November 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Announcement of the Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, 26-29 March 2015
by Laela Sayigh 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Dear colleagues, This message is to announce the upcoming Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, to be held 26-29 March 2015 in Massachusetts (location TBA). This symposium will consist of a combination of invited and contributed presentations on all aspects of marine mammal bioacoustics, including communication, echolocation, hearing, methods in marine mammal bioacoustics, effects of noise on marine mammals, and bioacoustics as a tool in marine mammal conservation. There will also be a session on Bill Watkins' legacy to marine mammal bioacoustics. Further announcements will follow with more specifics, but registration and abstract submissions are expected to commence in the fall of 2014. For more information, contact Laela Sayigh, lsayigh(a)whoi.edu.

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

07 Jun '16

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

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Cetacean research internships - Winter-Spring 2015
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 26 Apr '15

26 Apr '15

Cetacean research internships - Last call Winter-Spring Season 2015 Hi everyone, On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting internship applications for winter-spring term 2015 (a minimum of 60 days of participation) for our research project along the North-western coast of the Iberian Pensinsula (Galician waters, Spain). Our mission (since 2005) is to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat through education and research. Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in cetaceans behavioural ecology and sociobiology with a focus on dolphins ethology, habitat use and communication. Furthermore, as the Galician coastline is known for frequent strandings of various marine mammals species, the participants will be a part of an important network for rescue and data collection from these stranded animals. The BDRI offers the interns the chance to work during many steps of the research. Your participation means that you will not only be observing the studied animals at sea, but you will also be collecting different types of scientific data, using various research methods, and helping on board the research vessel in general. When back in the lab, you will participate in the transcription of the collected data, with the database work, you will use various softwares, perform photo-identification analysis, use of GIS and more. Moreover interns will also assist with marine mammals rescue (cetaceans and seals), carcass salvage, analysis of stomach contents, and field necropsies as needed in Galician waters. Hence, interns will also receive cross-training in different areas related with the strandings (Response, Rescue, Necropsy and data collection). As an internship, you will be encouraged to work hard and gain an insight of what it is actually like to work as a marine mammal researcher. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in marine mammals research make the most qualified individuals. Our centre understands the importance of giving the participant the responsibilities and experience which give an insight and reflect the ones of a true future job in the field of marine mammal science. The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is no compensation for the internship positions. The tuition fee includes the accommodation in an apartment, tuition and a small part of other expenses derived of your participation (use of equipment, field trips by car, use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain). Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum 8 weeks continuous commitment sometime between January 15th through November 30th. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Undergraduate and postgraduate students could, as a part of one of BDRIs projects, present a personal research project as their thesis work. In order to do so, this is requested within your internship application. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, he/she will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Positions are open until filled (maximum 8 vacancies). Prior field research experience is recommended but not required. Please download the internships general information and application form at: www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc Send the application form, resume, recommendation letters, and cover letter by email to the email: info(a)thebdri.com For more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit www.thebdri.com or our Facebook page. See you on site! Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Biologist and Director Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) Av. Beiramar 192, O Grove CP. 36980 Pontevedra-Spain tel. 00 34 605 521441 www.thebdri.com This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private information. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any).

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

11 Dec '14

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

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Seeking Research Assistants for Gray Whales Count, Santa Barbara, California
by Michael H Smith 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (RA) POSITIONS AVAILABLE - seeking two, volunteer Research Assistants for research on Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) migrating northbound through the nearshore of the Santa Barbara Channel. Gray Whales Count (GWC) is seeking Research Assistants (RA) to assist in our annual survey, conducted from shore at Counter Point, in the Coal Oil Point Reserve, Goleta, California, USA, adjacent to the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). This position is open to citizens of the United States of America and those authorized to work in the United States. The 2015 survey begins February 17 and continues every day through May 25, from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Sunday. We are looking for passionate, caring individuals who would be available to begin Saturday, February 14 to train and assist with preparations and willing to commit for fifteen weeks, including the fourteen-week survey and wrap-up. GWC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for research and education. The primary goal of research is to estimate the number of Gray whales and Gray whale calves migrating northbound through our corridor and to share our data to complement similar sampling-studies along the California coast. A secondary goal is to document the variety and quantity of other marine mammals in the ocean area around our site, which is now a Marine Protected Area. We are able to monitor human activity, including interactions with marine mammals, including Gray whales. Goals of education are to teach the process of scientific research to Counters and to give them the opportunity to conduct a meaningful study, to experience marine mammals in their natural environment, and to share this process and their enthusiasm with publics through direct interchange, outreach, and various media. RAs will be trained by the Project Coordinator and, in-turn, share the responsibility for research and education. Applicable skills learned and achieved include: > Process, concepts, and protocols of the survey > Ability to identify a multitude of marine mammal species from a distance, including but not limited to: Gray whales, Humpback whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Harbor seals, California Sea lions, Sea otters, etc. > Identify behaviors of these marine mammals > Distinguish calves from juveniles and adults > Identify vessels and vessel operations > Detailed, consistent data entry > Learn about marine mammals in their natural environment and the forces that affect them, both natural and anthropogenic > Developing responsibility and a working relationship within a team Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit full-time to the project for the time period involved (minimum of 15 weeks, which can be extended if the applicant desires to be involved with data entry and analysis). This will entail up to 9 hours of work a day for at least 5 days a week. (With training, RA’s are required to work everyday the first two weeks.) The Count is 7 days per week and the RA may commit additional to the Count as desired. The more time you can put in, the more you will get out of your experience. Priority will be given to those candidates with associative career goals who are able to participate fully. This is a unique opportunity to gain extensive experience in scientific fieldwork in an environment rich with diverse populations of marine mammals. You will work with equally diverse individuals who are caring, attentive, and curious. Gray whales are a sentinel species traveling from temperate lagoons in Mexico, along the dynamic California Current at the eastern edge of the North Pacific Ocean to the Arctic waters of northern Alaska in one of the longest marine mammal migrations. There are boundless avenues of exploration, and Gray Whales Count can begin your journey. Requirements: > Even though we are situated in Southern California, you must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Fieldwork can be physically and mentally demanding at times. > Willingness to work long hours. > Experience with a camera and digital asset management a plus. > Commit for a minimum of fifteen weeks, full time (minimum five days per week). > Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, zoology, environmental science, animal behavior or a related field. > Previous field experience with marine wildlife and observation is highly recommended but not required. > Ability to work in a team environment. Cannot stress this enough. You will be trained to be a leader of an operation with people of differing experience and dedication. > Be enthusiastic and possess a caring, positive attitude, with a strong desire to learn. > Be adaptable and patient. The migration is characterized by pulses rather than a steady stream; and weather is the unknown factor: wind, rain, and fog can shut us down. > We strive for a perfection that cannot be attained. We are forgiving and learn from experience. This is a volunteer position. The selected RAs will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Santa Barbara/Goleta, California and daily to the survey site. Recognizing that living costs are high in this area, Gray Whales Count will award a $500 stipend to assist each RA with expenses upon successful completion of the RA position. RAs will be responsible for all for living expenses while volunteering for Gray Whales Count. To apply: Please send cover letter/resume to Project Coordinator, Michael Smith michael(a)graywhalescount.org <mailto:michael@graywhalescount.org>. We strongly recommend you look over our website: graywhalescount.org <http://www.graywhalescount.org/GWC/The_Count/The_Count.html> to familiarize yourself with our operation. In the cover letter, please address why you wish to participate in Gray Whales Count and what you hope to achieve in your experience. There is no deadline to apply. The position will remain open until it is filled. Please consider applying early in order to arrange travel plans and to secure room and board. Michael H Smith, Project Coordinator Gray Whales Count <http://www.graywhalescount.org/GWC/The_Count/The_Count.html> nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation for research and education 1 Fellowship Circle Santa Barbara, CA 93109 USA (805) 698-3505 mobile New Phone Number michael(a)GrayWhalesCount.org <mailto:michael@GrayWhalesCount.org> project-collaborators include: Cascadia Research Collective, Olympia, Washington <http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/index.htm> Journey North, Norwich, Vermont <http://www.learner.org/jnorth/gwhale/index.html> NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla <http://swfsc.noaa.gov/mmtd/> Scripps Whale Acoustic Lab, SIO / UCSD, La Jolla <http://cetus.ucsd.edu/> UCSB's Coal Oil Point Reserve, Goleta <http://coaloilpoint.ucnrs.org/>

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Two New Short GIS Courses For Biologists From GIS In Ecology
by Colin D. MacLeod 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

GIS In Ecology will be offering two new short GIS courses for biologists in February 2015. These courses will be held in Glasgow in Scotland, and will be taught by Dr. Colin D. MacLeod, a biological researcher with more than 15 years experience in using GIS. Each course will run for two days, with the second course being held directly after the first to make it logistically easier for those wanting to do both courses. These courses are: 1. An Introduction To Investigating The Home Ranges Of Individual Animals (9 – 10 February 2015): This course will provide an introduction to investigating the home ranges of individual animals using a GIS-based approach. It will cover how to create a minimum convex polygon (MCP), how to create a kernel density estimate (KDE) in environments with and without barriers to movements, how to create 50 and 95% percentage volume contours PVCs) and how to select an appropriate bandwidth/h value. This course is aimed at anyone who wishes to use GIS to study the home ranges of animals in either the terrestrial or aquatic environments, even if they have little or no existing knowledge of GIS. It will primarily use ArcGIS software, but it will also cover the use of ArcMET and Geospatial Modelling Environment (GME) for home range analyses. Duration: 2 days. Cost: £295 (£200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). Places will be limited to a maximum of 14 people and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. For more information on this course, visit www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Home_Range_February_2015.htm or email info(a)GISinEcology.com. Places can also be booked through this email address. 2. An Introduction To Creating Custom GIS Tools For Biological Research (11 – 12 February 2015): This course will provide an introduction to the creation of custom GIS tools for use in all areas of biological research. Creating custom GIS tools for biological research allows you not only to automate frequently repeated tasks (saving time and reducing the risk of accidental processing errors), but it also allows non-GIS specialists to process and analyse data using standard protocols in a GIS-based environment by running a single easy-to-use tool. This means that creating custom GIS tool provides an effective way of expanding the pool of individuals within a research group or organisation who can carry out specific and complex GIS tasks. The course will consist of background session which will explain the principles of creating your own custom GIS tools, as well as practical exercises in which a number of example tools will be built and tested. There will also be the option of building your own custom tool to automate a task of your choice. This course assumes that you have at least a basic knowledge of GIS and is not aimed at complete beginners. It will use the ModelBuilder module of ESRI’s ArcGIS sofware to show how biologists can create custom GIS tools for use in their research. Duration: 2 days. Cost: £295 (£200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). Places will be limited to a maximum of 14 people and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. For more information on this course, visit www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Custom_GIS_Tools_February_2015.htm or email info(a)GISinEcology.com. Places can also be booked through this email address. --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com

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New publication on static acoustic monitoring of dolphins and porpoises (C-PODs/T-PODs)
by Marta Sostres 30 Nov '14

30 Nov '14

Dear all, I am happy to announce the publication of the following article: Marta Sostres Alonso & Hanna K. Nuuttila (2014):* Detection rates of **wild harbour porpoises and bottlenose dolphins using static acoustic click loggers vary with **depth,* Bioacoustics: The International Journal of Animal Sound and its Recording. Available at: *http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09524622.2014.980319#.VHsEjzGG-So <http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09524622.2014.980319#.VHsEjzGG-…>* Please, do not hesitate to contact me for a free copy or for any further questions. Best regards, Marta Sostres.

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Aquatic Mammals 40.4 available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 29 Nov '14

29 Nov '14

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 40, issue 4, 2014) of Aquatic Mammals. The online issue is now available at this link: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=cate…. Volume 40 represents the 40th anniversary for Aquatic Mammals! For individuals with a print subscription, the joint hard copy of 40.3/40.4 will be mailed in December. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume:http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Please do not contact the listserve editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Links to a purchase page for each article are also included below. Please see list below for Volume 40, issue 4 contents. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com ******* Lonneke L. IJsseldijk, Jaap Steenbergen, Andrea Gröne, Sjoukje Hiemstra, Marja J. L. Kik, and Lineke Begeman. 2014. Short Note: Apparent Emergence of Bow-Caught Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) Found in the Netherlands. Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 317-320. Ophélie Sagnol and Femke Reitsma. 2014. A Spatio-Temporal Model to Track Individuals from a Shore-Based Station: A Case Study for Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus) Off Kaikoura, New Zealand. Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 321-328. Fernando Félix and Héctor M. Guzmán. 2014. Satellite Tracking and Sighting Data Analyses of Southeast Pacific Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae): Is the Migratory Route Coastal or Oceanic? Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 329-340. Wu Fuxing, Wang Xianyan, Ding Xiaohui, Miao Xing, and Zhu Qian. 2014. Distribution Pattern of Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) along Coastal Waters of Fujian Province, China. Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 341-349. Elizabeth M. George and Michael Noonan. 2014. Respiration Rates in Captive Beluga Whales (Delphinapterus leucas): Effects of Season, Sex, Age, and Body Size.Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 350-356. Christian D. Ortega-Ortiz, Fernando R. Elorriaga-Verplancken, Silvia A. Arroyo-Salazar, Reyna X. García-Valencia, Ariadna E. Juárez-Ruiz, Norma A. Figueroa-Soltero, et al. 2014. Short Note: Foraging Behavior of the Rough-Toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis) in Coastal Waters of the Mexican Central Pacific. Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 357-363. Fernando R. Elorriaga-Verplancken, Matthew J. Tennis, and Robin F. Brown. 2014. Short Note: Unprecedented Resighting in Mexico of a Male California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) from Oregon During the 2014 Breeding Season. Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 364-367. Lauren E. Dares, Jordan M. Hoffman, Shih Chu Yang, and John Y. Wang. 2014. Short Note: Habitat Characteristics of the Critically Endangered Taiwanese Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) of the Eastern Taiwan Strait. Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 368-374. Eduardo Morteo, Axayácatl Rocha-Olivares, and Luis G. Abarca-Arenas. 2014. Sexual Segregation of Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 375-385. Christian D. Ortega-Ortiz, Fernando R. Elorriaga-Verplancken, Aramis Olivos-Ortiz, Marco A. Liñán-Cabello, and Manuel H. Vargas-Bravo. 2014. Insights into the Feeding Habits of False Killer Whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in the Mexican Central Pacific. Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 386-393. Lonneke L. IJsseldijk, Andrea Gröne, Sjoukje Hiemstra, Jeroen Hoekendijk, and Lineke Begeman . 2014. Short Note: A Record of Twin Fetuses in a Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) Stranded on the Dutch Coast. Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 394-397. Ranil P. Nanayakkara, Tharaka Kusuminda, and Thomas A. Jefferson. 2014. Can the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea) Survive in Sri Lanka? Occurrence of a Relict Population in Puttalam Lagoon. Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 398-406. Ewa I. Borowska, Zuzanna Nowak, Cornelis van Elk, and Magnus Wahlberg. 2014. Short Note: Determining Genotypes from Blowhole Exhalation Samples of Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 407-411. Teresa M. Garcia, Todd L. Green, Michael A. De Miranda, Jr., Linnea E. Pearson, Lauren M. Cuevas, Ashley M. Larson et al. 2014. Consideration of Diet Was Necessary for the Successful Isolation and Culture of Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) Myoblasts. Aquatic Mammals 40(4): 412-422.

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Fin whale Research Assistant Program (Barcelona - Spain)
by Edmaktub 29 Nov '14

29 Nov '14

Name and Affiliation: Edmaktub Association MESSAGE: EDMAKTUB ASSOCIATION <http://www.edmaktub.com/> 7-Day Fin whale Research Assistant Program | Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona (SPAIN) Want to be part of a pioneer research project to study fin whales’ remarkable presence near Barcelona’s coast? Interested in joining a scientific campaign while you enjoy seeing many other cetacean species and seabirds in Mediterranean waters? We are seeking volunteers to assist in next year’s research campaign in the catalan coast, between Barcelona and Tarragona (NW Mediterranean basin), which will take place from mid-February to mid-June 2015, to study fin whales’ use of Catalan waters in the are of Garraf (central-south Catalonia) as a potential feeding station during their migrations across the Mediterranean Sea. This is the first dedicated study that has ever been conducted in this area, which includes the use of new non-invasive techniques such as drones (used to obtain blow samples for genetic studies). Last season we already had 62 fin whale sightings and 48 individuals photo-identified. We invite you to join EDMAKTUB <http://www.edmaktub.com/>’s research team for 7 days to participate in our ongoing research. Volunteers will have the chance to enjoy the high marine biodiversity found in the area, including: bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus); many seabird species, some of which are endangered such as the Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), Mediterranean shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan), Cory's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica), and Northern gannet (Morus bassanus); different fish species (such as sunfish, manta ray and blue-fin tuna); many invertebrates; and sometimes even Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta)! FIN WHALE PROJECT <http://www.edmaktub.com/150-2/> Our research campaigns focus on the monitoring of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), the second largest species on earth and the only regular whale in the Mediterranean, presence in Catalan waters (NW Mediterranean basin) using visual vessel-based surveys. We offer the opportunity to learn about marine species and habitats in the study area; gain experience in field work and monitoring techniques (including non-invasive techniques such as the use of drones to obtain blow samples for genetic studies and the use of hydrophones for passive acoustic studies), data processing and analysis. Assistants will also be able to listen to vocalisations recorded in the field and help in the processing of photos taken from sightings. During their free time and when weather conditions are unfavourable for boat surveys, volunteers will be able to visit Barcelona and enjoy its vibrant cultural offer, as well as to enjoy a huge variety of wildlife while doing some trekking and nature expeditions in Garraf’s Natural Park (beautiful location where we’re based). The campaign period will be divided into one-week sessions. A maximum of 6 assistants will be able to join each session, and priority will be given to volunteers who can join more than one session. We welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students who require field work support and office space to conduct their research projects (please contact us by email to discuss project ideas). No previous experience, nor specific knowledge, is required as EDMAKTUB staff will provide all the necessary information and training. Volunteering with EDMAKTUB you will learn about the rich marine fauna found in the Garraf area and cetaceans’ census techniques while you enjoy full-day survey trips on our catamaran along the Catalan coast. Data collected by volunteers during the surveys will contribute to our long running research studies on fin whales habitat usage, abundance, photo-identification, feeding behaviour and acoustic studies. We offer a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and also meet new people who share your interests! Here <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUjpZWQZzlk>you will find a short video describing our ‘Fin whale Project’. Additionally, we also offer you the opportunity to join us on our BCNCET one-week summer campaigns (June-September 2015) in which we study the presence and distribution of all cetacean species found in the Balearic Sea, between Barcelona and the Balearic Islands. EDMAKTUB <http://www.edmaktub.com> is a non-profit organization that relies on its volunteers’ and collaborators’ donations to cover the costs and support the work of the project. Volunteers are an essential part of the association and play a vital role in our work. Join us in this unforgettable experience which will allow you to stay in direct contact with the marine environment and its fascinating inhabitants! If you are interested and would like more information on dates and prices, please contact us on info(a)edmaktub.com EDMAKTUB Association: for the study and disclosure of the marine environment www.edmaktub.com Facebook: Edmaktub <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Edmaktub/130721510320401>

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New paper on DDE on Delphinus capensis
by Gallo, Juan Pablo Gallo 28 Nov '14

28 Nov '14

Dear MARMAM colleagues We are pleased to announce that the following paper has been published online: Gallo-Reynoso JP, TB Malek, J García-Hernández, L Vázquez-Moreno, I Segura-García. 2014. Concentrations of DDE in blubber biopsies of free-ranging long-beaked common dolphins (*Delphinus capensis*) in the Gulf of California. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. DOI 10.1007/s00128-014-1414-3 Abstract Long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) in the Gulf of California have been exposed to persistent contaminants that originated in large agricultural areas near the coast. Live common dolphins were sampled by remote dart biopsies to determine concentrations of tDDT in blubber. Life stage and initial gender identification was determined by field observations. Gender was confirmed by genetic analysis of the skin. Concentration of tDDT in blubber was analyzed by gas chromatography. The 16 samples collected consisted of: 2 adult males, 6 adult females, and 8 juveniles. 4,40-DDE was detected in most of the samples with 4,40-DDD and 4,40-DDT under detection levels. Concentrations of DDE varied from nondetectable to 87.3 lg/g lipid weight with a median of 16 lg/g lipid weight. The highest concentration was detected in an immature female. No differences were detected between gender or life stage but this could be attributed to small sample size. We recommend continued sampling of D. capensis blubber biopsies from the Gulf of California in order to relate these levels with affected in vitro biomarkers such as mixed function oxidase activity. Keywords: 4,40-DDT; Common Dolphins; Delphinus capensis; Gulf of California To acces to this paper you should dowload it from the Journals web site. DOI 10.1007/s00128-014-1414-3 Please be free to contact me for any question regarding our work. With kind regards. -- Dr. Juan Pablo Gallo Reynoso Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C., Unidad Guaymas Carretera a Varadero Nacional km 6.6 Col. Las Playitas, Guaymas, Sonora C.P. 85480, México Teléfono: +52 (622) 225 28 24 http://www.ciad.mx/guaymas/nutrias/INDEX.HTM https://www.researchgate.net/profile/JP_Gallo-Reynoso/?ev=hdr_xprf

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