September 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

JOB(S) POSTING involving Marine Mammals: Marine Acoustic Technician and Marine Wildlife Observer vacancies
by Nick Robinson 07 Jun '16

07 Jun '16

Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences Limited Group of Companies and is a successful Environmental contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects for major clients in the UK and overseas. As GEL’s Marine Wildlife Department continues its expansion we are seeking to add to the diverse team and expertise in the following roles; MARINE ACOUSTIC TECHNICIAN(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to conduct acoustic surveys through the use of passive acoustic monitoring systems (PAMS) and noise measurement systems during offshore activities both nationally and internationally. The candidate will play a key role in the development of in-house systems and be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all Marine Wildlife Departmental acoustic equipment, in accordance with HSSE and QA standards. Compilation and preparation of PAMS and noise monitoring reports including the processing of acoustic data is required. Projects may include marine mammal mitigation or monitoring, ambient noise measurements and operational noise monitoring. The candidate will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend up to 120 days at sea at locations worldwide, during a 12-month period. Applicants will be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine acoustics, including both hardware and need to have field experience. Additionally, familiarity with the use of PAMS, CPODs or other underwater noise monitoring equipment is desirable. MARINE WILDLIFE OBSERVER(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to undertake a wide variety of marine wildlife surveys, including marine mammal observations, passive acoustic monitoring, seabird and environmental impact activities in the field, as well as providing general assistance to the project managers, lead scientists and report writer with the production of marine wildlife reports. You will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend approximately 120 - 180 days at sea, at locations worldwide, dependent on project requirements, during a 12-month period. Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine mammals, their biology and identification and need to have a minimum of two years field experience. Familiarity with the use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) or previous marine survey experience would certainly be advantageous. To apply for your choice of role, please send your CV and a Cover Letter to Nick Robinson at nick.robinson(a)gardline.com<mailto:nick.robinson@gardline.com>. Incomplete Applications will not be considered. Closing date: 21st April 2013 ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Assistant positions for a cetacean study in the Mediterranean (Barcelona)
by Lara Delgado 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

Dear all, Positions are open for assisting with a cetacean survey in the Mediterranean Sea (Barcelona-Mallorca), Spain. Dates from 22nd of July to 30th of July 2011. DESCRIPTION: The EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of aquatic environments, specially focused in the study of cetaceans; offer positions for volunteers for one of the trips of the summer campaign of the project “Cetacean population study of the Mediterranean Sea area: Barcelona-Balearic Islands, BCNCET 2010-2011”. The aim of the project is to study the cetacean species present in the Mediterranean Sea (Balearic Sea). The association catamaran will set sail to Mallorca, from the Barcelona port the 22nd of July and be back to Barcelona the 30th of July, both days included. Visual and acoustical surveys will be conducted from early morning to evening during the 9 days in the boat, studying the distribution, behaviour, and sound production of the sighted species. The assistants would be able to learn: species identification, environmental and behavioural data collection, sound collection, and basic marine navigating skills. Accommodation and food is offered in the catamaran during the 9 days, but assistants are required to pay 400€ for food and accommodation expenses. No previous experience is required, as the scientist present in the campaign will provide species identification information and teach assistants. If you are interested or want more information, please contact us to: edmaktub(a)edmaktub.com Thanks! EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of the aquatic environment. www.edmaktub.com

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ESR: a friend to marine mammals
by Godley, Brendan 27 Nov '14

27 Nov '14

Dear All The Journal ESR (Endangered Species Research) has been a good friend to marine mammals. An updated list of close to 100 papers is listed below (including hotlinks). We have created a facebook page to help promote the journal (post open access articles as they come out etc) and we would be grateful if you would “like” it and promote it widely within your networks. Here’s looking forward to the 200th ESR marmam paper! http://www.facebook.com/EndangeredSpeciesResearch Best Brendan ESR articles - Marine Mammals Baker JD, Littnan CL, Johnston DW. 2006. Potential effects of sea level rise on the terrestrial habitats of endangered and endemic megafauna in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands ESR 2:21-30<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v2/p21-30/> Michaud J, Taggart CT. 2007. Lipid and gross energy content of North Atlantic right whale food,Calanus finmarchicus, in the Bay of Fundy ESR 3:77-94<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n1/p77-94/> Slooten E. 2007. Conservation management in the face of uncertainty: effectiveness of four options for managing Hector’s dolphin bycatch ESR 3:169-179<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n2/p169-179/> Johnston DW, Chapla ME, Williams LE, Mattila DK. 2007. Identification of humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae wintering habitat in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands using spatial habitat modeling ESR 3:249-257<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n3/p249-257/> Calleson CS, Frohlich RK. 2007. REVIEW: Slower boat speeds reduce risks to manatees ESR 3:295-304<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n3/p295-304/> Middleton DAJ, Starr PJ, Gilbert DJ. 2007. COMMENT: Modelling the impact of fisheries bycatch on Hector’s dolphin: comment on Slooten (2007) ESR 3:331-334<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n3/p331-334/> Slooten E. 2007. REPLY COMMENT: Criticism is unfounded: reply to Middleton et al. (2007) ESR 3:335-339<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n3/p335-339/> Tougaard J, Teilmann J, Tougaard S. 2008. Harbour seal spatial distribution estimated from Argos satellite telemetry: overcoming positioning errors ESR 4:113-122<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n1-2/p113-122/> Insley SJ, Robson BW, Yack T, Ream RR, Burgess W. 2008. Acoustic determination of activity and flipper stroke rate in foraging northern fur seal females ESR 4:147-155<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n1-2/p147-155/> Thomton JD, Mellish JAE, Hennen DR, Horning M. 2008. Juvenile Steller sea lion dive behavior following temporary captivity ESR 4:195-203<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n1-2/p195-203/> Steiger GH, Calambokidis J, Straley JM, Herman LM, Cerchio S, Salden DR, Urbán-R J, Jacobsen JK, von Ziegesar O, Balcomb KC, Gabriele CM, Dahlheim ME, Uchida S, Ford JKB, Ladrón de Guevara-P P, Yamaguchi M, Barlow J. 2008. Geographic variation in killer whale attacks on humpback whales in the North Pacific: implications for predation pressure ESR 4:247-256<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n3/p247-256/> Vanderlaan ASM, Taggart CT, Serdynska AR, Kenney RD, Brown MW. 2008. Reducing the risk of lethal encounters: vessels and right whales in the Bay of Fundy and on the Scotian Shelf ESR 4:283-297<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n3/p283-297/> Parrish FA, Marshall GJ, Buhleier B, Antonelis GA. 2008. Foraging interaction between monk seals and large predatory fish in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands ESR 4:299-308<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n3/p299-308/> Cañadas A, Hammond PS. 2008. Abundance and habitat preferences of the short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis in the southwestern Mediterranean: implications for conservation ESR 4:309-331<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n3/p309-331/> Bearzi G, Agazzi S, Gonzalvo J, Costa M, Bonizzoni S, Politi E, Piroddi C, Reeves RR. 2008. Overfishing and the disappearance of short-beaked common dolphins from western Greece ESR 5:1-12<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n1/p1-12/> Baker JD. 2008. Variation in the relationship between offspring size and survival provides insight into causes of mortality in Hawaiian monk seals ESR 5:55-64<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n1/p55-64/> Chilvers BL. 2008. New Zealand sea lions Phocarctos hookeri and squid trawl fisheries: bycatch problems and management options ESR 5:193-204<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p193-204/> Karamanlidis AA, Androukaki E, Adamantopoulou S, Chatzispyrou A, Johnson WM, Kotomatas S, Papadopoulos A, Paravas V, Paximadis G, Pires R, Tounta E, Dendrinos P. 2008. Assessing accidental entanglement as a threat to the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus ESR 5:205-213<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p205-213/> Scheidat M, Gilles A, Kock KH, Siebert U. 2008. Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena abundance in the southwestern Baltic Sea ESR 5:215-223<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p215-223/> Brotons JM, Munilla Z, Grau AM, Rendell L. 2008. Do pingers reduce interactions between bottlenose dolphins and nets around the Balearic Islands? ESR 5:301-308<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p301-308/> Campbell R, Holley D, Christianopolous D, Caputi N, Gales NG. 2008. Mitigation of incidental mortality of Australian sea lions in the west coast rock lobster fishery ESR 5:345-358<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p345-358/> Bradford AL, Weller DW, Wade PR, Burdin AM, Brownell RL Jr. 2008. Population abundance and growth rate of western gray whales Eschrichtius robustus ESR 6:1-14<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n1/p1-14/> Fonnesbeck CJ, Garrison LP, Ward-Geiger LI, Baumstark RD. 2008. Bayesian hierarchichal model for evaluating the risk of vessel strikes on North Atlantic right whales in the SE United States ESR 6:87-94<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n1/p87-94/> Freeman MMR. 2008. Challenges of assessing cetacean population recovery and conservation status ESR 6:173-184<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n2/p173-184/> Williams R, Bain DE, Smith JC, Lusseau D. 2008. Effects of vessels on behaviour patterns of individual southern resident killer whales Orcinus orca ESR 6:199-209<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n3/p199-209/> Lusseau D , Bain DE , Williams R, Smith JC. 2008. Vessel traffic disrupts the foraging behavior of southern resident killer whales Orcinus orca ESR 6:211-221<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n3/p211-221/> Swaim ZT, Westgate AJ, Koopman HN, Rolland RM, Kraus SD. 2008. Metabolism of ingested lipids by North Atlantic right whales ESR 6:259-271<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n3/p259-271/> Vanderlaan ASM, Corbett JJ, Green SL, Callahan JA, Wang C, Kenney RD, Taggart CT, Firestone J. 2008. Probability and mitigation of vessel encounters with North Atlantic right whales ESR 6:273-285<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n3/p273-285/> Reynolds JE III , Marsh H, Ragen TJ. 2009. AS WE SEE IT: Marine mammal conservation ESR 7:23-28<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v7/n1/p23-28/> MacLeod CD. 2009. REVIEW: Global climate change, range changes and potential implications for the conservation of marine cetaceans: a review and synthesis ESR 7:125-136<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v7/n2/p125-136/> Noren DP, Johnson AH, Rehder D, Larson A. 2009. Close approaches by vessels elicit surface active behaviors by southern resident killer whales ESR 8:179-192<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v8/n3/p179-192/> Gonzalez-Socoloske D, Olivera-Gomez LD, Ford RE Detection of free-ranging West Indian manatees Trichechus manatus using side-scan sonar ESR 8:249-257<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v8/n3/p249-257/> Scolardi KM, Schwacke LH, Koelsch JK, Reynolds JE III, Kessenich TJ, Sprinkel JM, Gannon JG Trends in counts of manatees Trichechus manatus latirostris from 1987 to 2006 in waters of Sarasota County, Florida, USA ESR 9:1-11<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v9/n1/p1-11/> McDonald MA, Hildebrand JA, Mesnick S Worldwide decline in tonal frequencies of blue whale songs ESR 9:13-21<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v9/n1/p13-21/> Andersen LW, Born EW, Doidge DW, Gjertz I, Wiig Ø, Waples RS Genetic signals of historic and recent migration between sub-populations of Atlantic walrus Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus west and east of Greenland ESR 9:197-211<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v9/n3/p197-211/> Hart KM, Hyrenbach KD REVIEW: Satellite telemetry of marine megavertebrates: the coming of age of an experimental science ESR 10:9-20<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p9-20/> Skinner JP, Norberg SE, Andrews RD Head striking during fish capture attempts by Steller sea lions and the potential for using head surge acceleration to predict feeding behavior ESR 10:61-69<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p61-69/> Andrews-Goff V, Hindell MA, Field IC, Wheatley KE, Charrassin JB Factors influencing the winter haulout behaviour of Weddell seals: consequences for satellite telemetry ESR 10:83-92<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p83-92/> Bailey H, Mate BR, Palacios DM, Irvine L, Bograd SJ, Costa DP Behavioural estimation of blue whale movements in the Northeast Pacific from state-space model analysis of satellite tracks ESR 10:93-106<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p93-106/> Baird RW, Schorr GS, Webster DL, McSweeney DJ, Hanson MB, Andrews RD Movements and habitat use of satellite-tagged false killer whales around the main Hawaiian Islands ESR 10:107-121<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p107-121/> Horning M, Mellish JAE Spatially explicit detection of predation on individual pinnipeds from implanted post-mortem satellite data transmitters ESR 10:135-143<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p135-143/> Lander ME, Loughlin TR, Logsdon MG, VanBlaricom GR, Fadely BS Foraging effort of juvenile Steller sea lions Eumetopias jubatus with respect to heterogeneity of sea surface temperature ESR 10:145-158<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p145-158/> Mazzaro LM, Dunn JL Descriptive account of long-term health and behavior of two satellite-tagged captive harbor seals Phoca vitulina ESR 10:159-163<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p159-163/> Schorr GS, Baird RW, Hanson MB, Webster DL, McSweeney DJ, Andrews RD Movements of satellite-tagged Blainville’s beaked whales off the island of Hawai‘i ESR 10:203-213<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p203-213/> Simmons SE, Crocker DE, Hassrick JL, Kuhn CE, Robinson PW, Tremblay Y, Costa DP Climate-scale hydrographic features related to foraging success in a capital breeder, the northern elephant seal Mirounga angustirostris ESR 10:233-243<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p233-243/> Cronin MA, Zuur AF, Rogan E, McConnell BJ Using mobile phone telemetry to investigate the haul-out behaviour of harbour seals Phoca vitulina vitulina ESR 10:255-267<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p255-267/> Gucu AC Preliminary study on the effects of photo traps used to monitor Mediterranean monk seals Monachus monachus ESR 10:281-285<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p281-285/> Holland KN, Meyer CG, Dagorn LC Inter-animal telemetry: results from first deployment of acoustic ‘business card’ tags ESR 10:287-293<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p287-293/> Rayment W, Dawson S, Slooten L Use of T-PODs for acoustic monitoring of Cephalorhynchus dolphins: a case study with Hector’s dolphins in a marine protected area ESR 10:333-339<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p333-339/> Salvadeo CJ, Lluch-Belda D, Gómez-Gallardo A, Urbán-Ramírez J, MacLeod CD Climate change and a poleward shift in the distribution of the Pacific white-sided dolphin in the northeastern Pacific ESR 11:13-19<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n1/p13-19/> Hanson MB, Baird RW, Ford JKB, Hempelmann-Halos J, Van Doornik DM, Candy JR, Emmons CK, Schorr GS, Gisborne B, Ayres KL, Wasser SK, Balcomb KC, Balcomb-Bartok K, Sneva JG, Ford MJ Species and stock identification of prey consumed by endangered southern resident killer whales in their summer range ESR 11:69-82<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n1/p69-82/> Rowe LE, Currey RJC, Dawson SM, Johnson D Assessment of epidermal condition and calf size of Fiordland bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus populations using dorsal fin photographs and photogrammetry ESR 11:83-89<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n1/p83-89/> Christiansen F, Lusseau D, Stensland E, Berggren P Effects of tourist boats on the behaviour of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins off the south coast of Zanzibar ESR 11:91-99<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n1/p91-99/> Johanos TC, Becker BL, Baker JD, Ragen TJ, Gilmartin WG, Gerrodette T Impacts of sex ratio reduction on male aggression in the Critically Endangered Hawaiian monk seal Monachus schauinslandi ESR 11:123-132<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n2/p123-132/> Andriolo A, Kinas PG, Engel MH, Albuquerque Martins CC, Rufino AM Humpback whales within the Brazilian breeding ground: distribution and population size estimate ESR 11:233-243<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n3/p233-243/> Rugh DJ, Shelden KEW, Hobbs RC Range contraction in a beluga whale population ESR 12:69-75<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n1/p69-75/> Kuhn CE, Tremblay Y, Ream RR, Gelatt TS Coupling GPS tracking with dive behavior to examine the relationship between foraging strategy and fine-scale movements of northern fur seals ESR 12:125-139<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n2/p125-139/> Samaran F, Adam O, Guinet C Discovery of a mid-latitude sympatric area for two Southern Hemisphere blue whale subspecies ESR 12:157-165<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n2/p157-165/> Cotté C, Guinet C, Taupier-Letage I, Petiau E Habitat use and abundance of striped dolphins in the western Mediterranean Sea prior to the morbillivirus epizootic resurgence ESR 12:203-214<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n3/p203-214/> Rajamani L, Marsh H Using parallel regional- and local-scale initiatives to inform conservation management of rare wildlife: a case study of the dugong Dugong dugon in Sabah, Malaysia ESR 13:17-23<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n1/p17-23/> Heide-Jørgensen MP, Laidre KL, Wiig Ø, Postma L, Dueck L, Bachmann L NOTE: Large-scale sexual segregation of bowhead whales ESR 13:73-78<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n1/p73-78/> Shaughnessy PD, Goldsworthy SD, Hamer DJ, Page B, McIntosh RR Australian sea lions Neophoca cinerea at colonies in South Australia: distribution and abundance, 2004 to 2008 ESR 13:87-98<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n2/p87-98/> Wade PR, De Robertis A, Hough KR, Booth R, Kennedy A, LeDuc RG, Munger L, Napp J, Shelden KEW, Rankin S, Vasquez O, Wilson C Rare detections of North Pacific right whales in the Gulf of Alaska, with observations of their potential prey ESR 13:99-109<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n2/p99-109/> Robbins J, Dalla Rosa L, Allen JM, Mattila DK, Secchi ER, Friedlaender AS, Stevick PT, Nowacek DP, Steel D NOTE: Return movement of a humpback whale between the Antarctic Peninsula and American Samoa: a seasonal migration record ESR 13:117-121<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n2/p117-121/> Marques TA, Munger L, Thomas L, Wiggins S, Hildebrand JA Estimating North Pacific right whale Eubalaena japonica density using passive acoustic cue counting ESR 13:163-172<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n3/p163-172/> Fearnbach H, Durban JW, Ellifrit DK, Balcomb KC III Size and long-term growth trends of Endangered fish-eating killer whales ESR 13:173-180<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n3/p173-180/> Hatfield BB, Ames JA, Estes JA, Tinker MT, Johnson AB, Staedler MM, Harris MD Sea otter mortality in fish and shellfish traps: estimating potential impacts and exploring possible solutions ESR 13:219-229<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n3/p219-229/> Frasier TR, Koroscil SM, White BN, Darling JD Assessment of population substructure in relation to summer feeding ground use in the eastern North Pacific gray whale ESR 14:39-48<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v14/n1/p39-48/> Lagueux KM, Zani MA, Knowlton AR, Kraus SD  Response by vessel operators to protection measures for right whales Eubalaena glacialis in the southeast US calving ground ESR 14:69-77<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v14/n1/p69-77/> Gobush KS, Baker JD, Gulland FMD  Effectiveness of an antihelminthic treatment in improving the body condition and survival of Hawaiian monk seals ESR 15:29-37<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n1/p29-37/> Corkeron PJ, Minton G, Collins T, Findlay K, Willson A, Baldwin R  Spatial models of sparse data to inform cetacean conservation planning: an example from Oman ESR 15:39-52<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n1/p39-52/> Parks SE, Searby A, Célérier A, Johnson MP, Nowacek DP, Tyack PL  Sound production behavior of individual North Atlantic right whales: implications for passive acoustic monitoring ESR 15:63-76<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n1/p63-76/> Gerrodette T, Eguchi T  Precautionary design of a marine protected area based on a habitat model ESR 15:159-166<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n2/p159-166/> Pomerleau C, Patterson TA, Luque S, Lesage V, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Dueck LL, Ferguson SH  Bowhead whale Balaena mysticetus diving and movement patterns in the eastern Canadian Arctic: implications for foraging ecology ESR 15:167-177<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n2/p167-177/> Michaud J, Taggart CT Spatial variation in right whale food, Calanus finmarchicus, in the Bay of Fundy ESR 15:179-194<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n3/p179-194/> Lambert E, MacLeod CD, Hall K, Brereton T, Dunn TE, Wall D, Jepson PD, Deaville R, Pierce GJ  Quantifying likely cetacean range shifts in response to global climatic change: implications for conservation strategies in a changing world ESR 15:205-222<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n3/p205-222/> Gregr EJ  Insights into North Pacific right whale Eubalaena japonica habitat from historic whaling records ESR 15:223-239<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n3/p223-239/> Gulesserian M, Slip D, Heller G, Harcourt R  Modelling the behaviour state of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in response to vessel presence off Sydney, Australia ESR 15:255-264<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n3/p255-264/> Becker EA, Foley DG, Forney KA, Barlow J, Redfern JV, Gentemann CL Forecasting cetacean abundance patterns to enhance management decisions ESR 16:97-112<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v16/n2/p97-112/> Forney KA, Ferguson MC, Becker EA, Fiedler PC, Redfern JV, Barlow J, Vilchis IL, Ballance LT  Habitat-based spatial models of cetacean density in the eastern Pacific Ocean ESR 16:113-133<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v16/n2/p113-133/> Goetz KT, Montgomery RA, Ver Hoef JM, Hobbs RC, Johnson DS  Identifying essential summer habitat of the endangered beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas in Cook Inlet, Alaska ESR 16:135-147<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v16/n2/p135-147/> Murphy S, Spradlin TR, Mackey B, McVee J, Androukaki E, Tounta E, Karamanlidis AA, Dendrinos P, Joseph E, Lockyer C, Matthiopoulos J  Age estimation, growth and age-related mortality of Mediterranean monk seals Monachus monachus ESR 16:149-163<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v16/n2/p149-163/> Wheeler B, Gilbert M, Rowe S Definition of critical summer and fall habitat for bowhead whales in the eastern Canadian Arctic ESR 17:1-16<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n1/p1-16/> Mussoline SE, Risch D, Hatch LT, Weinrich MT, Wiley DN, Thompson MA, Corkeron PJ, Van Parijs SM  Seasonal and diel variation in North Atlantic right whale up-calls: implications for management and conservation in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean ESR 17:17-26<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n1/p17-26/> Bailleul F, Lesage V, Power M, Doidge DW, Hammill MO  Differences in diving and movement patterns of two groups of beluga whales in a changing Arctic environment reveal discrete populations ESR 17:27-41<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n1/p27-41/> Pereira CM, Booth DT, Limpus CJ  Swimming performance and metabolic rate of flatback Natator depressus and loggerhead Caretta caretta sea turtle hatchlings during the swimming frenzy ESR 17:43-51<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n1/p43-51/> Kittinger JN, Bambico TM, Watson TK, Glazier EW  Sociocultural significance of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal and the human dimensions of conservation planning ESR 17:139-156<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n2/p139-156/> Braulik GT, Bhatti ZI, Ehsan T, Hussain B, Khan AR, Khan A, Khan U, Kundi KU, Rajput R, Reichert AP, Northridge SP, Bhagat HB, Garstang R  Robust abundance estimate for endangered river dolphin subspecies in South Asia ESR 17:201-215<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n3/p201-215/> Silber GK, Adams JD, Bettridge S  Vessel operator response to a voluntary measure for reducing collisions with whales ESR 17:245-254<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n3/p245-254/> Doniol-Valcroze T, Lesage V, Giard J, Michaud R  Challenges in marine mammal habitat modelling: evidence of multiple foraging habitats from the identification of feeding events in blue whales ESR 17:255-268<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n3/p255-268/> Blasi MF, Boitani L  Modelling fine-scale distribution of the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus using physiographic features on Filicudi (southern Thyrrenian Sea, Italy) ESR 17:269-288<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n3/p269-288/> Best BD, Halpin PN, Read AJ, Fujioka E, Good CP, LaBrecque EA, Schick RS, Roberts JJ, Hazen LJ, Qian SS, Palka DL, Garrison LP, McLellan WA Online cetacean habitat modeling system for the US east coast and Gulf of Mexico ESR 18:1-15<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n1/p1-15/> Baird RW, Hanson MB, Schorr GS, Webster DL, McSweeney DJ, Gorgone AM, Mahaffy SD, Holzer DM, Oleson EM, Andrews RD  Range and primary habitats of Hawaiian insular false killer whales: informing determination of critical habitat ESR 18:47-61<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n1/p47-61/> Johnston DW, Friedlaender AS, Read AJ, Nowacek DP  Initial density estimates of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the inshore waters of the western Antarctic Peninsula during the late autumn ESR 18:63-71<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n1/p63-71/> Keller CA, Garrison L, Baumstark R, Ward-Geiger LI, Hines E  Application of a habitat model to define calving habitat of the North Atlantic right whale in the southeastern United States ESR 18:73-87<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n1/p73-87/> Stafford KM, Moore SE, Berchok CL, Wiig Ø, Lydersen C, Hansen E, FEATURE ARTICLE - Kalmbach D, Kovacs KM Spitsbergen’s endangered bowhead whales sing through the polar night ESR 18:95-103<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p95-103/> Ramírez-Macías D, Vázquez-Haikin A, Vázquez-Juárez R  Whale shark Rhincodon typus populations along the west coast of the Gulf of California and implications for management ESR 18:115-128<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p115-128/> Castelblanco-Martínez DN, Nourisson C, Quintana-Rizzo E, Padilla-Saldivar J, Schmitter-Soto JJ  Potential effects of human pressure and habitat fragmentation on population viability of the Antillean manatee Trichechus manatus manatus: a predictive model ESR 18:129-145<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p129-145/> Pendleton DE, Sullivan PJ, Brown MW, Cole TVN, Good CP, Mayo CA, Monger BC, Phillips S, Record NR, Pershing AJ  Weekly predictions of North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis habitat reveal influence of prey abundance and seasonality of habitat preferences ESR 18:147-161<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p147-161/> LeDuc RG, Taylor BL, Martien KK, Robertson KM, Pitman RL, Salinas JC, Burdin AM, Kennedy AS, Wade PR, Clapham PJ, Brownell RL Jr  NOTE: Genetic analysis of right whales in the eastern North Pacific confirms severe extirpation risk ESR 18:163-167<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p163-167/> Rioux È, Lesage V, Postma L, Pelletier É, Turgeon J, Stewart REA, Stern G, Hammill MO  Use of stable isotopes and trace elements to determine harvest composition and wintering assemblages of belugas at a contemporary ecological scale ESR 18:179-191<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p179-191/> FEATURE ARTICLE - Weller DW, Klimek A, Bradford AL, Calambokidis J, Lang AR, Gisborne B, Burdin AM, Szaniszlo W, Urbán J, Gomez-Gallardo Unzueta A, Swartz S, Brownell RL Jr Movements of gray whales between the western and eastern North Pacific ESR 18:193-199<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n3/p193-199/> Ivashchenko YV, Clapham PJ Soviet catches of right whales Eubalaena japonica and bowhead whales Balaena mysticetus in the North Pacific Ocean and the Okhotsk Sea ESR 18:201-217<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n3/p201-217/> Gallus A, Dähne M, Verfuß UK, Bräger S, Adler S, Siebert U, Benke H  Use of static passive acoustic monitoring to assess the status of the ‘Critically Endangered’ Baltic harbour porpoise in German waters ESR 18:265-278<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n3/p265-278/> Oremus M, Hamner RM, Stanley M, Brown P, Baker CS, Constantine R Distribution, group characteristics and movements of the Critically Endangered Maui’s dolphin Cephalorhynchus hectori maui ESR 19:1-10<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v19/n1/p1-10/> Stimpert AK, Mattila D, Nosal EM, Au WWL  NOTE: Tagging young humpback whale calves: methodology and diving behavior ESR 19:11-17<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v19/n1/p11-17/> Whitehead H, Hooker SK  REVIEW: Uncertain status of the northern bottlenose whale Hyperoodon ampullatus: population fragmentation, legacy of whaling and current threats ESR 19:47-61<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v19/n1/p47-61/> You may be interested in our recent you Tube videos: Darwin Initiative (Peru) (English) http://youtu.be/OhtVmUJ6hkY (Spanish) http://youtu.be/jyQinupAqVw Kenya Field Course (MSc) http://youtu.be/IkBmIehMZ9Q Prof. Brendan J. Godley Chair in Conservation Science Centre for Ecology & Conservation University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus TR10 9EZ, UK Tel: +44 1326 371 861 http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/index.php?web_id=brendan_godley http://www.linkedin.com/in/brendangodley http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/ Editor-in-Chief, Endangered Species Research http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/

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Senior Marine Mammal Observer(s) vacancy
by Nick Robinson 07 Feb '14

07 Feb '14

Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences Limited Group of Companies and are a successful Environmental contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects for major clients in the UK and overseas. As GEL's Marine Wildlife Department continues its expansion we are seeking to add to the diverse team and expertise in the following role; SENIOR MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to lead and undertake a wide variety of marine wildlife surveys, including marine mammal observations, passive acoustic monitoring, seabird and environmental impact activities in the field, as well as providing general assistance to the project managers, lead scientists and report writer with the production of marine wildlife reports. You will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend approximately 120 days at sea, at locations worldwide, dependent on project requirements, during a 12-month period. Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine mammals, their biology and identification and need to have a minimum of two years field experience. Familiarity with the use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) or previous marine survey experience would certainly be advantageous. To apply for your choice of role, please send your CV and cover letter to Nick Robinson at nick.robinson(a)gardline.com<mailto:recruitment@gardline.com> or via the careers section of our website www.gardlinemarinesciences.com<http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/> Closing date: 29th June 2012 ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Ship Strike Workshop at SMM Biennial Conference
by Leslie Abramson - NOAA Affiliate 30 Sep '13

30 Sep '13

> *SHIP STRIKE WORKSHOP, Sat. Dec 7th at the SMM Biology of Marine Mammals > Conference in Dunedin, NZ* > > This workshop has recently been expanded to a full day workshop and will > include panel speakers discussing the Spotter "App" in California, REPCET > in the Mediterranean and ship strike issues in Australia, Hawaii and > elsewhere around the world! Please join in the conversation! Register > online at the SMM website. > > > Can The Cloud Save Whales? > > Background and Theme > > Ship strikes of whales by commercial vessels engaged in global commerce > have been recognized as a growing concern worldwide. The National Oceanic > and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is concerned about large whale > mortalities from ship strikes along the coast of the United States, > particularly in regards to vulnerable populations like the North Atlantic > Right Whale on the east coast and the Blue Whale in the Pacific. > > Blues, right, humpback and fin whales are listed internationally as > endangered and threatened with extinction in Appendix I of the Convention > on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and in > the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List. > Mortality from ship strikes has been identified by NOAA’s National Marine > Fisheries Service (NMFS) as a serious threat to population recovery of > these vulnerable whale species. > > Within the last decade, NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries > (ONMS) and NMFS have worked together and with partners such as the United > States Coast Guard (USCG), environmental NGOs and private industry to > protect whales from vessel traffic. For example, on the east coast of the > US, comprehensive right whale monitoring has led to the shift of vessel > traffic lanes away from areas of high whale densities. Additionally, > passive acoustic monitoring has contributed to a sophisticated system that > alerts vessels entering Boston harbor to the presence of right whales. > > However, in this dreary fiscal climate, comprehensive monitoring and > costly technological solutions are nearly impossible for the federal > government to fund, and NOAA has had to become increasingly creative in > their methods for 1) monitoring the presence of whales in US waters; 2) > educating and reaching-out to the public, and; 3) implementing management > measures that will better protect these vulnerable species. NOAA’s ONMS, > the shipping industry and partner ENGO’s have recently been working with > private tech developers to utilize the power of cloud technology to achieve > our goals of real-time data that informs dynamic spatial management of > commercial vessels. > > The ONMS in the West Coast Region is involved in an on-going effort to > effectively engage stakeholders to collect data on marine mammals for the > respective sanctuaries through a mobile app called Spotter. Concurrently, > east coast sanctuaries have been leveraging mobile technology to convey > management measures (such as seasonal speed limits) to the maritime > transportation industry. These efforts have incredible potential, but along > with them comes a host of challenging questions. Issues to be discussed in > this workshop include: > > > - > > the scientific integrity of data gathered by citizens and naturalists > - > > the use of citizen science to inform management > - > > the engagement of the commercial shipping industry in data collection > - > > the scale-ability of this technology (what might this look like on a > national/global scale?) > - > > the problem of measuring success > - > > the inherent difficulties of providing near real-time information on > whale presence to the (adoring) public- will this create harassment issues? > > > Relevance: This workshop is relevant to all scientists, policy-makers and > managers wishing to harness the power and scope of mobile technology and > citizen science to support marine mammal conservation. It has the > potential to be an incredible education and outreach tool, connecting > stakeholders with science and policy. > > Output: The workshop will provide ONMS and partners with valuable > feedback to make the technology useful and effective. It will also allow > participants to learn about other similar efforts around the world and to > discuss the potential for a consistent and comprehensive solution to marine > mammal monitoring. > > Potential Presenters: > > Jake Levenson, Conserve IO > > David Wiley, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries > > Monica DeAngelis, NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (confirmed) > > John Calambokidis, Cascadia Research > > Jerome Couvet, Souffleurs d'Ecume > > and more! > > Thank You, > > > -- > Leslie Abramson > Resource Protection Specialist > Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary > 991 Marine Drive, The Presidio > San Francisco, CA 94129 > 415-561-6622, Ext 306 > Fax: 415-561-6616 > http://farallones.noaa.gov/manage/sac.html > -- Leslie Abramson Advisory Council Coordinator Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary 991 Marine Drive, The Presidio San Francisco, CA 94129 415-561-6622, Ext 306 Fax: 415-561-6616 http://farallones.noaa.gov/manage/sac.html

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New paper on population differentiation of Bryde's whales
by Francine Lindsay Anne Kershaw 30 Sep '13

30 Sep '13

Dear colleagues, I would like to inform you that the following paper was recently published: Kershaw F., Leslie MS., Collins T., Mansur RM., Smith BD., Minton G., Baldwin R., LeDuc RG., Anderson RC., Brownell Jr. RL., & Rosenbaum HC. 2013. Population differentiation of 2 forms of Bryde's whales in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Journal of Heredity, Advanced Access: 30 September 2013. ABSTRACT Accurate identification of units for conservation is particularly challenging for marine species as obvious barriers to gene flow are generally lacking. Bryde's whales (*Balaenoptera spp.*) are subject to multiple human-mediated stressors, including fisheries bycatch, ship strikes, and scientific whaling by Japan. For effective management, a clear understanding of how populations of each Bryde's whales species/subspecies are genetically structured across their range is required. We conducted a population-level analysis of mtDNA control region sequences with 56 new samples from Oman, Maldives, and Bangladesh, plus published sequences from off Java and the Northwest Pacific. Nine diagnostic characters in the mitochondrial control region and a maximum parsimony phylogenetic analysis identified 2 genetically recognized subspecies of Bryde's whale: the larger, offshore form, *Balaenoptera edeni brydei*, and the smaller, coastal form, *Balaenoptera edeni edeni. *Genetic diversity and differentiation indices, combined with a reconstructed maximum parsimony haplotype network, indicate strong differences in the genetic diversity and population structure within each subspecies. Discrete population units are identified for *B. e. brydei * in the Maldives, Java, and the Northwest Pacific, and for *B. e. edeni* between the Northern Indian Ocean (Oman and Bangladesh) and the coastal waters of Japan. Abstract link: * http://jhered.oxfordjournals.org.ezproxy.cul.columbia.edu/content/early/201… * For pdf requests or additional information please contact: * flk2107(a)columbia.edu* and *hrosenbaum(a)wcs.org* Many thanks! ***************************************************************************** *Francine Kershaw, Faculty Fellow / Doctoral Candidate* Columbia University Department of Ecology, Evolution & Environmental Biology (E3B) 1014 Schermerhorn Ext., 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027 T: 612-280-8215 E: flk2107(a)columbia.edu S: francine.kershaw ****************************************************************************

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Pilot whale carrying a dead conspecific
by Fabian Ritter, MEER e.V. 30 Sep '13

30 Sep '13

Dear fellow MARMAMers! We would like to inform you about an interesting observation we made last August off La Gomera (Canary Islands, Spain). During a short encounter with short-finned pilot whales (Gl. macrorhynchus) we observed an adult animal carrying what appeared to be a dead juvenile (judged from the relative size of adult and the dead animal). A more detailed description of this sighting and some images can be seen at the following website: http://m-e-e-r.de/index.php?id=559&L=2 While supporting behaviour has been observed many times in the past, this type of behaviour mostly is directed towards dead cetacean calves, rather than older conspecifics, the latter having been documented only very rarely (some references are given below). We hence would like to know if someone has made similar observations before, either with pilot whales or other cetacean species. We are looking forward to hearing from you! Best greetings to all of you, Fabian Ritter _Some references on epimeletic/supporting behaviour in cetaceans:_ Caldwell, M.C. and D.K. Caldwell. 1966. Epimeletic (care-giving) behavior in Cetacea. In: K.S. Norris (ed.): Whales, Dolphins and Propoises. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles. Cockcroft, V.G. and W. Sauer. 1990. Observed and inferred epimeletic (nurturant) behaviour in bottlenose dolphins. Aquatic Mammals 16.1, 31-32. Harzen, S. and M.E. Dos Santos. 1992. Three encounters with wild bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_) carrying dead calves. Aquatic Mammals 18.2, 49-55. Fertl, D. and A. Schiro. 1994. Carrying of dead calves by free-ranging Texas bottlenose dolphins (_Tursiops truncatus_). Aquatic Mammals 20.1, 53-56. Lodi, L. 1992. Epimeletic behavior of free-ranging rough-toothed dolphins, _Steno bredanensis_, from Brazil. Marine Mammal Science 8, 284-287. Ritter, F. 2007. BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES OF ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS TO A DEAD NEWBORN CALF.**Marine Mammal Science, 23(2): 429-433 Fulgencio de Moura, da Silva Rodrigues and Salvatore Siciliano, 2008. Epimeletic behaviour in rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) on the east coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. JMBA2 - Biodiversity Records. -- Fabian Ritter -President- M.E.E.R. e.V. Bundesallee 123 D-12161 Berlin T/F: (0)30-644 97 230 e-Mail:ritter@m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org --- The dolphins were having a great relaxed time and there were no major answers they wished to know the questions to... (After Douglas Adams) ___ M.E.E.R. ist eingetragen im Vereinsregister Berlin. Steuer-Nr. (German tax ID): 27/672/54225 M.E.E.R. is a registered charity.

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Ocean Sciences 2014 session
by Mark Baumgartner 30 Sep '13

30 Sep '13

Dear Colleagues, The 17th Biennial Ocean Sciences Meeting will take place 23-28 February 2014 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The meeting is an important venue for scientific exchange across broad marine science disciplines, with sessions on all aspects of oceanography. We would like to call your attention to a session we will be chairing that will focus on top predators, including marine mammals. Please consider submitting an abstract and attending the meeting. Abstracts are due by 4 October 2013 (3 weeks from Friday). ADVANCES IN APPROACHES TO MONITORING THE OCCURRENCE, DISTRIBUTION, AND BEHAVIOR OF TOP PREDATORS (session 091) Unlike most marine organisms, top predators can be monitored in the field as individuals, providing unique insight into behavioral strategies that influence the status and dynamics of populations. Tremendous technological and methodological progress has been made in marine animal detection, tagging, and tracking in the past decade, and this session seeks to gather researchers to share new insights into top predator behavior, ecology, and physiology gleaned from these state-of- the-art approaches. We encourage researchers working with autonomous platforms, passive acoustic detection, animal tagging, satellite tracking, remote monitoring technologies, and other advanced methods to participate and present their latest results. Mark Baumgartner, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution mbaumgartner(a)whoi.edu Daniel Palacios, Environmental Research Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service daniel.palacios(a)noaa.gov

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R package for importing, plotting and analyzing bathymetric and topographic data
by Benoit Simon-Bouhet 30 Sep '13

30 Sep '13

Dear listers, We are happy to announce the release of marmap0.6, a free and open-source R package for importing, plotting and analyzing bathymetric and topographic data. http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0073051 http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/marmap/index.html One of the primary goal of the package is to allow the production of publication-ready sampling maps for ecologists, through easing automatic retrieval of xyz data from the NOAA. Functions to query data (bathymetry, sampling information…) are available interactively by clicking on marmap maps. Bathymetric and topographic data can also be used to calculate projected surface areas within specified depth/altitude intervals, and constrain the calculation of realistic shortest path distances. Such information can be used in molecular ecology, for example, to evaluate genetic isolation by distance in a spatially-explicit framework. We are still working on adding functions to marmap, for example to automatically space pie charts on maps, plot EEZ, 12 nm limits, or ICES regions, and we welcome ideas on how to improve marmap (bugs, new functions, etc)! Best regards, Eric Pante and Benoit Simon-Bouhet

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MARINElife Cetacean & Seabird Identification Courses
by Adrian Shephard 29 Sep '13

29 Sep '13

Dear Marmam Members It is not too late to register to attend one of MARINElife's forthcoming training courses for £30 per person on cetacean and seabird identification and research survey methodology by contact bookings(a)marine-life.org.uk Sunday 6th October 2013 with Lancashire, Manchester and N Merseyside Wildlife Trust at The Barn, Berkeley Drive, Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 6BY Saturday 19th October with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust at Whisby Nature Park, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincolnshire About our research survey work MARINElife is a leading charity conserving marine wildlife through research and education. Our focus species include whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and seabirds in European waters. Our core offshore work is in researching distribution, abundance and population trends for whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine animals from commercial vessels. We have a particular interest in White-Beaked Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Cuvier's Beaked Whales and Balearic Shearwaters. We operate year-round surveys along fixed 'transect' routes through the Channel, Bay of Biscay, North Sea, Irish Sea and wider Atlantic Ocean working on ferries, freight ships, cruise liners and smaller recreational boats. As a leading charity in the proactive conservation of marine wildlife through research and education, MARINElife relies on a diverse team of highly-valued volunteers. We are always eager to welcome volunteers who can offer their support. If you are enthusiastic, reliable and want to make a positive contribution to the crucial work we do by becoming involved in our dynamic team, we would very much like to hear from you. We adhere to strict scientific methodologies when conducting our research surveys and either look for experienced volunteers or provide ongoing training for new volunteers. Many of MARINElife volunteers go on to have careers in the field of marine mammal observation or in scientific marine mammal and seabird research. The survey work with MARINElife has provided the foundation for their passion and the knowledge for their career next steps. Why complete the Marine Mammal & Seabird Survey training course? The marine environment is under-studied and therefore research on the status of marine wildlife, threats it faces and action required to protect it requires intensive study. MARINElife operates through a group of dedicated volunteers who help gather data on the marine environment and we are always looking for new volunteers to help conduct surveys, report their sightings or help with other aspects of charity operation. The training will give you a thorough grounding on the diverse range of species we study, the methodologies we follow and the part you can play in safeguarding their future. Even if you do not plan to become a surveyor and get involved directly, this training course is designed as an excellent introduction to conducting marine mammal and seabird surveys that are of scientific value. Why attend a MARINElife training course? No other organisation has been carrying out ferry-based research for longer than MARINElife whose work started in the early 1990's. MARINElife leads the science of ferry-based survey collection and was a founder of the Atlantic Research Coalition (ARC) which brings together data gathered by multiple organisations conducting scientific data on whales and dolphins. MARINElife is one of the few organisations collecting data on seabirds from ferries. Our team leaders are experts in the field of data collection and identification of cetaceans and seabirds, giving you the immediate and ongoing training to develop your skills to a high level. Where do you carry out surveys? We focus on the European waters of the North Eastern Atlantic and North Sea, with teams of 2 volunteers, aged 18 plus, carrying out surveys on a number of ferry and freight routes throughout the year. We operate in the North Sea, East and West Channel, Irish Sea, Bay of Biscay and Bristol Channel. We also carry out surveys from smaller vessels including dive boats, angling boats and other pleasure and commercial vessels. Berths and tickets are provided free by our ferry partners, but you are responsible for your own travel to and from the UK ports. Price 10.00am arrival to a 4pm departure with an hour for you to get lunch (not provided) £30, Wildlife Trust Members: £25 Please contact Tricia Dendle for more details: bookings(a)marine-life.org.uk Adrian Shephard MARINElife

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