May 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Brazilian Cetacean Guide
by Liliane Lodi 30 May '13

30 May '13

Dear MARMAM Readers, We are pleased to inform you about the publication of a new book in Portuguese Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises of Brazil: Identification Guide. The Guide describes 44 species of cetaceans and 1 genus confirmed for Brazil. Includes information on species´ morphology, coloration patterns, behavior, size, body mass, group size, distribution and occurrence, habitat and diet. The Guide also addresses aspects of taxonomy, ecology, threats, conservation, Brazilian legislation for protection and destinations for observation, selected literature and websites. It contains 345 color photographs and 48 maps, 176 illustrations (107 colored; 69 black and white) and 17 reproductions of Brazilian cetacean postal stamps. SUMMARY OF CONTENTS: Preface Presentation Acknowledgements 1. The marine and freshwater environments of Brazil 2. Introduction 3. Cetaceans: taxonomy, evolution, distribution and geographic variation, whaling and status 4. How to utilize the Guide: Identification of Species and organization 5. Cetaceans species with confirmed occurrence for Brazil 6. Conservation: Challenges and Perspectives 7. Brazilian Legislation for Protection of Cetaceans 8. Where to observe cetaceans in Brazil 9. Whales, dolphins and porpoises in Brazilian postal stamps Glossary of technical terms Selected literature Selected Websites Appendices: Dichotomous key for identification of Brazilian cetaceans Synonyms List of cetacean species of the world Authors: Liliane Lodi & Monica Borobia Illustrations: Pieter A. Folkens Publisher: Technical Books Editora e Livraria, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil http://www.tblivraia.com.br vendas(a)tblivraia.com.br Edition: 1a, 2013 Pages: 479 p. Format: 17cm X 24,5cm ISBN: 9788561368326 Sincerely, Liliane Lodi and Monica Borobia

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New Publication: Activity as a proxy to estimate metabolic rate and to, partition the metabolic cost of diving vs. breathing in, pre- and post-fasted Steller sea lions
by Andreas Fahlman 30 May '13

30 May '13

Dear All The following paper was recently published in Aquatic Biology Title: Activity as a proxy to estimate metabolic rate and to partition the metabolic cost of diving vs. breathing in pre- and post-fasted Steller sea lions Authors: Fahlman, A., Svärd, C., Rosen, D. A. S., Wilson, R. P., Trites, A. W. Journal: Aquatic Biology, Vol. 18: 175–184, 2013 doi: 10.3354/ab00500 Abstract: Three Steller sea lions Eumetopias jubatus, trained to dive voluntarily to depths ranging from 10 to 50 m, were used to determine whether the relationship between activity and metabolic rate during a diving interval (MRDI, dive + surface interval) was affected by fasting (9 d) during the breeding season (spring through summer). We subsequently used the relationship between activity and MRDI to partition the metabolic costs between underwater breath-holding activity and surface breathing activities. We estimated activity from overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) measured using a 3-axis accelerometer, and measured MRDI using flow-through respirometry. The relationship between ODBA-based activity and MRDI was not affected by fasting period, suggesting that ODBA can be used to predict energy expenditure regardless of nutritional state in the spring and summer. However, the relationship between ODBA and dive metabolic rate differs from the relationship between ODBA and the surface metabolic rate before diving. Partitioning MRDI into the metabolic cost of remaining at the surface versus swimming underwater suggests that the metabolic cost of diving for Steller sea lions is approximately 29% lower than when breathing at the surface. ODBA appears to be a reasonable proxy to estimate metabolic rate in marine mammals, but more detailed behavioral data may be required to accurately apply the method in the field. If you would like a copy, please send an e-mail to: andreas.fahlman(a)tamucc.edu Sincerely, Andreas -- Andreas Fahlman Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M- Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Dr Unit 5892 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 Ph. +1-361-825-3489 Fax +1-361-825-2025 mail: andreas.fahlman(a)tamucc.edu web: http://www.comparative-physiology.tamucc.edu/

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New Publication: Anomalous colour in Neotropical mammals: a review with new records for Didelphis sp. (Didelphidae, Didelphimorphia) and Arctocephalus australis (Otariidae, Carnivora)
by Rodrigo Machado 30 May '13

30 May '13

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce the publication of 1 paper about anomalous colour in Neotropical mammals, including marine mammals: *Abstract: *Anomalous colourations occur in many tropical vertebrates. However, they are considered rare in wild populations, with very few records for the majority of animal taxa. We report two new cases of anomalous colouration in mammals. Additionally, we compiled all published cases about anomalous pigmentation registered in Neotropical mammals, throughout a comprehensive review of peer reviewed articles between 1950 and 2010. Every record was classified as albinism, leucism, piebaldism or eventually as undetermined pigmentation. As results, we report the new record of a leucistic specimen of opossum (*Didelphis *sp.) in southern Brazil, as well as a specimen of South American fur seal (*Arctocephalus australis*) with piebaldism in Uruguay. We also found 31 scientific articles resulting in 23 records of albinism, 12 of leucism, 71 of piebaldism and 92 records classified as undetermined pigmentation. Anomalous colouration is apparently rare in small terrestrial mammals, but it is much more common in cetaceans and michrochiropterans. Out of these 198 records, 149 occurred in cetaceans and 30 in bats. The results related to cetaceans suggest that males and females with anomolous pigmentation are reproductively successful and as a consequence their frequencies are becoming higher in natural populations. In bats, this result can be related to the fact these animals orient themselves primarily through echolocation, and their refuges provide protection against light and predation. It is possible that anomalous colouration occurs more frequently in other Neotropical mammal orders, which were not formally reported. Therefore, we encourage researchers to publish these events in order to better understand this phenomenon that has a significant influence on animal survival. Full text is available at: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/bjb/v73n1/20.pdf Best regards, -- Msc. Rodrigo Machado ______________________________________________________________________ Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos do Rio Grande do Sul (GEMARS). Av: Tramandaí, 976, Imbé, RS 95625-000 Brasil. Red de Marcación de Pinnípedos en Latinoamérica http://marcaciondepinnipedos.blogspot.com.ar/ CV Lattes: *http://lattes.cnpq.br/4393555159586066*

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Brazilian Cetacean Guide
by Liliane Lodi 30 May '13

30 May '13

Dear MARMAM Readers, We are pleased to inform you about the publication of a new book in Portuguese Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises of Brazil: Identification Guide. The Guide describes 44 species of cetaceans and 1 genus confirmed for Brazil. Includes information on species´ morphology, coloration patterns, behavior, size, body mass, group size, distribution and occurrence, habitat and diet. The Guide also addresses aspects of taxonomy, ecology, threats, conservation, Brazilian legislation for protection and destinations for observation, selected literature and websites. It contains 345 color photographs and 48 maps, 176 illustrations (107 colored; 69 black and white) and 17 reproductions of Brazilian cetacean postal stamps. SUMMARY OF CONTENTS: Preface Presentation Acknowledgements 1. The marine and freshwater environments of Brazil 2. Introduction 3. Cetaceans: taxonomy, evolution, distribution and geographic variation, whaling and status 4. How to utilize the Guide: Identification of Species and organization 5. Cetaceans species with confirmed occurrence for Brazil 6. Conservation: Challenges and Perspectives 7. Brazilian Legislation for Protection of Cetaceans 8. Where to observe cetaceans in Brazil 9. Whales, dolphins and porpoises in Brazilian postal stamps Glossary of technical terms Selected literature Selected Websites Appendices: Dichotomous key for identification of Brazilian cetaceans Synonyms List of cetacean species of the world Authors: Liliane Lodi & Monica Borobia Illustrations: Pieter A. Folkens Publisher: Technical Books Editora e Livraria, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil http://www.tblivraia.com.br vendas(a)tblivraia.com.br Edition: 1a, 2013 Pages: 479 p. Format: 17cm X 24,5cm ISBN: 9788561368326 Sincerely, Liliane Lodi and Monica Borobia

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Urgently needed: Female PAM operators
by Emma Forrester 30 May '13

30 May '13

Hello everyone! Hydenlyne is privately owned and was established in 2007. We provide project management, operational support, quality control services, well-site geological services, HSE advisors and Marine Mammal Observers (MMO)/Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) on seismic data and drilling projects world-wide. Our clients include independent oil companies and operators, major oil companies, and national oil and gas companies and government agencies. We have an upcoming seismic project offshore in Suriname and are urgently seeking female PAM operators. Applicants must have: * seismic experience * valid offshore certificates * must be available from 5th June for 5-7weeks * Americans/Brazilians preferable due to visas All those interested please forward you CV to myself at emmaforrester(a)hydenlyne.com with the subject heading "female PAM operator" Kind regards, Emma Forrester Project Manager (MMO/PAM) UK Mobile +44 (0)7730222001 Office +44 (0)1202 900078 Hydenlyne 1 Princes Court Princes Road Ferndown Dorset England BH22 9JG

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MMO training course 23rd-25th July 2013
by Maja Nimak-Wood 30 May '13

30 May '13

Pro-MMO Training Course Gardline Environmental Ltd.s' Marine Wildlife Department provides a field taught training course for new and current Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), in preparation for the working environment of offshore industries, whilst giving the opportunity to expand marine mammal identification skills. The Pro-MMO course trains applicants to become fully qualified, JNCC approved, professional MMOs who gain exceptional field experience during their training. The next available dates for this field-based course will be 23rd - 25th July 2013. Applications and info packs for the course can be obtained and all queries directed to maja.nimak-wood(a)gardline.com Also, more info and testimonials of previous candidates can be found on http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/services/service/field-based-marine-m… Maja Nimak-Wood Marine Mammal Scientist Gardline Environmental Limited Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG Tel: +44 (0)1493 845600 Fax: +44 (0)1493 852106 www.gardlinemarinesciences.com<http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/> [cid:image001.jpg@01CE5D18.EDD74730] Gardline Environmental Limited is part of the Gardline Group of Companies Registered in England No.04589816 | VAT Registration No. 640 4800 66 Registered office: Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG ________________________________ 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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ERICE 2013 - deadline extension
by Gianni Pavan 30 May '13

30 May '13

dear all, the deadline for the abstract submission for the Erice workshop has been extended until June 23rd. After the deadline the acceptance of new registrations will be still possible but conditioned by available places. The program of the workshop and the list of invited lectures is available here: http://www.unipv.it/cibra/FlyerErice2013_small.pdf Please distribute it to anyone interested. *The interdisciplinary workshop "Cetacean echolocation and outer space neutrinos: ethology and physics for an interdisciplinary approach to underwater bioacoustics and detection of astrophysical particles" will be held in October 2013, 18th-21st, in Erice, Sicily, hosted by the School of Ethology of the Ettore Majorana Centre. * The development of underwater ocean observatories has stimulated new interactions between disparate disciplines to optimize their sensors, layout and protocols. One of the most promising synergies has come from interactions between astrophysicists working to detect light and acoustic signals from neutrinos and marine biologists listening to the sounds of marine animals (Nosengo, Nature 462, December 2009). The workshop is intended to join these different disciplines in the understanding of the underwater acoustic world and in the development of common research strategies and protocols to exploit the potential of Submarine Multidisciplinary Observatiories (learn more on the SMO project at http://web2.infn.it/smo/) The workshop will focus on the study of the acoustic behaviour of marine mammals, on the acoustic detection of neutrinos in the sea, on the sharing of detection technologies, and on the related technological challenges with a wide interdisciplinary approach. The expected audience would come from different disciplines, mainly marine biology, marine bioacoustics, acoustics, mathematics, acoustical oceanography, astroparticle physics and embraces many science fields related with the study, monitoring and conservation of the marine environment. Top scientists will present the state of the art in their peculiar disciplines and selected contributes will be presented by participants in a context open to discussion and knowledge sharing. Researchers, scientists, and students are all welcome in the exciting atmosphere of Erice to discuss their projects, results and ideas. Registration details and the workshop program: http://www.unipv.it/cibra/erice The participation cost is particularly attractive as it includes full accomodation, a day trip, and transportation to and from the closest airport. For any information, please contact gianni.pavan(a)unipv.it Gianni Pavan, on behalf of the Organizing Committee -- Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali Università degli Studi di Pavia Via Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia http://www.unipv.it/cibra http://mammiferimarini.unipv.it

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Doctoral Position - Marine Biology
by Aileen Jeffries 29 May '13

29 May '13

Job Post: Marine biologist for population study of Phocoena phocoena and its role in the Salish Sea ecosystem. Required: PhD in marine biology, or equivalent, experience in cetacean research or equivalent, demonstrated ability to secure funding for independent research. A US citizenship or existing work visa for the US is required. The ability to relocate to Washington is required. Desirable: Experience in wildlife population ecology, experience using acoustic instruments, experience handling boats, experience meeting with natural resource managers to recommend management policy, experience meeting with agencies and foundations, success obtaining funding for conservation research. The successful candidate will be asked to take the lead in a project that is underway, to use acoustic monitors and land-based observations to estimate a population of harbor porpoise. The project leader will have the assistance of one support staff and work with the current PI. The initial, primary duties will be to direct measurements to obtain the detection probability of acoustic monitors. This will include placing, deploying and swapping acoustic monitors, analyzing data, assessing the accomplishment of the project and modifying design and execution as necessary. The project leader will be expected to maintain contact with and coordinate with agencies working in the area and to be available to occasionally give public presentations. The project leader must be self-directed, able to take initiative and able to work as part of a team. The project leader must keep the success of the project a high priority. Salary is dependent on experience. Please send a cover letter detailing experience relevant to this position and a resume to aileen(a)pacificbio.org.

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IUCN status for the sperm whale
by Gianni Pavan 29 May '13

29 May '13

Hi all, recently IUCN set the status of Mediterranean sperm whales as "Endangered" and not anymore "data deficient". The given (sub)population estimate is 2500 animals. To better address our research based on the acoustic detections with underwater platforms I'm willing to know on which studies this estimate has been made. Any information will be appreciated. Gianni Pavan -- Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali Università degli Studi di Pavia Via Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia http://www.unipv.it/cibra http://mammiferimarini.unipv.it http://web2.infn.it/smo/index.php

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Bio-Acoustics job posting
by Jobs.Ocean.Associates 28 May '13

28 May '13

Ocean Associates, Inc. is seeking candidates for a BioAcoustician to work with the Cetacean Research Program at NMFS Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. This position is a full-time one year contract with the possibility of renewal based on job performance and availability of funding. Limited funds for travel to conferences, workshops, or field work are available. This position may include field work, including travel away from home for up to 2 months per year. The successful candidate will assist staff of the Cetacean Research Program with analysis of existing long-term autonomous datasets for cetacean presence, characterization of anthropogenic noise, and measurement of ambient and received sound levels. Opportunities for involvement with other passive acoustics projects, including towed array and fisheries monitoring, may also be possible. Job duties: 1. Analyze existing and incoming long-term acoustic datasets collected from the central and western pacific for baleen whale and odontocete occurrence and seasonality. Previous experience with classification, detection, or localization software and techniques is required. 2. Assist in maintenance and deployment of autonomous recorders, including instrument preparation, breakdown, and quality control of incoming datasets. 3. Maintenance of acoustic datasets, including documentation of acoustic data quality, analysis effort, and archiving of data and analysis products. Minimum qualifications: * Master's degree in oceanography, biology, engineering, computer science or other relevant field from an accredited institution or equivalent experience * Two years experience with bioacoustic instrumentation, data processing, and analysis * Proficient in Matlab * U.S. citizen or permanent resident * Able to pass government background security check, required for working within a government facility. Preferred qualifications: * PhD in oceanography, biology, engineering, computer science or other relevant field * Five or more years experience in analysis of large volume, long-term datasets, evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed journals. * Proficiency in R and XML or other database programming languages Excellent employee benefits are provided including paid medical insurance, and holiday, vacation and sick leave. The work location will be at the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The position requires access to Federal office buildings or ships and communication networks. Applicants must have US citizenship or right to work documents that do not expire during the contract period, combined with two years of US residency before the start of employment. Ocean Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. A complete application package includes recent CV detailing qualifications and experience with marine mammal acoustic datasets, and names and contact information for at least two professional references. Review of candidates will begin on June 12, 2013 and preference will be given to applicants that submit a full application prior to that date. Top candidates will be interviewed by phone or in-person in late-June. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please email your application packet to Jobs*at*OceanAssoc.com and use "5046 Acoustician" as the subject line. PDF documents are preferred and please include your name in the file name.

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