November 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Position notification: Project Coordinator for the GEF Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project, Abu Dhabi, UAE
by Alexandra Andrist 18 Nov '14

18 Nov '14

TITLE: Project Coordinator LOCATION: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates DURATION: Full time project-based position for 4 years SALARY: US $80,000 (per annum, tax-free, all inclusive, depending on experience) CLOSING DATE FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: 12 December 2014 The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MbZSCF), in collaboration with the CMS Dugong MoU Secretariat, will receive funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for an exciting and ambitious international project on the conservation of dugongs and their seagrass habitats. The Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project aims to enhance the conservation of dugongs and the seagrass ecosystems which support them in eight countries in the Indo-Pacific region, namely Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste and Vanuatu. We are seeking a Project Coordinator to lead a Project Coordination Team (PCT) responsible for supporting Project Partners to implement the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project at the national level. The PCT consists of a Project Coordinator, Regional Manager (based in Malaysia), Project Associate, Communications Manager and Financial Manager. The successful candidate will be an energetic, dynamic, resourceful and experienced conservation practitioner with experience of managing GEF - UNEP projects and associated reporting requirements, or the proven potential to do so. We are keen to receive applications from passionate people who will take full advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to make a difference to dugongs, their habitats and the livelihoods of the people who interact with them, by supporting community led actions for marine conservation in the Indo-Pacific region. The Project Coordinator will be based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and be hosted by the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund: Residence and Terms of Employment will be subject to the rules and procedures of Abu Dhabi government agencies. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for all aspects of project management and coordination including provision of technical support to eight National Facilitators, and 24 Project Partners to implement 40 projects (32 field projects and eight National Facilitating Committees) across eight countries. The role may require travel. The Project Coordinator will ensure in-country and global activities are aligned with GEF (Global Environment Facility), UNEP (GEF Implementing Agency), the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), and other relevant international processes focusing on conservation and management of dugongs and their seagrass habitats. Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should send an expression of interest comprised of a cover letter (maximum of 2 pages) which clearly states their qualifications, skills and experience in support of their application and their CV (with full address, telephone and e-mail contact details of three professional and/or academic referees), to the CMS, Abu Dhabi Office, cmsoffice.ae(a)cms.int<mailto:cmsoffice.ae@cms.int> Please include the reference "Project Coordinator EoI" in the subject line. Please note that only candidates advancing to further consideration in the recruitment process will be contacted for follow up. If you have not been contacted six (6) weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. This is a re-advertised position. Those candidates who have previously applied for this position need not reapply. The closing date for Expression of Interests is 12 December 2014. Job Description Project: Enhancing the Conservation Effectiveness of Seagrass Ecosystems Supporting Globally Significant Populations of Dugongs Across the Indian and Pacific Ocean Basins (Short title: The Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project) Post title: Project Coordinator..................................................................................... Duration: 4 years................................................................................................. Start Date Required: 1 March 2015................................................................................ Duty station: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates ........................................................... Background The Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project will use GEF funding to enhance the conservation of the dugong (Dugong dugon) and its associated seagrass ecosystems in eight countries in the Indo-Pacific region, namely Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Timor Leste and Vanuatu. The Project Coordinator will be hosted by the Project Executing Agency (Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, MbZSCF) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to lead a Project Coordination Team (PCT). The Project Coordinator will be responsible for all aspects of project management and coordination including provision of technical support, and will work in close collaboration with the National Facilitators (NFs), a Regional Manager (Asia) and 32 Project Partners to implement 40 projects across eight countries. The role will require frequent travel. The Project Coordinator will ensure in-country and global activities are aligned and synergistic with ongoing frameworks and resolutions of the GEF (Global Environment Facility), UNEP (GEF Implementing Agency), the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), and other relevant international processes focusing on conservation and management of dugongs and their seagrass habitats. Expected Outcomes and Deliverables The Project Coordinator's main duties and responsibilities are to: * Act as the main point of contact for UNEP (the Implementing Agency) * Establish the PCT, including staff recruitment * Supervise and coordinate all aspects of the day-to-day work of the PCT and Project Partners as necessary * Coordinate and put systems in place for all aspects of Project implementation to streamline administrative, financial and technical requirements and support efficient project implementation, timely and consistent technical and financial reporting to the PCT from all Project Partners and sub-contractors, for all 40 projects * Prepare periodical consolidated progress reports and annual Programme Implementation Reports (PIRs) for UNEP and the GEF * Select experts and consultants as necessary for the Project * Receive and execute guidance received from the Executive Project Steering Committee (EPSC) * Work and communicate regularly with National Facilitators and National Facilitating Committees to resolve any Project issues * Coordinate resources (including technical support) for Project Partners * Provide technical and administrative support to the Project Partners * Act as the Project focal point for interaction with UNEP * Liaise regularly with supporting organisations as necessary, including the CMS Dugong MoU Secretariat * Provide secretariat support to the EPSC, including organisation, communication and preparation of all meeting documentation * Support the Chair of the EPSC * Provide strategic guidance to the EPSC * Liaise, consult and network with national and regional partner agencies * Establish an effective outreach and engagement strategy, including training and communication activities, promotion of Project visibility and effective collection of documentation and dissemination of Project results and lessons learned * Actively promote the Project and its components in all relevant media and fora * Coordinate the implementation of the project Monitoring and Evaluation plan, as outlined in the Project Document * Perform any other duty relevant to the assignment Reporting structure The Project Coordinator will report to the Director General of MbZSCF on a day-to-day basis and provide project reports (progress reports, financial reports, etc.) to the GEF Implementing Agency (UNEP). Qualifications Education * Postgraduate degree (Masters or PhD) in environmental management, environmental sciences, natural resources management, biodiversity conservation, or a related field Required Skills * Strong leadership, negotiation and communication skills * Solid background in project management including finance * Sensitive to different cultural backgrounds * Aware of and sensitive to government and civil society interactions/politics * Attention to detail and strong organisational skills * Able to establish priorities and to plan and coordinate work between 8 diverse countries * Able to manage a complex workload and work within tight deadlines * Able to lead, manage and motivate all project teams as well as international and local consultants and other stakeholders to achieve results * Able to build strong relationships at all levels with conservation partners, media contacts, potential project sponsors and other stakeholders * Well-developed knowledge about biodiversity funding opportunities * Able to react to project adjustments and/or alterations (if any) in an efficient and prompt manner * Able to work in a multicultural and multifunctional environment * Excellent oral, written, mass and interpersonal communication skills * Fully computer literate * Specific knowledge of dugong biology and seagrass ecosystems is desirable Experience * At least 7 years' experience in cross-cultural project management (design and/or implementation), with a proven track record of achieving results * Hands-on experience in managing national and international natural resources projects, in particular concerning issues such as biodiversity conservation, marine and coastal habitat conservation, natural resources management, community based conservation, and capacity development * Prior UN Project management experience, and particularly UN/GEF project experience and knowledge of UN and GEF procedures and guidelines * Extensive experience in managing multiple grants and manifold project components, entailing complex reporting requirements (technical and financial) * Extensive experience in financial management (overseeing financial procedures, budget management, accounting, procurement, disbursement) * Extensive experience in managing a diverse and multi-cultural team, and in personnel management (contracting, recruitment, performance monitoring) * Demonstrated understanding of sustainable development, including financial and institutional sustainability * A diverse and all-round managerial background, including monitoring and evaluation, communication, outreach and stakeholder involvement Languages * Fluency in English (oral and written) a strict requirement * Knowledge of any of the other languages in the project target region beneficial

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Fwd: photo-ID/Theodolite training course, Feb 2014, South Africa
by Daniela Maldini 17 Nov '14

17 Nov '14

PHOTO-ID/THEODOLITE TRAINING COURSE - Feb 2014 - SOUTH AFRICA Sea Search Africa is a consulting and training firm based in Muizenberg, Cape Town. We are a highly experienced technical team of researchers who specialize in the study of marine vertebrates, particularly cetaceans. Sea Search Africa is currently offering a *one-week technical training course on cetacean photo-identification and theodolite tracking* targeting later year biology and marine science majors, master and first year doctoral students who would like to become technically proficient at conducting independent fieldwork. The program aims to bridge the gap between classroom based learning and effective field data collection and incorporates a 3-day module on theodolite tracking and a 4-day module on photo-identification. The course will be held on *7-13 February 2015 *and with whole day sessions each day. The course will include classwork and fieldwork such as theodolite tracking from a land-based station and boat-based work during the photo-identification portion of the class. For the theodolite module, instruction will include setting up theodolite stations, properly centering and preparing the theodolite for observations, connecting the station to a laptop, using software to collect data and engaging in data collection and analysis. We will teach the students how to avoid common errors, how to choose observation sites appropriately and how to set up the study design appropriately. For the photo-identification module, topics will include boat work, camera equipment set up, proper approach techniques, data collection procedures, storage, evaluation and analysis of photos, use of common software, and the choice of appropriate analytical methods. Join us in beautiful Muizenberg, Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa. The tuition fee is 2,000 ZAR for registered students and 4,000 ZAR for professionals. Course tuition includes training materials, lunch and a Certificate of Attendance for 7 days. Participants will be responsible for their transportation to and from the classroom and for all other meals and accommodations if they come from outside of the area. About Muizenberg: The Sea Search office is located one block from the seafront overlooking a 26-km stretch of white sand beach and adjacent to legendary Surfer’s Corner, South Africa’s best beach to learn how to surf, kite and paddle board. If you would like to extend your stay after the course there are many exciting things to do around Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula. Contact us by December 15 at dmaldini.seasearchafrica(a)gmail.com to reserve your spot. Please visit our site at *www.seasearch.co.za <http://www.seasearch.co.za>.* *Daniela Maldini, Ph.D.* *Sea Search * 4 Bath Road Muizenberg, WC 7945 South Africa *Namibian Dolphin Project* P.O. Box 5209 Walvis Bay, Namibia, 9000 Cell Phone: +264 081 556-4749 E-mail: dmaldini.seasearchafrica(a)gmail.com

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new publication on education on marine mammal tours
by Michael Lueck 17 Nov '14

17 Nov '14

Kia Ora MARMAMers You might be interested in a new publication on education on marine mammal tours. The reference is Lück, M. (2015). Education on marine mammal tours - But what do tourists want to learn? Ocean & Coastal Management, 103, 25-33. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2014.11.002 Ocean & Coastal Management generously offers the opportunity to download the article until 6th January 2015, free of charge, from the following link: http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1Q2mg3RKK-PiW1 Best Wishes micha Michael Lück, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Tourism Studies School of Hospitality and Tourism | Faculty of Culture and Society | AUT University | Private Bag 92006 | Auckland | New Zealand e-mail: mlueck(a)aut.ac.nz | Phone: +64 9-921-9999 ext. 5833 | Fax: +64 9-921 9962 Associate Director, New Zealand Tourism Research Institute NZTRI http://www.tri.org.nz Co-Chair, International Coastal & Marine Tourism Society (ICMTS) http://www.coastalmarinetourism.org/ Member, International Competence Network for Tourism Research and Education (ICNT) http://icnt.weebly.com/index.html Member, Institute for Tourism Research, University for Applied Sciences Harz, Germany http://www.hs-harz.de Editor-in-Chief: Tourism in Marine Environments https://www.cognizantcommunication.com/journal-titles/tourism-in-marine-env… Associate Editor: Journal of Ecotourism http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/reco20/current#.Up-dvY2yz64 New books: * Gross, S. & M. Lück (eds.) (2013). The Low Cost Carriers Worldwide. Ashgate, London. http://www.ashgate.com/default.aspx?page=637&calcTitle=1&pageSubject=314&ti… * Robinson, P.; M. Lück & S.L. Smith (2013). Tourism. CABI, Wallingford. http://bookshop.cabi.org/?page=2633&pid=2456&site=191 * Pernecky, T. & M. Lück (eds.) (2013). Events, Society and Sustainability: Critical and contemporary approaches. Routledge, London. http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415809931/

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new paper on angler perception of California sea lion depredation and marine policy in Southern California
by Maddalena Bearzi 17 Nov '14

17 Nov '14

We are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper: Cook, T., James, K. and M. Bearzi. Angler perceptions of California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) depredation and marine policy in Southern California. Marine Policy 51 (2015): 573-583. Abstract California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) off the coast of Southern California are known to damage both commercial and recreational fishing activities, causing decreases to fish catch and damage to gear. Their increasing population has intensified the potential for conflict between sea lions and anglers, likely requiring changes to current legislation. The recreational fishing community in Southern California is a valuable and largely underutilized source for information and potential solutions to management and legislative problems. This recreational fishing survey-based study conducted in 2013 utilized personal interviews, conducted in the field with recreational anglers and commercial passenger fishing vessel (CPFV) crews in Southern California, to gather data on: (a) the occurrence and impact of sea lion depredation on the local fishing, (b) angler awareness and opinions on current legislation, and (c) the conflict between fishing activities and conservation efforts. Results show that surveyed CPFV operators and private boaters had the most conflict with sea lions and perceive them as more of a problem than anglers on piers, jetties or kayaks. The conflict was also reportedly more prevalent in San Diego County compared to the other counties surveyed (Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura). Participating CPFV operators were overwhelmingly in support of a government culling program for sea lions, while recreational angler respondents did not feel that a control program was necessary. These CPFV operators reported more money lost, and were willing to pay more for an effective deterrent device. There was also a consensus among respondents that fish catch is declining, yet anglers were unsatisfied with the effectiveness of current legislation designed to increase fish stocks. These data will provide a better understanding of California sea lion depredation in Southern California and its effect on recreational anglers in order to aid future mitigation efforts. Additionally, these results provide stakeholder feedback on local marine protected areas and other fisheries management legislation, and build a foundation for future conservation and education programs. A PDF copy of this paper is available for download at:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X1400253X or by request from mbearzi(a)earthlink.net Regards, Maddalena Bearzi and coauthors Maddalena Bearzi, Ph.D. Ocean Conservation Society, President P.O. Box 12860 Marina del Rey, CA 90295 USA ph. 310.8225205 mbearzi(a)earthlink.net <mailto:mbearzi@earthlink.net> www.oceanconservation.org <http://www.oceanconservation.org/> <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocean-Conservation-Society/154982037883141> <https://twitter.com/oceanconsociety> <http://instagram.com/> <http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Minds-Parallel-Lives-Dolphins/dp/067402781 7> <http://www.amazon.com/Dolphin-Confidential-Confessions-Field-Biologist/dp/0 226040151/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321726449&sr=1-1> <http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/author/mbearzi/>

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Sirenews 62
by Cynthia Taylor 17 Nov '14

17 Nov '14

Sirenews 62, October 2014, is now available online at <http://sea2shore.org/publications/sirenews/> http://sea2shore.org/publications/sirenews/ Sirenews is the newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Sirenia Specialist Group. The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) is a science-based network of volunteer experts working together towards achieving the vision of "A world that values and conserves present levels of biodiversity." The Sirenia Specialist Group is focused on the conservation of manatee and dugong populations around the world. Cynthia Taylor and James Powell, co-editors Sea to Shore Alliance www.sea2shore.org

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New publication on lung function in pinnipeds
by Fahlman Andreas 16 Nov '14

16 Nov '14

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of our recent paper: Title: Fahlman, A., S. H. Loring, S. Johnson, M. Haulena, A. W. Trites, V. A. Fravel and W. Van Bonn (2014). "Inflation and deflation pressure-volume loops in anesthetized pinnipeds confirms compliant chest and lungs." Frontiers in Physiology 5. Abstract: We examined structural properties of the marine mammal respiratory system, and tested Scholander’s hypothesis that the chest is highly compliant by measuring the mechanical properties of the respiratory system in five species of pinniped under anesthesia (Pacific harbor seal, Phoca vitulina; northern elephant seal, Mirounga angustirostris; northern fur seal Callorhinus ursinus; California sea lion, Zalophus californianus; and Steller sea lion, Eumetopias jubatus). We found that the chest wall compliance (CCW) of all five species was greater than lung compliance (airways and alveoli, CL) as predicted by Scholander, which suggests that the chest provides little protection against alveolar collapse or lung squeeze. We also found that specific respiratory compliance was significantly greater in wild animals than in animals raised in an aquatic facility. While differences in ages between the two groups may affect this incidental finding, it is also possible that lung conditioning in free-living animals may increase pulmonary compliance and reduce the risk of lung squeeze during diving. Overall, our data indicate that compliance of excised pinniped lungs provide a good estimate of total respiratory compliance. An open access copy of the article can be found at: http://www.frontiersin.org/Journal/Abstract.aspx?s=54&name=aquatic_physiolo… <http://www.frontiersin.org/Journal/Abstract.aspx?s=54&name=aquatic_physiolo…> If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Andreas Andreas Fahlman Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M- Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Dr Unit 5892 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 Ph. +1-361-825-3489 Fax +1-361-825-2025 mail: andreas.fahlman(a)tamucc.edu web: http://www.comparative-physiology.tamucc.edu/

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Reminder: Special Issue in AECT
by Liesbeth Weijs 14 Nov '14

14 Nov '14

Dear all, We would like to draw your attention to a Special Issue entitled 'New developments and perspectives in marine mammal toxicology’ which will be published in Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology (ISSN 0090-4341 (print version), ISSN 1432-0703 (electronic version), http://www.springer.com/environment/environmental+toxicology/journal/244) As guest editors, we invite you to contribute a full length research paper or mini-review (<5,000 words including references) for potential publication. Special issue: New developments and perspectives in marine mammal toxicology Deadline: 31 January 2015 Special Issue Description As apex predators in aquatic ecosystems with relatively long life spans and considerable fat deposits, many marine mammals undergo contaminant accumulation and related effects. It is widely recognized that marine mammals are exposed to a wide variety of pollutants, with a weight of evidence indicating impacts on their health through endocrine disruption. Since hundreds of new chemicals enter the global market every year, the methods, approaches and technologies used to characterize pollution levels or impacts are also in a constant state of flux. However, legal and ethical constraints often limit the type and extent of toxicological research being carried out in marine mammals. Nevertheless, new and emerging in vivo, in vitro as well as in silico research opportunities abound in the field of marine mammalogy. In the application of findings to population-, species-, or habitat-related risk assessments, the identification of causal relationships which inform source apportionment is important. This, in turn, is informed by a comprehensive understanding of contaminant classes, profiles and fate over space and time. Such considerations figure prominently in the design and interpretation of marine mammal (eco)toxicology research. This Special Issue will showcase new developments in marine mammal toxicology, approaches for exposure-effect research in risk assessment, and future perspectives. This Special Issue will welcome all contributions towards: · Biomonitoring studies that have investigated temporal or spatial trends in marine mammals worldwide; · Biomonitoring studies of new and emerging contaminants in marine mammals; · Biological effect studies on the development, validation and application of new contaminant-related biomarker approaches in marine mammal; · Studies developing in vitro and in silico methods for the study of the mode of action of pollutants in marine mammals; · Studies which inform the identification of contaminants of concern in marine mammals and their habitat. Please keep in mind that all submissions are subject to the regular peer review process at AECT and need to be written and formatted according to the Aims and Scopes of AECT. Full-length reviews are not allowed as this remains the prevue of Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology (RECT), but we may accept mini-reviews (<5,000 words including references). The final deadline for MS submission has been set on January 31st 2015. If you are interested in submitting your MS, please remember to specify in the submission process that you are applying for the Special issue: New developments and perspectives in marine mammal toxicology We are looking forward to receiving your valuable contribution and to hearing from you soon! Kind regards, Liesbeth and Annalisa Dr. Liesbeth Weijs National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox) The University of Queensland QHFSS, 39 Kessels Road Coopers Plains Queensland, 4108 Australia Website: http://www.entox.uq.edu.au/ E-Mail: l.weijs(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:l.weijs@uq.edu.au> and Dr. Annalisa Zaccaroni Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences University of Bologna Viale Vespucci 2 Cesenatico (FC) 47042 Italy Website: http://www.scienzemedicheveterinarie.unibo.it/it E-Mail: annalisa.zaccaroni(a)unibo.it<mailto:annalisa.zaccaroni@unibo.it>

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Volunteer opportunity - Heaviside’s dolphin research in Namibia
by Sara Golaski 13 Nov '14

13 Nov '14

*Volunteer opportunity - Heaviside’s dolphin research in Namibia* *BACKROUND:* This volunteer position is to assist University of Pretoria MSc student Sara Golaski. The project aims to obtain baseline information on abundance and habitat use of Heaviside’s dolphins in Namibia using primarily photographic identification (photo-ID). *WHERE:* Walvis Bay, Namibia *WHEN:* January and February 2015 *DATA ANALYSIS & FIELDWORK:* The volunteer position is primarily office based processing photo-ID images, but you will be aiding the Namibian Dolphin Project in all project activities including some fieldwork, community outreach and assisting with cetacean or sea turtle strandings should they occur. *EXPECTATIONS*, volunteers are expected to: - Be experienced with photo-ID work - Have good attention to detail - Be reliable, adaptable and hard-working - Be prepared to work long days - Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude. - Participate for a minimum of 6 weeks, 2 months preferred Post would suit upper level undergrads and graduate students who have interest and background in Biology, Marine Biology and an interest in pursuing further study. Due to the training required, applicants should be available for a *minimum of 6 weeks.* *LIVING & COSTS:* Volunteers are expected to cover their own living expenses, including flight costs. We can assist in finding accommodation which can be around ZAR 3000 (~$300 USD) per month. Food and other personal expenses can be kept between ZAR 2000-3000 a month. *DEADLINE AND APPLICATIONS:* Interested volunteers should email Sara Golaski as soon as possible with a: *1 - LETTER of interest outlining relevant experience and motivation for participation* *2 – CV* *3 - Duration of stay (expected start and end date)* *to Sara Golaski **sgolaski(a)coa.edu* <sgolaski(a)coa.edu> *FOR MORE INFORMATION:* Namibian Dolphin Project website: http://www.namibiandolphinproject.com/ Namibian Dolphin Project blog: http://namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com/ -- Sara Golaski MSc Candidate, Zoology University of Pretoria Namibian Dolphin Project sgolaski(a)coa.edu http://www.namibiandolphinproject.com/

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Publication: The accuracy of Fastloc-GPS locations and implications for animal tracking
by ANTOINE MARIE DUJON 13 Nov '14

13 Nov '14

Dear marine biologists and scientists, Some of you are probably using Fastloc-GPS tags to track animals. We just published a paper in Methods in Ecology And Evolution were we investigated the typical accuracy of Fastloc-GPS tags. We also provide a methodology to calculate accurate speed of travels and headings. Globally, our results confirm that Fastloc-GPS is a powerful tool to study marine species movement. Dujon A. M., Lindstrom R. T. and Hays G. C., 2014. The accuracy of Fastloc-GPS locations and implications for animal tracking, Methods in Ecology and Evolution, DOI: 10.1111/2041-210X.12286 The publication can be downloaded in open access at this link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/2041-210X.12286/abstract Publication Abstract: 1. Over recent years, a major breakthrough in marine animal tracking has occurred with the advent of Fastloc-GPS that provides highly accurate location data even for animals that only surface briefly such as sea turtles, marine mammals and penguins. 2. We assessed the accuracy of Fastloc-GPS locations using fixed trials of tags in which >45 000 locations were obtained. Procedures for determining the speed of travel and heading were developed by simulating tracks and then adding Fastloc-GPS location errors. The levels of detail achievable for speed and heading estimates were illustrated by using empirical Fastloc-GPS data for a green turtle (Chelonia mydas, Linnaeus, 1758) travelling over 3000 km across the Indian Ocean. 3. The accuracy of Fastloc-GPS locations varied as a function of the number of GPS satellites used in the location calculation. For example, when Fastloc-GPS locations were calculated using 4 GPS satellites, 50% of locations were within 36 m and 95% within 724 m of the true position. These values improved to 18 and 70 m, respectively, when 6 satellites were used. Simulations indicated that for animals travelling around 2·5 km h−1 (e.g. turtles, penguins and seals) and depending on the number of satellites used in the location calculation, robust speed and heading estimates would usually be obtained for locations only 1–6 h apart. 4. Fastloc-GPS accuracy is several orders of magnitude better that conventional Argos tracking or light-based geolocation and consequently will allow new insights into small-scale movement patterns of marine animals. If you have any questions about that work, feel free to contact me. Best Regards, Antoine DUJON ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Antoine DUJON PhD Student In Quantitative Movement Analysis Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University, Warrnambool Campus, PO Box 423, Warrnambool, VIC 3280 Email : adujon(a)deakin.edu.au<mailto:adujon@deakin.edu.au> Google Scholar : http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=-rH46BsAAAAJ Research Gate https:/www.researchgate.net/profile/Antoine_Dujon<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Antoine_Dujon> Twitter : https://twitter.com/AMDujon Recent publications: Dujon A. M., Lindstrom R. T. and Hays G. C., 2014. The accuracy of Fastloc-GPS locations and implications for animal tracking, Methods in Ecology and Evolution, DOI: 10.1111/2041-210X.12286 FREELY AVAILABLE HERE: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/2041-210X.12286/abstract

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New Version of iTag released (0.6)
by Viquerat, Sacha 13 Nov '14

13 Nov '14

Hello! On behalf of the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research in Büsum, Germany, I'd like to announce the release of iTag 0.6. This announcement is aimed at any scientist / survey technician that is tasked with counting objects on images taken during aerial surveys. iTag provides many tools that facilitates the handling of tags and processes the tagged data in various ways, including a database, spreadsheet and google earth kml file export. Many features, such as saving and resuming a session, aim at the usually high workload of counting objects in images and help to spread effort between researchers or to allow for breaks during long tagging sessions. The current field of application ranges from aerial seal counts to beach section monitoring and includes users and institutes all over the world. It is, of course, a free (open source) software and the newest version can always be downloaded for free from https://sourceforge.net/projects/itagbiology The main new features of iTag 0.6 include: a new and streamlined user interface recovery options data output options a new multi purpose navigational panel Feel free to report any issue with the current version or any suggestion, feature request or general appraisal! Cheers, Sacha Sacha Viquerat University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) Werftstr. 6 25761 Büsum Germany +49 511 856-8172 Fax. +49 511 856-8181

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