May 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

MARMAM] New publication: Relative quantity judgments in the beluga whale ( Delphinapterus leucas) and the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).
by José Francisco Zamorano Abramson 15 May '13

15 May '13

Dear colleagues: we are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper: Abramson, J. Z., Hernández-Lloreda, V., Call, J., & Colmenares, F. (2013). Relative quantity judgments in the beluga whale (*Delphinapterus leucas*) and the bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*).*Behavioural Processes*. 96. pp. 11-19 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2013.02.006 The article has just been published and is available on Elsevier: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376635713000284 Please feel free to contact me with any questions about this article. Best regards, José Z. Abramson. Abstract Numerous studies have documented the ability of many species to make relative quantity judgments using an analogue magnitude system. We investigated whether one beluga whale, *Delphinapterus leucas*, and three bottlenose dolphins, *Tursiops truncatus*, were capable of selecting the larger of two sets of quantities, and analyzed if their performance matched predictions from the object file model versus the analog accumulator model. In Experiment 1, the two sets were presented simultaneously, under water, and they were visually (condition 1) or echoically (condition 2) available at the time of choice. In experiment 2, the two sets were presented above the water, successively (condition 1) or sequentially, item-by-item (condition 2), so that they were not visually available at the time of choice (condition 1) or at any time throughout the experiment (condition 2). We analyzed the effect of the ratio between quantities, the difference between quantities, and the total number of items presented on the subjects’ choices. All subjects selected the larger of the two sets of quantities above chance levels in all conditions. However, unlike most previous studies, the subjects’ choices did not match the predictions from the accumulator model. Whether these findings reflect interspecies differences in the mechanisms which underpin relative quantity judgments remains to be determined. Keywords: Numerical cognition; Relative quantity judgment; Beluga whale; Bottlenose dolphin; Object file model; Analog accumulator model -- PhD. José Fco. Zamorano Abramson. Departamento de Psicobiología. Facultad de Psicología Universidad Complutense de Madrid Campus de Somosaguas 28223 Madrid, Spain zabramson(a)psi.ucm.es

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Deadline Extended for CDOC Project Summer Field Course Applications
by Kayla Causey 14 May '13

14 May '13

The deadline to apply for the CDOC Project Summer Field Course has been extended. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis between now and the end of May. See below for a description of the course: Field Course Advertisement The Coastal Dolphins of Orange County (CDOC) Project is accepting applications for its 2013 summer and fall field courses. Based out of Newport Beach, CA, the field course will involve a commitment of approximately 20 hours per week extending over a 12-week period from June 3 - August 23, 2013 (summer course) and September 2 - November 22, 2013 (fall course). There is some flexibility in these start and end dates. The program offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in behavioral, acoustic, and photo-id methodology and analyses under the mentorship of experienced dolphin researchers. Program participants will receive training in three broad areas of dolphin research: 1) fieldwork, 2) laboratory work, and 3) literature research/seminar. Fieldwork includes photo-identification, behavioral sampling, and acoustic sampling (including passive acoustic monitoring of marine mammals). Fieldwork will involve both shore- and boat-based data collection and observation, although most participants spend about 75% of their time collecting data from shore and 25% from the boat. Laboratory work will provide participants training in how to build and maintain a digital photo-identification catalog using ACDSee and fin-identification software, analysis of digitized acoustic data using signal processing software (e.g., Canary), and entry and analysis of behavioral data using SPSS, Excel, and R software. Weekly seminars will provide participants the opportunity to discuss relevant scientific research articles, receive instruction on methodology and theory related to dolphin research, and present research on their own topic of interest relevant to the project. In addition, local experts lead guest seminars on a variety of topics, including marine mammal veterinary medicine, stranding and rehabilitation, acoustic analysis, and communication in cetaceans. Program activities are closely tied to the working schedule of the CDOC Project, which operates on a seven day-a-week basis. The field course is structured around the goals of the CDOC Project, which include understanding the behavior, distribution, and social ecology of Pacific Coast Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. For more information about the project, please visit www. <http://www.kaylacausey.com/CDOC_Project> CDOCProject.org <http://cdocproject.org/> . Program participants will work under the immediate supervision of Dr. Kayla Causey, Director of the CDOC Project. During a typical week, students can expect to spend about three days (~3 hours per day) collecting data in the field, one evening (about 3-hours) in seminar, and a combination of two afternoons or mornings (~8 hours total) working in the lab. In addition, students should allot time to complete assigned readings and prepare for the week's seminar discussion. The fee for the three-month field course is $1000, payable to Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation. Course participants will be responsible for their own living expenses and transportation to and from the field site in Newport Beach and California State University Fullerton. The course may be repeated three times in succession (i.e., one year). The CDOC Project Field Course is intended to provide a mentored training opportunity for a small and select group of applicants. Ideal candidates will be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates of a scientifically-oriented university program in marine science, biology, comparative psychology, or a related field. Preference will be given to applicants with well-developed computer skills and boating experience. It is expected that most applicants will pursue the CDOC Project Field Course as part of their general academic preparation for graduate work in cetacean science or animal behavior. Unlike many other marine mammal internships, we have designed our course to serve as a scholarly endeavor. Our goal in structuring the program is to provide an experience for advanced students that will complement their undergraduate course work and provide them with the "hands on" experience that many graduate advisors look for in potential graduate students. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Interested parties should contact Kayla Causey at KCausey(a)fullerton.edu to find out whether applications are still being accepted for the applicant's preferred semester. To apply, please send a letter of interest including a brief biographical sketch, a detailed description of the applicant's academic history and any considerations such as special skills, experiences, and interests that would assist in the selection process. The letter should also indicate the applicant's preferred semester (Summer or Fall) and any time constraints associated with participation. Interested applicants should email materials to Kayla Causey at <mailto:KCausey@fullerton.edu> KCausey(a)fullerton.edu. Please also have two letters of recommendation sent from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with the applicant's scholarship, research skills, and work habits relevant to the internship.

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"Whales: From Bone to Book" Symposium, 6 June, at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
by Pyenson, Nicholas 14 May '13

14 May '13

Dear MARMAM subscribers, On behalf of Smithsonian Libraries and the National Museum of Natural History, I wish to invite you to a free symposium, open to the public, opening the forthcoming "Whales: From Bone to Book" exhibition in the Evans Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, in Washington, D.C. This exhibition, presented in collaboration with Smithsonian Libraries and the National Museum of Natural History’s Department of Paleobiology, explores the Smithsonian’s legacy of studying cetaceans using original photographs from the field, actual museum specimens, and scientific literature. The exhibit also features rare books from the Joseph F. Cullman 3d, Library of Natural History and the Kellogg Library of Marine Mammalogy. The histories of each object, and their connections to the overall study of cetology, provide compelling illustrations of the different narratives in the process of natural history, tracing how bones travel from a beach or cliff wall to a museum collection, and then, finally, published on paper. The exhibition will run from May 2013 through May 2014. The symposium, "Whale Research at the Smithsonian - Past, Present and Future," will be on Thursday June 6, 2013, 10:30 am – 5:00 pm in the Baird Auditorium at the National Museum of Natural History, on the Mall in downtown Washington, D.C. Speaker list includes: Prof. R. Ewan Fordyce (University of Otago); Prof. D. Graham Burnett (Princeton University); Dr. Stephen Godfrey (Calvert Marine Museum); and Dr. Nicholas Pyenson (Smithsonian). The symposium is FREE and OPEN to the public! Please RSVP to SILRSVP(a)si.edu or 202.633.1699 For more information, see: http://library.si.edu/events/whales-symposium and http://goo.gl/RjJMX Sincerely, NDP __________________________________________ Nicholas D. Pyenson, Ph.D. Curator of Fossil Marine Mammals Department of Paleobiology National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution MRC 121, PO Box 37012 10th & Constitution NW Washington, DC 20013-7012 USA Tel: 202-633-1366 Fax: 202-786-2832 Email: PyensonN(a)si.edu Staff page: http://paleobiology.si.edu/staff/individuals/pyenson.html Lab blog: http://nmnh.typepad.com/pyenson_lab/

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Gray whale sighting in Walvis Bay, Namibia (south east Atlantic)
by Simon Elwen 14 May '13

14 May '13

A gray (Eschrichtius robustus) whale has recently been photographed in Walvis Bay, Namibia. This is the first record we are aware of for the species in the South Atlantic or Southern Hemisphere and likely represents one of, if not the longest movements of any mammal. The animal has been seen around the bay by marine tour operators since the 04 May 2013 A more detailed back story and photographs confirming species identify are available for viewing on the Namibian Dolphin Project blog: http://namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com/ Photographs and story by John Paterson of the Albatross Task Force and Walvis Bay Strandings Network Other publications from our research group are available here: http://www.namibiandolphinproject.com/category/research/publications/ Regards Simon Elwen Research Fellow at the Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria Based in: Walvis Bay - Namibia. Phone: +264 81 421 4968 (mob Namibia) Namibian Dolphin Project: www.namibiandolphinproject.com

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USGS/UCSC Sea Otter Tracking Internship Opportunity
by Tomoleoni, Joseph 10 May '13

10 May '13

*Sea Otter Tracking Internship Opportunity* Organization: U.S. Geological Survey & UC Santa Cruz Location: San Luis Obispo County, CA, United States**** We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist research staff with field observations and data collection of wild sea otters in San Luis Obispo County, California. Specific duties include: visiting locations throughout the study area by vehicle in order to record data on location, behavior, and reproductive status of tagged study animals. Otters will be located using VHF radio telemetry, and identified using binoculars and high powered spotting telescopes. Re-sights for every study animal will be obtained each day, weather permitting. We are looking for well qualified applicants to work as full time interns. This requires a commitment to a full time schedule (5 days/wk) for a minimum period of 3 consecutive months. Internships are unpaid, but provide an opportunity to learn advanced tracking techniques using radio telemetry, while also gaining valuable experience in collecting a variety of geo-spatial and behavioral data. Our field station is in Cambria, CA, and lodging requirements can be arrange if needed. *Prerequisites:* Knowledge and/or experience such as attained through upper division coursework towards a Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field (e.g. ecology, environmental science) or work as a qualified biological technician * Requirements:* 1. Working knowledge of field equipment including binoculars, compass, high-powered spotting scopes, and GPS ** 2. Experience with field data collection and data entry 3. Strong attention to detail and ability to work well independently and as part of a team 4. Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills 5. Ability to conduct strenuous outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions 6. Interns must posses a valid driver’s license 7. Interns and volunteers must have their own car and be willing to use it to travel to/from the field site. 8. As communication is essential while working in the field, interns must possess a cell phone 9. Minimum 3 month commitment of approximately 40 hrs/wk. For more information and to apply, please email: jtomoleoni(a)usgs.gov and provide a current resume/c.v. and cover letter. -- *Joe Tomoleoni* Wildlife Biologist U.S. Geological Survey Western Ecological Research Center Santa Cruz Field Station 100 Shaffer Road, COH Bldg Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831.459.2357 jtomoleoni(a)usgs.gov

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Boat-based cetacean research Turks & Caicos - Volunteers needed!
by Dominique Weilermann 10 May '13

10 May '13

Volunteers needed for line-transect surveys around Turks & Caicos, Caribbean We are looking for volunteers on our research trips around the Turks and Caicos Islands, Caribbean. Ocean Explorer is a Swiss non-profit-organization, dedicated to the protection and conservation of marine mammals and their natural environment. Since autumn 2012, the research vessel “Ocean Breeze” launches a number of scientific projects in the Caribbean Sea as well as Eastern Pacific Ocean. We conduct scientific research in close collaboration with established institutions and regional conservation organizations and projects are guided by experienced marine biologists. Ocean Explorer is a certified member of the Reef Check Foundation and supports their monitoring efforts. Details: We conduct line-transect and acoustic surveys around the islands and we are strongly involved in reef monitoring. Therefore, this is a great opportunity to gain experience in visual and acoustic cetacean surveying, photo-identification, behavioural observations and practical skills (sailing, photo-ID, coral reef health monitoring). During lectures and joined discussions you learn more about the biology of marine mammals and coral reef ecology. There will also be the opportunity to visit nature reserves and wildlife parks on guided tours. Travel Dates: 1: 25.05. - 01.06.2013 2: 01.06. - 08.06.2013 3: 15.06. - 22.06.2013 4: 22.06. - 29.06.2013 Costs: CHF: 1690.- (1380 Euro/ 1160 GBP) Cost include following: - Accommodation on board of Catamaran - All meals and non-alcoholic beverages - Unlimited diving and all equipment provided - Guidance from marine biologist and skipper (English and German speaking) - Use of research material as well as library on board - One guided excursion Not included: - International flight to Providenciales - Individual excursions - Travel insurance - Personal expenses For more information and booking please visit: http://www.ocean-explorer.org/56.html or contact Frank Gerstner info(a)ocean-explorer.org Thank you for your interest.

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7th marine mammal necropsy workshop
by Thierry Jauniaux 10 May '13

10 May '13

The 7th marine mammal necropsy workshop is organized by the Department of Veterinary Pathology (University of Liege, Belgium) and the Laboratory of Applied Bioacoustics LAB (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain). The session will be held at the Veterinary College on the Sart Tilman campus (Liège) on July 8 and 9, 2013. During the workshop, 20 marine mammals will be extensively necropsied and sampled, based on a standard procedure. A special attention will be the extraction and fixation (injection) of the inner ear. A morning session will be devoted to dissection, sampling and tissues banking procedures (Jauniaux T.), another one will be reserved for acoustics and inner ear extraction and fixation (André M.); afternoons will be dedicated to necropsies, mostly harbor porpoises. The number of attendees is limited to 20, in order to pair off participants under the supervision of a veterinary pathologist and a specialist of the inner ear dissection. Registration fees are 100 euro Detail description of the workshop will be send Registration directly to Thierry Jauniaux <t.jauniaux(a)ulg.ac.be> Very best regards T. Jauniaux Thierry Jauniaux, DMV, PhD, Diplomate of European College of Zoological Medicine (Wildlife Populations Health) http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/home.php Premier Assistant Université de Liège Pathologie Vétérinaire Assistant Professor, University of Liege Veterinary Pathology T.Jauniaux(a)ulg.ac.be Cell phone: 0032477252302 MARIN Marine Animals Research & Intervention Network

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New publication on muscular senescence in cetaceans
by Eva María Sierra Pulpillo 10 May '13

10 May '13

Dear MARMAM subscribers: We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Scientific Reports: MUSCULAR SENESCENCE IN CETACEANS: ADAPTATION TOWARDS A SLOW MUSCLE FIBRE PHENOTYPE. Sierra E[1], Fernández A[2], de Los Monteros AE[3], Arbelo M[4], de Quirós YB[5], Herráez P[6]. Department of Veterinary Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña S/N, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain. Sci Rep. 2013 May 7;3:1795. doi: 10.1038/srep01795. ABSTRACT: Sarcopenia, or senile muscle atrophy, is the slow and progressive loss of muscle mass with advancing age that constitutes the most prevalent form of muscle atrophy. The effects of ageing on skeletal muscle have been extensively studied in humans and laboratory animals (mice), while the few reports on wild animals are based on short-lived mammals. The present study describes the age-related changes in cetacean muscles regarding the three factors that determine muscle mass: fibre size, fibre number, and fibre type. We show that the skeletal muscle fibres in cetaceans change with advancing age, evolving towards a slower muscle phenotype. We suggest that this physiological evolution constitutes an adaptation that allows these marine mammals to perform prolonged, deep dives. Full text is available at: http://www.nature.com/srep/2013/130507/srep01795/full/srep01795.html or alternatively, a pdf can be requested at: esierra(a)becarios.ulpgc.es Best regards, Eva Sierra Laboratorio de Patología Molecular y Forense Unit of Histology and Pathology Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria (IUSA) Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) C/ Trasmontaña s/n 35413 Arucas (Las Palmas) España Vínculos: --------- [1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Sierra%20E[Author]&cauthor=true… [2] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Fern%E1ndez%20A[Author]&cauthor… [3] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=de%20Los%20Monteros%20AE[Author]&am… [4] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Arbelo%20M[Author]&cauthor=true… [5] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=de%20Quir%F3s%20YB[Author]&caut… [6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Herr%E1ez%20P[Author]&cauthor=t…

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New publication on pygmy right whales in Namibia
by Ruth Leeney 09 May '13

09 May '13

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: RH Leeney , K Post , PB Best , CJ Hazevoet & SH Elwen (2013): Pygmy right whale Caperea marginata records from Namibia, African Journal of Marine Science, 35:1, 133-139 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2013.769903 ABSTRACT All known records of pygmy right whales *Caperea marginata* in Namibia since 1978 are summarised for the first time, including 12 strandings (live and recently dead animals) and skeletal remains from at least eight more individuals. The majority of strandings and remains were located in the Walvis Bay region, where the coastal topography of the bay and lagoon may be a primary cause for the relatively high incidence of strandings in this area. Strandings appear to occur only during the austral summer, between November and March. All but two of the records for which age is available were juveniles, suggesting that the area offshore of Walvis Bay may function as a seasonal nursery ground and that the inexperience of younger animals may cause them to become ‘entrapped’ in the bay. These data contribute substantially to the limited information on pygmy right whale distribution worldwide and the cetacean fauna of Namibia. Best wishes, Ruth -- Ruth H. Leeney, PhD Benguela Research & Training Walvis Bay, Namibia T: (+264)-81-809-8214 Current address: JSPS Research Fellow Graduate School of Fisheries Science & Environmental Studies Nagasaki University, Japan T: (+81)-80-9141-3693 http://publicationslist.org/ruth.leeney www.namibiandolphinproject.com www.westafricacetaceans.blogspot.com

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Paper on southern right whale offshore habitat use patterns, climate change and ship traffic
by Leigh Torres 08 May '13

08 May '13

Dear friends and colleagues, I would like to inform you of a recent publication in the journal Diversity and Distributions by myself and colleagues regarding southern right whale habitat use patterns in the Australasian region and their potential threats from climate change and ship traffic. Our study uses historical whaling data from the 1800s in a boosted regression tree modelling framework to generate the first quantitative description of the offshore foraging habitat of southern right whale. The abstract is pasted below. You can download the article here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.12069/abstract Or email me directly for a copy: l.torres(a)niwa.co.nz Thanks for your interest. Cheers, Leigh Dr. Leigh G. Torres Spatial Marine Ecologist NIWA 301 Evans Bay Parade Private Bag 14901 Wellington, New Zealand Tel: +64 4 382 1628 Mob: +64 27 123 4567 l.torres(a)niwa.co.nz http://www.niwa.co.nz/ From exploitation to conservation: Habitat models using whaling data predict distribution patterns and threat exposure of an endangered whale Abstract Aim: Sufficient data to describe spatial distributions of rare and threatened populations are typically difficult to obtain. For example, there are minimal modern offshore sightings of the endangered southern right whale, limiting our knowledge of foraging grounds and habitat use patterns. Using historical exploitation data of southern right whales, we aim to better understand their seasonal offshore distribution patterns in relation to broad-scale oceanography, and to predict their exposure to shipping traffic and response to global climate change. Location: Australasian region between 130°W and 100°E, and 30°S and 55°S. Methods: We model 19th century whaling data with boosted regression trees to determine functional responses of whale distribution relative to environmental factors. Habitat suitability maps are generated and we validate these predictions with independent historical and recent sightings. We identify areas of increased risk of ship-strike by integrating predicted whale distribution maps with shipping traffic patterns. We implement predicted ocean temperatures for the 2090-2100 decade in our models to predict changes in whale distribution due to climate change. Results: Temperature in the upper 200 m, distance from the subtropical front, mixed layer depth, chlorophyll concentration and distance from ridges are the most consistent and influential predictors of whale distribution. Validation tests of predicted distributions determined generally high predictive capacity. We identify two areas of increased risk of vessel strikes and predict substantial shifts in habitat suitability and availability due to climate change. Main conclusions: Our results represent the first quantitative description of the offshore foraging habitat of southern right whales. Conservation applications include identifying areas and causes of threats to southern right whales, generating effective mitigation strategies, and directing population monitoring and research efforts. Our study demonstrates the benefits of incorporating unconventional datasets such as historic exploitation data into species distribution models to inform management and help combat biodiversity loss. Keywords: Boosted regression trees, distribution patterns, global climate change, habitat use, historic data, rare species, species distribution models, southern right whale

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