November 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

REGISTRATION DEADLINE for the UK Regional Student Chapter for the Society for Marine Mammology Conference - Bangor University
by UK Regional Student Chapter for the Society of Marine Mammals 24 Nov '14

24 Nov '14

Dear all, Only 2 weeks to go until the registration deadline for the UK Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy Conference at Bangor University from the 21st to 23rd of January 2015! An icebreaker will be held on the evening of the 21st of January. We encourage all students registered in Universities across the UK and Ireland that are interested in marine mammal research to attend. The atmosphere of the conference is relatively informal, giving students a platform to discuss their research with other students. Postgraduate students are invited to submit abstracts for oral presentations and posters. For planning purposes, we have divided presentations into 5-minute speedtalk and 15 minute slots. We encourage new postgraduate students to talk about their future research plans using the 5-minute slots and for those further along in their studies to present for 15 minutes. Undergraduates with an interest in the field are also welcome to attend. Our guest speakers this year are Dr Peter Evans (SeaWatch), Dr. Ceri Morris (Natural Resources Wales) and Dr. Line Cordes (University of Bangor). Two workshops will be held as part of the conference by Gemma Veneruso (SEACAMS) and Joseph Onofriou (SMRU). The final deadline for presentation / poster abstracts (max 300 words) will be the 5th of December 2014. Registration forms can be downloaded from our website http://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/ukrsc/. There is no registration fee and you don’t need to be an existing member of the Chapter. You can register for the Chapter at the same time as registering for the conference. Please submit your registration form by e-mail attachment to ukrsc(a)st-andrews.ac.uk. Best wishes, The committee of the UK Regional Student Chapter for the Society for Marine Mammalogy.

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JMBA-ECS special issue - Final call
by Andrew Wright 22 Nov '14

22 Nov '14

Hi all, Apologies for cross-posting. A final reminder that submissions for the next JMBA special issue are due 12th December, 2014. Like the 2014 conference, the theme is "Marine mammals as sentinels of a changing environment." While we particularly encourage submissions following up on presentations made at the conference, any papers covering marine mammal science are welcome. Please submit directly with JMBA at: http://www.mba.ac.uk/jmba/. If you have something suitable, but are unlikely to be able to meet the deadline, please send me an email. Some limited allowances may be possible in some cases. Many thanks and best regards, Andrew -- Andrew Wright, Ph.D. ECS Editor

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New paper on noise exposure criteria for porpoises
by Jakob Tougaard 22 Nov '14

22 Nov '14

I'm happy to announce that the following paper is now available as online-early from Marine Pollution Bulletin (open access). Cetacean noise criteria revisited in the light of proposed exposure limits for harbour porpoises by Jakob Tougaard, Andrew J. Wright and Peter T. Madsen. Abstract The impact of underwater noise on marine life calls for identification of exposure criteria to inform mitigation. Here we review recent experimental evidence with focus on the high-frequency cetaceans and discuss scientifically-based initial exposure criteria. A range of new TTS experiments suggest that harbour and finless porpoises are more sensitive to sound than expected from extrapolations based on results from bottlenose dolphins. Furthermore, the results from TTS experiments and field studies of behavioural reactions to noise, suggest that response thresholds and TTS critically depend on stimulus frequency. Sound exposure levels for pure tones that induce TTS are reasonably consistent at about 100 dB above the hearing threshold for pure tones and sound pressure thresholds for avoidance reactions are in the range of 40-50 dB above the hearing threshold. We propose that frequency weighting with a filter function approximating the inversed audiogram might be appropriate when assessing impact. Highlights * The current acoustic exposure criteria for marine mammals are in need of revision. * Severity of behavioural responses does not correlate well with long term consequences for animals. * Review of TTS experiments on porpoises suggests that inverse audiogram weighting is appropriate. * Thresholds for acoustic avoidance behaviour in porpoises are also correlated with audibility. * Thresholds can be normalised as rms sound pressure levels averaged over 125 ms. The text is open access and can be downloaded from this link: doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.10.051<http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.10.051> Best regards Jakob (jat(a)bios.au.dk) [BIAS signature2]

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Study Abroad Bimini, The Bahamas - Application Deadline Dec. 15
by Yeater, Prof. Deirdre M. 21 Nov '14

21 Nov '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 2015: May 26 - June 8, 2015 *** Only a few spots are left in this program! Please apply before December 15, 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 December 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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New publication on trends in cetacean density off southern California
by Gregory Campbell 20 Nov '14

20 Nov '14

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the following publication: Campbell, G.S., Thomas, L., Whitacker, K., Douglas, A.B., Calambokidis, J. and J.A. Hildebrand. 2014. Inter-annual and seasonal trends in cetacean distribution, density and abundance off southern California. Deep Sea Research II: Topical Studies in Oceanography. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2014.10.008. ABSTRACT Trends in cetacean density and distribution off southern California were assessed through visual line-transect surveys during thirty-seven California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) cruises from July 2004-November 2013. From sightings of the six most commonly encountered cetacean species, seasonal, annual and overall density estimates were calculated. Blue whales (*Balaenoptera musculus*), fin whales (*Balaenoptera physalus*) and humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) were the most frequently sighted baleen whales with overall densities of 0.91/1000 km2 (CV=0.27), 2.73/1000 km2 (CV=0.19), and 1.17/1000 km2 (CV=0.21) respectively. Species specific density estimates, stratified by cruise, were analyzed using a Generalized Additive Model to estimate long-term trends and correct for seasonal imbalances. Variances were estimated using a non-parametric bootstrap with one day of effort as the sampling unit. Blue whales were primarily observed during summer and fall while fin and humpback whales were observed year-round with peaks in density during summer and spring respectively. Short-beaked common dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*), Pacific white-sided dolphins (*Lagenorhynchus obliquidens*) and Dall’s porpoise (*Phocoenoides dalli*) were the most frequently encountered small cetaceans with overall densities of 705.83/1000 km2 (CV=0.22), 51.98/1000 km2 (CV=0.27), and 21.37/1000 km2 (CV=0.19) respectively. Seasonally, short-beaked common dolphins were most abundant in winter whereas Pacific white-sided dolphins and Dall’s porpoise were most abundant during spring. There were no significant long-term changes in blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale, short-beaked common dolphin or Dall’s porpoise densities while Pacific white-sided dolphins exhibited a significant decrease in density across the ten-year study. The results from this study were fundamentally consistent with earlier studies, but provide greater temporal and seasonal resolution. The full-text open access .pdf of the paper can be downloaded at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967064514002690 or contact me via email at tursiops44(a)tamu.edu for a copy. Cheers, Greg Campbell -- Greg Campbell Marine Mammal Behavioral Ecology Group Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University Galveston tursiops44(a)tamu.edu http://www.tamug.edu/mmbeg/

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Announcment of OCEANNOISE2015
by Peter Sigray 20 Nov '14

20 Nov '14

Dear colleagues, With great pleasure we announce that OCEANOISE2015 will held be next year in Vilanova i la Geltrú (Barcelona, Spain) from 11-15 May 2015. The growing scientific and societal concern about the effects of underwater sound on marine ecosystems has been recently recognized through the introduction of several international initiatives aiming at measuring ocean noise at large spatial and temporal scales. This will be a "conference with a difference", as it aims at maximising the dissemination of new science. OCEANOISE2015 novel format will favour a dynamic exchange of the latest findings in the field of ocean noise in order to assist in providing ocean users with the best scientific knowledge and technical solutions to address operational and environmental issues. OCEANOISE2015 will bring together international leading experts in noise measurement, modeling and mapping, physiological and behavioural effects as well as regulation and mitigation procedures. The strong opportunities for good interaction and tangible impacts after the conference make this an ideal occasion to showcase your research in the field of ocean noise as well as highlight priority topics to the international community and stakeholders. On behalf of OCEANOISE2015 Science Committee, wehave the pleasure to invite you to submit abstracts at www.oceanoise2015.com<http://www.oceanoise2015.com> before January15, 2015. With acoustically sound regards, Michel André & Peter Sigray OCEANOISE2015 Chairs Dr. Michel André Laboratori d'Aplicacions Bioacústiques Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) michel.andre(a)upc.edu<mailto:michel.andre@upc.edu>, http://www.lab.upc.es Centre Tecnològic de Vilanova i la Geltrú Avda. Rambla Exposició, s/n 08800 Vilanova i la Geltrú Barcelona, Espanya tel: +34 - 93 896 7299/ 7200 fax: +34 - 93 896 7201

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Bottlenose dolphin research volunteer opportunity 2015, Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, UK
by CBMWC 20 Nov '14

20 Nov '14

WTSWW_high_res_logoCBMWC logo without boarderCardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre New Quay Wales www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> Bottlenose dolphin research volunteers Dedicated to conserving Cardigan Bays marine wildlife through education and research Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) is recruiting volunteers for the 2015 season (March to November) to collect data on the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay and to help run our visitor centre, educational and awareness raising activities. About CBMWC The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is based in New Quay, west Wales, UK and is the marine wing of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Since 1996 we have been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through education and research. Using boat-based and land-based surveys, photo-ID and acoustic studies we monitor bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the wider Irish Sea. We also run a busy visitor centre as well as an education and activity room which offers marine educational and awareness raising activities for families with young children. Position description Seasonal volunteers are required for specific periods from 23rd March through to 2nd November 2015 to help with our ongoing research, education and awareness-raising programmes concerning the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay. As CBMWC is run almost entirely by volunteers, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and meet new people who share your interests. You will learn about the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay, gain experience in field work, research methods, data processing, public awareness and education programmes. The data you collect will contribute to long running research studies on bottlenose dolphin site usage, abundance, photo-identification and acoustic studies. There may also be additional opportunities to gain experience in boat handling and seamanship skills. Responsibilities/duties will include (but are not limited to): · Visitor centre operation, including dealing with enquiries and taking boat bookings · Land-based surveys in conjunction with Ceredigion County Council · Boat-based surveys* · Educational and awareness raising activities with children and the general public · Data entry and checking · Updating daily sightings information · Beach cleans · Aquarium maintenance · Cleaning and general upkeep of CBMWC premises * Boat surveys are weather dependent and volunteers take turns to join trips to act as onboard researcher. During times of bad weather, you will spend more time carrying out shore-based activities. Important: You may be expected to work up to 8 hours a day, six days a week. Some training and activities may take place outside of normal office hours. Field work can involve long periods outdoors and in inclement weather. All volunteers are expected to contribute to all CBMWC activities, tasks and field work and to attend all training sessions provided. Person specification: Essential skills · Positive, reliable, responsible, conscientious and mature attitude · Ability to work and live closely with others as part of a small team · Strong work ethic with an ability to work unsupervised · Adaptable and patient (particularly as boat work is weather dependent) · Confident in dealing with the public both face to face and over the telephone · Fluency in English · Willing to ask for help if unsure and admit mistakes Desirable skills · Interest and/or experience of working with children in environmental education · Research and surveying experience · IT skills, including Microsoft Office and GIS · Interest and or/experience in salt water aquaria Please note that enthusiasm for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since full training is provided. Student projects We welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students who require field work support including boat time and office space to conduct their research projects. Please note that we do not have a list of specific project ideas but if you have a project idea in mind, please contact us to discuss whether your ideas are feasible. Time commitment Volunteer positions are available from 23rd March until 2nd November 2015 for five separate blocks ranging from 4 to 9 weeks. You must be able to commit to an entire block and priority will be given to volunteers who are able to commit to more than one block. Applications are encouraged from volunteers who would like to join the team for the entire season and would like gain additional experience in photo-ID analysis, environmental education and volunteer training and coordination. Volunteers living locally who are available on a part-time basis are welcome year round and are greatly appreciated. 2015 volunteering dates · Block A: 23/03/2015-19/04/2015 (4 weeks) · Block B: 20/04/2015-17/05/2015 (4 weeks) · Block C: 18/05/2015-05/07/2015 (7 weeks) · Block D: 06/07/2015-06/09/2015 (9 weeks) · Block E: 07/09/2015-02/11/2015 (8 weeks) Volunteer fee An administration fee of £45 will be required from all successful applicants. Accommodation and expense arrangements Shared accommodation in a comfortable and fully equipped house will be arranged for successful volunteers (where required) at a cost of £55 per week, including fuel bills. Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs. Due to payment arrangements with the house owners, accommodation costs are required in advance to cover the cost of each block so before applying please ensure that you can cover this and all other expenses. How to apply Download a seasonal volunteer application form from our website www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/ and email it along with a CV and covering letter (no more than one side of A4) outlining how you meet the personal specification and your motivations for applying to volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with Volunteer application 2015 in your subject line. Incomplete applications will not be assessed so please make sure you complete the form fully, including availability and be sure to attach your CV and covering letter. The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 25th January 2015 For further information Visit www.cbmwc.org/ If you have any questions please email volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Laura on +44 (0)1545 560224. Laura Mears Project Officer Support our research - adopt a Cardigan Bay dolphin <http://www.cbmwc.org/support-us/adopt-a-cardigan-bay-dolphin/> with the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Raise money for CBMWC with each internet search you do - it doesn't cost you a penny <http://sites.affilyon.co.uk/CBMWC> http://sites.affilyon.co.uk/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS Wales, UK Ffon/Phone: 01545 560 224 E-bost/Email: <mailto:info@cbmwc.org> info(a)cbmwc.org Website: <http://www.cbmwc.org> www.cbmwc.org For all the latest news and sightings information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter and become a fan of our Facebook page <http://www.cbmwc.org> www.cbmwc.org <http://twitter.com/CBMWC> http://twitter.com/CBMWC <http://facebook.com/CBMWC> http://facebook.com/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is supported by the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group, a marine interest group of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Helping to conserve Cardigan Bay's marine wildlife through education and research Helpu I warchod bywyd gwyllt morol Bae Ceredigion drwy addysg ac ymchwil ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- The contents of this email are confidential and are soley for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this email in error please delete it and notify us either by email or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the contents of this email.

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Marine Mamma Photo ID internship
by Kera Mathes 19 Nov '14

19 Nov '14

The Aquarium of the Pacific seeks college interns to assist the Boats Coordinator on collecting opportunistic data and photos of cetaceans during our daily whale watching cruises, as well as interpreting data to guests at the Aquarium. Other projects include assisting with data and photo processing for our new whale app. Commitment: 20 hours/week for 16 weeks starting in January Responsibilities include, but are not limited to * Taking dorsal fin photos of animals encountered during daily cruises * Maintain detailed data logs of sightings and enter them into ACCESS databases * Answer questions and interpret for guests on board. * Photo processing and IDing individual whales and dolphins seen during daily trips * Create a project to display to Aquarium guests using whale data QUALIFICATIONS * Must be 18 or over * Major/ed in biology, marine biology, or conservation a plus * Lift a maximum of 50 lbs KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS * Each applicant must have a broad knowledge of ecological and biological principles, especially those relating to marine habitats, * Ability to spend many hours standing especially on a boat * Experience working with digital SLR camera's a plus but not required * Experience in data entry, preferably with Microsoft Access * Comfortable speaking in front of large groups * Have excellent oral and written communication skills * Be able to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and work with a diverse group of people. Please apply at http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/volunteer/college_internships/marine_mamma… Deadlines for application submission is November 30, 2014. Kera Mathes Education Specialist Aquarium of the Pacific (562) 951-1651<tel:%28562%29%20951-1651> KMathes(a)lbaop.org<mailto:KMathes@lbaop.org>

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Interspecies Interaction Info Needed
by Brittany Knowles 19 Nov '14

19 Nov '14

Hello! I would like to share this with the MARMAM community to help with my current research, "Social interaction between marine mammals and documentation of examples from Belize between the bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) and the Antillean manatee (*Trichechus manatus manatus*)". Thanks! ________________________________________________________ My name is Brittany Knowles and I am a graduate student at Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center in southern Florida, working on my Master of Science degree in Marine Biology. Dr. Caryn Self-Sullivan, who is my major adviser, gave me your contact as I am working on my capstone research. My focus is on interspecific interaction in marine mammals and specifically on social behavior between bottlenose dolphin and Antillean manatee in shared habitats. Although this is a capstone and not a thesis requiring research, I am including previously unpublished data from observations documented by Dr. Caryn Self-Sullivan, Eric Ramos, Nataly Castelblanco-Martinez Barbara Bilgre, Nicole Auil, Sarita Kendall and other researchers during manatee-dolphin field-research projects. In Belize observations appeared to be incidental (two or more animals from different species in the same location), but about 20% were interpreted as intentional (repeated physical contact or following behavior) with interactions lasting from minutes to hours. I am writing to you to ask you to assist me with my capstone research. I am seeking additional observations to create a stronger capstone, hopefully suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal after I defend. I have designed the simple survey to enhance my capstone and provide some information for analysis (link found below). I am interested in information on any interspecific interactions between marine mammals that you have observed. Additionally, if you feel your experience needs more explanation, please feel free to write it to me as a reply so I can fully understand your experience. Also, am also seeking photos, audio or video you may wish to share. Should I use your information, I will ask you permission to include any detailed description in my capstone, I will cite your observations as a "personal communication". Nothing will be used in a future publication without your explicit permission in writing. Please complete the survey and relay any information you are willing to share to improve the “oomph” of my paper. *If you write anything in the “Additional Notes” section, please identify yourself with your name so I know whom to contact for personal communication citing after your permission for use*. Thank you for your time and I am looking forward to hearing from you! http:// fluidsurveys.com/surveys/brittany-MX9/sirenia-cetacea-interaction-survey-2/ Cheers, Brittany -- Brittany K. Knowles * Graduate Student* Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center 8000 North Ocean Drive Dania Beach, FL 33004 bknowles910(a)gmail.com bk416(a)nova.edu (609) 709-1390

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New publication on grey seals using acoustic tags to locate fish
by Amanda Stansbury 19 Nov '14

19 Nov '14

We are pleased to announce the online publication of our most recent paper: "Grey seals use anthropogenic signals from acoustic tags to locate fish: evidence from a simulated foraging task" by Amanda L Stansbury, Thomas Gotz, Volker B. Deecke, and Vincent M. Janik in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The paper is freely available open access from: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/282/1798/20141595 ABSTRACT: Anthropogenic noise can have negative effects on animal behaviour and physiology. However, noise is often introduced systematically and potentially provides information for navigation or prey detection. Here, we show that grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) learn to use sounds from acoustic fish tags as an indicator of food location. In 20 randomized trials each, 10 grey seals individually explored 20 foraging boxes, with one box containing a tagged fish, one containing an untagged fish and all other boxes being empty. The tagged box was found after significantly fewer non-tag box visits across trials, and seals revisited boxes containing the tag more often than any other box. The time and number of boxes needed to find both fish decreased significantly throughout consecutive trials. Two additional controls were conducted to investigate the role of the acoustic signal: (i) tags were placed in one box, with no fish present in any boxes and (ii) additional pieces of fish, inaccessible to the seal, were placed in the previously empty 18 boxes, making possible alternative chemosensory cues less reliable. During these controls, the acoustically tagged box was generally found significantly faster than the control box. Our results show that animals learn to use information provided by anthropogenic signals to enhance foraging success. Best, Amanda Stansbury PhD Candidate Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St. Andrews East Sands Scotland KY16 9LB

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