October 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Grant Funding and Proposal Writing Essentials Course (December 17-19, 2014: City University of New York)
by Grant Funding USA 26 Oct '14

26 Oct '14

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Urgent advice on blue whale mourning behavior
by Danielle Kreb 26 Oct '14

26 Oct '14

dear colleagues, On behalf of all rescue workers in Lembata Island, Indonesia we would like to ask researchers or rescuers familiar with blue whales to give some advice.. Since several days a groups of 5 blue whales have entered a shallow lagoon and one whale died on the reef. It was 20 m of length whereas the others reach over 3 lenght. A method of underwater noise driving was used to get four whales out through a narrow but deeper exit path..the fifth only briefly went out but is now back in and circling around near the spot where the other whale died. Can ayone please advice what to do as the the rescue workers have been there for days and confused how to proceed with this last whale inside the lagoon. The other whales remain close to the exit and also have re- entered some days earlier. Should underwater noise continue to be made? Is this typical mourning behavior? FIY the carcass has already been removed totally. Thanks so much for fast reply to: yk.rasi(a)gmail.com or danielle.kreb1(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Danielle kreb -- -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Scientific Program Advisor Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 52 Samarinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.org

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Pilot whale researchers needed for grindabod.fo
by William Rossiter 26 Oct '14

26 Oct '14

Apologies for cross posting. This is an appeal to pilot whale researchers, to contribute your knowledge and stories to grindabod.fo, a Faroese and English website about pilot whales, to serve the increasing number of Faroese who question the grindadráp, the pilot whale hunt, and who want instead to "know the pilot whales, protect them, and enjoy the sight of them -- as a positive, living cultural icon for the Faroe Islands." Marna Olsen, who is behind the website, is looking to share stories from researchers who work with pilot whales, anything from your contact experiences with pilot whales and sights at sea to research findings and interesting facts. Do you have an experience or fact to share? Please contact Marna Olsen at marnaolsen(a)gmail.com. Posted on behalf of Marna Olsen by William Rossiter Cetacean Society International rossiter(a)csiwhalesalive.org www.csiwhalesalive.org

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The role of refugia in reducing predation risk for Cape fur seals by white sharks
by Michelle Jewell 26 Oct '14

26 Oct '14

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are very happy to bring our latest publication to your attention that documents refuge use by the Cape fur seal *Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus*. Wcisel, M., O’Riain, M. J., de Vos, A., & Chivell, W. (2014). The role of refugia in reducing predation risk for Cape fur seals by white sharks. *Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology* (DOI) 10.1007/s00265-014-1825-5 Abstract: Refugia play an important role in shaping predator/prey interactions; however, few studies have investigated predator–prey relationships between large marine vertebrates, mainly due to the logistical challenges of studying marine species. The predictable interactions between Cape fur seals and white sharks in South Africa at two neighbouring seal colonies (Seal Island and Geyser Rock) with similar breeding conditions, but distinct adjacent seascapes, offer an opportunity to address this gap. Geyser Rock differs from Seal Island in being surrounded by abundant refugia in the form of kelp beds and shallow reefs, while Seal Island is mostly surrounded by deep open water. In this study, we compare data collected from Geyser Rock to the published data at Seal Island and ask, do seals adjust their anti-predator tactics as a function of landscape features? We found that during periods of high white shark presence, seals at Geyser Rock reduced their presence in open-water and utilized areas that contained complex landscapes around the colony. Although seals at Geyser Rock formed groups when traversing open water, neither group size (high risk median = 4, low risk median = 5) nor temporal movement patterns varied significantly with white shark presence as has been shown at Seal Island. Furthermore, recorded hourly predation rates at Seal Island were 12.5 times higher than at Geyser Rock. Together, these findings suggest that refuge use may be the more effective anti-predator response of seals to a seasonally abundant predator and that the predations at Seal Island reflect a comparative lack of refugia. Full text: http://www.springer.com/-/9/fb2e3c345c5c448799fae19a765b6090 All the best, Michelle Michelle Jewell (Wcisel) B.Sc., M.Sc. Zoology Email: michellewcisel(a)gmail.com Skype: MichelleWcisel

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Introduction and Advanced PAMGuard courses - one month to go!
by Jamie Macaulay 26 Oct '14

26 Oct '14

Just one month until PAMTech’s PAMGuard introduction and advanced courses. 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. Places are filling fast on our upcoming courses, so book now! Dates are: 28/11/2014 Introduction to PAMGuard: This one-day classroom-based course provides the essentials you need to get going with PAMGuard. Cost: £200 GBP 29/11/2014 and 30/11/2014 PAMGuard Advanced: This two-day classroom-based course allows those with previous PAMGuard experience to get to grips with more advanced features, focusing on offline analysis and data management. The course will include some core analysis modules, but participants will also be able to tailor training to their particular needs by selecting from a range of optional modules (including Whistle detection and classification, High Resolution Localisation, Target Motion Localisation, Data Management, Viewer Mode, Noise Monitoring, MATLAB library (participants must have MATLAB installed on their laptop for this module)). Cost £350 GBP The courses will take place at the Riverside Museum, Glasgow, Scotland. Participants need to bring their own laptops running Windows XP or above. Course costs do not include accommodation, travel or food. To find out more, contact: pamtech.acoustics(a)gmail.com Or go to: pamtech.eu To book go to: http://pamguardintroduction.eventzilla.net/ or http://pamguardadvanced.eventzilla.net/ (50% non-refundable deposit required)

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Marine Mammal Response Network Coordinator open position
by Jobs.Ocean.Associates 24 Oct '14

24 Oct '14

Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a candidate to support the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) with assisting in coordinating and supporting the Marine Mammal Response Network (MMRN). The MMRN is a cooperative effort between the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. It is composed of government and non-government staff and volunteers who assist with marine mammal conservation and response activities, especially those involving the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Work will be conducted under the technical oversight of the NMFS Regional MMRN Coordinator and other authorized NMFS staff. OAI conducts research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support services to government and industry clients for marine fisheries, protected species, and habitats. Duties * Coordinate responses to marine mammal stranding incidents, e.g., live and dead cetacean strandings, and Hawaiian monk seal haul-outs, hooking, entanglements, and other injuries. * Coordinate or assist in collection, temporary holding, and transport of Hawaiian monk seals from one main Hawaiian Island to another via air and land transport provided by NMFS. * Conduct on-site coordination of Hawaiian monk seal captive care for short-term rehabilitation purposes at NMFS-authorized facilities. * Develop and maintain schedules for volunteer trainings, public and volunteer meetings, and volunteer shifts during monk seal pup monitoring events and other marine mammal response events. * Complete marine mammal health and response forms and monk seal sighting data forms. * Oversee tracking and distribution of NMFS response equipment and supplies. * Conduct and coordinate public education and outreach activities. * Travel to other main Hawaiian Islands, as needed, to coordinate and support marine mammal stranding responses. Travel will not exceed 7 overnight neighbor island trips, totaling 14 travel days. Minimum qualifications * Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in a natural resources related field. * At least one year of experience conducting marine mammal response activities, preferably in Hawaii or a Pacific Island area. * Knowledge of the marine protected resources of the Hawaiian Islands. * Knowledge of marine mammal species in Hawaii. * Ability to communicate with diverse audiences of varying ages, educational levels, and cultural backgrounds. * Ability to work well within a team to accomplish stated objectives. * Demonstrated team-building skills and ability to facilitate cooperation amongst groups with diverse viewpoints. * Experience conducting education and outreach activities related to marine wildlife management. * Experience supporting management of a volunteer program. * Experience with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. * Must be able to perform moderate physical activity such as basic animal restraint, lifting of response equipment and supplies, and walking long distances on beaches. * Skill in written communication, oral presentation, and computer graphics and design programs. Federal location/workplace requires that all contract and government employees be able to access military installations. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Ocean Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. Location, Schedule, and Compensation Work location: Ford Island, Hawaii Work schedule: full-time (average 40 hours per week) Compensation: $31.08/hr + benefits Excellent employee benefits are provided including health insurance, 401(k) plan, and holiday, vacation and sick leave. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please email your resume detailing qualifications and experience to Jobs(a)OceanAssoc.com - Use “5067 MMRN” as the subject line. - Include your name in the document file name. - Sending your resume in PDF format is preferred. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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DCLDE 2015 Workshop Date
by John Hildebrand 24 Oct '14

24 Oct '14

Dear Marine Mammal Community, I am pleased to announce that the 7th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization and Density Estimation (DCLDE) of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics will be held July 13-16, 2015 at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California. Registration will open in early January 2015. To receive updates on the meeting please send an email to: dclde2015(a)gmail.com Best, John Hildebrand DCLDE2015 Coordinator

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Press Release: Navy preparing Supplement to the Northwest Training & Testing Draft EIS
by Nakahara, Liane L CIV Navy Region NW, N00P 24 Oct '14

24 Oct '14

Attached and pasted below is a press release for your consideration to share. The U.S. Navy is preparing a Supplement to the Northwest Training and Testing Draft Environmental Impact Statement. After publication of the Draft EIS in January of this year, the U.S. Navy determined that updated training requirements would result in changes to the Proposed Action. The purpose of this Supplement to the Draft EIS/OEIS is to present these changes and significant new information relevant to environmental concerns. The Supplement to the Draft EIS is expected to be available in December 2014. At that time, a notice of availability will be published in the Federal Register and the public will have a 45-day review period to comment on the Supplement. The Notice of Intent to prepare a Supplement was published today in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/10/24/2014-25316/notice-of-in… To learn more about the Northwest Training and Testing EIS, please visit the project website at www.NWTTEIS.com. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you. Very Respectfully, Liane Nakahara Public Affairs Specialist Navy Region Northwest Desk: (360) 396-1630 Email: liane.nakahara[at]navy.mil ---------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 24, 2014 Release # 14-019 Navy preparing Supplement to the Northwest Training and Testing Draft EIS SILVERDALE, Wash. - The U.S. Navy is preparing a Supplement to the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS). Following publication of the Draft EIS/OEIS on January 24, 2014, the U.S. Navy determined that updated training requirements would result in changes to the Proposed Action. The purpose of this Supplement to the Draft EIS/OEIS is to present these changes and significant new information relevant to environmental concerns. These changes include an updated requirement for increased use of sonobuoys during training in the Northwest Training Range Complex. Another change to be addressed in this supplement will be additional analysis related to assessing impacts of ongoing maritime security operations. These types of activities to be evaluated will now include maritime security escorts for Navy vessels such as Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines [SSBNs]. Given these changes, the Navy determined that preparation of a Supplement to the Draft EIS was warranted. The Supplement to the Draft EIS is expected to be available in December 2014. At that time, a notice of availability will be published in the Federal Register and the public will have a 45-day review period to comment on the Supplement. All public comments received during the Draft EIS comment period (Jan. 24 - April 15, 2014) are still valid and are being considered in the development of the Final EIS. Background In the NWTT Draft EIS/OEIS that was previously released, the Navy evaluated the potential environmental effects from military readiness training and testing activities conducted primarily within existing range complexes and testing ranges in the NWTT Study Area. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to ensure that the Navy accomplishes its mission to maintain, train and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas. This mission is achieved in part by training and testing within the NWTT Study Area. The NWTT EIS/OEIS also supports the renewal of federal regulatory permits and authorizations for current training and testing activities and future activities requiring environmental analysis. The NWTT Study Area is composed of Navy training and testing range complexes, operating areas, testing facilities, and select Navy pierside locations in the Pacific Northwest. Aircraft training and testing activities that take place on or within established Navy airfields at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. or Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility Boardman, Ore. are not included in this NWTT EIS/OEIS. Visit the project website at www.NWTTEIS.com to learn more about the project. -USN-

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postdoctoral scholar opening
by Brian Beatty 24 Oct '14

24 Oct '14

Hi all, Below is an ad for an NSF-funded postdoc position that Jonathan Geisler and I are mentoring. Please share this with those you think would be interested: Opening for Postdoctoral Scholar, Morphometrics of the Cetacean Skull We are accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar as part of a NSF funded project on the evolution of the cetacean skull at the New York Institute of Technology (Old Westbury Campus, New York). Details of the project can be found at the following link (http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1349607) The Postdoctoral Scholar will take a lead role in collecting quantitative data from skulls of living and fossil cetaceans and then using these data to test hypotheses relating cranial modularity to evolutionary changes in brain size, hearing capabilities, and feeding. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in morphometrics, mammalian cranial anatomy, and be able to conduct statistical analyses in a phylogenetic context. The Postdoctoral Scholar will collect data using a variety of tools and methods, including a high-resolution laser scanner, a microscribe 3D digitizer, and photogrammetry. This position is for two years, with a flexible start date tentatively scheduled for August 1, 2015. During this time, the Postdoctoral Scholar will be a part of the Anatomy Department in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. In addition to conducting research, the Postdoctoral Scholar is expected to assist in the teaching of human gross anatomy to medical students for a period of no more than 6 months. Experience in teaching human gross anatomy will be viewed positively but is not a requirement. The Postdoctoral Scholar will receive training on how to use a laser scanner, and during the analysis phase of the project, will travel to the UK to work with Senior Personnel Anjali Goswami (University College London). Minimal requirements are a Ph.D. in biology or related science by the start date and a demonstrated record of scholarship in morphometrics through peer-reviewed publications. The New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) is a non-profit independent, private institution of higher education with more than 12,000 students worldwide that are pursuing one of 90 degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The College of Osteopathic Medicine has more than 4000 alumni practicing medicine across the nation and around the world. The school has three health clinics, and students engage in clerkships at these facilities or the many affiliated hospitals and other health providers in the New York City area. To apply, please send your CV, a one page statement describing how your experience and interests match this position, and the names and contact information for three references by email to PI Jonathan Geisler (jgeisler(a)nyit.edu) by Dec. 1, 2014. If you are attending the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology meeting in Berlin and would like to discuss this position there, please email Co-PI Brian Beatty (bbeatty(a)nyit.edu) Brian Lee Beatty, PhD Associate Professor of Anatomy NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine Northern Boulevard Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000 Phone: (516) 686-7435 Fax: (516) 686-3740 email: bbeatty(a)nyit.edu http://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-beatty/24/266/2ab http://twitter.com/Vanderhoofius

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Running Program Distance on a Mac
by Thomas Jefferson 23 Oct '14

23 Oct '14

Dear MARMAM, Does anyone have any experience with running Program Distance (V 6.2) on a Macintosh? I understand that it can be done using Parallels PC emulator software, but I just wanted to see if anyone had experience doing so, and had experienced any problems or glitches. Thanks for any help you can provide. Best wishes, Tom Jefferson <sclymene(a)aol.com>

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