June 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammals course @ Duke Marine Lab (8 July - 9 August)
by Helen Nearing 11 Jun '13

11 Jun '13

The Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, NC has a few spaces left in the summer 2013 Marine Mammals course. Additional courses are available - check the website (link is below) for a complete listing of courses and additional information. Marine Mammals Duke University Marine Lab, Beaufort, NC. Summer Term II: 8 July - 9 August 2013 Experience the beautiful North Carolina coast! Join students from all over the world in participating in this unique summer session experience! This is a field and laboratory-intensive course designed to provide first-hand experience with research techniques such as photo-identification and mark-recapture analysis, line transect surveys and distance sampling, sampling prey distribution and abundance, behavioral sampling techniques, acoustic recording and analysis, and necropsy techniques. Course Description: The biology of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, and sea otters. Topics covered include the diversity, evolution, ecology, and behavior of marine mammals and their interactions with humans. Detailed consideration given to the adaptations that allow these mammals to live in the sea. Evaluation of the scientific, ethical, and aesthetic factors influencing societal attitudes toward these animals and of their conservation management in light of domestic legislation and international treaties. As part of the Summer Term II Integrated Marine Conservation Program, a core course, Conservation Biology and Policy, may be taken with Marine Mammals. Students are encouraged (but not required) to take both courses. For more information: ml_enrollment(a)nicholas.duke.edu<mailto:ml_enrollment@nicholas.duke.edu> (Tel: 252.504.7502). To apply: https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=duke-geml http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/courses/summer-II

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Workshop - Integrating individual tracking and vessel-based survey data, 11 Oct 2013
by Suryan, Rob 10 Jun '13

10 Jun '13

Dear Colleagues, The Marine Bird and Mammal Advisory Panel for the North Pacific Marine Science Organization [PICES] is organizing a workshop focusing on methods of integrating individual tracking and vessel-based survey data to contribute to a more comprehensive picture of seabird and marine mammal distribution throughout the North Pacific. Workshop Summary: GOAL: Identify possible quantitative and/or qualitative approaches for integrating tracking and survey data Morning: Presentations on needs of end-product users, available datasets (identifying space/time gaps), analytical approaches to integrating datasets. Afternoon: Discussion/evaluation of methods and case studies where concurrent individual tracking and ship survey data exist (e.g., (1) Central California Current, (2) Bering Sea, (3) Western North Pacific) The workshop (W3) will occur Friday, 11 October 2013, in Nanaimo, BC, Canada, (http://www.pices.int/meetings/annual/PICES-2013/2013-schedule.aspx) The PICES annual meeting follows on Monday (http://www.pices.int/meetings/annual/PICES-2013/2013-background.aspxm ). Lots of great sessions at these meetings, if you are new to attending PICES events. Early registration and abstract submission deadlines are 30 June 2013. The workshop is open to all who are interested in attending. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact any of the following organizers, Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Rob Suryan, Oregon State University, rob.suryan(a)oregonstate.edu Yutaka Watanuki, University of Hokkaido, ywata(a)fish.hokudai.ac.jp Rolf Ream, NOAA, National Marine Mammal Lab, rolf.ream(a)noaa.gov Bill Sydeman, Farallon Institute for Advanced Ecosystem Research, wsydeman(a)faralloninstitute.org

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Save the Manatee Club Seeks Conservation Staffer
by Katie Tripp 10 Jun '13

10 Jun '13

Save the Manatee Club, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is seeking a staff member for its science and conservation department to work in the Club’s Maitland, FL office. This employee will assist the Director of Science and Conservation in matters of policy, management, science, and education directly linked to the organization’s mission to protect manatees and their habitat. The position involves little to no field work and requires travel and public speaking. Excellent scientific and creative writing ability required. Must be self-motivated and able to work independently. Salary is $957 bi-weekly. Medical, dental, and retirement benefits available. A bachelor’s degree in biology or environmental policy/science is required at a minimum. Candidates should send academic transcripts, CV, and statement of interest and qualification to ktripp(a)savethemanatee.org by 11:59 PM Thursday June 13th, 2013.

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WDC announces the release of report “Whale Watching: More than Meets the Eyes”.
by Regina Asmutis-Silvia 07 Jun '13

07 Jun '13

Whale and Dolphin Conservation, WDC, announces the release of their report “Whale Watching: More than Meets the Eyes”. While previous studies have focused on the economic benefits of commercial whale watching, this is the first study to document the potential long term conservation benefits that may result from responsible whale watching experiences. More than 1,000 passengers boarding whale watching vessels in Massachusetts participated in a three part survey to determine whether the information a passenger received during a whale watch made them aware of the ocean’s vulnerability and, as a result, increased their awareness of how their own behavior impacts the marine environment. Participants were also asked if specific vessel operational guidelines and training programs were considered important to them. In general, whale watchers did not appear to know how to support marine mammal conservation before their tour started. A significant change was observed after the trip, where respondents indicated they became aware of how to support marine mammal conservation and became more worried about the health of the marine environment. Further, they believed that their own decisions, like the use of cleaning products used in their households, can negatively affect the marine environment. According to the survey, the most important aspect to the whale watchers was having the boat maintain a safe distance from the whales and knowing that the boat was following guidelines, which was regarded as being more important than being as close to the whales as possible. Knowing that the naturalist and captain receiving specialized whale watch training was also considered to be very important to survey participants. The 114 page report was conducted as part of a graduate project through the North American office of Whale and Dolphin Conservation and was funded by a grant from NOAA’s Fisheries Northeast Region Program Office, Award Number NA11NMF4720240. Download the report at http://bit.ly/126LFoz For specific inquiries regarding the report, please contact Michel Harms (michel.harms(a)whales.org<mailto:michel.harms@whales.org>) [WDC - Whale and Dolphin Conservation]<http://www.whales.org/> Regina Asmutis-Silvia Executive Director, NA Telephone: +1 508 746 2522 Mobile: +1 508 451 3853 Skype: wdcs.na WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation 7 Nelson Street Plymouth MA 02360-4044 United States 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://www.whales.org/wdc.php> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation (“WDC”), Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. WDC, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: +1 (508) 746-2522 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. ________________________________

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Field assistants needed for a boat-based study on dusky dolphins off Kaikoura, New Zealand
by Dara Orbach 07 Jun '13

07 Jun '13

Highly motivated volunteer field assistants are needed to assist with a PhD project assessing the mating tactics of dusky dolphins off Kaikoura, New Zealand. This research is in collaboration with Dr. Bernd Würsig at Texas A&M University at Galveston. The project runs from mid-October through the end of January. Volunteers must able to commit to the whole project duration. Vessel operator (1 position): The primary duty entails operating a 6-m research vessel (semi-rigid hull, 80 HP outboard motor) including launching and docking the vessel, safely maneuvering the vessel to determined GPS co-ordinates, and following dolphin pods while facilitating smooth conditions for videography and photography. Addition daily responsibilities include assisting with Photo-ID analysis. Applicants for this position should have extensive oceanic experience operating motorboats including launching, docking, bunking, and trailering a boat. Applicants with previous experience operating vessels near marine mammals should explain details in their cover letter. Photographer (2 positions): The primary duty entails photographing dolphin dorsal fins for photo-id analysis during boat-based focal follows. One field assistant will also crop, sort, trace, and match fins on a daily basis. The other field assistant will analyze recorded mating videos using an ethogram of mating behaviors. The two photography assistants will rotate every second day between boat-based work taking photographs and lab-based work analyzing pictures or videos. Assistants may also have opportunities to take photos on “lab days” from a larger boat-based platform once data is processed. Applicants for this position should have extensive boat-based experience photographing marine mammals using a DSLR camera. Applicants should clarify if they are applying for the photo or video analyst position and describe relevant experience. Please also include a few images (or a website link) of cetacean dorsal fin photographs which highlight your photography skills. Expectations: All applicants should be hard working, able to follow instructions with precision, exceptional communicators, innovative problem solvers, and comfortable on boats. This project involves continuous teamwork and applicants must be able to get along well with others and maintain a positive attitude under stressful conditions. All positions can be physically and mentally demanding and are best suited for those with a passion for behavioral ecology field work. Typical field days involve being on the water from 8 AM through 4 PM (with a 2 hour siesta on the boat), followed by several hours of data processing. Data is collected whenever the weather conditions are conducive including weekends. This position is unpaid and field assistants are responsible for their own food expenses, NZ visa, and travel to/from Kaikoura. Housing is provided in a stunning luxury home with incredible views and private bedrooms. A field vehicle is available for errands in town. To apply, please send a cover letter and cv detailing relevant field work experience with references to orbachd(a)tamug.edu prior to July 1st 2013. Please also indicate in your cover letter if you are able to operate a manual/standard vehicle and if you have experience backing up a trailer. Dara Orbach Ph.D. candidate Marine Mammal Behavioral Ecology Group Department of Marine Biology- IDP Texas A&M University at Galveston orbachd(a)tamug.edu http://www.tamug.edu/mmbeg

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Dolphin Research Courses in Slovenia
by Ana Hace 07 Jun '13

07 Jun '13

Dear all, apologies for cross-posting. You can still join Morigenos Dolphin Research Courses that will take place from June to September in Slovenia. --------------------- Dolphin Research Courses in Slovenia, north Adriatic Sea Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society is announcing Dolphin Research Courses in Slovenia (north Adriatic Sea), where interested individuals can assist in the bottlenose dolphin and loggerhead turtle long-term research and conservation programme. For the 11th year in a row, the courses will be taking place in June, July, August and September 2013. Morigenos is a small research NGO that aims to combine scientific research, monitoring, education, public awareness, capacity building and management, to achieve effective conservation of the marine environment and biodiversity. More information about Morigenos work and its track record can be found at www.morigenos.org. The list of publications by Morigenos can be seen here: Publications. Slovenian Dolphin Project is a long-term research, monitoring and conservation programme, established in 2002 and focusing on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Slovenian and adjacent waters in the north Adriatic Sea. Bottlenose dolphins can be found in the area year-round and about 130 individuals have been photo-identified over the past 10 years. Research activities focus on dolphin distribution, abundance, behaviour, social structure, habitat use, feeding habits, fishery interactions and tourism impact, and aim to provide the scientific baseline for effective conservation of dolphins and their habitat. This research has been the basis for the implementation of Natura 2000 for bottlenose dolphins in Slovenia. Apart from dolphins, the research team also undertakes research on loggerheard turtles (Caretta caretta), which visit this area between April and October. Morigenos Research Courses offer interested people to join the research team for 10 days and participate in research activities. This includes boat surveys, land-based watches, theodolite tracking, photo-identification and behavioural observations. All the necessary training is provided through lectures, practical work in the field, and short workshops. Food and accommodation are included. Anyone above the age of 16 can participate, regardless of nationality, academic background or previous experience. This course enables you to participate in day-to-day research activities, as well as obtain background knowledge of marine mammal science, marine biology and conservation. It is equally suitable for students pursuing a career in marine mammal science and for those without an academic interest in this topic. By the end of this course, you will: - have a better understanding of current issues in marine mammal and turtle conservation; - obtain an overview of different methods for studying marine mammals in the wild; - acquire practical experience of pleasures and frustrations of marine mammal field research. Detailed information, dates and costs can be found here: Morigenos Research Courses Applications There is no selection. Applications are treated on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Please send an e-mail to morigenos(at)morigenos.org for registration or questions. ---------------- Ana Hace Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society Kidricevo nabrezje 4 6330 Piran Slovenia www.morigenos.org www.facebook.org/morigenos

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Seals/Sea Lion Radiotags for Sale
by Patricia D. Goley 07 Jun '13

07 Jun '13

Dear Colleagues, I have a number of ATS radiotags that were not used in our harbour seal tagging effort that are available. We have 50 back-mounted radiotags (ATS MM160B), 10 head-mounted tags (MM340B) and 12 flipper tags (Temple tags MM420) that are available. We won't be tagging in the near future and it would be better to have them working in the field rather that waiting in our lab. We can ship them immediately for use this season. Please contact me for any additional information. Best regards, Dawn Additional information" MM1608B - Backmount transmitter (Pulse R-30 ppm, Pulser W - 15ms, Wt. 25 gms, Battery life 420 days, Frequency 164 range) MM340B - Headmount Transmitter (Pulse R-55 ppm, Pulser W - 20ms, Wt. 92 gms, Battery life 801 days, Frequency 164 range) MM420 - Temple tag (Fur seal flipper tags) (Pulse R-30ppm, Pulser W - 15ms, Wt. 23 gms, Battery life 598 days, Frequency 164 range) -- Dawn Goley Professor of Zoology Director of the Marine Mammal Education and Research Program Coordinator of the HSU Marine Mammal Stranding Program Department of Biological Sciences Humboldt State University Arcata, California 95521 707-826-4168 xt 1 Science B 236

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Fwd: Site SOLAMAC
by Rodrigo Amaral 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

* ** The new version of the SOLAMAC website is online!* *www.solamac.org* <http://www.solamac.org> Dear Members, We are pleased to announce the launch of the new website of Latin American Society of Aquatic Mammals Experts - SOLAMAC. The structure of the new website allows registered members to use it as a vehicle to network with the aquatic mammal scientific community of Latin America. Members may post general interest notes, internship positions, courses and similar news. In addition, a library of monographs, dissertations and theses written by the society’s members and/or their students is available and each member may add her/his work. The marine mammalogy community are welcome to visit the site and follow the news from the Latin American aquatic mammalogists. This is the new website of the Society, sharing with the world the advances in the study of aquatic mammals in Latin America! ---- Sociedade Latinoamericana de Especialistas em Mamíferos Aquaticos solamac(a)gmail.com <http://www.solamac.org>www.solamac.org

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Workshop Announcement: An Introduction to Using GIS in Marine Mammal Research
by Guido Parra 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

Dear MARMAM members, On behalf of Guido J. Parra, Lars Bejder and Colin MacLeod I'm glad to announce the following workshops to be held in July 2013 in Australia: Workshop Announcement: An Introduction to Using GIS in Marine Mammal Research Flinders University, Murdoch University and GIS in Ecology will be holding two introductory training workshops on using GIS for marine mammal research: Workshop # 1: Location: Adelaide, South Australia. Dates: 15th - 19th of July, 2013 Venue: Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel<http://www.stamford.com.au/sga>, Glenelg, South Australia Workshop # 2: Location: Fremantle, Western Australia. Dates: 22nd - 26th of July, 2013 Venue: The Esplanade Hotel<http://www.esplanadehotelfremantle.com.au/>, Fremantle, Western Australia The two workshops, funded by the Australian Marine Mammal Centre<http://www.marinemammals.gov.au/>, are planned to build expertise in the Australian marine mammal research community in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage, and present geographically referenced data related to marine mammal ecological studies. The workshops are aimed at postgraduate students, academics and government agency representatives who are just starting to use GIS in their research or have little or no existing knowledge of this subject area. Participants will be selected by relevance to their research and priority will be given to those who are directly involved in marine mammal research and conservation in Australia. There are no fees for attendance at the workshops. Lunch, tea and coffee will be provided. Attendees will be responsible for their own travel to workshop venues and accommodation. Applications close on 20th June 2013. Please send a one page overview of how this workshop would assist you in your current and future research activities focussed on marine mammals. Please note: the number of workshop participants will be limited to maximum 15-20 people. Successful applicants will be notified on 30th June 2013. If you are interested in attending the workshop in Adelaide, South Australia (15th - 19th of July, 2013), please send your application to Dr. Guido J. Parra: guido.parra(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:guido.parra@flinders.edu.au> If you are interested in attending the workshop in Perth, Western Australia (22nd - 26th of July, 2013), please send your application to Dr. Lars Bejder: L.Bejder(a)murdoch.edu.au<mailto:L.Bejder@murdoch.edu.au> For more information and preliminary workshop timetable and content please visit the news sections in www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au> or www.mucru.org<http://www.mucru.org> All the best, Guido ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Guido J. Parra, PhD Research Leader, Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) School of Biological Sciences Flinders University Sturt Road, Bedford Park|South Australia|5042 GPO Box 2100|Adelaide| South Australia|5001 Lab website: www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> My Flinders Staff Page<http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/guido.parra> Cetacean Ecologist Threatened, Endangered & Protected Species (TEPS) Marine Environment & Ecology Science Program Area South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI) - Aquatic Sciences Phone: (+61 8) 8201-3565|Mobile: 0437630843|FAX: (+61 8) 8201-3015 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CRICOS Registered Provider. The Flinders University of South Australia|CRICOS provider Number: 00114A

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summer cetacean surveys between Barcelona and Balearic Islands
by info＠edmaktub.com 06 Jun '13

06 Jun '13

Dear all, We send you this email to your marmam contact list. Thank you Mireia Bou Dear all, EDMAKTUB Association is seeking volunteers for cetacean research trips in the Mediterranean Sea, Spain. DATES: Campaign 1: July 28th to August 4th 2013 Campaign 2: September 1st to September 8th 2013 DESCRIPTION: EDMAKTUB Association works for the study and disclosure of aquatic environment and is specially focused in the study of cetaceans. We are seeking field assistants for our summer campaigns of the project Comparison between radiocontrolled aerial technologies for cetacean studies. The aim of this project is to study the populations of cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea (Between Balearic and Catalan coasts) and the use of new noninvasive techniques for the study of the populations of cetaceans. These new techniques are a multicopter and an aircraft. We use the aircraft for the capture of images and the multicopter for biological-sampling. Visual and acoustical surveys will be conducted from early morning to evening during the 8 days onboard, studying the distribution, behavior, and sound production of the sighted species. In addition, blow-sampling of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) will be carried out using the new non-invasive techniques. The assistants would be able to learn: visual and acoustic cetacean surveying, photo-identification , species identification, environmental and behavioral data collection, sound tracking and data collection and basic marine navigating skills. Volunteers are expected to arrive on Sunday (July 28th and September 1st ) in the afternoon (you can stay overnight on board) . The catamaran will set sail to Balearic Islands, from Barcelona on July 29th and September 2nd (Monday early morning) and be back to Barcelona again on Saturday (August 3rd and September 7th). Volunteers can leave on August 4th and September 8th as the boat will be back late in the afternoon of Saturday (so you can stay overnight). Accommodation and food is offered in the catamaran during the 8 days, assistants are required to pay 850 for food, accommodation and gas expenses. No previous experience is required, as the scientist present in the campaign will provide all the necessary information and teach assistants. If you are interested or want more information, please write us sending your CV at: info(a)edmaktub.com Thanks! All the Edmaktub team

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