December 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Announcement
by Human Resources 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

The Alaska SeaLife Center generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems is seeking applications for the following: *Research Technician II or III * This position is responsible for aiding in the development, testing and application of innovative tools and techniques for remotely monitoring the behavior of marine mammals. *Education and Experience Requirements:* A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related science or engineering field with two years of relevant work experience or the equivalent required. Demonstration of high level of proficiency in scientific laboratory techniques is essential, as is ability to conduct statistical data analyses. Ability to be organized, self-motivated, and capable of working well with a team is required, and experience writing reports is preferred. Experience working with wild animals and using biotelemetry instruments and scientific software including Geographical Information Systems and statistics packages is also preferred. *Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):* 1. Conducts laboratory and field testing of biotelemetry electronics and attachment systems, and conducts data analyses of test results. 2. Assists in the design and engineering of biotelemetry instrumentation. 3. Performs data analyses on movements and behavior of marine mammals using computer software including Geographical Information Systems and statistical packages. 4. Assists lead scientist on designated research projects, and may assist in developing project plans and managing budgets. 5. Conducts field and/or laboratory based research activities that may include arranging logistics, supervising field or laboratory staff in the absence of the lead scientist, and reporting to the lead scientist regularly on the status of the project. 6. Assists in the development of data collection protocols, processing samples, and tutoring other technicians, interns, volunteers and graduate students in laboratory procedures and techniques. 7. May supervise personnel matters for interns, volunteers and graduate students. May assign and check work, establish schedules, set deadlines, and delegate authority. May set performance standards for staff. May prepare annual performance evaluations. May make personnel related recommendations to the Program Manager/PI. 8. May assist in drafting reports and scientific publications and may take a lead role on reports and publications as assigned. 9. Manages the procurement, inventory, and maintenance of facilities, equipment and supplies to be used in research projects. 10. Prepares and updates posters and graphic presentations. 11. May prepare and present public presentations. This is a full-time position. ASLC offers a competitive wage (DOE) and benefits package. *Apply by:* December 10, 2014 *Start Date:* By December 31, 2014 Send resume *and* application (downloadable at www.alaskasealife.org) to HR(a)alaskasealife.org. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. <http://www.alaskasealife.org/> *EO/AA** Employer* Human Resources Alaska SeaLife Center Fax: (907) 224-6360 P.O. Box 1329 • 301 Railway Ave • Seward, AK 99664 www.alaskasealife.org [image: https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-1/p160x160/101…] <http://www.alaskasealife.org/> [image: https://cdn3.iconfinder.com/data/icons/free-social-icons/67/facebook_circle…] <https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaSeaLifeCenter>[image: https://cdn3.iconfinder.com/data/icons/free-social-icons/67/twitter_circle_…] <https://twitter.com/alaskasealife>[image: https://cdn3.iconfinder.com/data/icons/free-social-icons/67/instagram_circl…] <http://instagram.com/alaskasealifecenter>[image: https://cdn3.iconfinder.com/data/icons/free-social-icons/67/youtube_circle_…] <https://www.youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter>[image: https://cdn3.iconfinder.com/data/icons/free-social-icons/67/linkedin_circle…] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/alaska-sealife-center>

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Questionnaire - The Beaked Whale Challenge (detection & identification of ziphiids)
by Sanne Bakkers 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

Dear all,I am a final year student Applied Biology from the Netherlands. Currently, I am looking into the challenge of (at sea) detection and identification of beaked whales (Ziphiidae) as part of a school assignment. By studying the literature, distributing this questionnaire and analysing photo/video material, I would like to provide an overview of (1) detection and identification methods that are currently being used, (2) the difficulties around detecting and identifying beaked whales, and (3) possible ways to deal with these difficulties. For my questionnaire, I am looking for people who are or have been involved in beaked whale research and have field experience with these cetaceans. The response deadline is set for December 26, 2014. However, questionnaires returned after this date are still very welcome. Photo and video material of beaked whales at sea (especially of the 'rarer' Mesoplodon species; for analysis) are also more than welcome. Provided material, participation and answers will be kept confidential. If you have any questions, please notify me through email: S.Bakkers(a)student.has.nl . In advance, I would like to thank you for your consideration and support in this challenge. Questionnaire link: http://www.thesistools.com/web/?id=442340Sanne BakkersHAS University of Applied SciencesThe NetherlandsP.s. My apologies for double posting in case you have already received an email about this questionnaire.

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Re: [MARMAM] New Publication: Antipredator tactics among pantropical spotted dolphins
by Federico Sucunza 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of our new note: *Observations of antipredator tactics among pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) attacked by smooth hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna zygaena)* . Article first published online: 22 SEP 2014 DOI: 10.1111/mms.12169 Sucunza, F., Doria, E., Alves, L.C.P.S, Prado, J.H.F., Ferreira, E., Andriolo, A. and Danilewicz, D. You can download the pdf at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12169/abstract or contact me via email fsucunza(a)gmail.com for a copy. Let me know if you have any questions or comments. Best regards, Federico Sucunza On Fri, Dec 5, 2014 at 6:48 PM, Federico Sucunza <fsucunza(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Dear colleagues, > > We are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper: > > *Observations of antipredator tactics among pantropical spotted dolphins > (Stenella attenuata) attacked by smooth hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna zygaena)* > . Article first published online: 22 SEP 2014 DOI: 10.1111/mms.12169 > > Sucunza, F., Doria, E., Alves, L.C.P.S, Prado, J.H.F., Ferreira, E., > Andriolo, A. and Danilewicz, D. > > You can download the pdf at > http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12169/abstract or contact > me via email fsucunza(a)gmail.com for a copy. > > Let me know if you have any questions or comments. > > Best regards, > Federico Sucunza >

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Arctic and SubArctic Scientist in Residency Fellowships Available at the Sitka Sound Science Center
by Victoria OConnell 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

The Sitka Sound Science Center is pleased to announce that the application period for the FY15 Scientist in Residency Fellowships is open through February 15. This year the Fellowships (3) are intended for mid-career scientists studying the arctic or subarctic. The Fellowship is for 1 month of residency in Sitka, Alaska, with housing, travel, per diem, and stipend provided. Fellows will spend one week of their month engaged in community and student outreach and will partake in training specific to communicating science in rural Alaska. For further details please see the attached flyer, our website www.sitkascience.org, or contact me at voconnell(a)sitkascience.org Please forward to your colleagues and post the notice in your office. Thanks, Tory O'Connell Research Director

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New Publication: Evidence for signature whistles in Guiana dolphins
by Alice Lima 05 Dec '14

05 Dec '14

We are pleased to announce a new publication in the Journal of The Acoustical Society of America: Evidence for signature whistles in Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in Ilhéus, northeastern Brazil <http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/136/6/10.1121/1.4900829> Alice Lima <http://scitation.aip.org/search?value1=Alice+Lima&option1=author&noRedirect…> and Yvonnick Le Pendu <http://scitation.aip.org/search?value1=Yvonnick+Le+Pendu&option1=author&noR…> J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 136, 3178 (2014); http://dx.doi.org/10.1121/1.4900829 The paper is available online: *http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/136/6/10.1121/1.4900829 <http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/136/6/10.1121/1.4900829>* Please contact me if you would like a copy and do not otherwise have access to the pdf: alimoulima(a)gmail.com Abstract: Signature whistles have been widely studied in bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). A recent study suggested the occurrence of signature whistles in Guiana dolphins (*Sotalia guianensis*) but could not identify the whistlers. The objective of this study is to describe the whistle characteristics in the population of S. guianensis from Ilheus and investigate the occurrence of signature whistles. Dolphins from 55 groups were photographed and sound emissions from 21 groups were recorded. The frequency parameters and duration of the 847 recorded whistles were similar to those recorded in 12 other populations, on an intermediate position of a latitudinal gradient. The visual classification method was applied to the spectrograms of 68 stereotyped potential signature whistles. Five out of 6 human judges agreed on the formation of 13 groups. The presence of the same individuals in different recording occasions of stereotyped whistles suggests that some whistle types are produced by specific individuals. The study is the first to use the photo-identification technique to iden- tify Guiana dolphins emitting whistles and the results reinforce the hypothesis of signature whistles in this species. -- Alice de Moura Lima Bióloga - CRBIO 92.034/05-D Mestre em Zoologia - PPGZOO/UESC Doctorante / PhD Student Université de Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 "Ethologie Animale et Humaine" Station Biologique de Paimpont 35380 Paimpont

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New Paper on Humpback Whales, Habitat Modeling and Ship Strikes
by Andrea Dransfield 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

Dear colleagues,We are pleased to announce that the following paper is now available from the Journal of Endangered Species Research:Dransfield A, Hines E, McGowan J, Holzman B, Nur N, Elliott M, Howar J, Jahncke J (2014) Where the whales are: using habitat modeling to support changes in shipping regulations within National Marine Sanctuaries in Central California. Endang Species Res 26:39-57.Abstract: Understanding habitat preferences for endangered species is a high priority for management strategies to ensure minimum conflict between human uses and wildlife conservation. The purpose of this study was to identify oceanographic variables that predict occurrences of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae within the Cordell Bank and Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries, California, USA, to assess potential conflict with vessel traffic. We used data collected by Applied California Current Ecosystem Studies (ACCESS) conducted from 2004 to 2011. Using zero-inflated negative binomial regression, we developed predictive models and identified locations highly used by whales to characterize humpback whale habitat. We analyzed whale encounter rates at 3-km bin intervals in relation to bathymetric, surface and mid-water hydrographic predictor variables and temporal variables characterizing oceanographic conditions. Our models included variables that accounted for detectability of whales. Two models were compared and contrasted: (1) a surface-only model, using only surface oceanographic variables, and (2) a surface + mid-water model, using both surface and mid-water variables. The surface + mid-water model performed significantly better than the surface-only model, which underestimated the amount of suitable whale habitat in the northern half of our study area. We compared resulting predicted habitat areas with previous and current San Francisco Bay Area shipping lane polygonal footprints to investigate whether newly accepted changes in routes reduced areal overlap with humpback whale habitat. Although our analyses show that the area occupied by shipping traffic has decreased in areas of high predicted humpback whale habitat use, changes in vessel lane footprints do not account for several important aspects of ship-strike risk, including vessel frequency, speed, size and density patterns within the shipping lanes and variability between lanes.The paper is open-access and can either be downloaded here:http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v26/n1/p39-57/or just email for a copy (andreadransfield(a)hotmail.com).Sincerely,Andrea DransfieldSan Francisco State University

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Book: The cultural lives of whales and dolphins
by Hal Whitehead 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

Just published: “The cultural lives of whales and dolphins” by Hal Whitehead and Luke Rendell University of Chicago Press 408 pages | 15 color plates, 7 halftones, 4 line drawings, 5 tables | 6 x 9 | © 2014 For contents, blurb, reviews, or to order: http://www.press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/C/bo12789830.html hardcover: US$35 ebook: US$21 Hal Whitehead, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada hwhitehe(a)dal.ca Luke Rendell, University of St Andrews, Scotland

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Seeking an Events and Outreach Intern
by themanxsociety formarineconservation 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

*Position: Events and Outreach Intern * *About manxsmc * The Manx Society for Marine Conservation (manxsmc) is a non-for-profit marine research society based in Peel, Isle of Man and was set up to preserve and enhance the unique Manx marine environment through the advocation of research, education and conservation in the community. The Island is host to some of the richest biodiversity in the British Isles, making it one of the most inspirational places to study temperate marine biology and conservation. This is evidenced by the abundance of large megafaunal species; namely risso’s dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, short beaked common dolphin, minke whales and basking sharks, of which both resident and transient populations are found annually in Manx waters. Our aim is to better understand this diversity and in doing so establish links between people and marine life, banishing boundaries between the scientific world and the general public which we feel is vital for the protection of the distinctive Manx marine environment. *Events and Outreach Intern* *Position Description * A seasonal volunteer is required for the specific period of 11th May to 28th August 2015 to aid in our awareness-raising programs by using social media platforms, updating our website and attending local events to promote the conservation work of manxsmc. You may also be required to help in our research projects. Manxsmc is run by volunteers and it will be a fantastic opportunity to visit a new place, meet likeminded people and further your experience in marine conservation and public outreach. You will learn about our research projects, the species and marine ecosystems of the Isle of Man, use social media platforms to promote our work and recent marine conservation developments and arrange and promote the attendance at local events to engage with the public. There may also be additional opportunities to gain an RYA powerboat level 2 license and visit the Calf of Man. *How to apply* Please email a CV, application form and covering letter (no more than one side of A4) explaining how you meet the personal specification and why you wish to apply for the position to volunteer(a)manxsmc.com with *Events and Outreach Intern in your subject line. * *Deadline for applications: 30th January 2015 at 12:00pm.*

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2 Recent Publications
by Shawn Noren Kramer 04 Dec '14

04 Dec '14

Dear Colleagues, I would like to bring to your attention two manuscripts that were recently published on the bioenergetics and body condition of Pacific walruses.This research was undertaken in an effort to quantify important physiological parameters that will be important for incorporating into population models to predict how loses of sea ice in the Arctic may affect the sustainability of this species. I have never posted to MARMAM before.However, I felt that it was important to share these papers because they provide a template that may be modified and applied to other marine mammals that are faced with limitations in food availability.The abstracts and citations are provided below. If you are unable to access these journals, please contact me for a PDF. Best Regards, Shawn Shawn R. Noren, Ph.D. Associate Research Scientist Institute of Marine Science University of California, Santa Cruz snoren(a)ucsc.edu Early View for Marine Mammal Science: DOI: 10.1111/mms.12186 *Identifying a reliable blubber measurement site to assess body condition in a marine mammal with topographically variable blubber, the Pacific walrus* SHAWN R. NOREN, MARK S. UDEVITZ, LISA TRIGGS, JESSA PASCHKE, LISA OLAND, CHADWICK V. JAY Abstract Pacific walruses may be unable to meet caloric requirements in the changing Arctic ecosystem, which could affect body condition and have population-level consequences. Body condition has historically been monitored by measuring blubber thickness over the xiphoid process (sternum). This may be an unreliable condition index because blubber at other sites along the body may be preferentially targeted to balance energetic demands. Animals in aquaria provided an opportunity for controlled study of how blubber topography is altered by caloric intake. Morphology, body mass, blubber thickness (21 sites), and caloric intake of five mature, nonpregnant, nonlactating female walruses were measured monthly (12 month minimum). Body condition (mass 9 standard length--1) was described by a model that included caloric intake and a seasonal effect, and scaled positively with estimates of total blubber mass. Blubber thicknesses (1.91--10.69 cm) varied topographically and were similar to values reported for free-ranging female walruses. Body condition was most closely related to blubber thickness measured dorsomedially in the region of the anterior insertion of the pectoral flippers (shoulders); sternum blubber thickness was a relatively poor indicator of condition. This study demonstrates the importance of validating condition metrics before using them to monitor free-ranging populations. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 87(6):837--854. 2014. *Energy Demands for Maintenance, Growth, Pregnancy, and Lactation of Female Pacific Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)* Shawn R. Noren, Mark S. Udevitz, Chadwick V. Jay ABSTRACT Decreases in sea ice have altered habitat use and activity patterns of female Pacific walruses Odobenus rosmarus divergens and could affect their energetic demands, reproductive success, and population status. However, a lack of physiological data from walruses has hampered efforts to develop the bioenergetics models required for fully understanding potential population-level impacts. We analyzed long-term longitudinal data sets of caloric consumption and body mass from nine female Pacific walruses housed at six aquaria using a hierarchical Bayesian approach to quantify relative energetic demands for maintenance, growth, pregnancy, and lactation. By examining body mass fluctuations in response to food consumption, the model explicitly uncoupled caloric demand from caloric intake. This is important for pinnipeds because they sequester and deplete large quantities of lipids throughout their lifetimes. Model outputs were scaled to account for activity levels typical of free-ranging Pacific walruses, averaging 83% of the time active in water and 17% of the time hauled-out resting. Estimated caloric requirements ranged from 26,900 kcal d21 for 2-yr-olds to 93,370 kcal d21 for simultaneously lactating and pregnant walruses. Daily consumption requirements were higher for pregnancy than lactation, reflecting energetic demands of increasing body size and lipid deposition during pregnancy. Although walruses forage during lactation, fat sequestered during pregnancy sustained 27% of caloric requirements during the first month of lactation, suggesting that walruses use a mixed strategy of capital and income breeding. Ultimately, this model will aid in our understanding of the energetic and population consequences of sea ice loss.

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New Publication: Tag effects on bottlenose dolphins
by Julie van der Hoop 03 Dec '14

03 Dec '14

We are pleased to announce a new publication in the Journal of Experimental Biology: Julie M. van der Hoop, Andreas Fahlman, Thomas Hurst, Julie Rocho-Levine, K. Alex Shorter, Victor Petrov and Michael J. Moore. Bottlenose dolphins modify behavior to reduce metabolic effect of tag attachment. J Exp Biol 2014 217:4229-4236. First posted online October 16, 2014, doi:10.1242/jeb.108225 The paper is available online: http://jeb.biologists.org/content/217/23/4229.abstract Please contact me if you would like a copy and do not otherwise have access to the pdf: jvanderhoop(a)whoi.edu Abstract: Attaching bio-telemetry or -logging devices (‘tags’) to marine animals for research and monitoring adds drag to streamlined bodies, thus affecting posture, swimming gaits and energy balance. These costs have never been measured in free-swimming cetaceans. To examine the effect of drag from a tag on metabolic rate, cost of transport and swimming behavior, four captive male dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were trained to swim a set course, either non-tagged (n=7) or fitted with a tag (DTAG2; n=12), and surface exclusively in a flow-through respirometer in which oxygen consumption () and carbon dioxide production (; ml kg−1 min−1) rates were measured and respiratory exchange ratio (/) was calculated. Tags did not significantly affect individual mass-specific oxygen consumption, physical activity ratios (exercise /resting ), total or net cost of transport (COT; J m−1 kg−1) or locomotor costs during swimming or two-minute recovery phases. However, individuals swam significantly slower when tagged (by ~11%; mean ± s.d., 3.31±0.35 m s−1) than when non-tagged (3.73±0.41 m s−1). A combined theoretical and computational fluid dynamics model estimating drag forces and power exertion during swimming suggests that drag loading and energy consumption are reduced at lower swimming speeds. Bottlenose dolphins in the specific swimming task in this experiment slowed to the point where the tag yielded no increases in drag or power, while showing no difference in metabolic parameters when instrumented with a DTAG2. These results, and our observations, suggest that animals modify their behavior to maintain metabolic output and energy expenditure when faced with tag-induced drag. ---------------------------------------------------------- Julie van der Hoop PhD Candidate MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography Woods Hole MA 02543 http://www.whoi.edu/profile/jvanderhoop/

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