January 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

IMBER Open Science Conference "Future Oceans" 2014 - Call for Abstracts - extension until Wednesday 5 February 2014!
by FutureOceans 30 Jan '14

30 Jan '14

[cid:cbac118e-39de-4d2f-9c9d-0bb302d7d323] Integrated Marine Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Research (IMBER) Open Science Conference "Future Oceans - Research for marine sustainability: multiple stressors, drivers, challenges and solutions" 23-27 June 2014, Bergen, Norway Call for Abstracts - extension until Wednesday 5 February 2014! The Integrated Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Research (IMBER) Project will convene an Open Science Conference<http://www.imber.info/index.php/Meetings/IMBER-OSC> from 23-27 June 2014 in Bergen, Norway, with the goals of: · highlighting research results from the IMBER project and activities, · promoting integrated syntheses of IMBER-relevant research, and · developing a new global research agenda for marine biogeochemistry and ecosystems in the Anthropocene. Plenary Speakers for our Conference include: · Alida Bundy (Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Canada) - Dead ends and grasping hands: failed governance and the need to integrate human-ocean interactions into global change research · Claudio Campagna (Wildlife Conservation Society, Argentina) - Marine biodiversity and conservation in the time of global change · Jean-Pierre Gattuso (CNRS, Lab. d'Océanographie de Villefranche, France) - Drivers of, and responses to, ocean acidification · Nicolas Gruber (ETH Zurich, Switzerland) - Warming up, turning sour, losing breath: The regional perspective · Alistair Hobday (CSIRO, Australia) - Climate change impacts and adaptation options for high trophic level marine species · Eileen Hofmann (Old Dominion University, USA) - Introduction to the Conference · Corinne Le Quéré (University of East Anglia, UK) - Perspectives on Future Earth for the marine research community · Kon-Kee Liu (National Central University, Taiwan) - Anthropogenic impacts on biogeochemical processes and ecosystems in continental margins: Lessons learned from cases around the globe and future perspective · Coleen Moloney (University of Cape Town, South Africa) - Food web and biogeochemistry in a changing marine environment · Carol Robinson (University of East Anglia, UK) - Conference's Synthesis The list of contributed sessions and workshops is available here<http://www.imber.info/index.php/Meetings/IMBER-OSC-2014/Sessions-Workshops>. The Call for Abstracts<http://www.imber.info/index.php/Meetings/IMBER-OSC/Announcements/IMBER-Open…> is still open! Our call has already attracted a lot of attention and we have already received a very strong subscription. However, we have noticed that several among you have recently experienced hectic weather conditions or still enjoy their summer vacations in the southern hemisphere. The deadline for abstract submission has therefore been slightly extended in order to help ensure that all interested researchers could submit their contribution. The deadline for abstract submission is set on Wednesday 5 February 2014! Contributions are welcome from all marine research communities! We encourage you to submit an abstract, and we look forward to meeting you in Bergen. Please forward this call widely! IMBER IPO, on behalf of the Organising Committees futureoceans(a)imr.no<mailto:futureoceans@imr.no> PS: Sorry for any cross-posting!

1 0

New paper on bottlenose dolphin population genetics in the North-East Atlantic
by Marie Louis 30 Jan '14

30 Jan '14

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: Louis M, Viricel A, Lucas T, Peltier H, Alfonsi E, Berrow S, Brownlow A, Covelo P, Dabin W, Deaville R, de Stephanis R, Gally F, Gauffier P, Penrose R, Silva MA, Guinet C and Simon-Bouhet B. 2014. Habitat-driven population structure of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in the North-East Atlantic. Molecular Ecology 23: 857-874. Abstract Despite no obvious barrier to gene flow, historical environmental processes and ecological specializations can lead to genetic differentiation in highly mobile animals. Ecotypes emerged in several large mammal species as a result of niche specializations and/or social organization. In the North-West Atlantic, two distinct bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) ecotypes (i.e. ‘coastal’ and ‘pelagic’) have been identified. Here, we investigated the genetic population structure of North-East Atlantic (NEA) bottlenose dolphins on a large scale through the analysis of 381 biopsy-sampled or stranded animals using 25 microsatellites and a 682-bp portion of the mitochondrial control region. We shed light on the likely origin of stranded animals using a carcass drift prediction model. We showed, for the first time, that coastal and pelagic bottlenose dolphins were highly differentiated in the NEA. Finer-scale population structure was found within the two groups. We suggest that distinct founding events followed by parallel adaptation may have occurred independently from a large Atlantic pelagic population in the two sides of the basin. Divergence could be maintained by philopatry possibly as a result of foraging specializations and social organization. As coastal environments are under increasing anthropogenic pressures, small and isolated populations might be at risk and require appropriate conservation policies to preserve their habitats. While genetics can be a powerful first step to delineate ecotypes in protected and difficult to access taxa, ecotype distinction should be further documented through diet studies and the examination of cranial skull features associated with feeding. The article can be download from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.12653/abstract or you can email me for a copy. Best wishes, Marie

1 0

FLOs wanted offshore Africa
by Emma Forrester - Hydenlyne 30 Jan '14

30 Jan '14

Dear Marmamers, Hydenlyne are currently looking to increase their FLO database. I'm particularly interested in those from Africa or with FLO experience offshore Africa. Please reply with your interest and CV with the subject heading "African FLO". All other enquires are welcomed but may not be replied to with hast. Kind regards, Emma Forrester Project Manager UK Mobile +44 (0)7730222001 Office +44 (0)1202 900078 Hydenlyne 1 Princes Court Princes Road Ferndown Dorset England BH22 9JG

1 0

Review of Marine Mammal Records of Cuba
by Amy Whitt 29 Jan '14

29 Jan '14

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce a recent publication on marine mammals in Cuban waters. *Whitt, A.D., Jefferson, T.A., Blanco, M., Fertl, D., and Rees, D. (2011) A review of marine mammal records of Cuba. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 9(2): 65-122.* *http://dx.doi.org//10.55.97/lajam00175 <http://dx.doi.org//10.55.97/lajam00175>* Abstract: There has been very little research on marine mammals in Cuban waters. Much of the information on marine mammals in this region is buried in historical and gray literature. In order to provide a comprehensive account of marine mammal occurrence in Cuba's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), we reviewed and verified 659 published and unpublished sighting, stranding, capture, and tagging records. Eighteen extant species and four genera have confirmed records for Cuban EEZ waters. This includes 17 species of cetaceans (three baleen whales and 14 toothed whales) and one sirenian species. An additional 11 cetacean species and one extant pinniped species have been reported, but not confirmed, or may have the potential to occur in Cuban waters. Historical records of the Caribbean monk seal (*Monachus tropicalis*) are documented in Cuba; however, this species is now considered extinct. The only two species that are seen regularly and considered common in Cuban nearshore waters are the common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) and the West Indian manatee (*Trichechus manatus*). Resumen: No hay mucha investigación sobre el tema de los mamíferos marinos en aguas cubanas. La mayoría de la información se encuentra enterrada en la literatura histórica y gris. A fin de proporcionar un informe completo de la presencia de mamíferos marinos en la Zona Económica Exclusiva (ZEE) de Cuba, hemos revisado y verificado 659 registros publicados y no publicados de avistamientos, varamientos, capturas y marcajes. Dieciocho especies existentes y cuatro géneros tienen registros confirmados para las aguas de la ZEE cubana. Esto incluye 17 especies de cetáceos (tres ballenas barbadas y 14 odontocetos) y una especie de sirenio. También se han reportado sin confirmar, o tienen el potencial de presentarse en aguas cubanas, 11 especies de cetáceos y una especie de pinnípedo. Existen registros históricos de la foca monje del Caribe (*Monachus tropicalis*) en Cuba, sin embargo esta especie se considera extinta. Las únicas dos especies que se ven regularmente y se consideran comunes en las aguas costeras de Cuba son el tursión (*Tursiops truncatus*) y el manatí antillano (*Trichechus manatus*). The paper is available online http://www.lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/article/view/355/pdf Or via email request to adwhitt(a)gmail.com Cheers, Amy *Amy D. Whitt, M.E.M.* Senior Marine Scientist Protected Resources Versar*GMI* www.versar.com www.geo-marine.com

1 0

Polar Bear Program Lead now open on USAJOBs
by Gill, Verena 29 Jan '14

29 Jan '14

The Alaska Region of the US Fish and Wildlife Service is advertising a GS401-13 Supervisory Biologist position in Anchorage. The position leads the Polar Bear Program within the Region's Marine Mammals Management Office. The program is responsible for polar bear management and conservation in Alaska, including co-management with Alaska Native organizations. The supervisor provides direction and oversight to meet international, national and regional polar bear goals and objectives, including drafting and implementing National and International Polar Bear Recovery Plans. The polar bear program works closely with the Service's Division of International Conservation as well as with formal US delegations to international meetings and plays an active role in meeting planning, preparations and international information exchange. The position supervises a diverse staff to develop and implement regulations; policies; priorities; co-management strategies; and scientific programs for the polar bear. Anchorage is Alaska's largest city with a population of 300,000, yet it is only 20 minutes from wilderness. The city hosts over 162 parks, including 10 large reserves. With over 400 km of local trails, including 100 km of groomed cross-country ski trails, and many lit trails, recreational opportunities abound year round, including downhill and cross-country skiing, ice hockey, fishing, golf, swimming, hiking, biking, and camping. The George Sullivan Sports Arena, Alaska Performing Arts Center, and Egan Convention Center boast cultural and entertainment events throughout the year from professional hockey to Broadway shows. World class outdoor recreation opportunities are just a short drive away, including the world class Alyeska ski resort, Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest. Alaska boasts 16 National Wildlife Refuges totaling 77 million acres, as well as magnificent National Parks and the nation's two largest National Forests. Please distribute this announcement to all who may be interested. The application period is open until February 19, 2014, and the position is open to all federal employees and all U.S. citizens on separate job announcements. Federal government employees may apply at USA JOBS: *R7-14-1027584-ES <https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/358959300>* All US Citizens may apply at USA JOBS: *R7-14-1027207-ES <https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/358958700>* If you have trouble with the links please go to http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov and search by job series (401) grade (13) location (Anchorage, Alaska) or the announcement numbers in the above links. For more information on the duties of this position contact Deb Pierce Williams at (907) 786-3349. Additional information on living in Anchorage, Alaska can be found at: http://commerce.alaska.gov/cra/DCRAExternal/community/Details/2d5ef9f0-9855… and http://www.city-data.com/city/Anchorage-Alaska.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Verena A. Gill Wildlife Biologist Marine Mammals Management U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1011 East Tudor Road Anchorage, Alaska 99503 work phone: 907-786-3584 fax: 907-786-3816 e-mail: verena_gill(a)fws.gov ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1 0

Fwd: Childcare during the ECS conference in Liège
by Krishna Das 29 Jan '14

29 Jan '14

Dear all, Some of you requested a childcare during the next ECS conference. We are *trying* to organize a science camp but only for kids older than 5 years' old. Before going further into the process I have to know how many children it would concern. So, please, let me know (krishna.das(a)ulg.ac.be) if you would be interested by this option. Best, Krishna Krishna Das - PhD F.R.S. - FNRS Research Associate University of Liege Laboratory for Oceanology - MARE Research Center Allée de la Chimie 17 , B6C, Institut de Chimie 4000, Liege (Sart-Tilman), Belgium Tel: (+32) 4 366 3321 Website: http://www2.ulg.ac.be/oceanbio/

1 0

ECS conference
by Thierry Jauniaux 29 Jan '14

29 Jan '14

Dear ECS and MARMAM member Decisions have been taken for all submitted abstracts and you will find your review status (oral (15 min.), short talk (5 min.) or poster) by clicking "My abstracts" in your profile page on the ECS webpage (http://liege.europeancetaceansociety.eu/user/login) Don't forget that the early registration is soon Finally, several workshops are scheduled on April 5 and 6 (perhaps on April 10) and you will received details soon For the scientific committee T. Jauniaux Thierry Jauniaux, DMV, PhD, ECS Conference 2014 Liege 5-9 April http://liege.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/28th-annual-conference

1 0

New review paper: How man-made interference might cause gas bubble emboli in deep diving whales
by Andreas Fahlman 28 Jan '14

28 Jan '14

We are pleased to announce the publication of a short review that summarizes our current ideas how sonar may interfere with diving in cetaceans. This article is an open access publication, which means that it is freely accessible to any reader anywhere in the world. We encourage you to share the article link with any colleagues who may be interested in this work. ** * Title: * How man-made interference might cause gas bubble emboli in deep diving whales* *Authors: **Andreas Fahlman, Peter L Tyack, Patrick James Miller, and Petter H Kvadsheim **Journal: **Frontiers in Physiology** URL: **http://www.frontiersin.org/Journal/Abstract.aspx?f=65&name=physiology&ART_DOI=10.3389/fphys.2014.00013&utm_source=Email_to_authors_&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=T1_11.5e1_author&utm_campaign=Email_publication&journalName=Frontiers_in_Physiology&id=66907 **** *Abstract**: * Recent cetacean mass strandings in close temporal and spatial association with sonar activity has raised the concern that anthropogenic sound may harm breath-hold diving marine mammals. Necropsy results of the stranded whales have shown evidence of bubbles in the tissues, similar to those in human divers suffering from decompression sickness (DCS). It has been proposed that changes in behavior or physiological responses during diving could increase tissue and blood N_2 levels, thereby increasing DCS risk. Dive data recorded from sperm, killer, long-finned pilot, Blainville's beaked and Cuvier's beaked whales before and during exposure to low- (1-2 kHz) and mid- (2-7 kHz) frequency active sonar were used to estimate the changes in blood and tissue N_2 tension (P_N2 ). Our objectives were to determine if differences in 1) dive behavior or 2) physiological responses to sonar are plausible risk factors for bubble formation. The theoretical estimates indicate that all species may experience high N_2 levels. However, unexpectedly, deep diving generally result in higher end-dive P_N2 as compared with shallow diving. In this focused review we focus on three possible explanations: 1) We revisit an old hypothesis that CO_2 , because of its much higher diffusivity, forms bubble precursors that continue to grow in N_2 supersaturated tissues. Such a mechanism would be less dependent on the alveolar collapse depth but affected by elevated levels of CO_2 following a burst of activity during sonar exposure. 2)_During deep dives, a greater duration of time might be spent at depths where gas exchange continues as compared with shallow dives. The resulting elevated levels of N_2 in deep diving whales might also make them more susceptible to anthropogenic disturbances. 3) Extended duration of dives even at depths beyond where the alveoli collapse could result in slow continuous accumulation of N_2 in the adipose tissues that eventually becomes a liability.** *Citation:* Fahlman A, Tyack PL, Miller PJO and Kvadsheim PH (2014) How man-made interference might cause gas bubble emboli in deep diving whales./Front. Physiol/.*5*:13. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00013 -- Andreas Fahlman Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M- Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Dr Unit 5892 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 Ph. +1-361-825-3489 Fax +1-361-825-2025 mail: andreas.fahlman(a)tamucc.edu web: http://www.comparative-physiology.tamucc.edu/

1 0

Seeking Researchers with experience with Bryde's Whales
by Doug Perrine 28 Jan '14

28 Jan '14

Magazine writer would like to contact anyone who has conducted research on any facet of the biology or behavior of any member of the Bryde's whale complex: Balaenoptera edeni, B. brydei, B. omura, etc. If your research is directed toward other species, but you have incidental experience with, or knowledge of, Bryde's whales, I would still be interested in conducting a brief interview for potential incorporation into an upcoming article for publication in a popular wildlife magazine. Please contact Doug Perrine at perrine(a)hawaii.rr.com

1 0

NRDC and other enviros sue NMFS and Navy over training and testing in SoCal/Hawaii
by Smith, Zak 28 Jan '14

28 Jan '14

Hello all, In case you haven't seen this yet, wanted to flag for you that NRDC and other groups are suing NMFS and the Navy. I'm pasting the link and story from the LA Times discussing the case below. As the article notes, (in addition to other claims) we're going after NMFS for failing to adequately take into account studies on impacts to beaked whales and blue whales. Please let me know if you'd like me to send you a copy of the complaint. Best, Zak http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-whales-sonar-20140128,0,2001612.story#…. Suit alleges U.S. ignored 'best available science' in sonar ruling An environmental group is suing the National Marine Fisheries Service alleging that it downplayed harm to ocean wildlife during military exercises. By Louis Sahagun 4:55 PM PST, January 27, 2014 [Whales and sonar] A pod of killer whales, bottom, swims near a whale-watching boat and a Navy ship near San Juan Island, Wash., in 2003. (Ken Balcomb / Center for Whale Research / May 5, 2003) http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-whales-sonar-20140128,0,2001612.story#… The National Marine Fisheries Service violated federal law when it authorized the Navy's use of sonar in training exercises off Hawaii and California through 2018, an environmental group said in a lawsuit filed Monday. The agency's own analysis had determined the war games would result in 155 marine mammal deaths, more than 2,000 permanent injuries and about 9.6 million instances of temporary hearing loss and disruptions of vital behaviors - an 1,100% increase over the previous five-year period, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Beaked whales, a little understood deep-diving species, and endangered blue whales would be particularly harmed by the amphibious and anti-submarine warfare exercises that are scheduled to include nearly 60,000 hours of sonar broadcasts and detonation of more than 250,000 explosives, the lawsuit said. The fisheries service authorized up to 10 beaked whale and 13 blue whale deaths as a result of vessel strikes during the exercises. "This is an unprecedented level of harm," Zak Smith, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, said. "In order to authorize these impacts on marine mammals, the service had to turn its back on the best available science." The lawsuit accuses the service of violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act when it determined that the exercises would have a "negligible impact" on marine mammals. It also challenged the Navy's determination that the exercises were consistent with California's Coastal Management Program, despite a unanimous rejection of that conclusion by the California Coastal Commission. In response to criticism, the Navy and fisheries service said they have established "practical and reasonably effective" safety measures to protect marine mammals - including posting lookouts on the bridges of ships and reducing the power of sonar or shutting it down when whales are spotted nearby. The Navy began operating under the rules of the fisheries service's new authorization Dec. 26. The Natural Resources Defense Council filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in San Francisco on behalf of five environmental organizations. A similar suit was filed last week in Hawaii by Earthjustice on a behalf of five other groups. The lawsuits are the latest attempts to limit Navy exercises. In 2008, the Supreme Court ruled the nation's security outweighed the need to protect marine mammals from high-powered sonar and lifted limits on exercises being conducted at the time off the Southern California coast. "The Supreme Court case involved 170,000 harms to marine mammals over the course of two years," Smith said. "What's changed is the far greater scale of harms during upcoming exercises, and new studies proving the link between exposure to sonar and injury to marine mammals." Abundant in Southern California coastal waters, marine mammals are sensitive to acoustic disturbances because they rely on hearing to communicate, find food and avoid predators. Exposure to sonar can cause blue whales - Earth's largest creature, averaging 80 feet in length and about 200,000 pounds - and beaked whales to flee foraging grounds, negatively affecting fitness and population health, according to a recent study published in the online Proceedings of the Royal Society. The lawsuit asks that the fisheries service authorization be voided and reconsidered, that the Navy be made to comply with state and federal environmental laws, and that training be restricted in specific areas and at specific times of biological importance to marine mammals. louis.sahagun(a)latimes.com<mailto:louis.sahagun@latimes.com> Copyright (c) 2014, Los Angeles Times<http://www.latimes.com/> Zak Smith Staff Attorney, Marine Mammal Protection Project Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) 1314 Second Street Santa Monica, CA 90401 Tel 310.434.2300 Fax 310.434.2399 PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you are hereby notified that disseminating, distributing, or copying it or any attachment to it is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify me immediately by email and delete the original message.

1 0