February 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Consultants Wanted for Angolan EIA
by Emma Forrester - Hydenlyne 18 Feb '14

18 Feb '14

Dear All, Hydenlyne is looking for consultants to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment offshore Angola. You should have experience working offshore Angola and with writing EIAs, either contributing to the Marine Mammal section, or the full document. Ideally you will have written an EIA for an offshore area of Angola or have contributed to one. Please reply as soon as possible if you have the necessary experience to undertake this role. Kind regards, Emma Forrester Project Manager UK Mobile +44 (0)7730222001 Office +44 (0)1202 900078 Hydenlyne 1 Princes Court Princes Road Ferndown Dorset England BH22 9JG

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Call for Nominations for the ECS Mandy McMath Conservation Award
by Andrew Wright 17 Feb '14

17 Feb '14

Dear Colleagues, Apologies for cross-posting. As a reminder, we are now accepting nominations for the ECS Conservation Award, which will be given for the fourth time during the 28th ECS conference in Liege, Belgium (7-9 April 2014). The award is for an outstanding contribution to the field of marine mammal conservation and/or welfare, with particular emphasis on contributions to environmental education and/or to conservation in practice (e.g. leading to improved legislation or management). The award will be judged on the basis of a proposal made using the format given below and related material as described. It will be decided upon by consensus, or a majority vote of the ECS Conservation Award Committee. The winner of the award will be announced during the ECS Conference. Self-nominations are strongly discouraged. The Committee reserves the right not to present the award if no appropriate nominations are received. The ECS Award Committee comprises: Andrew Wright (Chair) Aviad Scheinin Thierry Jauniaux Hanna Nuuttila Ayaka Öztürk Mark Simmonds Simon Berrow Nominations should conform to the following format: Name(s) of person(s)/institution/body nominated for award Address and contact details Description of the work/body of work proposed for the award (maximum length of proposal 250 words) Note that the award can be given for a single conservation-education tool (such as a book or for an entire body of work - i.e. a series of linked contributions) in the sphere of education relating to marine mammal conservation and or welfare. Full references for the material identified above and any relevant web-links. Name of nominator(s) Address and contact details The nomination, and any supporting material if deemed necessary, should be sent to the Chair of the Award Committee by 7th March, 2014. Andrew J. Wright, Ph.D. ECS Conservation Award Chair Email: marinebrit(a)gmail.com

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Brucella pinnipedialis hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) strain in the mouse model with concurrent exposure to PCB 153
by Nymo Ingebjørg Helena 17 Feb '14

17 Feb '14

New paper by Nymo and co-workers on "Brucella pinnipedialis hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) strain in the mouse model with concurrent exposure to PCB 153". Abstract Brucellosis, a worldwide zoonosis, is linked to reproductive problems in primary hosts. A high proportion of Brucella-positive hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) have been detected in the declined Northeast Atlantic stock. High concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have also been discovered in top predators in the Arctic, including the hooded seal, PCB 153 being most abundant. The aim of this study was to assess the pathogenicity of Brucella pinnipedialis hooded seal strain in the mouse model and to evaluate the outcome of Brucella spp. infection after exposure of mice to PCB 153. BALB/c mice were infected with B. pinnipedialis hooded seal strain or Brucella suis 1330, and half from each group was exposed to PCB 153 through the diet. B. pinnipedialis showed a reduced pathogenicity in the mouse model as compared to B. suis 1330. Exposure to PCB 153 affected neither the immunological parameters, nor the outcome of the infection. Altogether this indicates that it is unlikely that B. pinnipedialis contribute to the decline of hooded seals in the Northeast Atlantic. Available online: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014795711400006X# PDF request: ingebjorg.h.nymo(a)uit.no<mailto:ingebjorg.h.nymo@uit.no> Ingebjørg Helena Nymo, DVM PhD Post Doctoral Researcher University of Tromsø - the Arctic University of Norway Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics Department of Arctic and Marine Biology Research Group of Arctic Infection Biology Stakkevollveien 23, N-9010 Tromsø, Norway Phone: +47 77 62 52 11 Mobile: +47 91 83 84 21 Skype: ingebjorg.helena.nymo

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New books on using GIS In Marine Biology
by Colin D. MacLeod 16 Feb '14

16 Feb '14

Dear Marmammers, The following books which I have authored about using GIS in marine biological research are now available (they were released between September 2013 and February 2014), and which I hope will be of interest to the marine mammal research community: 1. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology (2nd Edition) - RRP £44.99: This book provides an introdution to using GIS in marine biological research, as well as a 'How To ...' guide for over 100 tasks which marine biologists are likely to need to be able to do on a regular basis, and it has now been updated for users of ArcGIS 10.1 and 10.2 software from ESRI. ISBN: 978-0-9568974-6-6. 2. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology Supplementary Workbook One - Making Maps Of Species Distribution (2nd Edition) - RRP £19.99: This book provides five practical exercises based around mapping the distribution of species and it has now been updated for users of ArcGIS 10.1 and 10.2 software from ESRI. ISBN: 978-0-9568974-3-5. 3. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology Supplementary Workbook Two - Working With Raster Data Layers - RRP 19.99: This book provides five practical exercises based using raster data layers in marine biological research using ArcGIS 10.1 and 10.2 software from ESRI. ISBN: 978-0-9568974-2-8. 4. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology Supplementary Workbook Three - Integrating GIS And Species Distribution Modelling - RRP 19.99: This book provides five practical exercises which take the reader through all the steps required to conduct a successful species distribution modelling (SDM) project starting with processing the raw survey data through to linking it with environmental variables, exporting the information for analysis in a statistical package, creating a spatial visualisation of the predicted distribution from an SDM and validating its predictive ability. These exercises use ArcGIS 10.1/10.2 software from ESRI, and R statistical software. ISBN: 978-1-909832-02-2. NOTE: If you do one of the GIS In Ecology 'Introduction To Species Distribution Modelling In The Marine Environment' courses, you will receive a free copy of this book. 5. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology Supplementary Workbook Four - Analysing Home Ranges Of Individual Animals - RRP 19.99: This book provides five practical exercises based using examining the home ranges of individual animals, including creating minimum convex polygons (MCPs), and kernel density estimates (KDEs) in environments with and without barriers to movement using ArcGIS 10.1 and 10.2 software from ESRI. ISBN: 978-0-9568974-5-9. 6. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology Supplementary Workbook Five - Creating Maps For Reports And Publications - RRP 19.99: This book provides five practical exercises whicvh show how to make high quality maps for inclusion in reports, presentationns and publications using ArcGIS 10.1 and 10.2 software from ESRI. This includes creating maps with inserts, creating multipart maps, creating map templates for a specific project to allow you to quickly generate customised and consistent maps for a specific project, and creating style files to allow you to apply consistent legends across multiple data layers. ISBN: 978-1-909832-03-9. These books can be purchased from Amazon or directly from GIS In Ecology. All the best, Colin

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How we all kill whales
by Michael Moore 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

Food for Thought - Moore, M.J. How we all kill whales. -- ICES Journal of Marine Science, doi.10.1093/icesjms/fsu008. Today there is enormous popular interest in marine mammals. Western media tend to dwell on the ongoing debate about commercial whaling by Japan, Norway and Iceland. There is, however, relative silence as to how the shipping and fishing industries of many if not all maritime countries are also catching and sometimes killing whales, albeit unintentionally. Thus, western countries have, through the development and increase in fishing and shipping in continental shelf waters, essentially resumed whaling as vessel speeds and fishing gear strength have increased in recent decades. The ways in which these animals die, especially in fixed fishing gear that they become entangled in and swim off with, would raise substantial concern with consumers of seafood were they to be aware of what they were enabling. Available Open Access at http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/02/12/icesjms.fsu008.a… This is an early view online publication. There are no volume or page numbers available at this time. Michael Moore

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Dolphin and Manatee Research Internships Available Immediately at Turneffe Atoll, Belize
by Nataly Castelblanco 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

*Oceanic Society* *3, 6 and 12-month Dolphin and Manatee Research Internships Available Immediately to Qualified Candidates at Turneffe Atoll, Belize* The mission of Oceanic Society (OS) is to conserve marine wildlife and habitats by deepening connections between people and nature through research, community engagement, and first-hand experience. Interns are sought to assist with field surveys on two long-term projects: ¨Social and behavioral ecology of bottlenose dolphins¨ and ¨Monitoring and conservation of manatees" Both projects are based at Oceanic Society's Blackbird Caye Field Station on Turneffe Atoll, Belize. This is an extraordinary field experience for biologists interested in working with marine mammals as a career. Interns will learn and apply standard field methods, teach and lead volunteer groups, and develop his/her own short project. *Intern activities*: 1. *Learning*. The intern will be trained in marine mammal survey methods by an experienced marine biologist. 2 *Teaching*. The intern is expected to lead volunteer groups and to teach basic aspects of marine mammal biology and ecology to non biologist volunteers and students. 3. *Research. *We encourage the candidates to propose a scientific project in keeping with the framework of OS's long-term marine mammal research program. The intern will be mentored by OS marine scientists and staff to assure their adherence to safety and scientific protocols. This project is not mandatory but highly recommended, and candidates with demonstrated curiosity and innovative ideas will receive preference in the selection process. *The intern will be required to fulfill several key tasks:* · Lead boat-based survey to observe and photograph bottlenose dolphins · Take high-quality photos of dolphins for photo-ID · Assist with manatee research · Collect ecological data and perform habitat surveys · Assist with data organization, processing and preliminary analysis. · Prepare expedition reports · Coordinate the activities of our volunteer groups (1 to 8) · Prepare and present lectures on marine mammals and their habitats. *Requirements of Candidates*: · Passion, optimism and a high degree of interest in conserving marine wildlife and habitats · A degree in a related field (Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Behavior) · English speaking · A commitment of at least 3 months in Belize · Broad knowledge of aquatic mammal biology and marine ecosystems and a willingness to learn and teach - Previous field experience with cetaceans and/or manatees · Be organized and responsible, adaptable, patient and team-orientated · Be physically fit, able to work in outdoor conditions and to swim and snorkel · Be willing to live on a remote atoll with poor telephone and internet connectivity *Desirable Traits of Candidates: * · Previous experience leading volunteer groups · Public speaking experience · Interest in proposing, designing and conducting individual research · Willingness to collaborate on other OS projects (including coral reef, crocodile, sea turtle and/or lionfish monitoring) · A commitment to one year of service starting February 2014 (field expeditions run year round, except during hurricane season, Sep-Nov) *Compensation* Monetary compensation cannot be provided. OS will cover round trip transport costs from the intern's home city and regularly scheduled shuttles to and from Turneffe Atoll . We will reimburse the selected candidate for the airfare after s/he has completed the third month in the field station. Accommodation and food at the Blackbird Field Station is also covered. Send a letter of application, CV and two references to Dr. Nataly Castelblanco, Research Coordinator of Oceanic Society ( castelblanco(a)oceanicsociety.org ) For more information about the Oceanic Society, visit: www.oceanicsociety.org ****************************************************************************************** *Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez, PhD* Research Coordinator - Oceanic Society

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Seeking ecological statistician support
by Shambhu Paudel 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

Dear all, I am seeking help from strong ecological statistician to address the issues of statistics for accepted journal paper on high impact factor, that is related to the factors (ecological and anthropological) affecting movement of dolphins and their presence. I need to work as soon as possible. Therefore, interested experts are request for their help. No doubt, he/she will be a co author for the article. With regards, shambhu paudel -- *Assistant Professor for Wildlife/GIS/RS * * ||*Kathmandu Forestry College ||Kathmandu, Nepal || www.kafcol.edu.np Cell: 977-9841-170723 *South Asia Representative for *World Cetacean Alliance www.worldcetaceanalliance.org

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New publication: Humpback whale songs during winter in subarctic waters
by Edda Elísabet Magnúsdóttir 14 Feb '14

14 Feb '14

Dear MARMAMERS, We are proud to announce a publication of our paper on humpback whale songs during winter in subarctic waters: Magnúsdóttir, E. E., Rasmussen, M. H., Lammers, M. O., & Svavarsson, J. Humpback whale songs during winter in subarctic waters. *Polar Biology*, 37:427 - 433. doi:10.1007/s00300-014-1448-3 The songs of the male humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have traditionally been associated with mating at tropical and subtropical mating grounds during winter. However, songs also occur out of mating season, both on feeding grounds in spring, late summer and fall. This study provides the first report of humpback whale singing behaviour in the subarctic waters off Northeast Iceland (Skjálfandi Bay) using long term bottom-moored acoustic recorders during September 2008-February 2009 and from April-September 2009. Singing started in late November and peaked in February, within the breeding season. No songs were detected from spring to fall, despite of visual detections of humpback whales. Non-song sound signals from humpback whales were detected during all recording months. Songs were partly composed of fundamental units common with other known mating grounds, and partly of song units likely unique to the study area. The variety of song unit types in the songs increased at the end of the winter recordings, indicating a gradual change in the songs throughout the winter season; as has been shown on traditional mating grounds. The relative proportion of songs compared to non-song signals was higher during dark hours than daylight hours. The short light periods of the winter, and where food is available, likely influence the daily occurrence of humpback whales' songs in the subarctic. The paper can be found at the Polar Biology website: http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/497/art%253A10.1007%252Fs00300-014-… Best wishes, Edda Edda Elísabet Magnúsdóttir (eem(a)hi.is)

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Italo-Tunisian research project
by Ceto News 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

A pool of Italian and Tunisian research bodies has started a yearly joint project on monitoring cetacean in the Region between Sicily and Tunisia. In order to: systematically survey regularly the region throughout the years also in high sea areas; reduce reduces spatial heterogeneity; and to make more efficient the use of the budget resources the project, co-financed from ACCOBAMS, uses regular passengers ferries as platform of observations. http://itucre.blogspot.it/ Due to high productive values, the region between Sicily and Tunisia is considered one of the potential wintering grounds for fin whale. The area is also considered a critical habitat for cetacean species due to important anthropogenic pressures such as fishing, aquaculture, maritime traffic, oil and gas industry, communication cables and construction of wind-mill farms. Despite this, no systematic monitoring study has never been undertaken so far. In order to start a systematic cetacean monitoring of the area, a partnership of Tunisian and Italian research bodies participated with success to the ACCOBAMS 2012 open call for “Monitoring, research, training and projects relating to the conservation of Cetaceans”. Main aim of the project was capacity building issues and, to reach this goal, a partnership within the scientific international network that monitors cetacean using ferries as platforms of observation was built. Moreover, two ferry companies were involved in the project allowing to monitor the area among Tunisia, Sicily and Sardinia. Collected data will allow to: assess cetacean presence and distribution in this poorly surveyed area; investigate seasonal trends in cetacean presence and distribution (sighting will be shared on OBIS Sea Map); investigate fin whale migration patterns. In addition, the project will contribute to assess the quantity of events of collision risks. Networking with the other partners that use the same monitoring protocol is an important added value that will allow a synoptic view of cetacean in the Western Mediterranean Sea Region. Overall, the project goal is also to enact policies, between Tunisia and Italy, so to strengthen the cooperation and dialogue between peoples through the sectors of scientific research, culture and friendship

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Information Request: Dolphin hunts - Human consumption/bait
by A. Mel Cosentino 13 Feb '14

13 Feb '14

Dear MARMAMERS I am compiling information (in English and Spanish) on direct and opportunistic hunts of small cetaceans, both for human consumption and for bait, occurring in South and Central America. I 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, Mel -- A. Mel Cosentino orcinus.orca.1758(a)gmail.com

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