February 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Seeking field assistants for research on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin in Perth, Western Australia
by Delphine Chabanne 19 Feb '14

19 Feb '14

Seeking field assistants for research on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin in Perth, Western Australia Due to last minute change, I am seeking field assistants from now (anytime as soon as possible) until late June 2014. Project title: Assessment of the population of bottlenose dolphins within the Perth metropolitan waters. This project aims to assess dolphin abundance, residency, ranging patterns and genetic connectivity within an area encompassing over a four-year period. Sampling effort is stratified across four zones (Cockburn Sound, Owen Anchorage, Gage Roads, and the Swan-Canning Estuary) and across all four austral seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter). Location: Cetacean Research Unit, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia (www.mucru.org<http://www.mucru.org/>) Duties: - Assisting with boat-based photo-identification surveys of bottlenose dolphins, including operating small vessel during surveys, collecting environmental, location, and behavioural data for dolphin groups. Expect early starts, hot weather, up to 11 hours on the water for multiple consecutive days, and up to a week between days off; - Photo-identification of dolphins in the lab. Prerequisites: - Enthusiasm for field work on a boat is essential (long hours and natural environment conditions); - Experience of working on and driving a small boat (essential); - Experience of photo-ID survey techniques (highly desirable); - No history of debilitation seasickness (essential). Expenses: This is an unpaid position. Travel to/from, accommodation, and food for applicants will be at their own charges. Please submit resume and cover letter specifying when you could start and for how long you would like to commit to this project to D.Chabanne(a)murdoch.edu.au<mailto:D.Chabanne@murdoch.edu.au>. Delphine Chabanne PhD candidate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University, Western Australia Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia http://mucru.org/group-members/delphine-chabanne/ http://mucru.org/research-projects/coastal-and-estuarine-dolphin-project/ [mucru-with-murdoch-WHITEBACKGROUND]

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Older reference sought
by David Rosen 19 Feb '14

19 Feb '14

I am trying to track down a copy of a chapter by J Sweeney from the First Edition (1990) CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine entitled: Marine mammal behavioural diagnostics. It was dropped from the second edition. Thanks, Dave Rosen University of British Columbia

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Marine Mammal Internships with the New England Aquarium!
by Intern 19 Feb '14

19 Feb '14

Are you looking for research experience with Marine Mammals?? The New England Aquarium is recruiting individuals to participate in our most unique internships! Our Right Whale Field Research Intern will live and work with a dedicated team of researchers based out of Lubec, Maine for two months in late summer and early fall. The intern will have the opportunity to gain hands-on field research experience on this highly-endangered species. Please follow this link <http://www.neaq.org/get_involved/volunteering_and_internships/internshi ps/complete_list_of_internships/position_details.php?id=107> to be directed to the internship description. Our priority deadline for consideration is March 15th, 2014. Our second opportunity focuses on research of whale species in the Cape Cod Bay and Stellwagen Bank. Interns will participate in Whale Watches recording data on sightings and behavior while engaging the public in conservation activities surrounding these animals. The internship description can be found here <http://www.neaq.org/get_involved/volunteering_and_internships/internshi ps/complete_list_of_internships/position_details.php?id=100> . For a complete list of application instructions and requirements please visit our website <http://www.neaq.org/get_involved/volunteering_and_internships/internshi ps/applying_for_an_internship.php> .

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Animal Welfare. Compiling information
by Victor Garcia Vergara 19 Feb '14

19 Feb '14

Dear MARMAMERS I am compiling information (in English and Spanish) on animal welfare in captivity but only for this animals: Orca : Orcinus orca. Indo-Pacific Dolphin or: Tursiops aduncus. Belugas: Delphinapterus leucas. California sea lion: Zalophus californianus. Common seal or harbor seal: Phoca vitulina Sea otter: Enhydra lutris Manatee: Trichechus would be very grateful if you can contact me, if you have any published literature, news, or contact details of people/organisations that could provide me with further information. Thank you in advance, ------------- º ------------------ Víctor García Vergara Fono: +56 9 9338 2859 ------------- º -------------------

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video night
by ecs2014 19 Feb '14

19 Feb '14

Apologies for cross-posting Dear ECS and MARMAM colleague A video night is scheduled during the upcoming conference. If you are interested to present a video, could you please contact me (ECSconference2014(a)ulg.ac.be) for video instructions (length, format,...) Looking forward to seeing you soon Thierry Thierry Jauniaux, DMV, PhD, ECS Conference 2014 Liege 5-9 April http://liege.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/28th-annual-conference

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Press Release: Navy holding public meetings for Northwest Training and Testing EIS
by Nakahara, Liane L CIV Navy Region NW, N00P 18 Feb '14

18 Feb '14

Attached and pasted below is a Press Release for the Navy disseminated to news media this morning. Provided for your information and for sharing with your colleagues. The U.S. Navy his holding a series of public meetings in Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and Southeast Alaska to provide information on the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS). These meetings are also being held to allow the public to ask questions and submit comments about the Draft EIS/OEIS. The Navy invites the public to submit comments on the NWTT Draft EIS/OEIS during the comment period, which ends on March 25. All comments received by the deadline will be considered in the development of the Final EIS/OEIS. People can comment in a few different ways: in person (oral and written) at a public meeting, by mail or online at the project website via the online comment form. The Draft EIS documents as well as the online comment form can be found on the NWTT EIS/OEIS project website: www.nwtteis.com Please let me know if you have any questions. There will be a media availability starting at 4:30 p.m. prior to each public meeting. Please let me know if you are interested in attending this media availability. We will have subject matter experts available to help answer questions about Navy training and testing and the Draft EIS. Very Respectfully, Liane Nakahara Public Affairs Specialist Navy Region Northwest Phone: (360) 396-1630 Cell: (360) 340-5372 Fax: (360) 396-7127 liane.nakahara [at] navy.mil ----------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 18, 2014 Release #14-002 NAVY TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR THE NORTHWEST TRAINING AND TESTING DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT/ OVERSEAS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SILVERDALE, Wash. - The U.S. Navy invites the public to attend public meetings for the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS). The Navy has prepared the Draft EIS/OEIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of military readiness training and testing activities conducted primarily within existing range complexes, operating areas and testing ranges in the NWTT Study Area. The Navy invites you to comment on the NWTT Draft EIS/OEIS. Public Meetings Eight public meetings will be held to inform the public about the Navy's Proposed Action and findings in the Draft EIS/OEIS, and solicit public comments on the environmental analysis. The public meetings will include an open house information session starting at 5 p.m. During this time, Navy representatives will provide information and answer questions about the Proposed Action and Draft EIS/OEIS. A short presentation by the Navy will begin at 6:30 p.m. Comments will be accepted throughout the public meeting. The public meetings will be held at the following locations and times: Open House Information Sessions: 5-8 p.m. Navy Presentation: 6:30 p.m. Washington: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014 Oak Harbor High School Student Union Building 1 Wildcat Way Oak Harbor, WA Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 Cascade High School Student Commons 801 E. Casino Road Everett, WA Friday, Feb. 28, 2014 North Kitsap High School Commons 1780 NE Hostmark St. Poulsbo, WA Oregon: Monday, March 3, 2014 Astoria High School Student Commons 1001 W. Marine Drive Astoria, OR Tuesday, March 4, 2014 Isaac Newton Magnet School Gym 825 NE 7th St. Newport, OR California: Thursday, March 6, 2014 Red Lion Hotel Redwood Ballroom 1929 4th St. Eureka, CA Friday, March 7, 2014 Redwood Coast Senior Center West Room 490 N. Harold St. Fort Bragg, CA Alaska: Tuesday, March 11, 2014 Southeast Alaska Discovery Center Lobby 50 Main St. Ketchikan, AK Individuals requiring reasonable accommodations, please contact Liane Nakahara, Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs Specialist, at 360-396-1630 or liane.nakahara [at] navy.mil. Availability of Draft EIS/OEIS and Public Comment Period: The Navy is seeking public input on the Proposed Action and alternatives, and the accuracy and adequacy of the Draft EIS/OEIS. The Draft EIS/OEIS is available for public review online at www.NWTTEIS.com and at the following locations: Washington: . Everett Main Library . Gig Harbor Library . Jefferson County Library - Port Hadlock . Kitsap Regional Library - Poulsbo . Kitsap Regional Library - Sylvan Way (Bremerton) . Oak Harbor Public Library . Port Angeles Main Library . Port Townsend Public Library . Timberland Regional Library - Aberdeen .Timberland Regional Library - Hoquiam Oregon: . Astoria Public Library . Driftwood Public Library . Newport Public Library . Tillamook Main Library Northern California: . Fort Bragg Branch Library . Humboldt County Public Library, Arcata Main Library . Humboldt County Public Library, Eureka Main Library Southeastern Alaska: . Juneau Public Library, Downtown Branch . Ketchikan Public Library The Navy is accepting comments throughout the 60-day public comment period, from Jan. 24, 2014, to March 25, 2014. All comments must be postmarked or received online by March 25, 2014, for consideration in the Final EIS/OEIS. Written comments may be submitted via the project website at www.NWTTEIS.com, in person at the public meetings or by mail to: Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest Attention: Ms. Kimberly Kler - NWTT EIS/OEIS Project Manager 1101 Tautog Circle, Suite 203 Silverdale, WA 98315-1101 Proposed Action The Navy proposes to conduct training and testing activities, to include the use of active sonar and explosives, within the NWTT Study Area. The Proposed Action also includes pierside sonar maintenance and testing within the NWTT Study Area. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to ensure that the Navy accomplishes its mission to maintain, train and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas. This mission is achieved in part by training and testing within the NWTT Study Area. The NWTT EIS/OEIS also supports the renewal of federal regulatory permits and authorizations for current training and testing activities and future activities requiring environmental analysis. The NWTT Study Area is composed of Navy training and testing range complexes, operating areas, testing facilities, and select Navy pierside locations in the Pacific Northwest. Aircraft training and testing activities that take place on or within established Navy airfields at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. or Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility Boardman, Ore. are not included in this NWTT EIS/OEIS. Visit the project website at www.NWTTEIS.com to download the Draft EIS/OEIS, view a map of the NWTT Study Area, learn more about the project and submit comments online. -USN- MEDIA AVAILABILITY: There is an opportunity for media to speak with project personnel at 4:30 p.m. before each meeting. Media interested in attending or seeking further information should contact: Liane Nakahara, Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs Specialist, 360-396-1630 (office) or 360-340-5372 (cell).

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AIMM seeks interns - Summer 2014 - Portugal
by Catarina Fonseca 18 Feb '14

18 Feb '14

*INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2014 SEASON* *BACKGROUND:* The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM - is running an ongoing study of cetaceans in the South of Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behaviour and social structure of the local cetacean populations. The main species observed are short beaked common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*), common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncates)* and harbour porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*); although other species such as minke whale (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata*) and fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*) can also be sighted. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* 1st June to 31st October 2014 *FIELDWORK & DATA ANALYSIS:* You will primarily be collecting the data on behaviour, group size, species, photo-identification, etc from platforms of opportunity (dolphin watching boats). You will also assist with desk work doing data entering and photo-identification. Fieldwork is dependent on weather and seat availability in the dolphin watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of Summer but are fulfilling and good fun. It will give you field experience in data collection and photo-identification. Interns are *EXPECTED* to: - Be above the age of 16 - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - Be autonomous and quickly operational - Be able to live and work with other members of an international team. All interns share everyday duties and chores with the other team members - Speak fluent Portuguese and/or English - Participate for minimum 1 week No previous experience is required, however *preference will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *LIVING & COSTS:* Interns are required to pay a fee of 400 EURO per week to cover all living expenses (accommodation, transport to/from the marina and food). The intern is responsible for his own transportation to and from Albufeira. *DEADLINE AND APPLICANTIONS:* Applicants should send an e-mail with the subject "INTERNSHIP" with: - A small introduction, qualifications, previous experience and a brief explanation why they would like to work with AIMM - CV Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org || *www.aimmpotugal.org <http://www.aimmpotugal.org>*

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internship posting
by Harry, Charles 18 Feb '14

18 Feb '14

Hello, I would like to post the below advertisement to the MARMAM list serve. Please feel free to contact if have any questions. Thank you for your efforts, -CT Marine Mammal Summer Internships on Cape Cod, MA The International Fund for Animal Welfare’s (IFAW) Marine Mammal Rescue & Research Program is currently accepting applications for Marine Mammal Stranding Response Internships for Summer 2014. Interns will be placed in one of two available tracks (Response or Necropsy), however all interns will receive cross-training in both areas. Background IFAW is an international non-profit organization with headquarters in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, USA. IFAW’s Marine Mammal Rescue and Research Program is a federally authorized response program dedicated to marine mammal stranding response on Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts. Our mission is to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat by improving the rescue and humane care of stranded marine mammals, advancing stranding science, and increasing public awareness through education. Cape Cod is a marine mammal stranding “hot spot”, with over 230 strandings per year, including live and dead seals, large whales, porpoises and dolphins. This area is especially unique due to the high occurrence of live mass stranded dolphins. Internship Duties – Response Track - Assist staff with all aspects of marine mammal stranding response including; live animal health assessment and triage, 24 hour hotline coverage, dispatch of volunteers, opportunistic public education, and biological data collection and sampling from dead stranded marine mammals. - Assist in maintaining preparedness for strandings including: cleaning, organizing, and maintaining stranding response gear and equipment - Assist in data entry of case files, call logs, and volunteer hour tracking data - Assist in organizing, cataloging, and archiving stranded marine mammal documentation including photos and video - General office duties and report and outreach/education material preparation Internship Duties - Necropsy Track - Assist the necropsy coordinator in performing post-mortem examinations in both field and laboratory settings - Assist in maintaining, cleaning, and organizing necropsy equipment and supplies - Assist in photo archiving and data entry - Assist in the archiving, shipping and tracking of biological samples - Assist in the preparation of necropsy reports - General office duties including training and outreach material preparation and organization Requirements - Candidates must be at least 18 years old - Must possess a valid driver’s license - Must be of good physical fitness and be able to lift/carry 40lbs - Able to follow directions and protocols effectively - Undergraduate study of biology, zoology, ecology, marine/environmental/animal science preferred - Experience handling animals and driving trucks, trailers and boats helpful - The ideal candidate will possess good communication skills, can work independently, and should have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Learning outcomes While hands-on experience is opportunistic and the number and type of responses will be variable, most interns have the opportunity to: - Develop skills in identifying species commonly stranded on Cape Cod - Acquire basic stranded cetacean and pinniped assessment and triage skills - Gain knowledge of response logistics and management including the use of the Incident Command System - Increase knowledge of biology and anatomy of species commonly stranded on Cape Cod - Gain knowledge of the stranding network structure and operation, and marine mammal policy as it relates to strandings - Acquire basic data collection and necropsy skills - Participate in active research projects as appropriate Additional Information This internship is unpaid. Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern. International applicants will be considered, but is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation; including an international driver’s license. Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum 10 week continuous commitment sometime between May 15 through September 15. Interns are required to attend a minimum of 3 days per week, which may include weekends and holidays. Since strandings are unpredictable, applicants with flexible schedules are preferred. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, he/she will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. Interns should be prepared to perform in a variety of settings on any given day including beach, on water, and laboratory. Specialized gear such as dry suits and life jackets will be provided. To apply please submit by March 15th: - Completed internship application with tentative start/end dates (http://www.ifaw.org//sites/default/files/webform/mmrr_internship_applicatio…<http://www.ifaw.org/sites/default/files/webform/mmrr_internship_application…>) - Letter of recommendation from an employer or college professor - Resume * Applicant’s should note their preferred track (Response or Necropsy) however, final placement will be decided by the IFAW staff. All internship application materials and/or questions should be submitted to: rescue(a)ifaw.org<mailto:rescue@ifaw.org> (please include “Internship Application” in the subject line) For more information about IFAW’s global animal welfare and conservation work, please visit www.ifaw.org<http://www.ifaw.org> C.T. Harry | Asst. Stranding Coordinator | Marine Mammal Rescue & Research __________________________________________________________ IFAW - International Fund for Animal Welfare World Headquarters 290 Summer Street - Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 tel.1.508.744.2272 email. charry(a)ifaw.org<mailto:charry@ifaw.org> stranding hotline. 1.508.743.9548 Saving Animals in Crisis Around the World www.ifaw.org<http://www.ifaw.org/> The content of this email is intended only for the use of the above-named addressee and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, and/or legally privileged. Please notify the sender if you received this email in error.

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Closing Date February 19 - Seeking Marine Scientists for Sign On Letter
by Huelsenbeck, Matthew 18 Feb '14

18 Feb '14

Circling back around about this. Thanks to those of you who have signed on already. Please let me know by Wednesday, February 19th COB if you can sign on to this important letter. Thanks again. Hello all, If you are willing to sign on to the letter below please email me (mhuelsenbeck(a)oceana.org<mailto:mhuelsenbeck@oceana.org>) with your name, degree, title and organization. We are seeking marine scientists and conservation biologists, particularly experts in underwater acoustics and/or marine mammals, to sign this letter. The purpose and wording of the letter is simple; require the use of NMFS' new Marine Mammal Acoustic Guidelines before finalizing a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for proposed seismic survey activity in the mid- and south Atlantic. Thanks! For more information, here is a link to NMFS' Marine Mammal Acoustic Guidelines; http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/guidelines.htm And a link to BOEM's page about proposed geological and geophysical activities in the mid- and south Atlantic, referenced in the letter as the PEIS: http://www.boem.gov/oil-and-gas-energy-program/GOMR/GandG.aspx "Dear (President Obama, Secretary of DOI, Deputy Director of BOEM) CC (NMFS) On behalf of the following marine scientists and conservation biologists we urge you to use the best available science before permitting seismic surveys for offshore oil and gas in the mid- and south Atlantic. We recommend that you do not finalize the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) regarding seismic surveys in the mid- and south Atlantic until the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has completed new Marine Mammal Acoustic Guidelines. It is essential to incorporate these guidelines into this PEIS in order to accurately estimate auditory injuries and disturbances to marine mammals from proposed seismic surveys, so that this important information can guide the most appropriate mitigation measures. NMFS released the first phase of the acoustic guidelines on December 27th 2013 for public comment, and the agency will be releasing the second phase regarding behavioral disturbances to marine mammals soon. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has classified the first phase of these guidelines as a "Highly Influential Scientific Assessment"- the most stringent possible ranking under OMB's peer-review protocol. More than 15 years have passed since NMFS first began developing these criteria for auditory impacts, as well as criteria for acoustic disturbances. The newly published draft guidelines synthesize years of scientific research regarding the effects of anthropogenic sound on marine mammals. During the development of the guidelines NMFS has undergone a rigorous internal and external peer review process including consultation with issue experts, and the first phase is now undergoing public comment. If the PEIS moves forward without the newly established acoustic guidelines it will be scientifically deficient and quickly outdated. It will fail to accurately assess the true scope of marine mammal impacts from proposed seismic surveys, which is a primary purpose of the PEIS. The mid- and south Atlantic is home to a diversity and abundance of marine mammals, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale which could be impacted by proposed seismic survey activity. We implore you to take this opportunity to integrate NMFS' new Marine Mammal Acoustic Guidelines into the PEIS for proposed seismic survey activity in the mid- and south Atlantic." Sincerely, Name, Degree Title Organization Name, Degree Title Organization Name, Degree Title Organization Best, Matthew Huelsenbeck | Marine Scientist OCEANA | Protecting the World's Oceans 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW, 5th Floor | Washington, DC 20036 USA C +1.202.725.9560 | D +1.202.467.1924 | O +1.202.833.2070 E mhuelsenbeck(a)oceana.org<mailto:mhuelsenbeck@oceana.org> | W www.oceana.org<http://www.oceana.org/>

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New Publication: Critical Habitat of North Atlantic Right Whales in Canadian Waters
by Kimberley Davies 18 Feb '14

18 Feb '14

Dear Colleagues, I would like to announce a new publication. Davies, KTA, Taggart, CT and Smedbol, RK. 2014. Water mass structure defines the diapausing copepod distribution in a right whale habitat on the Scotian Shelf. MEPS 497: 69 - 85 ABSTRACT: North Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis aggregate in Roseway Basin on the western Scotian Shelf where their energy-rich food sources, diapausing copepods Calanus spp., are concentrated at depth. The Canadian Species at Risk Recovery Strategy for right whales pro- vides provisional Critical Habitat (CH) boundaries for Roseway Basin based on right whale occu- pancy, with the stipulation that the boundaries be refined using spatially explicit indicators of CH, specifically the environmental, oceanographic, and bathymetric conditions responsible for the copepod aggregations and distribution. We measured the concentration, energy density, spatial distribution, and extent of the right whale food base and the related oceanography at depth in the Basin during late-summer 2008 with the goal of refining the spatial extent of right whale CH. We show that the diapausing copepods were distributed throughout the Basin, with elevated concen- trations located at depth toward the northeast and along the southern Basin margin slope. The aggregations were associated with warm, salty, high-density (26.0 to 26.2 ? t, kg m ?3 ), continental slope-influenced water masses and not with cold, fresh, low-density (< 26.0 ? t ) water masses orig- inating on the Scotian Shelf. Tidally driven variation in the copepod aggregations across the southern slope was coincident with the movement of the 26.0 ? t isopycnal. We propose a mecha- nism, based on water mass density and advection, that explains the spatial and temporal (e.g. inter-annual) variation in diapausing Calanus energy density (joules per unit ocean volume) dis- tribution, and by proxy, variation in right whale occupancy of the Basin. We further propose that the provisional CH boundaries, partly conditioned on vessel-strike mitigation measures, be extended to better encompass the critical feeding habitat. This could be achieved without compro- mise regarding vessel traffic and existing vessel-strike mitigation. Cheers, Kimberley Davies Postdoctoral Fellow L'Institut Fran?ais de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer Plouzan?, France Contact: kimberley.davies(a)ifremer.fr

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