August 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

GIS Field Internship Courses in Scotland - last call
by Dr Kevin Robinson 29 Aug '13

29 Aug '13

Teaming up with GIS In Ecology once again in 2013, the Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) is offering a 10 day residential cetacean field course at their field base in Gardenstown in northeast Scotland, from 30th Sep to 10 Oct. The courses will incorporate a custom-designed 3 day GIS module (including course manuals and materials) from GIS In Ecology (www.GISinEcology.com) taught by Drs. Colin MacLeod and Michael Tetley which will consist of a series of background and practical sessions covering the use of GIS in cetacean and marine research. Practical elements will include learning how to collect field data at sea and how to import this data into a Geographic Information System to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of identified species and analyse the home ranges of known individual animals. A combination of ESRI's ArcGIS 10.1 software and an open-source (and licence free) alternative will be used in this regard, and a uniquely numbered and verifiable certificate of completion for this GIS module of the course will be provided. Additional aspects of this residential course will include basic instruction in power boat handling, safety at sea and competent crew ability; cetacean identification, taxonomy and nomenclature; photo-identification procedures and mark capture-recapture analyses for bottlenose dolphins and minke whales; an introduction to relational databases and computer-assisted matching software; assessment, first aid administration and methods used in the care, transport and rescue of stranded cetaceans; and practical methods for the re-floatation of live stranded whales and dolphins In short, you will have the opportunity to learn about these mammals and their dynamic marine environment first hand; working closely alongside a dedicated and knowledgeable research team. As you participate in the CRRU's ongoing field studies, you will learn and apply the principles of field research design, data collection and analyses, undertake training in marine mammal rescue techniques, and gain a personal understanding of the conservation issues which drive current research, rescue and conservation activities by cetacean biologists. The cost for this internship course is 1,250 GBP [ <http://www.xe.com> for a currency converter, click here], which includes full board (i.e. all accommodation and food costs), your full equipment needs (immersion suits, wet boots etc for boat trips), associated course materials and hand-outs, and all associated field costs during your stay with the CRRU team. You will simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to Banff in northeast Scotland (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money. For further details and conditions, please visit <http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp> http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp or email info(a)crru.org.uk for a booking form and project briefing. Just 4 places are still available for this course, so immediate booking is advised. Founded in 1997, the CRRU boasts over 70 scientific publications to date ( <http://www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp> http://www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp) In cooperation with universities, research institutions and other environmental organisations, current studies focus on the key coastal cetacean species frequenting the outer Moray Firth in NE Scotland - namely the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and the minke whale -providing robust scientific data for the adoption of management measures and effective conservation strategies for their future protection. Dr. Kevin Robinson <mailto:kev.robinson@crru.org.uk> kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit | Whale and Dolphin Research | Environmental Education | Wildlife Rescue | Marine Conservation | Consultancy | Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC 035473 PO Box 11307, Banff AB45 3WB, Scotland ( +44 (0)1261 851696 | 126 Suksamran Villas, 12/33 Moo 1 Sairee, Ban Koh Tao, Suratthani 84360, Thailand ( +66 (0) 844 651347 | <http://www.crru.org.uk/> www.crru.org.uk Check out our new Facebook page at: <http://www.facebook.com/crru.org.uk> www.facebook.com/crru.org.uk P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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Humpback Whale Field Intensive Program Sessions in Puerto Rico, USA now open
by Mithriel MacKay 28 Aug '13

28 Aug '13

*Humpback Whale Field Intensive Program at MCERC in Puerto Rico: * *1 week “Shorty” programs * *Gap Year Options* The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center is inviting interested students to participate in the third season for 7 day field intensive focused on cetacean behavioral ecology in Puerto Rico. *No experience is necessary to participate!* Join our research team studying humpback whales *(Megaptera novaeangliae*) wintering off Puerto Rico. *Space is limited to 4 students in each 7 day session* for boat and land based research platforms during the field season January 19, 2014- April 19, 2014. We are offering this "shorty" format (by request!) to fill the need for less expensive programs fitting into work and class schedules. Gap year students are welcome to inquire about programs lasting multiple weeks, including in depth analysis of data. This field intensive training program is well suited for students (undergraduate and graduate) of all skill levels interested in cetacean behavioral ecology, and conservation. The program culminates in a certificate acknowledging training including theodolite tracking of whales and boats from land, boat based behavior and acoustic data collection, analysis of acoustic files and software, and photo identification of flukes and fins for cetaceans. Participants are directly involved in data collection and analysis for PhD dissertation related research for Seasonal Occurrence Patterns and Social Strategies of Humpback Whales *(Megaptera novaeangliae)* Wintering off Puerto Rico, USA as well as an examination of reaction to human activity near shore (including boats, divers, surfers, and aircraft). Program fees include a week in Puerto Rico, USA: travel between field stations, training program in scientific methods, room and meals at the project field station in San German, reference materials related to the project, field methods for data collection and analysis, and a certificate of completion. Fees *do not include* travel to and from Ponce, Puerto Rico, USA and compulsory health and travel insurance (usually purchased with air travel). Students must bring a working or collar-type PFD during all boat operations. Options for acquiring a pfd for the program session are sent with application packets. MCERC has provided documentation of study for students working with their advisers at universities resulting in undergraduate and graduate university credit hours. Please *meet with your adviser in advance* and send us an e-mail with your application if you are considering this option and we will be happy to send you information helpful to your adviser. To participate, simply download the *Simple Application and information packet from the MCERC website under the “Education” tab. **Be sure to read all the information related to the project and the filed station! Email your application to **MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com* <MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com>*.** (*Website: www.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.marine-eco.org/>) **Thank you for supporting humpback whale research and education! Questions? Send us a note! MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com 2014 Humpback Whale Field Intensive Project Sessions Session 1 January 19- 25 $900.00USD Session 2 January 26 – February 01 $900.00USD Session 3 February 02-08 $900.00USD Session 4 February 09-15 $900.00USD Session 5 February 16-22 $900.00USD Session 6 February 23- March 01 $900.00USD Session 7 March 02-08 HWFI and Advanced Technical Training – Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), Protected Species Observer (PSO), and Mysticetus Tracking software training sessions $1500.00USD Session 8 March 09-15 HWFI and Advanced Technical Training – Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), Protectrd Species Observer (PSO), and Mysticetus Tracking software training sessions 1500.00USD Session 9 March 16-22 $900.00USD Session 10 March 23-29 $900.00USD Session 11 March 30-April 05 $900.00USD Session 12 April 06-12 $900.00USD Session 13 April 13-19 $900.00USD See you in the tropics! WWW.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.marine-eco.org/> MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com -- *}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> ** }-wh^ale>* Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Candidate Marine Mammal Research Program Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University, Galveston (830) 688-9878 mithriel.mackay(a)gmail.com and Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center San German, Puerto Rico, USA and Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 www.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.marine-eco.org/> MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com

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New paper on spontaneous ejaculation in a wild dolphin
by Tadamichi Morisaka 28 Aug '13

28 Aug '13

Dear MARMAM subscribers, I'm pleased to announce the following paper on spontaneous ejaculation in a wild dolphin: Morisaka T, Sakai M, Kogi K, Nakasuji A, Sakakibara K, Kasanuki Y, Yoshioka M (2013) Spontaneous ejaculation in a wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). PLoS ONE 8(8): e72879. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0072879 [Abstract] Spontaneous ejaculation, which is defined as the release of seminal fluids without apparent sexual stimulation, has been documented in boreoeutherian mammals. Here we report spontaneous ejaculation in a wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus), and present a video of this rare behavior. This is the first report of spontaneous ejaculation by an aquatic mammal, and the first video of this behavior in animals to be published in a scientific journal. This is an open-access paper and everyone can download this paper from the following site: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0072879 Please email me at chaka(a)wrc.kyoto-u.ac.jp if you have any trouble to download it. All the best, Tadamichi Morisaka (Chaka) -- =========================================== Tadamichi MORISAKA, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Wildlife Research Center of Kyoto University 2-24, Tanaka-Sekiden-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8203, Japan Tel: 075-771-4388; Fax: 075-771-4394 chaka(a)wrc.kyoto-u.ac.jp http://www23.atwiki.jp/cetacea http://www.wrc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ ===========================================

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Post-doctoral Positions--USGS Alaska Science Center
by Oakley, Karen 28 Aug '13

28 Aug '13

The USGS Alaska Science Center is recruiting for 2 post-doctoral positions in its Pacific Walrus Research Program. These term positions will be advertised soon on USAJOBS as Research Wildlife Biologists, GS-12. The positions will be filled for a minimum of 13 months renewable up to 4 years, depending on funding and work load. Incumbents will lead field and analysis projects related to walrus habitat use and demography in response to sea ice loss. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact myself or Chad Jay, Pacific Walrus Research Program Leader (cjay(a)usgs.gov, 907-786-7414), for further information about the positions and hiring process. See our websites for general background about the research program: USGS Alaska Science Center http://alaska.usgs.gov/ USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems Initiative http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/interdisciplinary_science/cae/marine_ecosyst… USGS Pacific Walrus Research Program http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/walrus/index.html *APPLICANTS MUST BE US CITIZENS.* -- Karen Oakley Branch Chief, Marine & Freshwater Ecology U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center 4210 University Dr. Anchorage, AK 99508 907-786-7076 koakley(a)usgs.gov

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Humpback Whale Internships-Puerto Rico (new deadline)
by Mithriel MacKay 27 Aug '13

27 Aug '13

Four Internships Available for 2014 Humpback Whale Field Season in Puerto Rico, USA! Deadline to apply: September 30, 2013 Four full time internships are available for the winter of 2014 to assist in PhD dissertation research focusing on seasonal occurrence patterns and social strategies of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) wintering off Puerto Rico, USA. Two interns will organize and analyze data. Two interns will be involved in mentoring students and data collection in the field. One of the four selected interns will be team leader and all interns must be available for the entire field season. This is the 4th year for accepting interns for this long term study. General description: We anticipate a minimum of 1-3 days/week of vessel based data collection, 2-3 days/week land based data collection, and inclement weather days spent managing data and mentoring students at the base station. Photographic and acoustic data will be analyzed during days when field excursions are not practical or possible. There may be opportunity for aerial survey experience. Commitment: Interns are required to be available full time from January 01-May 01, 2014. Preference is given to recent graduates with a degree in marine biology. Previous participation in an MCERC program is an advantage. Interns must stay at the base station in San German, Puerto Rico, USA and be prepared for very long days. We typically rise well before sunrise and finish well after sunset each day. Breaks (“days off”) are infrequent. This is a low density area for humpbacks. The ability to maintain land based observations for hours (or even a full day) without seeing a whale requires commitment and patience. All interns must speak conversational English. Responsibilities: Interns are fully involved in all aspects of this project including preparation and maintenance of equipment, data collection and management, up keep of the field house, and mentoring students who join our team during the field season. We interact with the public and peers frequently. Interns will be involved in outreach opportunities (impromptu and scheduled). Two interns will be dedicated to organizing and analyzing photographic and acoustic data. Interns in these positions will work Monday- Friday (long days with weekends off) at the field station. These are not field positions. A laptop computer is required and must run a Windows based operating system (not Mac) to be able to run necessary software. Training will include Mysticetus tracking software, Ishmael acoustic analysis software, and programs associated with managing photographic data. Two interns will be dedicated to mentoring students participating in the Humpback Whale Field Intensive. These positions are Sunday-Friday with Saturdays off. One “Education Specialist Intern” will be the team leader for all four positions and will have the ability to oversee all tasks and the basic routine of the field station. “Education Specialist” interns will be trained in collection of data from small vessel and land based platforms as well as effective teaching methods. All interns will receive training specific to their roles in the project and can expect to learn a great deal from this internship including humpback whale ecology, field methods, and cetacean behavioral ecology in exchange for a long field season. Final candidates will be provided contact details of previous interns and be expected to engage in a conversation via Skype before the final selection to assure new interns are clear about our winter schedule. This provides candidates an opportunity to ask questions from peers. Provisions & Accommodations: You will be provided with a place to sleep at the base station and transportation to all field sites (for education interns) from the base station at no cost. Interns will pitch in for food. Please visit the MCERC website and read the entire description of the base station (www.Marine-Eco.org) There is no stipend or salary for these positions. Travel: Interns are responsible for transportation to and from San German, Puerto Rico, USA. Interns are responsible for determining and acquiring necessary travel documents, including visas, to the USA. MCERC will provide a letter stating intern’s involvement with the project. Qualifications: Priority is given to students with an upbeat, hardworking and positive attitude. The ability to take direction and live in close quarters with 8 (or more) people is a key to a successful field season. Previous participation in an MCERC program is a helpful, but not required. A stellar academic average is a plus, but is not a requirement and should not discourage interested people with less than perfect academic scores from applying. A desire to learn new skills and mentor students, a strong work ethic, and the ability to promote a positive attitude towards stewardship of marine habitats is essential for candidates. Interested senior undergraduates (with majors in marine biology or related field), recent graduates seeking to gain experience in marine biology/ecology, and graduate students are encouraged to look over the website (Marine-Eco.org) and submit a letter of interest, CV, and availability to Mithriel(a)Marine-Eco.org together in one email. Candidates should be familiar with the associated website at www.Marine-Eco.org prior to applying and interviews. Applications are only accepted for one internship position to assure interest is matched with tasks and support interns in maintaining high quality research. Applications for both the “data management-analysis” position and the “education-data collection” internship cannot be considered. The team leader will be selected after all interns are accepted. Candidates for internships will complete an interview via Skype or in person prior to being accepted for a position for the 2014 field season. Notification of acceptance is expected before September 30, 2013. Candidates offered an internship will be required to purchase travel to Puerto Rico, USA within 2 weeks as a sign of commitment in January 2014. A waiting list may be created. Please feel free to distribute this call for interns to other lists and individuals that may be excited to participate in humpback whale research and fit the description of our team member! Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Candidate Marine Mammal Research Program Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University, Galveston (830) 688-9878 mithriel.mackay(a)gmail.com and Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center San German, Puerto Rico, USA and Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 www.Marine-Eco.org MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com

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New paper on short-finned pilot whale call vocalizations
by michaelscheer＠t-online.de 27 Aug '13

27 Aug '13

Dear subscribers, I am pleased to announce the following publication on short-finned pilot whale call vocalizations: Scheer, M. (2013) Call vocalizations recorded among short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) off Tenerife, Canary Islands. Aquatic Mammals 39(3): 306-313. DOI: 10.1578/AM.39.3.2013.306 This is a short note and an abstract is not available. The article can be downloaded directly on the Aquatic Mammals website: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=arti… Or you may contact me for a pdf at michaelscheer(a)t-online.de Kind regards Michael --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael Scheer, Dipl. Biol. Brunnenstr. 15-16 28203 Bremen Germany T +49 - (0)421 - 731 87 F +49 - (0)421 - 764 82 M +49 - (0)173 - 238 61 56 www.pilot-whales.org www.pilotwale.de www.swim-with-whales-and-dolphins.org mscheer(a)uni-bremen.de ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Fin and humpback whales in the Pelagos Sanctuary
by jerome couvat 26 Aug '13

26 Aug '13

Dear MARMAMers, Apologies for this late message but there was some trouble in publishing it. We would like to inform you of quite an unusual sighting in the Pelagos Sanctuary this week. On July 23, around 11am, one of the whale-watching operators we work with made a sighting of a 7m humpback whale following a 15m fin whale. The humpback was swimming about 30m behind the fin whale, following it and diving in synchrony. Pictures of the humpback were taken and a video was also made, leaving no doubt on the identification of both species. The two animals were sighted between Nice and Calvi (Corsica) about 30NM off Nice. They were heading west at a speed of 1-2 knots. The humppback has not been seen since then. Sightings of humpback whales have been increasing in the Mediterranean Sea in the last years but this is, to our knowledge, the first time such an observation is made in the Med. Jérôme Couvat Souffleurs d'Ecume www.souffleursdecume.com

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REQUEST FOR ARTICLES - SIRENEWS
by Cynthia Taylor 26 Aug '13

26 Aug '13

The editors of Sirenews, the newsletter of the IUCN Sirenia Specialist Group, would like to request articles for the upcoming edition. Updates on manatee and dugong research, management, education, and conservation activities from around the world are encouraged. The deadline for submissions is OCTOBER 1, 2013. Please submit articles to ctaylor(a)sea2shore.org. Thank you - Cynthia Taylor and James Powell Sea to Shore Alliance ___________________________ Cynthia R. Taylor Research Scientist Sea to Shore Alliance 941-232-4587 ctaylor(a)sea2shore.org www.sea2shore.org

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Volunteer with whales and dolphins in Mauritius
by Imogen Webster 26 Aug '13

26 Aug '13

The Mauritius Marine Conservation Society (MMCS) is a non-governmental organization existing for more than 30 years, working actively to promote awareness and appreciation of the rich marine life around Mauritius. Educating people to the need for marine conservation, our core objective is the protection of marine mammals and coral reefs. One of the objectives of MMCS is to promote the need for marine conservation in Mauritius through the creation of marine parks. This is done through ongoing research activities. In order to continue our work and research we are looking for willing volunteers who want to gain conservation experience, to come to Mauritius and work on current projects. This would involve both field based data collection and office based data entry, equipment maintenance and a variety of office base activities. Specifically, you could be involved with: 1. Monitoring the behavior, ecology and population demographics of the local cetaceans 2. The behavior of dolphin watching boats 3. Turtle monitoring 4. Cetacean diversity studies 5. Surveying fishermen and divers 6. Working with schools to promote environmental awareness 7. Creating educational games and presentations for information evenings to spread awareness and gain support for the need for sustainable marine eco-tourism 8. Fundraising Volunteers will be accommodated in a furnished house in Black River (GPS 20°21.77’S, 57°21.48’E). It is a short walk to the supermarket, post office, pharmacy and beach. Accommodation, bedding and laundry facilities are all supplied but *food is the volunteers responsibility* (allow 40-60/week). Wifi is available at the house/office so bring a laptop. *Openings for volunteers are available immediately*. We are currently offering a 15% discount on standard rates. Charges are GBP£250/€290/US$390 per week with an additional £65 to organize airport transfers. This deal is valid for bookings until 31st October 2013. Due to the training involved the minimum stay is 3 weeks and maximum 8 weeks because of Government stipulation. For more information on volunteering and application forms, contact: Nina via email: info(a)mmcs-ngo.org

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SMM Workshop Announcement Best Practice Principles
by elizabeth.hawkins＠scu.edu.au 26 Aug '13

26 Aug '13

Hi Everyone, I'm pleased to announce the registration for the 'Best practice principles for monitoring the effect of coastal development on marine mammals' at the upcoming SMM Biology of Marine Mammals is now open. The full day workshop will be held on Saturday 7th December Dunedin, NZ. In line with the conference theme: Marine Mammal Research and Conservation: Making a Difference, this workshop addresses ways that science can mitigate one of the major contemporary impacts on marine mammals. The pressures on coastal marine mammals are increasing as the world human population increases with consequential increase in world trade and port developments, and the movement of peoples to the coastal zone. Combining these pressures with the difficulties of studying marine mammals, the lack of baseline information and inherent complexities in understanding short, long-term and cumulative impacts, mitigation of these impacts can be challenging. This workshop will address these complexities and challenges through engaging experts in the marine mammal field and discussion groups to develop best practice principles. The workshop is expected to appeal to a wide cross-section of conference attendees enabling international insights to inform the development of these principles. Those interested in attending this workshop can register via the conference website link below: http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content <http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl e&id=558&Itemid=336> &view=article&id=558&Itemid=336 Kind Regards Liz Workshop Coordinator Elizabeth Hawkins, PhD Executive Officer Founding Director Dolphin Research Australia, Inc. PO Box 1960 Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 E-mail: liz(a)dolphinresearchaustralia.com Ph: 0407 646 069 Website: www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com/> ABN: 42095866467 Executive Officer Founding Director Dolphin Research Australia, Inc. PO Box 1960 Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 E-mail: liz(a)dolphinresearchaustralia.com Ph: 0407 646 069 Website: www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com/> ABN: 42095866467

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