November 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Potential PhD Studentship Opportunity: Grey seal behaviour
by TWISS S.D. 12 Nov '14

12 Nov '14

Potential PhD Studentship: Opportunity: Grey seal behaviour. Project Title: Quantifying individual variation in fine scale time and energy trade-offs in breeding grey seals: How do differing behavioural types solve these trade-offs? Application Deadline: 9th January 2015 Supervisors: Dr Sean Twiss, Durham University (s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk) Dr. Patrick Pomeroy, Sea Mammal Research Unit, Univ. of St. Andrews (pp6(a)st-and.ac.uk) For further information please contact Dr Sean Twiss (s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk) Brief project description: Within the behavioural and evolutionary ecological literature there has been extensive recent interest in consistent individual differences (CIDs) in behaviour in non-human animal species. Where such differences cannot be accounted for by age or sex class differences, social status, or local social and environmental conditions, such individually specific patterns of behaviour (behavioural types) are indicative of individual personalities. The existence of CIDs in behaviour raises many fundamental questions about the evolutionary causes and ecological consequences of personalities. Whilst some argue that personalities may result from mechanistic constraints, there is growing evidence that they often represent individually differing adaptive solutions to complex physical and social environments controlled by frequency or state dependent mechanisms and life history trade-offs. There is now evidence of CIDs in a remarkable range of taxa, from molluscs to mammals, however, there remain a limited number of studies conducted in entirely natural contexts; the vast majority of studies are laboratory based, or expose individuals to experimental manipulations. There is a clear need to investigate how individual behavioural profiles respond to their environment at a fine spatial and temporal scale, and to what extent these behavioural profiles are controlled by intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms. Our previous studies have quantified behavioural types in wild breeding grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) largely on the basis of differences in maternal attentiveness and vigilance behaviours. However, these behaviours constitute a relatively small part of individuals’ overall time/activity budgets. This study will build on these findings by conducting a detailed study of individual time activity budgets. Rather than focusing solely on specific behaviours the studentship will investigate individual differences in time allocation strategies with a particular focus on whether individuals differ, and do so consistently, in the trade-offs they make within their time budgets. Furthermore, the project will aim to link time activity budgets derived from traditional behavioural observations with continuous activity records derived from the deployment of accelerometers on focal seals. The project will seek to (a) classify accelerometery data according to observed behaviours, and (b) extrapolate from accelerometery to measures of individual energetic expenditure to investigate individual variation in energetic trajectories during breeding. Ultimately, the project aims to apply understanding of energetics/activity from this study to a back catalogue of individual activity budget data, providing opportunity for a comparison across colonies and multiple years. The research will involve extensive field based behavioural observations of individually identified adult female grey seals at a remote island colony over 3 successive autumns. Potential candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct prolonged and isolated fieldwork in harsh conditions, while remaining dedicated and enthusiastic. Ability to work effectively and efficiently both independently and as part of a team is essential. In addition, candidates will require strong analytical skills, including experience of modern ecological and statistical modelling techniques. Experience with R and analysis of telemetry data is advantageous, but not essential. A UK driving licence (or equivalent) is also desirable, but not essential. Further candidate specifications are provided below under the funding notes. Further details of the project can be obtained from Dr. Twiss. References Halsey LG, Shepard ELC & Wilson RP (2011). Assessing the development and application of the accelerometry technique for estimating energy expenditure. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part A 158: 305–314. Twiss SD, Caudron A, Pomeroy PP, Thomas CJ & Mills JP (2000). Fine scale topographical influences on the breeding behaviour of female grey seals. Animal Behaviour 59: 327-338. Twiss SD, Culloch RM & Pomeroy PP (2011). An in-field experimental test of pinniped behavioral types. Marine Mammal Science E280–E294. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2011.00523.x Twiss SD, Cairns C, Culloch RM, Richards SA, Pomeroy PP (2012). Behavioural variation in female grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) reproductive performance correlates to proactive-reactive behavioural types. PLoS ONE 7(11): e49598. Funding and how to apply: PLEASE NOTE: This project is in competition with others for funding under the Durham Doctoral Fellowship scheme. Success will therefore depend on the quality of applications received, relative to those for competing projects. If you are interested in applying, in the first instance contact Dr Sean Twiss (s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk) with a CV and covering letter, detailing your reasons for applying for the project. Only the best applicants will be asked to submit an application. UK and Non-UK students are advised that to be considered for the Durham Doctoral Fellowship, the minimum requirements include an excellent undergraduate degree with either postgraduate or work experience in a relevant discipline and scientific publication(s) in peer reviewed journals. Candidates must have fulfilled the University's requirements regarding English language ability and must not require a pre-sessional course as a condition of their place. Further details on the Durham Doctoral Studentships can be found at: https://www.dur.ac.uk/science.faculty/postgraduatefunding/ The deadline is Friday 9th January 2015. END _________________________________ Dr. Sean Twiss, Lecturer in Behavioural Ecology, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, South Road, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK. E-mail: s.d.twiss(a)durham.ac.uk Web-site: https://www.dur.ac.uk/biosciences/about/schoolstaff/academicstaff/?id=1132 Blog: http://sealbehaviour.wordpress.com/ Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1350 (office) Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1247 (lab) Fax: +44 (0)191 334 1201 _________________________________

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Research Assistant/Data Analyst Position, Sarasota Dolphin Research Program
by Jason Allen 12 Nov '14

12 Nov '14

The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP) is a collaborative partnership dedicated to dolphin research, conservation, and education. The SDRP was started in 1970 through Mote Marine Laboratory when Blair Irvine and high school student Randy Wells began a tagging study to find out if dolphins in the Sarasota Bay area were residents or moved more broadly -- it was the first systematic study of bottlenose dolphin ranging patterns. Findings of multi-decadal, multi-generational residency set the stage for the program to continue and develop into new areas of research. Since 1989, the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) has led the SDRP partnership, providing an administrative home for the long-term program and support for ongoing program operations, including the CZS employees who form the core program staff. Mote Marine Laboratory, where our initial research was conducted during 1970-1971, has provided a base of operations on Sarasota Bay and access to laboratory facilities and infrastructure since 1992. The Program Director since the late 1970's, Dr. Randall Wells, guided the SDRP from a seasonal operation involving teams of volunteers to its current year-round operations with a complement of full and part time staff, who work with graduate students, interns, and volunteers. The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, conducting "the world's longest-running study of a wild dolphin population", now is a pre-eminent international center for research into the biology, behavior, ecology, health, and impacts of human activities on dolphins in Sarasota Bay and elsewhere around the world. http://sarasotadolphin.org The Research Assistant -- Data Analyst assists the Senior Conservation Scientist with the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), primarily with analysis of dolphin identification photographs in support of the Society's mission and conservation science innovation and leadership. The Research Assistant will perform analysis of digital photographs of dolphin dorsal fins for identification of individual dolphins by comparing the digitally stored images from field work performed by research staff; matching fins to those in the digital master fin catalog using the ACDSee program. This includes an accurate and expeditious analytical processing of dorsal fin photographs that is crucial for further use of the data by staff and collaborators and incorporation into long-term databases as well as updates to data archives; preparing reports and manuscripts as requested. The Research Assistant will compile and maintain the Gulf of Mexico Dolphin Identification System (GoMDIS) Gulf-wide bottlenose dolphin photographic identification catalog, including obtaining, processing, and archiving data and images provided on an ongoing basis from more than 20 collaborating scientists from around the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, responsibilities include managing collaboration work with NOAA and Duke/OBIS SEAMAP programming staff, and SDRP staff including the Lab Manager; and, under the guidance of the ID Cataloguer maintaining and upgrading the FinBase Access-based databases and web interface for managing dolphin identification images and associated data. You will also assist with dolphin health assessments and rescues as necessary. The requirements for the position include the following: · Minimum B.A./B.S. in Biology, Marine Sciences or a related field or equivalent combination of related training and/or experience required. · Minimum three (3) years experience in marine mammal individual identification from photographs required. · Basic computer skills required, with data entry experience in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Access. · Demonstrated ability to work independently and to prioritize tasks as necessary required. · Must be able to work independently as well as in a team. · This position will involve work performed away from Brookfield Zoo, in Sarasota, Florida. · Typical average weekly work schedule is approximately 40 hours. · Valid driver's license required. Must possess a valid Florida license within 30 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents. _ _ The desirable/preferred qualifications include the following: · Experience in data collection and coordination of data collection by collaborating scientists. · Experience with ACDSee strongly preferred. · Knowledge of photography. · Minimum of 1 year of FinBase software experience. · Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus. The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled. If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the CZS Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at *www.czs.org/careers* <http://www.czs.org/careers>. Please look for requisition number 634BR. -- Jason Allen Lab Manager Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 Tel: 941.388.4441 ext. 452 Fax: 941.388.4223

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Conservation Psychology
by Els Vermeulen 12 Nov '14

12 Nov '14

Dear Colleagues, We are conducting a survey to assess the attitudes and behaviour of conservation scientists and professionals toward a variety of issues regarding the protection and conservation of nature. We therefore created a survey through a range of multiple choice questions. If you have 10 minutes or so to complete the survey, we would be very grateful. Off course your responses will be entirely anonymous. Please feel free to forward the link to other conservation scientists of your acquaintance. https://wooster.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_08rdCfQGC2G2DAh Your help is very much appreciated. Kind regards, Susan Clayton, PhD Whitmore-Williams Professor of Psychology The College of Wooster http://discover.wooster.edu/sclayton/ Els Vermeulen, PhD Co-founder and Scientific Director Whalefish Mail: els(a)whalefish.org Url: www.whalefish.org Cell: +27 60 9714301 Connect - Share - Inspire

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Request For Vocalisations of Cetaceans
by Peter Holden 11 Nov '14

11 Nov '14

Dear colleagues: I would very much appreciate your help in building a collection of marine mammal vocalisations. My name is Peter Holden and I work for the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS). We are currently undertaking a project on marine mammals and a major part of the research is based on acoustic detection and recognition of marine mammals. To aid in species detection during PAM surveys and hundreds of hours of acoustic data collected via autonomous recorders, I am currently in the process of building a classifier/recogniser to help in the identification of species in real time (PAMGuard) during surveys and also for post analysis of the audio files (Song Scope). To achieve this I require a number of varied vocalisations (i.e. tonal and impulsive sounds) from species found in the area (see species of interest list below) for training data, it would be beneficial if the recordings are in .wav format and varied in amplitude of the perceived signals. It would be even better if these recordings were made in the South West Indian Ocean :D Species of interest: Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis) Bryde's Whale (Balaenoptera brydei) Common Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) Pygmy Sperm Whale (Kogia breviceps) Dwarf Sperm Whale (Kogia sima) Cuvier's Beaked Whale (Ziphius cavirostris) Blainville's Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) Longman's Beaked Whale (lndopacetus pacificus) Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Short-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens) Pygmy Killer Whale (Feresa attenuata) Melon-headed Whale (Peponocephala electra) Rough-toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis) Risso's Dolphin (Grampus griseus) Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata) Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris) Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) Fraser's Dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) If anyone could supply any of the species on this list that would be amazing! In return for your donation of audio files I would be more than happy to discuss and help with development of your own classifiers/recognisers and send the classifiers relating to the species you have supplied. Thank you for your help, Kind Regards, Peter Holden Marine Mammal Acoustic Researcher and Project leader, Marine Conservation Society Seychelles.

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Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life Meeting, Dublin, 2016
by Arthur N. Popper 11 Nov '14

11 Nov '14

We are pleased to announce that the web site for the 4th International Conference on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life is now open (www.an2016.org<http://www.an2016.org>). The site will contain updated information on the meeting as our plans progress. The meeting will take place in Dublin, Ireland, July 10-16, 2014 and will follow in the tradition of the earlier meetings in Nyborg, Cork, and Budapest in providing opportunities to present and learn about the latest research, and to meet and network with colleagues from around the world interested in the topic. A focus of the meeting is to enable investigators interested in all animal groups, all sound sources, and all potential effects to meet and interact. The meeting also has a strong representation from industry, government, and environmental groups. We would like to ask that anyone with a (potential) interest in attending the meeting fill out the short questionnaire that is linked to the box on the upper right side of our home page. This will provide us with information about potential interest in the meeting and your ideas for the consent of the meeting. We will use the list generated ONLY to contact prospective attendees and share it with no one else. We would also ask that you share the home page with others you think might be interested in attending AN2016 since our current mailing list is generated from those who attended the Budapest meeting. Finally, we continue to look for sponsors to help support the meeting and so if you or your group would be interested in a sponsorship please contact one of the organizers and we will share our list of sponsorship opportunities. The Organizers Christine Erbe Tony Hawkins Art Popper Joe Sisneros Frank Thomsen ________________________________________________________ Arthur N. Popper Professor Emeritus & Research Professor, Department of Biology Editor, Acoustics Today (www.AcousticsToday.org<http://www.acousticstoday.org/>) Co-Director, Terrapin Teachers (www.tt.umd.edu<http://www.tt.umd.edu/>) University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742 USA Phone: (301) 405-1940 Email: apopper(a)umd.edu<mailto:apopper@umd.edu> URL: www.popperlab.umd.edu<http://www.popperlab.umd.edu/> Program: www.ccebh.umd.edu<http://www.ccebh.umd.edu>

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Todd et al 2014: A review of impacts of marine dredging activities on marine mammals. ICES J. Mar. Sci. first published online November 4, 2014 doi: 10.1093/icesjms/fsu187
by Victoria Todd 11 Nov '14

11 Nov '14

Dear MARMAMers, We are pleased to announce publication (including supplementary on-line data) of the following article: Victoria L. G. Todd, Ian B. Todd, Jane C. Gardiner, Erica C. N. Morrin, Nicola A. MacPherson, Nancy A. DiMarzio, and Frank Thomsen 2014: A review of impacts of marine dredging activities on marine mammals. /ICES Journal of Marine Science/, doi: 10.1093/icesjms/fsu187. *Abstract* Marine dredging is an excavation activity carried out worldwide by many industries. Concern about the impact dredging has on marine life, including marine mammals (cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sirenians) exists, but effects are largely unknown. Through consulting available literature, this review aims to expand on existing knowledge of the direct and indirect, negative and positive impacts on marine mammals. In terms of direct effects, collisions are possible, but unlikely, given the slow speed of dredgers. Noise emitted is broadband, with most energy below 1 kHz and unlikely to cause damage to marine mammal auditory systems, but masking and behavioural changes are possible. Sediment plumes are generally localized, and marine mammals reside often in turbid waters, so significant impacts from turbidity are improbable. Entrainment, habitat degradation, noise, contaminant remobilization, suspended sediments, and sedimentation can affect benthic, epibenthic, and infaunal communities, which may impact marine mammals indirectly through changes to prey. Eggs and larvae are at highest risk from entrainment, so dredging in spawning areas can be detrimental, but effects are minimized through the use of environmental windows. Sensitive environments such as seagrass beds are at risk from smothering, removal, or damage, but careful planning can reduce degradation. Assessing impacts of contaminant remobilization is difficult, but as long as contaminated sediments are disposed of correctly, remobilization is limited in space and time. Effects of suspended sediments and sedimentation are species-specific, but invertebrates, eggs, and larvae are most vulnerable. Positive effects, including an increase in food, result from greater nutrient loads, but are often short term. Dredging has the potential to impact marine mammals, but effects are species and location-specific, varying also with dredging equipment type. In general, evidence suggests that if management procedures are implemented, effects are most likely to be masking and short-term behavioural alterations and changes to prey availability. *Supplementary data* The supplementary data feature a world map of regional boundaries used to compose distributions of marine mammals, and a referenced world-wide review table, that lists family, scientific names, common name, range of best hearing (10 dB from max; kHz), frequency of minimum hearing threshold (kHz), minimum hearing threshold (dB re 1 µPa), methodology, diet, region, habitat, documented effects of dredging, and potential effects of dredging. The table was created to assist stakeholders in developing mitigation plans for dredging activities that have potential to impact marine mammals. If you subscribe to /ICES J. Mar. Sci./ the article and supplementary are available at http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/11/04/icesjms.fsu187.a…, or you can download the PDF and supplementary material on http://www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers/ Brgds, -- Dr. Victoria Todd Managing Director OSC Ltd. Ocean House, 4 Brewery Lane Belhaven, Dunbar, East Lothian Scotland, EH42 1PD T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 M: +44 (0)7719 489 415 F: +44 (0)1368 865 729 W: www.osc.co.uk E: vt(a)osc.co.uk *MMO or PAM requirement?* We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: /www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com/ View Victoria Todd's profile on LinkedIn <http://uk.linkedin.com/in/victoriatodd1>**

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Recruiting Notice: GIS/Information Manager
by Cathy Bacon 10 Nov '14

10 Nov '14

? Recruiting Notice: GIS/Information Manager Smultea Environmental Sciences (SES) is a group of passionate scientists and staff who perform marine mammal research and analysis. Projects range from fundamental science (population estimation/distribution, behavioral analysis, etc.) through efforts to mitigate the effects of human activity on marine mammals and their habitats. SES's driving goals include contributing to science related to whales, dolphins, polar bears, walrus and other marine mammals. Information management is central to what SES does. The GIS/Information Manager supports the projects of SES to further work in the field and office. S/He "shepherds" data coming in from the field and facilitates further QA/QC, analysis, archival and backup; drives database architecture and definitions; and coordinates spatial and database activities between internal teams and external partners. This position will work on projects across the United States and around the world. The GIS/Information Manager will acquire, generate, synthesize, analyze, and disseminate a wide range of geo-spatial and other data sets, and will work with SES staff and partners to identify information needs and create solutions. The GIS/Information Manager will report to the Chief Financial Officer. Major responsibilities will include: * Drive the ongoing development of data acquisition processes, enabling quick QA/QC, cloud archival, backup and retrieval of data streaming from multiple concurrent field projects. * Work collaboratively with SES staff, partners, and consultants to develop novel solutions using data gathered in the field or through third-party sources. * Provide data and GIS (including map making) support to all SES staff for business development, permitting and report writing. * Build capacity across the company by troubleshooting GIS and data management problems, working with SES team members to provide hardware and software support as necessary. * Work collaboratively with SES-preferred software partners to maintain data systems that are up-to-date and organized, and maintaining GIS, GPS and mobile platform hardware and software systems. * Drive the development of consistent methods for testing, documenting, storing and retrieving geo-spatial data sets. REQUIREMENTS * BS degree in related field such as Computer Science, Math, EE, or GIS and 5 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education, experience and professional certification. * Absolutely killer general computer skills. We assume you know how to configure a new PC, create a file hierarchy, set ACLs on network shares, use a Word template instead of just typing, install a Chrome plugin without getting a virus, defrag a hard drive, etc. * Awesome database skills (e.g. Access, SQL, etc.) Preferred * Geo-spatial skills, including Google Earth (knowledge of kml a plus) and/or ArcGIS * GPS (knowledge of NMEA a plus) * Programming experience (any language, including M(atLab) or R) * Marine mammal knowledge * Marine environment experience (sailing, navigation, operations, etc.) * Statistics Compensation DOE. We are an EEO employer. CV, letter of interest and three references should be emailed to holly.dramis(a)smulteasciences.com<mailto:holly.dramis@smulteasciences.com>. No phone calls please. Cathy E. Bacon Project Manager/Senior Research Associate Smultea Environmental Sciences International

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Support research on dolphin populations in Greece - Northern Aeagean Dolphin Project
by Androniki Pardalou (MOm) 10 Nov '14

10 Nov '14

Dear MARMAM colleagues, Please find below some info regarding the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project 2015, implemented by MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal for a third year. We are asking for people to support the research activities of the project and help us sustain this efford! Best regards, Niki Androniki Pardalou Northern Aegean Dolphin Project <http://www.mom.gr/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=419&LANG=EN> Coordinator (Για Ελληνικά προχωρήστε παρακάτω) During summer 2013 MOm <http://www.mom.gr> / Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal for the first time ventured to implement the Northern Aegean Dolphin Project <http://www.mom.gr/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=419&LANG=EN> – N.A.D.P., a research project for the recording and monitoring of dolphin populations in the wider area of the National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades <http://www.mom.gr/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=617&LANG=GR> (NMPANS). In 2014 the project commenced its activities in full power, implementing thirty-three research trips during which there were nineteen successful recordings of dolphins! We are still in the process of analyzing the data collected on the field from June till September 2014, and soon we will have the first results. However, in order to have a reliable estimate of the population status of the dolphin species in N.M.P.A.N.S. we need to put forward more effort and time. The information collected is the cornerstone for future management/conservation plans in the area, for the protection of the species. The N.A.D.P. will definitely be a unique opportunity for anybody that decides to join MOm’s scientific team at Alonissos island and engage with research activities. Throughout the information brochure (here <http://www.mom.gr/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=611&LANG=EN>), you may find details regarding the objectives and design of the project, and how it can benefit those willing to live this experience. You may participate as an *individual*, *group* or *company* (click <http://www.mom.gr/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=627&LANG=EN> for more info). Here <http://www.mom.gr/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=720&LANG=EN> you may also find reviews of previous participants! With your contribution you ensure the resources that are needed for the implementation of the project regarding our research on the dolphin populations of the N.M.P.A.N.S. We hope to see you in one of our expeditions! Our warmest regards, Androniki Pardalou Northern Aegean Dolphin Project <http://www.mom.gr/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=419&LANG=EN> Coordinator MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal 18 Solomou str., 10682, Athens tel.+30 210-5222888, mob. +30 6948084725 / fax. +30 210-5222450 e-mail: a.pardalou(a)mom.gr, skype: pardalou web-site: www.mom.gr One Percent For The Planet blog <http://onepercentfortheplanet.org/nonprofitsearches/memberDetails/1/?ID=a07…> fb: https://www.facebook.com/mom.gr Youtube channel <https://www.youtube.com/user/MOmMonachusmonachus?feature=watch> <https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/vH-HV2D8BPKMKpl-a6hdv_sxWcJOvwWif-UoafcYJ…> ***** Το καλοκαίρι του 2013 η MOm <http://www.mom.gr> / Εταιρεία για τη Μελέτη και Προστασία της Μεσογειακής Φώκιας για πρώτη φορά υλοποίησε το Northern Aegean Dolphin Project (N.A.P.D.), ένα ερευνητικό πρόγραμμα για την καταγραφή και παρακολούθηση των πληθυσμών δελφινιών που διαβιούν στην ευρύτερη περιοχή του Εθνικού Θαλάσσιου Πάρκου Αλοννήσου Βορείων Σποράδων (Ε.Θ.Π.Α.Β.Σ.). Το 2014 ήρθε ακόμη πιο δυναμικά, με τριάντα-τρία ερευνητικά ταξίδια και δεκαεννέα επιτυχείς παρατηρήσεις δελφινιών! Ακόμα βρισκόμαστε στην επεξεργασία των δεδομένων που συλλέξαμε στο πεδίο από τον Ιούνιο έως και το Σεπτέμβριο του 2014, και σύντομα θα έχουμε τα πρώτα αποτελέσματα. Ωστόσο, προκειμένου να έχουμε σαφή εικόνα για την κατάσταση των πληθυσμών δελφινιών στο Ε.Θ.Π.Α.Β.Σ. χρειάζεται ακόμα μεγάλη προσπάθεια και βάθος χρόνου στη συλλογή δεδομένων. Τα δεδομένα αυτά θα αποτελέσουν τον ακρογωνιαίο λίθο για το σχεδιασμό δράσεων διαχείρισης και διατήρησης για την προστασία των ειδών στην περιοχή. Το N.A.P.D. θα είναι πραγματικά μία αξέχαστη εμπειρία για όποιον αποφασίσει να αποτελέσει μέρος της ερευνητικής μας ομάδας για μία εβδομάδα, στο νησί της Αλοννήσου. Στο ενημερωτικό φυλλάδιο (εδώ <http://www.mom.gr/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=611&LANG=GR>) θα βρείτε χρήσιμες πληροφορίες για τη μεθοδολογία που ακολουθείται, το σχεδιασμό των ερευνητικών δραστηριοτήτων και τι θα προσφέρεται σε όσους αποφασίσουν να ζήσουν αυτή την εμπειρία. Μπορείτε να συμμετάσχετε ως *άτομα*, *ομάδες* ή *εταιρείες* (δείτε εδώ <http://www.mom.gr/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=627&LANG=GR>). Επίσης, εδώ <http://www.mom.gr/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=720&LANG=GR> μπορείτε να διαβάσετε τις εντυπώσεις παλαιότερων συμμετεχόντων! Με τη συμμετοχή σας εξασφαλίζετε τους πόρους για τη συνέχιση των ερευνητικών μας δραστηριοτήτων σχετικά με τους πληθυσμούς δελφινιών στο Ε.Θ.Π.Α.Β.Σ.. Ελπίζουμε να βρεθούμε από κοντά σε κάποιο από τα ταξίδια μας! Τους θερμούς χαιρετισμούς μας, Ανδρονίκη Παρδαλού Επιστημονική Υπεύθυνος για το Northern Aegean Dolphin Project <http://www.mom.gr/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=419&LANG=GR> MOm/Εταιρία για τη μελέτη και προστασία της μεσογειακής φώκιας Σολωμού 18, 10682 Αθήνα τηλ.210-5222888, κιν. 6948084725 / fax. 210-5222450 e-mail: a.pardalou(a)mom.gr, skype: pardalou web-site: www.mom.gr One Percent For The Planet blog <http://onepercentfortheplanet.org/nonprofitsearches/memberDetails/1/?ID=a07…> fb: https://www.facebook.com/mom.gr Youtube channel <https://www.youtube.com/user/MOmMonachusmonachus?feature=watch> <https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/vH-HV2D8BPKMKpl-a6hdv_sxWcJOvwWif-UoafcYJ…>

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BOEM - Long Term Monitoring Plan for Marine Mammals in the Gulf of Mexico
by Laliberte, Jennifer 07 Nov '14

07 Nov '14

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is seeking public information and data to support the development of a long term monitoring plan for marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico related to geological and geophysical (seismic) survey activities. BOEM will accept comments through December 8, 2014. For details on the types of information BOEM is seeking, please see http://www.boem.gov/note11062014/ and https://www.federalregister.gov/ (use search term "BOEM-14-0075"). Formal comments may be submitted at www.regulations.gov (use search term "BOEM-14-0075") or via email to monitoringplan(a)boem.gov. Questions may be directed to Jennifer Laliberte, jennifer.laliberte(a)boem.gov. Comments will not be accepted at this email address.

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A small case report: Baleen whales in Kuwait waters... Again!
by Yusuf Bohadi 07 Nov '14

07 Nov '14

*Sei whales in the Arabian/Persian gulf* Summary: In late 2009, during an oceanographic survey on board a KISR (Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research) vessel, researches spotted 2 large animals swimming southward from Kuwait bay. In Feb. 2014 a dead carcass washed ashore Failaka island in Kuwait. It was believed to be a female Sei whale. A few months earlier another one washed ashore the Iraqi coasts. Last week 3 more were sighted. The coastal guard managed to record a video of one of the smaller animals swimming very close to their boat. The report fails to mention if that was a result of the animal approaching them or if it was a result of their relentless pursuit after it. Records do not show that the prescribed area of encounter is the natural habitat or the normal migration rout for these animals. The concern here is that these animals would end up dead like the ones before them and wash ashore years later. Records examined also, do not mention methods to help these animas at this point. One can only hope that they continue on heading south and exist the gulf in time to survive. For all the details, the report can be requested by contacting the following email: y.bohadi(a)gmail.com Any further comments or advice would be deeply appreciated, please send them to the same email above. Thank you Yusuf Bohadi

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