September 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on Pilot Whales and cetacean hybridization
by Laura Miralles 06 Sep '13

06 Sep '13

Dear Colleagues, We'd like to draw your attention to our new paper "*Interspecific Introgression in Cetaceans: DNA Markers Reveal Post-F1 Status of a Pilot Whale*", which was recently published in PLOS ONE. The abstract is below and the article can be found at: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0069511 - ABSTRACT: Visual species identification of cetacean strandings is difficult, especially when dead specimens are degraded and/or species are morphologically similar. The two recognised pilot whale species (*Globicephala melas* and *Globicephala macrorhynchus*) are sympatric in the North Atlantic Ocean. These species are very similar in external appearance and their morphometric characteristics partially overlap; thus visual identification is not always reliable. Genetic species identification ensures correct identification of specimens. Here we have employed one mitochondrial (D-Loop region) and eight nuclear loci (microsatellites) as genetic markers to identify six stranded pilot whales found in Galicia (Northwest Spain), one of them of ambiguous phenotype. DNA analyses yielded positive amplification of all loci and enabled species identification. Nuclear microsatellite DNA genotypes revealed mixed ancestry for one individual, identified as a post-F1 interspecific hybrid employing two different Bayesian methods. From the mitochondrial sequence the maternal species was *Globicephala melas*. This is the first hybrid documented between *Globicephala melas* and *G. macrorhynchus*, and the first post-F1 hybrid genetically identified between cetaceans, revealing interspecific genetic introgression in marine mammals. We propose to add nuclear loci to genetic databases for cetacean species identification in order to detect hybrid individuals. - Interspecific Introgression in Cetaceans: DNA Markers Reveal Post-F1 Status of a Pilot Whale<http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0069511> . Miralles L, Lens S, Rodríguez-Folgar A, Carrillo M, Martín V, et al. (2013) Interspecific Introgression in Cetaceans: DNA Markers Reveal Post-F1 Status of a Pilot Whale. PLoS ONE 8(8): e69511. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0069511 - All the best, Laura Miralles M.Sc.Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Departamento Biología Funcional Universidad de Oviedo, España.

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Foetus/neonate of Balaena and Megaptera skull
by Cheng-Hsiu Tsai 05 Sep '13

05 Sep '13

Dear Colleagues, I am interested to examine the skeletal specimens of foetal/neonatal Balaena mysticetus (Bowhead) and Megaptera novaeangliae (Humpback), particularly skull and mandible, even not entirely ossified, that would be great. I would much appreciate if anyone holds this sort of material for me to study. Best regards Tsai Cheng-Hsiu Tsai （蔡政修) PhD student, Department of Geology, University of Otago 360 Leith Walk (Courier) or PO Box 56 (Postal) Dunedin 9054, New Zealand Email: cheng-hsiu.tsai(a)otago.ac.nz<mailto:cheng-hsiu.tsai@otago.ac.nz>; craniata(a)gmail.com<mailto:craniata@gmail.com>

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Workshop in Erice, Italy
by Gianni Pavan 05 Sep '13

05 Sep '13

*The interdisciplinary workshop "Cetacean echolocation and outer space neutrinos: ethology and physics for an interdisciplinary approach to underwater bioacoustics and detection of astrophysical particles" will be held in October 2013, 18th-21st, in Erice, Sicily, hosted by the School of Ethology of the Ettore Majorana Centre. * The development of underwater ocean observatories has stimulated new interactions between disparate disciplines to optimize their sensors, layout and protocols. The workshop is intended to join different disciplines in the understanding of the underwater acoustic world and in the development of common research strategies and protocols to exploit the potential of Submarine Multidisciplinary Observatiories (learn more on the SMO project at http://web2.infn.it/smo/) Top scientists will present the state of the art in their peculiar disciplines and selected contributes will be presented by participants in a context open to discussion and knowledge sharing. Researchers, scientists, and students are all welcome in the exciting atmosphere of Erice to discuss their projects, results and ideas. Few places are still available ! Registration details and the workshop program are on the webpage http://www.unipv.it/cibra/erice The participation cost is particularly attractive as it includes full accomodation, a day trip, and transportation to and from the closest airport. For any information, please contact gianni.pavan(a)unipv.it Gianni Pavan, on behalf of the Organizing Committee -- Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali Università degli Studi di Pavia Via Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia http://www.unipv.it/cibra http://mammiferimarini.unipv.it

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PAM training course.
by Jamie Macaulay 05 Sep '13

05 Sep '13

*Introduction and practical courses in Passive Acoustic Monitoring* Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is a key survey and mitigation tool in cetacean research. PAMTech (pamtech.eu) is offering introduction and practical courses in PAM, teaching the use of acoustic hardware and the leading research and industry software, PAMGuard (pamguard.org) We are a small UK-based company made up of PAMGuard developers and experienced field acousticians who can enable you to get the most out of PAM applications. A high tutor-to-student ratio on our courses ensures participants can get individual assistance with their training requirements. Our next courses are running on: *26/09/2013:* *Introduction to PAMGuard*. This one-day classroom-based course provides the essentials you need to get going with PAMGuard. Cost:£200 *27/09/2013 + 28/09/2013:* *Practical PAM*. This course spends the first day in the classroom building on your PAM knowledge and teaching more advanced features of PAMGuard. The second day is spent at sea applying practical PAM survey techniques. Cost £400 Price for all three days: £500 Courses will be run in Tobermory, Isle of Mull, on the west coast of Scotland, UK, and will use the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust’s (hwdt.org) specialist research vessel, Silurian, as the at-sea teaching platform. It is not compulsory for participants on the Practical PAM course to have done the introduction course, but an equivalent level of knowledge will be assumed. At the end of the Practical PAM course, there will be an informal Meet-the Developers session where you can discuss your particular PAMGuard requirements. Participants need to bring their own laptops running Windows XP or above. Course costs do not include accommodation, travel or food. For more information about travel to the Isle of Mull see calmac.co.uk To find out more, contact: pamtech.acoustics(a)gmail.com

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Workshop on Science and Conservation of Hawaiian Odontocetes - Dec 7/13, Dunedin NZ
by Robin Baird 04 Sep '13

04 Sep '13

We are co-organizing a workshop on Science and Conservation of Hawaiian Odontocetes, to be held on Saturday, December 7, 2013, prior to the 20th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Dunedin, New Zealand. This is a follow-up to a workshop held prior to the 19th Biennial conference, and the purpose is to bring together scientists, managers, and other interested parties involved with odontocete research, conservation and management efforts in Hawaiian waters, to discuss current findings, planned research and management strategies. If you are interested in presenting at the workshop, please submit an abstract (300 word maximum), note your preference for a talk or a poster, and also note whether your presentation will also be given at the Biennial (and if so, in what form). We also welcome submissions that compare the ecology, habitat and structure of odontocetes in Hawaiʻi with those in other island or archipelago systems. The deadline for abstracts is 30 September 2013. Please use the same format as for the SMM conference abstracts, which will facilitate distributing abstracts to the workshop attendees. There is a workshop fee to cover costs of space, AV equipment, lunch and coffee breaks. To register go to: http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl… Let us know if you have any questions, Robin Baird (rwbaird(a)cascadiaresearch.org<mailto:rwbaird@cascadiaresearch.org>) Erin Oleson (erin.oleson(a)noaa.gov<mailto:erin.oleson@noaa.gov>) =============================================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 USA Follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cascadia-Research-Collective/110495958982184> http://www.cascadiaresearch.org<http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/>

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New publication: strandings of humpback whales in Brazil
by Jailson Fulgencio de Moura 04 Sep '13

04 Sep '13

Dear Colleagues, We'd like to draw your attention to our paper "Humpback whales washed ashore in southeastern Brazil...", which was recently published in Biologia<http://www.springer.com/life+sciences/journal/11756> (Springer). The abstract is below and the article can be found at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.2478%2Fs11756-013-0237-8 - Moura J.M., Rodrigues D.P., Roges E.M., Souza R.L., Ott P.H., Tavares M., Lemos L.S., Tavares D.C., Siciliano S. (2013) Humpback whales washed ashore in southeastern Brazil from 1981 to 2011: stranding patterns and microbial pathogens survey<http://link.springer.com/article/10.2478%2Fs11756-013-0237-8>. Biologia, 68(5): 992-999. - *ABSTRACT*: In the Southwest Atlantic Ocean the wintering breeding ground of *Megaptera novaeangliae* is located in northeastern coast of Brazil, mainly in the Abrolhos Bank (16°55′ S, 38°50′ W) and its surroundings. During migratory percussion, events of strandings are thought to occur. A total of 58 stranded humpback whales were recorded between 1981 and 2011 along the coast of the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The number of strandings in 20 years (1992–2011) increased during the period of study, with a mean of 2.6 events per year. In 2010 a peak occurred with 13 records of strandings. Most of them occurred preferably in the southern half of the study area, or in the southeast area of Rio de Janeiro state. Three cases of entanglement were found, two of these involving calves with less than eight meters of body length. Stranding events were more frequent during winter and spring. No statistical differences were found between age categories, but 33% were classified as “dependent calf” (< 8 m length). Males stranded more often than females. Only one whale out of 16 specimens that had the stomach contents examined presented food remains, but comprising only two cephalopod beaks of the squid *Doryteuthis sanpaulensis*. Bacteriological survey of Vibrionaceae and Aeromonadaceae agents in three live stranded whales on the Brazilian coast indicated evidence of animal impairment that resulted or were associated with the cause of death and stranding event. - All the best, *________________________________________ * *Jailson Fulgencio de Moura Biólogo; Doutor em Saúde Pública e Meio Ambiente (ENSP/Fiocruz)* *Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Marinhos da Região dos Lagos (GEMM-Lagos)* *Instituto Megafauna Marinha (IMMAR) * *---------------------------------------------- Jailson Fulgencio de Moura Biologist, Doctor of Public Health and Environment (ENSP/Fiocruz) Group of Marine Mammal Research from Região dos Lagos (GEMM-Lagos)* *Megafauna Marinha Institute (IMMAR)* *Home page: www.gemmlagos.com.br*

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Abstracts due Sept 15th for 1st Annual California Student Chapter Meeting!
by Sarah Peterson 04 Sep '13

04 Sep '13

We would like to remind students in the California area of the United States that we are having our first annual SMM Student Chapter Meeting on Saturday October 26th and Sunday October 27th at the University of California Santa Cruz. Abstract submission is open until Sept 15th and registration is open until Oct 15th (although earlier registrations are preferred) and we welcome submissions from both undergraduate, graduate, and recently graduated students. Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6JLLKXD to register/submit an abstract. Click here<http://smm.pbsci.ucsc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/California-Student-SMM…>, or check out our website <http://smm.pbsci.ucsc.edu/meetings/> for more information on the meeting. Please email us at californiastudentsmm(a)gmail.com if you have any questions! Cheers, Sarah and Liz -- Sarah Peterson and Liz McHuron California Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy

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Employment Opportunity with MARINElife
by Andrew McLeish 03 Sep '13

03 Sep '13

MARINElife is now accepting applications for the post of Conservation Science Manager. We are looking for an experienced and dynamic marine scientist to lead on the delivery and development of our cetacean and seabird research programmes. Key activities will include the management of our ferry survey programme and species research and monitoring projects, data management and analysis, and liaising with scientific partners and government agencies. The postholder will have a significant role in the development of the Atlantic Research Coalition (ARC), a network of European groups gathering and publishing data on the status of marine mammals. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in applied research for marine biodiversity conservation and of developing funded research projects. Further application information and forms can be found on our website at: http://www.marine-life.org.uk/employment-opportunity-with-marinelife-(02091… Alternatively a recruitment pack may be requested by e-mail from: tricia.dendle(a)marine-life.org.uk MARINElife is a UK registered charity with a mission to conserve marine wildlife through research and education.

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The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA is hiring a Monterey Bay Operations Manager
by Heather Groninger 03 Sep '13

03 Sep '13

Announcing an employment opportunity at The Marine Mammal Center. This listing can also be found on our website here: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/organization-information/jobs/ MONTEREY BAY OPERATIONS MANAGER The Marine Mammal Center, an equal opportunity, non-profit employer, is seeking a Monterey Bay Operations Manager to join our team. The Marine Mammal Center's mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals-their health and that of their ocean environment-and to inspire their global conservation. Our core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community. Reporting to the Director of Veterinary Science, the Monterey Bay Operations (MBO) Manager is a full-time, exempt position with competitive benefits. The Monterey Bay Operations Manager functions as the primary administrator for the Monterey Bay Operations (MBO) of The Marine Mammal Center, located in Moss Landing, CA. This role receives public reports of stranded animals and coordinates the appropriate response. It is also responsible for supervision and recruitment of volunteers, rotating on call and meeting attendance duties across the entire response range, and overseeing and implementing facilities, equipment and vehicle maintenance. The position also acts as a media representative and works in collaboration with other departments and organizations. The MBO Manager reports directly to the Director of Veterinary Science. CORE COMPETENCIES * Strong leadership skills in managing projects and personnel * Ability to communicate effectively and with diverse audiences * Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team * Ability to cultivate effective relationships with internal partners, volunteers, consultants, and outside partners * Ability to work effectively and strategically with remote supervision * Awareness of safety procedures for handling wild animals and working in the field MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES * Implement policies and procedures at the direction of the Stranding Department Manager and Veterinary Staff. Provide guidance and actively participate in problem solving to reach results * Respond to public questions and concerns about distressed animals, volunteer opportunities, and all other general inquiries * Coordinate assessment and rescue teams, from pick-up to transport. Participate in rescues, transports, medical treatments, and releases as needed * Maintain open lines of communication with the Stranding Manager, co-workers and volunteers * Collect & process animal response data, including paper and electronic data entry * Conduct regular staff and committee meetings, producing meeting minutes * Administer the MBO facility and resources; including petty cash account, Home & Office Depot cards, utilities, and technology. In cooperation with appropriate departments, schedule regular maintenance of MBO computers, equipment, facilities, and vehicles * Responsible for ensuring that MBO volunteers follow the Veterinary Science department's best practices. Ensures, with ample notice, that the MBO facility is adequately stocked with medical supplies. Communicates medical needs directly with the Veterinary Science staff. Oversees MBO medical and animal care teams * Maintain MBO event and volunteer schedules. Coordinate the scheduling of Sausalito crew shifts for MBO and SLO volunteers * Manage MBO supervisors and volunteers; overseeing recruitment, mentoring program, and training of new volunteers. Implement volunteer recognition efforts * Provide direct support to volunteer management including collection of new volunteer liability waivers, data entry into Raisers Edge, creation of class RSVP lists and content management of the Monterey Bay Operations volunteer only webpage * Maintain clear communication with volunteer management regarding volunteer recruitment and resource needs * Under the direction of the Education Department, manage MBO Education Committee and outreach program. Work collaboratively with designated education staff to ensure MBO volunteers receive regular training and support to facilitate programs aligned with the Education Department's best practices * Participate in Education Department staff/planning meetings (typically bi-weekly) * Oversee MBO stranding and veterinary training programs. Support education training initiatives * Manage additional committees and volunteer activities that include but are not limited to apparel, fund-raising and produce MBO email newsletter * Facilitate communication and coordination among MBO, San Luis Obispo Operations (SLO), and Sausalito staff * Travel to other internal and external facilities as needed QUALIFICATIONS * Four year college degree and/or two years of related experience working with Marine Mammals, or equivalent combination of education and experience * Maintaining a valid California Driver's License and a clean driving record * Experience working with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook and comfortable working with database software * Ability to frequently lift and carry objects weighing up to 30 pounds when moving supplies and animal carriers * Ability to stand, bend, stoop and crouch while working with animals or at events * Available for weekend and evening work as necessary To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume attention Human Resources Director & IT Manager to admin(a)tmmc.org<mailto:admin@tmmc.org>. Please put "MBO Manager" in the subject line. Deadline for applications is September 15, 2013. Please no phone calls or faxed submissions. Heather Groninger Human Resources Director and IT Manager The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road Fort Cronkhite Sausalito, CA 94965 415-289-7348 Fax: 415-754-4048 groningerh(a)tmmc.org<mailto:groningerh@tmmc.org> www.tmmc.org<http://www.tmmc.org/> Notary Public, County of Marin Commission #2006591, expires 3/7/17

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Penn State Acoustics Short Course
by Jennifer Miksis-Olds 03 Sep '13

03 Sep '13

The Penn State Acoustics Short Course will be offered October 7-11, 2013. This short course provides a broad but comprehensive introduction to many important topics in underwater acoustics and signal processing. The goal is to give participants a practical understanding of fundamental concepts, along with an appreciation of current research and development activities. It serves as a foundation for more advanced study of current literature or for other specialized courses. This short course is designed for scientists and engineers who want an introduction to, or a review of, topics in underwater acoustics and signal processing. Course details are found at: www.arl.psu.edu/uwasp.htm Jennifer L. Miksis-Olds, PhD Senior Research Associate, The Applied Research Laboratory Associate Professor, Graduate Program in Acoustics The Pennsylvania State University PO Box 30, Mailstop 3510D State College, PA 16804 (814) 865-9318 <mailto:jlm91@psu.edu> jlm91(a)psu.edu www.personal.psu.edu/jlm91/

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