whales
by Emma Carroll 18 Apr '13

18 Apr '13

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announced the publication of the following paper http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1890/12-1657.1 Carroll, Emma, Simon Childerhouse, Rachel M. Fewster, Nathalie J. Patenaude, Debbie Steel, Glenn Dunshea, Laura Boren, and C. Scott Baker. In press. Accounting for female reproductive cycles in a superpopulation capture-recapture framework. Ecological Applications. http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/12-1657.1 Accounting for female reproductive cycles in a superpopulation capture-recapture framework Emma Carroll 1,*, Simon Childerhouse 2, Rachel M. Fewster 3, Nathalie J. Patenaude 4, Debbie Steel 5, Glenn Dunshea 6, Laura Boren 7, and C. Scott Baker 8 Superpopulation capture-recapture models are useful for estimating the abundance of long-lived, migratory species as they are able to account for the fluid nature of annual residency at migratory destinations. Here we extend the superpopulation POPAN model to explicitly account for heterogeneity in capture probability linked to reproductive cycles (POPAN-τ). This extension has potential application to a range of species that have temporally variable life stages (e.g. non-annual breeders such as albatrosses and baleen whales) and results in a significant reduction in bias over the standard model. We demonstrate the utility of this model in simultaneously estimating abundance and annual population growth rate (λ) in the New Zealand (NZ) southern right whale from 1995-2009. DNA profiles were constructed for the individual identification of more than 700 whales, sampled during two sets of winter expeditions in 1995-1998 and 2006-2009. Due to differences in recapture rates between sexes, only sex-specific models were considered. The POPAN-τ models, which explicitly account for a decrease in capture probability in non-calving years, fit the female dataset significantly better than standard superpopulation models (ΔAIC>25). The best POPAN-τ model (AIC) gave a superpopulation estimate of 1162 females for 1995-2009 (95% CL 921, 1467) and an estimated annual increase of 5% (95% CL -2%, 13%). The best model (AIC) gave a superpopulation estimate of 1007 males (95% CL 794, 1276) and an estimated annual increase of 7% (95% CL 5%, 9%) for 1995-2009. Combined, the total superpopulation estimate for 1995-2009 was 2169 whales (95% CL 1836, 2563). Simulations suggest that failure to account for the effect of reproductive status on the capture probability would result in a substantial positive bias (+19%) in female abundance estimates. Read More: http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1890/12-1657.1 -- Emma Carroll PhD Postdoctoral Researcher Molecular Ecology and Evolution | School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland | phone 64 9 3737599 x 71762

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Marine Mammal Course - Punta San Juan, Peru
by Susana Cardenas 18 Apr '13

18 Apr '13

Dear MARMAMers, We are writing to introduce Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia's* Ecology and Conservation of Marine Mammals of the Humboldt Upwelling Ecosystem* course in Peru. UPCH is the most prestigious Peruvian university dedicated to the biomedical sciences, with a longstanding history of successful alumni who have excelled in their fields. The University now offers international students the possibility to get a hands-on experience learning about the biology, anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution, behavior, population biology, management and conservation of marine mammals. This field-based course will take place August 3 through 12 in Lima and the government-protected natural reserve of Punta San Juan, Marcona, 500 kms south of Lima. The 6 academic credit program will be run completely in English, and it is aimed at undergraduate or graduate students, or anyone who is interested in having a front-row experience, learning more about the fascinating world of marine mammals from expert marine biologists. Registrations are now open. Please find more information enclosed. We hope to have you and your students joining our course! And do not hesitate to post widely! -- Susana Cárdenas Alayza, MSc. Directora Proyecto Punta San Juan Centro para la Sostenibilidad Ambiental Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia Tlf. 51 1 626 9402 - Ext. 1138 Cel. 51 9 999 31218 (Claro)

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Reminder! Abstract Submission for NWSSMM 17th Annual Meeting
by Juliana Houghton - NOAA Affiliate 18 Apr '13

18 Apr '13

Hello! Apologies for cross-posting! This is a reminder that abstract submission is still open for the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Northwest Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy. Abstract submission will remain open until Wednesday, April 24. The meeting will take place at the University of Washington on Saturday, May 18, 2013. See the attached document for information on how to submit abstracts and register. This information is also available on the Events link at our webpage: http://bit.ly/10YacaW Or if you'd like to get directly to the survey to submit your abstract or register, you can do so at this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XKP79B8 Please feel free to contact me (stephj5(a)uw.edu) or Donna Hauser ( dhauser(a)uw.edu) with any questions. We look forward to seeing you in Seattle! Thanks, Juliana -- Juliana Houghton M.S. Student Aquatic & Fishery Sciences University of Washington julianahoughton.wordpress.com stephj5(a)uw.edu

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First Consultation on DFO's draft Large Whale Action Plan
by Thar, Jonathan 17 Apr '13

17 Apr '13

Dear colleagues, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is pleased to inform you that the draft Partial Action Plan for Blue, Fin, Sei, and North Pacific Right Whales in Pacific Canadian Waters is now undergoing regional consultations. It is considered a partial action plan because current best available information is insufficient to identify critical habitat. When sufficient information allows, critical habitat will be identified for one or more of the species in an updated recovery strategy or a later chapter of the action plan. The draft Partial Action Plan, background information and an online comment form are available through May 17, 2013, at the following URL: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/consultation/sara-lep/lgwhale-gdbaleine/index-…. We invite you to provide feedback on the document until May 17, 2013. Your input is valuable to the development of the plan, and will contribute to the overall recovery and long term survival of these whales in Pacific Canadian waters. This is the first of two public consultations on the draft Partial Action Plan. We will broadcast a similar message to the MARMAM community when the second consultation begins. If you have any questions, or would like more information about the action planning process, please contact me at +1-604-666-3811 or by e-mail at: Jonathan.Thar(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca. Thank you. Jonathan Jonathan Thar Marine Species at Risk Recovery Planner | Planner du rétablissement des espéces marin en danger Fisheries Management | Direction des pêches Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada 200-401 Burrard Street | pièce 200, 401 rue Burrard Vancouver, B.C. | Vancouver, C.-B. V6C 3S4 Telephone | Téléphone: 604-666-3811 Facsimile | Télécopieur: 604-666-3341 Jonathan.Thar(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada

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JNCC Article 17 public consultation
by Sarah Dolman 17 Apr '13

17 Apr '13

Dear MARMAM JNCC, the UK's statutory nature conservation agency, is currently undertaking a consultation on the draft 3rd UK Report for the fulfillment of Article 17 of the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora). It is important that the JNCC reach the correct conclusion on the conservation status for each species and habitat in the UK in question (those listed in Annex IV). They request any further data or information, of which they may not be aware, and which would substantially strengthen or alter the conclusion(s) reached. WDC would encourage you to read and respond to the consultation as appropriate (ends May 10th). The relevant documentation can be found here: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-6387 Many thanks, Sarah Dolman WDC Northeast Atlantic programme manager [WDC - Whale and Dolphin Conservation]<http://www.whales.org/> Sarah Dolman Northeast Atlantic programme manager Telephone: +44 (0)1316 617 722 Mobile: +44 (0)783 449 8275 WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Scottish Dolphin Centre Spey Bay Moray IV32 7PJ United Kingdom whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC on Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/whales.org> [WDC on Twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org> [WDC on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <http://whales.org/en/blog> [WDC E-Newsletter] <http://whales.org/en/newsletter> [http://www.wdcs.co.uk/media/images/EmailSignatureImages/Campaigns/WDCSchang…]<http://whales.org/en/news/2012/10/wdcs-has-become-wdc> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC") is a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02737421) and a registered charity (in England and Wales No. 1014705, in Scotland No. SC040231) WDC Shop is a trading name of WDC (Trading) Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02593116) Registered office : Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ. Tel: +44 (0)1249 449 500 This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify us and remove it from your system. ________________________________

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Acoustic Recorder Recovery - Barrow Strait, Canadian Arctic
by John Moloney 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

Hi All, I am searching for a vessel that will be in the North West Passage/Barrow Strait this year that would be capable of recovering an over-winter acoustic recorder designed specifically for long-duration marine mammal studies. The recorder was deployed in August 2012 on a one year recording mission. Our planned recovery vessel is no longer available this summer and we are now looking for alternatives to recover the instrument. Ideally we would piggy-back on some other planned research or deployment to this remote region. The device is in the vicinity of Gascoyne Inlet, Devon Island, Nunavut. Any and all suggestions and offers of assistance would be most appreciated. John John E Moloney Product Engineering Manager ___________________ JASCO APPLIED SCIENCES 202 - 32 Troop Ave. Dartmouth, NS, Canada, B3B 1Z1 T. +1.902.405.3336 ex. 1002 F. +1.902.405.3337 C. +1.902.402.1368 www.jasco.com<http://www.jasco.com/> P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This email and any files transmitted with it contains proprietary information and, unless expressly stated otherwise, all contents and attachments are confidential. This email is intended for the addressee(s) only and access by anyone else is unauthorized.

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New publication: A protein A/G indirect ELISA for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies in Arctic wildlife
by Nymo Ingebjørg Helena 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

Dear colleagues, We have recently published a new publication in Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation: A protein A/G indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies in Arctic wildlife. Avaliable online at: http://vdi.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/03/28/1040638713485073.abstract The paper validates an serological method for anti-Brucella antibodies in Arctic wildlife, spesifically in hooded seal, various whales, polar bear and reindeer. We also present seroprevalences for the different species. Abstract: A species-independent indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) based on chimeric protein A/G was established for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies in Arctic wildlife species and compared to previously established brucellosis serological tests for hooded seals (Cystophora cristata), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), and polar bears (Ursus maritimus), as well as bacteriology results for reindeer and caribou (Rangifer tarandus sp.). The protein A/G iELISA results were consistent with the other serological tests with Cohen kappa values between 0.47 and 0.92, and the protein A/G iELISA can thus offer a technically simple method for these species yielding results consistent with established brucellosis serological tests. Receiver operator characteristics analysis proved that the reindeer and caribou protein A/G iELISA results were consistent with the bacteriological gold standard with an area under the curve of 0.99, and the protein A/G iELISA was thus validated as a sensitive and specific serological method for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies in reindeer and caribou. The binding of the antibodies from the respective species to protein A and G were also evaluated in the iELISA. The antibodies from hooded seals and polar bears reacted stronger to protein A than to G. The sei whale, fin whale, reindeer, and caribou antibodies reacted stronger to protein G than to A. The minke whale antibodies reacted to both protein A and G. There was a strong correlation (rs = 0.88–0.98) between the optical density results obtained with the iELISA with protein A/G and protein A or G, showing that protein A/G is as well suited as protein A or G for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies in these species with the iELISA. Best wishes from the north, Ingebjørg H. Nymo (ingebjorg.nymo(a)nvh.no<mailto:ingebjorg.nymo@nvh.no>) The new e-mail domain name for The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science is @nvh.no. The former domain address @veths.no will still be in use, but it will be discontinued within 1-2 years. Please update your e-mail records. This message verifies that the e-mail has been scanned for virus, and deemed virus-free according to our scanengines.

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Common dolphin Photo-ID Volunteer Position in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
by Rankmore, Krista 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

Common dolphin Photo-ID Volunteer Position in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand A volunteer is required to assist with a PhD study investigating the abundance, social structure and site fidelity of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, 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: The Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, is an important habitat for common dolphins that occur in the Gulf year round and use the region extensively for foraging and nursing. Common dolphins in this region consistently utilise inhabit coastal waters, making them vulnerable to the effect of tourism, pollution, and inshore recreational bycatch. DATES: While the field season runs year round, currently volunteers are needed from May to July 2013. A minimum commitment of two months is required and priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods. LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand FIELDWORK: The volunteer position entails assisting during field surveys and analysis of common dolphin fin photo identification. The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individuals based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of MS Access databases for archiving field data. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-identification, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills (data analysis, photo-ID). Fieldwork is weather dependent and can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. Surveys will be conducted from both a 20m whale watch vessel as well as a small independent 5.3m research vessel. As such, applicants should be comfortable from working from a small platform in isolated areas. RESPONSIBILITIES: . Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys from a local dolphin watching vessel, and small (<6m) independent research vessel, collecting environmental, location, and behavioural data for dolphin groups (25% of the time). . Subsequent analysis of photo-identification data in the lab, including assistance with photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, maintenance of long-term photo-id catalogue using a MS Access database and Finscan. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days in the office analysing of photographs and matching them with the photo-identification catalogue (75% of the time). As this is a volunteer position, there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Auckland, living expenses, travel costs and visa. PREREQUISITES: . Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means office based work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits. . 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 . Participants must be able to swim and should be comfortable working on boats including tour platforms and on small open vessels 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 MS 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 . Experience with Endnote . First AID/CPR certification APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to k.rankmore(a)massey.ac.nz, using “photo-id position” as the subject line. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, the dates when you are available to assist on the project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant experience. Early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. All the best, Krista ---------------------------------- Krista Rankmore PhD Candidate Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 Auckland, New Zealand Tel: +64 (0)9 414 0800 Ext: 41520 (office) Cell: +64 (0)220 256 290 Email: k.rankmore(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:k.rankmore@massey.ac.nz> Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/

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