May 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Sea Watch Foundation - Last Minute Research Intern Opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2013
by Danielle Gibas 08 May '13

08 May '13

Sea Watch Foundation Last Minute Research Intern Opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2013 A last minute opportunity has opened up for one intern placement to assist the Sea Watch Foundation (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/> ) with the running of the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project. The project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and takes care of the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. Interns will help the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer by taking part in the following tasks: · Land-based surveys · Boat-based surveys · Photo-identification studies · Database entry · Awareness raising · Education initiatives · Acoustic monitoring · Assist with and participate in training courses and public talks. This placement is for seven weeks, between 27th of May to the 14th of July. Interns will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of £55/week. Interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Important skills/qualifications Essential: · an ability to work in a meticulous and reliable manner · strong commitment to volunteering work · willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather · good IT skills (Office package) · an ability to get on well with others in a small team and shared accommodation Desirable: · a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar · a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans · prior experience in boat-based survey work · good verbal and written communication skills and in public speaking · experience in interacting with the public All interns will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins and grey seals. To apply: Please send your CV, covering letter and contact details of two references, reporting any relevant experience you have to Daphna Feingold daphna.feingold(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk This will be on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED basis. Please specify NEW QUAY INTERN APPLICATION into your subject title. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife of West Wales. Our work is funded by the Countryside Council for Wales, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Heritage Lottery Fund, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: * Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys * Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories. * Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs and C-PODS) and hydrophones. * Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods.

1 0

Slow clicks function in male sperm whales
by Cláudia Inês Botelho de Oliveira 07 May '13

07 May '13

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are very pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: Oliveira C, Wahlberg M, Johnson M, Miller PJO and Madsen PT. (2013) The function of male sperm whale slow clicks in a high latitude habitat: Communication, echolocation, or prey debilitation? J. Acoust. Soc. Am., Vol. 133, Issue 5, pp 3135-3144. http://link.aip.org/link/?JAS/133/3135 <http://link.aip.org/link/?JAS/133/3135> Abstract: Sperm whales produce different click types for echolocation and communication. Usual clicks and buzzes appear to be used primarily in foraging while codas are thought to function in social communication. The function of slow clicks is less clear, but they appear to be produced by males at higher latitudes, where they primarily forage solitarily, and on the breeding grounds, where they roam between groups of females. Here the behavioral context in which these vocalizations are produced and the function they may serve was investigated. Ninety-nine hours of acoustic and diving data were analyzed from sound recording tags on six male sperm whales in Northern Norway. The 755 slow clicks detected were produced by tagged animals at the surface (52%), ascending from a dive (37%), and during the bottom phase (11%), but never during the descent. Slow clicks were not associated with the production of buzzes, other echolocation clicks, or fast maneuvering that would indicate foraging. Some slow clicks were emitted in seemingly repetitive temporal patterns supporting the hypothesis that the function for slow clicks on the feeding grounds is long range communication between males, possibly relaying information about individual identity or behavioral states. Best wishes, Cláudia Oliveira ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DOP, Departamento de Oceanografia e Pescas - Universidade dos Açores Rua Prof. Doutor Frederico Machado 9901-862 Horta - Portugal Telefone: +351 292200400 Fax: +351 292200411 URL: www.horta.uac.pt <http://www.horta.uac.pt/> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

marine acoustician opening- Bureau of Ocean Energy Management- apply NLT May 24
by Lewandowski, Jill 06 May '13

06 May '13

The Bureau of of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is currently advertising to hire a marine acoustician to serve as the Bureau subject-matter expert in underwater acoustics. The position is located in BOEM's headquarters office in Herndon, VA. *The advertisement closes on Friday, May 24 *and can be accessed at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/340375600. This link provides additional detail on the position and instructions for applying. The acoustician will plan, initiate, review and/or conduct underwater sound propagation modeling and acoustic take estimate modeling and analyze underwater acoustic propagation issues in support of BOEM’s environmental impact assessment documents under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA) Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and other relevant laws. Major duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: - Plans, initiates, conducts and/or reviews underwater sound propagation calculations and modeling. Generates maps or diagrams of sound receive levels and other related acoustical quantities for environmental impact assessments related to offshore oil and gas exploration and production, offshore renewable energy facilities construction and operation, and the extraction of sand and gravel in U.S. territorial waters. - Oversees the coordination, planning, budgeting and initiation of scientific investigations in marine acoustics. - Formulates national policies, standards and procedures related to marine acoustical research required for the development of the energy and marine mineral resources of the OCS. - Reviews bureau environmental analyses, permits and plans and other documents to insure sensible and scientifically supportable acoustical information, methods and conclusions. The incumbent will plan, initiate, review and/or conduct underwater sound propagation modeling and acoustic take estimate modeling and analyze underwater acoustic propagation issues in support of BOEM’s environmental impact assessment documents under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA) Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and other relevant laws. *The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) manages the exploration and development of the nation’s offshore resources. It seeks to appropriately balance economic development, energy independence, and environmental protection through oil and gas leases, renewable energy development and environmental reviews and studies. www.boem.gov * * * * * * * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Jill Lewandowski* Chief, Environmental Consultation Branch Office of Environmental Programs Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 381 Elden Street, HM3107 Herndon, VA 20171 Tel (703) 787-1703 Cell (571) 228-9081 Fax (703) 787-1026 www.boem.gov NOTICE: This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. It may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or otherwise protected by applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivery of this e-mail to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying, or use of this e-mail or its contents is strictly prohibited. If you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy all copies.

1 0

Internship
by Jamie Klaus 06 May '13

06 May '13

Could you please post the following. Fall 2013 Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research Internship Program Description The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will participate with multiple projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research, sea turtle satellite tracking, and other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Principle Duties include: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21 and 31 boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS * Secondary Duties involve: Assisting with animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting with educational tours. * Field days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. To Apply: Please visit our website at <http://imms.org/internship.php> http://imms.org/internship.php

1 0

AIMM seeks research assistants - Season 2012
by Isabel Andrade 06 May '13

06 May '13

The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM - seeks applications as research assistant to help with the ongoing study of cetaceans in the South of Portugal (Algarve). The field season will run from May, 1st to October, 30th 2012. This project intends to continue the study that AIMM has been developing along the South coast of Portugal, as well as the collaboration with the local dolphin watching companies. Participants will join the team for, at least, 7-days period but preference will be given to applicants that can stay for longer periods. Activities include boat surveys on the research vessel and on opportunistic platforms (dolphin watching boats). Data collection comprises species identification, group size, behaviour, photo-identification, amongst others. Training is provided by AIMM researchers, mainly marine biologists. The assistant is responsible for his own transportation to/from Albufeira, where the AIMM assistant’s house is located. Accommodation and transport to/from the dock is provided. Food is at the assistant’s own expenses except breakfast, but communal shopping keep the expenses low. Apart from research activities, participants share everyday duties and chores with the other team members. A fee for basic maintenance of the AIMM assistant’s house is required (300€ per week). No previous experience is required. Anyone above the age of 16 can participate, regardless of nationality or field of expertise. Successful applicants will: - have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - be autonomous and quickly operational - be able to live and work constructively with others members of the team - speak fluent Portuguese and/or English Preference will be given to those who have: - relevant marine mammal field experience - working experience on research vessels - experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - experience in photo-identification - professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID Applicants should send an e-mail with a small introduction, qualifications and previous experience, as well as an outline explaining why they would like to work with AIMM. A brief CV should also be attached. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended. Contacts: direccao(a)aimm-portugal.org || http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/

1 1

FW: new publication - white humpback NA
by Kit Kovacs 05 May '13

05 May '13

Lydersen, C., Øien, N., Mikkelsen, B., Bober, S., Fisher, D. and Kovacs, K. M. 2013. A white humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Atlantic Ocean, Svalbard, Norway, August 2012. Polar Research 2013, 32, 19739, http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/polar.v32i0.19739. A white humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was observed on several occasions off Svalbard, Norway, during August 2012. The animal was completely white, except for a few small dark patches on the ventral side of its fluke. The baleen plates were light-coloured, but the animal's eyes had normal (dark) colouration. This latter characteristic indicates that the animal was not an albino; it is a leucistic individual. The animal was a full-sized adult and engaged in "bubble-feeding" together with 15-20 other humpback whales each time it was seen. Subsequent to these sighting, polling of the marine mammal science community has resulted in the discovery of two other observations of white humpback whales in the Barents Sea area. One of these records was a calf in 2004 and the other a larger individual in 2006. It is likely that all of these sightings are of the same individual, but there is no genetic or photographic evidence, so this suggestion cannot be confirmed. The rarity of observations of such white individuals suggests that they are born at very low frequencies or that the ontogenetic survival rates of the colour morph are low. link: http://www.polarresearch.net/index.php/polar/article/view/19739

1 0

New paper on analysis of killing methods in dolphin drive hunts in Japan
by Diana Reiss 03 May '13

03 May '13

>>> Dear Colleagues, >>> >>> We are pleased to announce a recent publication of our paper regarding the killing methods used in the dolphin drive hunts in Taiji, Japan. >>> >>> Andrew Butterworth , Philippa Brakes , Courtney S. Vail & Diana Reiss (2013): A Veterinary and Behavioral Analysis of Dolphin Killing Methods Currently Used in the “Drive Hunt” in Taiji, Japan, Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 16:2, 184-204 >>> >>> A PDF version of the paper is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2013.768925 >>> or via email request to dlr28(a)columbia.edu >>> >>> A link to the video footage is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzOw5IBmqWk&feature=youtu.be >>> >>> ABSTRACT >>> Annually in Japanese waters, small cetaceans are killed in “drive hunts” with quotas set by the government of Japan. The Taiji Fishing Cooperative in Japan has published the details of a new killing method that involves cutting (transecting) the spinal cord and purports to reduce time to death. The method involves the repeated insertion of a metal rod followed by the plugging of the wound to prevent blood loss into the water. To date, a paucity of data exists regarding these methods utilized in the drive hunts. Our veterinary and behavioral analysis of video documentation of this method indicates that it does not immediately lead to death and that the time to death data provided in the description of the method, based on termination of breathing and movement, is not supported by the available video data. The method employed causes damage to the vertebral blood vessels and the vascular rete from insertion of the rod that will lead to significant hemorrhage, but this alone would not produce a rapid death in a large mammal of this type. The method induces paraplegia (paralysis of the body) and death through trauma and gradual blood loss. This killing method does not conform to the recognized requirement for “immediate insensibility” and would not be tolerated or permitted in any regulated slaughterhouse process in the developed world. >>> >>> My best, >>> >>> Diana Reiss >> Diana Reiss, PhD Professor Department of Psychology Hunter College, CUNY 695 Park Ave., New York, N.Y. 10065 Office: 212-650-3432 Lab: 212-772-4322

1 0

Inferring Animal Densities from Tracking Data Using Markov Chains
by hwhitehe＠DAL.ca 03 May '13

03 May '13

MARMAM readers may be interested in this paper: Whitehead H, Jonsen ID (2013) Inferring Animal Densities from Tracking Data Using Markov Chains. PLoS ONE 8(4): e60901. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0060901 Available at: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.006 0901 Abstract: The distributions and relative densities of species are keys to ecology. Large amounts of tracking data are being collected on a wide variety of animal species using several methods, especially electronic tags that record location. These tracking data are effectively used for many purposes, but generally provide biased measures of distribution, because the starts of the tracks are not randomly distributed among the locations used by the animals. We introduce a simple Markov-chain method that produces unbiased measures of relative density from tracking data. The density estimates can be over a geographical grid, and/or relative to environmental measures. The method assumes that the tracked animals are a random subset of the population in respect to how they move through the habitat cells, and that the movements of the animals among the habitat cells form a time-homogenous Markov chain. We illustrate the method using simulated data as well as real data on the movements of sperm whales. The simulations illustrate the bias introduced when the initial tracking locations are not randomly distributed, as well as the lack of bias when the Markov method is used. We believe that this method will be important in giving unbiased estimates of density from the growing corpus of animal tracking data. Abstract

1 0

Vacancy: Biometrician at the Sea Mammal Research Unit (University of St Andrews, Scotland).
by Mike Lonergan 03 May '13

03 May '13

The Sea Mammal Research Unit carries out scientific research and provides advice to governmental bodies. We aim to give clear and reliable answers, to questions that are mainly about anthropogenic impacts and conservation, and now require another biometrician to help us with this. Most of the datasets to be analysed and interpreted describe various aspects of pinniped ecology and behaviour. We require someone with: a numerate degree, knowledge of data analysis in R, some experience of research, a pragmatic and flexible approach to problem solving, and enthusiasm for collaborative working. The post is for one year in the first instance, but may be extended. Pay: £30,424 - £36,298 per annum. Closing date for applications: 6 June 2013* * Further information and details of how to apply can be obtained through: https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk Please contact me if you have problems with the link. -- Mike Lonergan NERC Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews ________________________________________________________________________________ "The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532"

1 0

Field assistant required in the Egyptian Red Sea
by Maddalena Fumagalli 02 May '13

02 May '13

Dear all, I am a PhD student at the University of Otago with a project focussing on the potential impacts of tourism activities on behaviour and ecology of spinner dolphins in the Egyptian Red Sea. I am seeking skilled volunteers to assist me this summer (1 June to 10 August 2013) in fieldwork taking place in the area of Marsa Alam (Egypt). Volunteers will work in close collaboration with me and personnel from the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA), an Egyptian leading NGO (www.hepca.org) This is a great opportunity to explore beautiful offshore reefs in the Southern Egyptian Red Sea, enjoy marine biodiversity and live in a multicultural environment while gaining a solid and intense field experience. Fieldwork consists of 3-10 day boat-based surveys organised in sites of interest and involve behavioural, acoustic and photo-identification data collection. In between surveys the team will be based in Marsa Alam and volunteers are required to assist with data entry, preliminary processing and equipment maintenance. Life and work can be very demanding and applicants should be relatively fit. Successful candidates have (or are pursuing) a degree in zoology or related topics, are good snorkelers and have previous experience in marine mammal research. Assistants are flexible and patient, have positive attitude, good interpersonal skills and English proficiency, and are comfortable onboard. Candidates should be able to commit for a minimum of 5 weeks, preference is given to those available for the entire season. Volunteers should bring their own laptop computer and snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins). This is an unpaid position. Successful candidates will need to provide their own transport to/from Hurghada and food/accommodation on site (this will be arranged through HEPCA and possibly with other team members). Accommodation is provided during the boat-based survey, but interns will be asked to contribute to food and research expenses with 5 Euro a day. The final surveys calendar will be communicated to applicants as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that, due to the current Egyptian political situation, plans and schedules can be subject to unanticipated changes: I thank you all for your understanding. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. If interested in the position, I suggest you have a preliminary look at travel arrangements and email me at fumma785(a)student.otago.ac.nz a short relevant CV (including references) and cover letter by the 13th May 2013. Successful applicants will be contacted for an interview and final decisions will be made by May, the 17th. Best, Maddalena Fumagalli PhD Student Department of Zoology University of Otago, New Zealand Email: fumma785(a)student.otago.ac.nz http://redseadolphinproject.wordpress.com/ http://www.hepca.org

1 0