January 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

ECS Conservation Award 2014: Nomination Call
by Andrew Wright 23 Jan '14

23 Jan '14

Dear Colleagues, Apologies for cross-posting. I am happy to inform you that, the ECS Conservation Award will be given for the fourth time during the 28th ECS conference in Liege, Belgium (7-9 April 2014). This will be the second year under which it will go by the name the ECS Mandy McMath Conservation Award. The award is for an outstanding contribution to the field of marine mammal conservation and/or welfare, with particular emphasis on contributions to environmental education and/or to conservation in practice (e.g. leading to improved legislation or management). The award will be judged on the basis of a proposal made using the format given below and related material as described. It will be decided upon by consensus, or a majority vote of the ECS Conservation Award Committee. The winner of the award will be announced during the ECS Conference. Self-nominations are strongly discouraged. The Committee reserves the right not to present the award if no appropriate nominations are received. The ECS Award Committee comprises: Andrew Wright (Chair) Aviad Scheinin Thierry Jauniaux Hanna Nuuttila Ayaka Öztürk Mark Simmonds Simon Berrow Nominations should conform to the following format: Name(s) of person(s)/institution/body nominated for award Address and contact details Description of the work/body of work proposed for the award (maximum length of proposal 250 words) Note that the award can be given for a single conservation-education tool (such as a book or for an entire body of work - i.e. a series of linked contributions) in the sphere of education relating to marine mammal conservation and or welfare. Full references for the material identified above and any relevant web-links. Name of nominator(s) Address and contact details The nomination, and any supporting material if deemed necessary, should be sent to the Chair of the Award Committee by 7th March, 2014. Dr. Andrew J. Wright ECS Conservation Award Chair Email: marinebrit(a)gmail.com

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EXTENSION (public comment period): Draft NOAA Marine Mammal Acoustic Guidance
by Amy SCHOLIK - NOAA Federal 23 Jan '14

23 Jan '14

Hello, In response to several requests, we are extending the public comment period by 45 days for NOAA's Draft Acoustic Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammals. We will now accept comments on the draft Guidance until March 13, 2014. As a reminder, electronic copies of the document can be found at the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov and via http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/guidelines.htm. Comments may be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal (http://www.regulations.gov, search for NOAA-NMFS-2013-0177). Thank you for your interest in the Acoustic Guidance. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email (amy.scholik(a)noaa.gov) or phone (301-427-8402). Thanks, Amy *Amy R. Scholik-Schlomer, Ph.D.* Fishery Biologist (Protected Resources Acoustic Coordinator) NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division 1315 East-West Hwy. SSMC3, Rm. 13605 Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 427-8402 (phone) (301) 713-0376 (fax) Email: *Amy.Scholik(a)noaa.gov <Amy.Scholik(a)noaa.gov>http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/ <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/>*

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New publication: Hawai’i Island spinner dolphin population size PLOS ONE
by Julian Tyne 22 Jan '14

22 Jan '14

We are pleased to announce the first publication from our Spinner dolphin Acoustic, Population Parameters and Human Interactions Research Project (SAPPHIRE) in the open access journal. Title: Abundance and survival rates of the Hawai’i island associated spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) stock. Authors: Julian Tyne, Kenneth Pollock, David Johnston, and Lars Bejder Abstract Reliable population estimates are critical to implement effective management strategies. The Hawai’i Island spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) is a genetically distinct stock that displays a rigid daily behavioural pattern, foraging offshore at night and resting in sheltered bays during the day. Consequently, they are exposed to frequent human interactions and disturbance. We estimated population parameters of this spinner dolphin stock using a systematic sampling design and capture-recapture models. From September 2010 to August 2011, boat-based photo-identification surveys were undertaken monthly over 132 days (>1,150 hours of effort; >100,000 dorsal fin images) in the four main resting bays along the Kona Coast, Hawai’i Island. All images were graded according to photographic quality and distinctiveness. Over 32,000 images were included in the analyses, from which 607 distinctive individuals were catalogued and 214 were highly distinctive. Two independent estimates of the proportion of highly distinctive individuals in the population were not significantly different (p=0.68). Individual heterogeneity and time variation in capture probabilities were strongly indicated for these data; therefore capture-recapture models allowing for these variations were used. The estimated annual apparent survival rate (product of true survival and permanent emigration) was 0.97 SE±0.05. Open and closed capture-recapture models for the highly distinctive individuals photographed at least once each month produced similar abundance estimates. An estimate of 221±4.3 SE highly distinctive spinner dolphins, resulted in a total abundance of 631±60.1 SE, (95% CI 524-761) spinner dolphins in the Hawai’i Island stock which is lower than previous estimates. When this abundance estimate is considered alongside the rigid daily behavioural pattern, genetic distinctiveness and the ease of human access to spinner dolphins in their preferred resting habitats, this Hawai’i Island stock is likely more vulnerable to negative impacts from human disturbance than previously believed. Citation: Tyne JA, Pollock KH, Johnston DW, Bejder L (2014) Abundance and Survival Rates of the Hawai’i Island Associated Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris) Stock. PLoS ONE 9(1): e86132. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0086132 The paper can be downloaded from PLOS ONE http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0086132 Cheers, Julian ______________________________________________________________ Julian Tyne PhD Candidate, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystem Research School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University South Street Murdoch WA 6150 j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au<mailto:j.tyne@murdoch.edu.au> http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/ http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/spinners http://www.facebook.com/MUCRU http://www.trn.net.au/

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Marine Bioacoustics Summer School 2014 (SeaBASS)
by Susan E Parks 22 Jan '14

22 Jan '14

Announcing the 3rd Marine Bioacoustics Summer School (SeaBASS), June 15-20, 2014 Applications are now being accepted for SeaBASS 2014 - a one week intensive graduate Marine Bioacoustics Summer School WHAT: SeaBASS provides the opportunity for graduate students interested in pursuing careers in marine bioacoustics to develop a strong foundation of both marine animal biology and acoustics from distinguished lecturers in the field. The goals of SeaBASS are to discuss important topics in marine bioacoustics, foster technical communication across disciplines, and promote mentoring and collaboration. SeaBASS gives students an opportunity to learn from experts who will discuss a suite of topics not often offered at any one university and to meet international peers in their fields. WHEN: June 15-20, 2014 WHERE: National Conference Center, Leesburg, VA (Washington, DC area) COSTS: The basic costs of student attendance (room and board, based on double occupancy for students) will be funded from sponsor support. There is no registration fee. Full-time participation of all is required. Transportation costs are the responsibility of the student, but financial assistance for travel costs can be requested during the application process. APPLICATION: The on-line application is available at http://www.arl.psu.edu/education_seabass.php . Applications are due on February 28, 2014. Please direct questions to Dr. Jennifer Miksis-Olds (jlm91(a)psu.edu) or Dr. Susan Parks (sparks(a)syr.edu) via email. COURSE TOPICS:Introduction to Underwater Sound, Sound Propagation, Marine Mammal Biology & Behavior, Sound Production, Fisheries Acoustics/Fish Behavior, Hearing and Masking, Marine Animal Acoustic Communication, Echolocation, Hot Topic: Passive Acoustic Monitoring, Hot Topic: Effects of Noise

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NAMMCO Scientific Publications now online
by Jill Prewitt 22 Jan '14

22 Jan '14

NAMMCO (North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission) is pleased to announce that NAMMCO Scientific Publications are now available online, open-access, at the new journal website: http://septentrio.uit.no/index.php/NAMMCOSP/index The purpose of the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series is to make available in published, peer-reviewed form, scientific papers which have contributed to the work carried out by the NAMMCO Scientific Committee. Papers are now being published as Online Early versions for Volume 9: Walrus of the North Atlantic, and Volume 10: Age Estimation of Marine Mammals with a Focus on Monodontids. Volumes 5-8 are also now available online (click on "Archives" at the journal website), and Volumes 1-4 will be published online in the coming months. Volumes 1-8 are also available in hard copy form. To order a hard copy, or for more information about the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series, please email the Series Editor, Jill Prewitt at jill.prewitt(a)nammco.no<mailto:jill.prewitt@nammco.no> Jill Prewitt Scientific Secretary North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission PO Box 6453 N-9294 Tromsø Norway Ph: +47 77687373

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Blue Ocean Society- Summer Research Internships
by Dianna Schulte 21 Jan '14

21 Jan '14

Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation is accepting applications for Summer 2014 Research and Education Interns. Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation is a nonprofit organization based in Portsmouth, NH, USA with a mission to protect marine mammals in the Gulf of Maine through education, research and conservation. We achieve our goals primarily through our core programs which include whale watches, outreach/school programs and beach cleanups. Blue Ocean Society's Research and Education Internship Program is a structured program designed to provide undergraduates and recent post-grads with hands-on experience in the field of whale research and marine conservation. Interns will be directly involved with contributing to our long-term studies of several wild cetacean species (humpback, fin, minke whales, etc) in the Gulf of Maine while working aboard commercial whale watching vessels departing from NH and northern MA. Responsibilities: . Collect detailed data (physical and behavioral) on local marine species and marine debris . Interact with passengers of all ages and backgrounds . Enter data . Attend weekly meetings and lectures . Complete weekly reading assignments . Assist with beach cleanups . Assist with school/outreach programs (primarily in June) Qualifications: . Must possess a strong work ethic, have high attention to detail and the ability to work with limited supervision . Must be self-motivated, friendly and able to talk to small groups . Must be 18 or older . Preference is given to those who can commit to a minimum of at least 10 weeks . Must be available on weekends and holidays Prior experience is not required and all training is provided. Additional opportunities may be available to assist at our Blue Ocean Discovery Center in Hampton Beach, NH. This is an unpaid position. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Please visit <http://www.blueoceansociety.org/Jobs/intern.html> http://www.blueoceansociety.org/Jobs/intern.html for full Internship information and details on how to apply. Application deadline is March 15, 2014. Dianna Schulte Research and Intern Coordinator ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation Gov. John Langdon House 143 Pleasant Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 Email: <mailto:dianna@blueoceansociety.org> dianna(a)blueoceansociety.org Phone: 603-431-0260 Website: <http://www.blueoceansociety.org/> www.blueoceansociety.org

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International Symposium "Dolphin acoustics, behavior and cognition"
by Tadamichi MORISAKA 20 Jan '14

20 Jan '14

Dear Marmam list members, We are pleased to announce and invite you to participate in the following international symposium at Shizuoka, JAPAN. For more detail & submission, please visit http://marinemammal.jimdo.com/symposium/ We will wait for your poster presentation submission till 24th, Jan. All topics of marine mammal scientific studies (and large terrestrial mammal studies) can be accepted for this presentation. International symposium "Dolphin acoustics, behavior and cognition" 2nd Feb 2014 (Sun) 10:00 -17:30 Shizuoka Convention & Arts Center "Granship" Room #910 (http://www.granship.or.jp/english/) Free of charge [Invited speakers from overseas] Vicent Janik (Univ St Andrews) Laela Sayigh (Woods Hole Ocean. Inst.) [Invited Japanese speakers] Tomonari Akamatsu (NRIFE, FRA) Fumio Nakahara (Tokiwa Univ) Masaki Tomonaga (Kyoto Univ) Mai Sakai (Tokai Univ) [Host] Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology [Co-host] Institute of Oceanic Research and Development, Tokai University School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokai University [Sponsor] JST Program “Disseminate Tenure Tracking System” We are waiting for your coming! All the best, Tadamichi Morisaka -- =========================================== Tadamichi MORISAKA, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Tokai University Institute of Innovative Science and Technology (c/o Institute of Oceanic Research and Development) Room 8427, Building No. 8 Institute of Oceanic Research and Development, Tokai University 3-20-1, Orido, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka 424-8610, Japan Tel: +81-54-334-0411 (ext. 3431) chaka(a)tokai-u.jp http://www23.atwiki.jp/cetacea http://www.u-tokai.ac.jp/tuiist/index.html ===========================================

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Field Course in Cetacean Ecology - Application Deadline Extended
by Yeater, Prof. Deirdre M. 20 Jan '14

20 Jan '14

STUDY ABROAD BIMINI, THE BAHAMAS PS 299 - Special Topics in Psychology (3 Credits) - or - BI 199/299 - Special Topics in Biology for Non-Majors/Majors(3 Credits) Summer 2014: May 27-June 8, 2014 Led by Dr. Deirdre Yeater in the Sacred Heart University Psychology department in collaboration with Dolphin Communication Project, this course will examine the behavioral and social ecology of coastal cetaceans, particularly Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. You will enjoy a hands-on learning experience with wild dolphins, in the beautiful waters surrounding the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. On the program, you will earn three credits while learning to record and analyze dolphin behaviors. You will also learn about ecotourism and human impacts on the marine environment. The field work at Bimini will consist of 4 to 5 hour boat surveys. If the group is able to make underwater observations, you will be assisting in the use of underwater slates, video cameras, and digital still cameras. The number of students accepted will be limited by the size of the research vessel. Therefore, you should apply as soon as possible. You MUST be able to swim and snorkel as part of the program. Application Deadline Extended to February 15th! For more information, contact: Sacred Heart University Office of Global Affairs (203) 396-8028 studyabroad(a)sacredheart.edu<mailto:studyabroad@sacredheart.edu> www.sacredheart.edu/studyabroad<http://www.sacredheart.edu/studyabroad> https://sacredheart-sa.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewPro… or Dolphin Communication Project http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/ Program Highlights Study Dolphins Dolphins are long-lived and social! Yet, we know little about their social relationships. Study dolphins in their natural habitat. Bimini, The Bahamas Less than 7 mile long and only a few hundred yards wide, Bimini is known for big game fishing, SCUBA diving, mangroves, and of course, wild dolphins. Application Requirements Students majoring/minoring in Psychology, Biology, or a related discipline Minimum GPA of 3.0 Visiting students accepted Deirdre Yeater, Ph.D Assistant Professor Sacred Heart University 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT 06825 Phone: 203-365-4870 Fax: 203-371-7998

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Allied Whale Intern/ Research Assistant Positions
by Tanya Lubansky 19 Jan '14

19 Jan '14

Allied Whale, the marine mammal research lab of College of the Atlantic located in Bar Harbor, Maine, seeks 4 intern/research assistants for the 2014 field season. These are entry-level research positions designed to offer experience for individuals seeking to develop their professional careers in marine mammal research. Two three-month positions (mid May-August) and two five-month positions (mid May-October) are available. *Overview of position:* This is a unique internship program in that the selected individuals will have the opportunity to participate and receive training in a wide range of marine mammal research activities while receiving a small income. Allied Whale currently supports field projects in the behavioral ecology and distributions of humpback and fin whales, the ongoing housing and maintenance of the North Atlantic humpback and fin whale photo ID catalogs, an active stranding response program, and a continued relationship with the local whale watch company. In addition, Allied Whale maintains the facilities on and conducts research from Mount Desert Rock, a remote offshore island. The interns play a critical role in the success of the field season and serve as support to all aspects of summer activities within Allied Whale. *Description of duties: *Once the season is in swing, interns will rotate through time on land and offshore. While on land, interns will take shifts of working as a Research Assistant (RA)/Deckhand for the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. and being on call for boat-based cetacean surveys on our research vessel (TBD based on projects/funding). *On land: *Research responsibilities on the whale watch tours include searching for whales, photo-identification of whales and data collection/entry. Deckhand responsibilities include line handling, vessel cleaning, helping seasick passengers and passenger safety. RAs are also responsible for assisting the naturalist in promoting education and conservation programs on each trip. While on board our research vessel, interns will be responsible to participate in cetacean surveys along transect lines, computer data entry, and photo identification of whales. While not on the water, interns may freely structure their time to complete office work, assist with/develop independent projects, assist with stranding activities...or explore Acadia National Park! *Offshore: *Interns will have multiple shifts (at least a week in length) at our offshore research station Mount Desert Rock. While on the island, interns will participate in land-based whale monitoring from the lighthouse tower (with use of a theodolite), opportunistic small boat photo-identification data collection of whales, seal counts, and maintenance/construction projects at the station. *Pay/Housing*: Those accepted to the program are able to earn income by their work on the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. Deckhands are paid $45 a trip (at the height of summer, there are 3 trips running a day) plus considerable tips. Interns also receive free First Aid Certification. Housing in Bar Harbor is provided and mandatory for a fee. Rent is $375 a month during the summer when all four interns are present and increases to $500 a month Sept-October for the two five month interns. While at Mount Desert Rock, food is provided for free. *Qualifications: *Applicants should have a college background in biology, ecology, and/or marine sciences. Previous experience in a research setting and knowledge of marine mammals are great advantages. Experience offshore and skills in small boat handling are also assets. Unfortunately, because of employment through the whale watch company, all interns must also be U.S. citizens. Most importantly, applicants must be positive in attitude, flexible to quickly changing schedules, able to work independently, and comfortable working on boats. Because of the community living situation both in Bar Harbor and on Mount Desert Island, applicants must get along well with others and be able to handle working in a team setting. These positions begin *May **12th* and applicants must be able to work through with no other commitments (excluding COA students). Please specify which position you are interested in (three of five month). Deadline of application is February 15th. Please send a *cover letter *detailing your reasons for applying, a *resume*, and *two letters of recommendation* to: Tanya Lubansky (tlubansky(a)gmail.com <alliedwhale(a)coa.edu>) with subject title “AW Interns 2014”

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SEEKING EXPERIENCED FIELD ASSISTANTS for research on tropical dolphins around Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
by Tim Hunt 19 Jan '14

19 Jan '14

SEEKING EXPERIENCED FIELD ASSISTANTS for research on tropical dolphins around Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia Fieldwork dates: Commences 4 April 2014 for 6-7 months (ends mid-late October 2014). Application deadline: Friday 31st January 2014 Project title: Population size, habitat use and social structure of Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) around the North West Cape, Western Australia. Institution: Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab; Flinders University; South Australia www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au> Overview: I am seeking experienced field assistants to assist with boat-based photo-ID and biopsy sampling of humpback and bottlenose dolphins around the North West Cape in north-western Australia for 6 months (2 x 3 month periods) from 4 April 2014. * Commitment to a full 3 month/12 week period, either April-July or July-October is preferred, however a minimum commitment of 2 months will be considered. Those able to commit to April-July will have the possibility of a 1 month extension * The North West Cape Dolphin Research Project aims to collect baseline information on the abundance, habitat use and social structure of humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) around the North West Cape to improve the scientific basis for their conservation and management. The project is funded by the Australian Marine Mammal Centre and our research is in collaboration with the Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit. This is an opportunity to gain experience in field techniques for small cetacean research and contribute to a project with very high conservation and management value. Furthermore, it provides assistants the opportunity to conduct research in a truly unique natural setting along the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Coast, home to one of the longest near-shore reefs in the world, Ningaloo Reef. The region is highly abundant with marine life, including seasonal visits from whale sharks (April-August), humpback whales (June-November) and manta rays (June-October). From our experience in the 2013 field season the diversity and abundance of marine life is truly breathtaking. It really is a spectacular research setting! Location: We will be based in the town of Exmouth on the tropical North West Cape of Western Australia. Assistants will be staying in a spacious house within walking distance of the Exmouth town centre. Duties: Searching for dolphins, driving the boat, taking photos, making and recording field observations, equipment cleaning and basic maintenance, data entry (incl. fin matching), a fair share in communal cooking and housekeeping duties, and generally working hard and having a great time in a beautiful and unique part of the Australian coastline. Expectations: Field assistants need to be available full-time, including weekends, and be prepared for early morning departures (6-7AM), long days (8-10 hours) on the water for multiple consecutive days, and lengthy days transcribing data. Expect up to a week between days off. Expect to spend sometimes several days stranded on land. If the weather isn't right we won't be conducting the surveys and will have to wait it out. So bring a book or two and lots of movies to watch. Expect to see plenty of dolphins, a ridiculous amount of whales, a phenomenal amount of sea turtles, as well as dugongs, manta rays, sharks, and crystal clear waters over beautiful tropical reefs. Most of all, expect to learn a lot while having an awesome time. Prerequisites: * Enrolled in or completed a degree in marine science, biology, animal behaviour, life sciences or a related field (highly desirable); * Experience in working on and driving a small boat (essential); * Experience in photo-ID survey techniques (highly desirable); * Experience in field research on small cetaceans (highly desirable); * No history of debilitating seasickness (essential); * Be team-oriented, patient, clean, and have an enthusiastic and proactive attitude to hard work, long hours and collecting data on the natural environment (essential); * Proficient use of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access (highly desirable); * Fluent in English (highly desirable) Expenses: This is an unpaid position. However, food and accommodation in Exmouth are provided at no cost to assistants. Assistants are responsible for their own travel costs to/from Exmouth (direct flights available from Perth) and personal expenses. If however assistants can commit from the beginning of the fieldwork season there will be seats available in the car travelling Perth to Exmouth in early April 2014. If you would like the opportunity to be part of 'Team Sousa' please send a CV (max. 3 pages), a 1-page cover letter outlining your relevant experience against the above prerequisites, and contact details of two relevant referees to tim.hunt(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:tim.hunt@flinders.edu.au> by Friday 31st January 2014. If you would like to find out more about the North West Cape Dolphin Research Project (NWCDRP), including field assistant testimonials, please check out the field blogs from the 2013 field season at http://www.cebel.org.au/field-blog/north-west-cape-dolphin-project or check out the NWCDRP album on the CEBEL Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CEBELresearch<http://www.facebook.com/CEBELresearch>. # Please note - if you will be in attendance at the upcoming Society for Marine Mammalogy Conference in Dunedin, New Zealand (Dec 9-13 2013), Dr. Guido J. Parra (Research Leader at CEBEL, guido.parra(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:guido.parra@flinders.edu.au>) will be available for a chat to talk about the project and CEBEL. Furthermore, some previous 2013 field assistants will also be in attendance at the SMM conference and others have agreed to share contact details if you have any queries about the experience as an assistant on the NWCDRP. Previous assistant contact details available upon request. Tim Hunt PhD Candidate Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) School of Biological Sciences Flinders University of South Australia [cid:image001.jpg@01CEEF4B.DEBB5E10]<http://www.cebel.org.au/>

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