March 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED IN AUSTRALIA FOR A BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSE STUDY ON HUMPBACK WHALES
by Michael Noad 10 Mar '14

10 Mar '14

FIRST CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR A BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSE STUDY ON HUMPBACK WHALES IN AUSTRALIA The Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Lab at the University of Queensland is seeking expressions of interest from volunteers for a five-and-a-half week behavioural response study (BRS) on humpback whales from September 19 to October 26 this year. The study will examine how humpback whale behaviour is affected by noise from seismic air guns. It is the fourth and last in a series of experiments, known as the Behavioural Responses of Australian Humpback whales to Seismic Surveys (BRAHSS) project, that has been examining this issue since 2010 in collaboration with the University of Sydney, Curtin University, the Australian Marine Mammal Centre, the University of Newcastle and Blue Planet Marine. The 2014 study will once again be conducted at Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane, and follows several successful studies of humpback whale vocalisations and behaviour at the same site during the Humpback whale Acoustic Research Collaboration (HARC) as well as the first two years of BRAHSS in 2010 and 2011 (http://www.brahss.org.au/ ; http://www.uq.edu.au/whale) Volunteers are required mainly to conduct land-based observations of the whales as they pass our study site. Approximately 4,000 whales should migrate southwards within 10km of Peregian Beach during the field period making the site ideal for land-based tracking and observations of behaviour. We will also have a fixed hydrophone array moored offshore allowing us to record ambient noise and whale vocalisations and acoustically track singing whales in real time as well a second array of acoustic recorders deployed in the area for propagation modelling and recording the air gun signals. Some whales will be tagged with Dtags. Although volunteers will be used to help out on the boats, opportunities for volunteers to participate in boat work are limited and most time will be spent doing land-based observations. Volunteers will also have opportunities to participate in the acoustic recording and tracking of whales. Individual volunteers will spend approximately five hours daily (in two shifts) counting and observing passing whales from the land. Volunteers will get at least one day off per week, usually during bad weather. Due to the complex nature of the study, volunteers will receive detailed training at the beginning of the project and therefore successful applicants must be available for the entire duration of the project. A high standard of safety will be maintained throughout the field work and volunteers will be trained in safety procedures. Volunteers must be sociable as they will be expected to work and live as part of teams with shared cooking and cleaning duties. We expect that there will be up to 90 people (researchers, staff and volunteers) at the site. Volunteers must organise and pay for their own transport to the study site (close to Brisbane International Airport) but food and accommodation are provided once there. As meals are communal, fussy eaters are discouraged from applying! (vegetarians are fine). This project will suit people with a background in science (including recent graduates and graduate students as well as higher level undergraduate students) keen to gain experience in cetacean survey techniques, acoustics and behavioural response studies. Applicants should also be highly motivated and able to concentrate for several hours at a time. Those with previous survey experience of marine mammals or other taxa will be preferred. This is a rare opportunity to be part of a leading interdisciplinary study of the effects of noise on whale behaviour. The research project is being funded by the Joint Industry Programme on E&P Sound and Marine Life (JIP) (www.soundandmarinelife.org<http://www.soundandmarinelife.org>) and the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (www.boem.gov<http://www.boem.gov>) as part of a broad investigation into the potential interaction between the sounds that are generated by the offshore petroleum industry and the marine environment. Applicants should reply with an email to Michael Noad (mnoad(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:mnoad@uq.edu.au>), Rebecca Dunlop (r.dunlop(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:r.dunlop@uq.edu.au>) and Michael Williamson (m.williamson3(a)uq.edu.au<mailto:m.williamson3@uq.edu.au>) outlining why they would be suitable for this survey, why they would like to participate, an outline of previous relevant experience, and any other relevant details. The email should include an attached CV and the names and contact details of two professional referees. The closing date for volunteer applications is 31 May and successful field applicants will be notified in June. A second call for volunteers will be placed on Marmam in early May. PhD possibility CEAL is also seeking expressions of interest for an available PhD project. This project will aim to determine the function of humpback whale social vocalisations (http://www.uq.edu.au/whale/acoustic-comms) To be considered, candidates must meet the following criteria: * Successful applicant for BRAHSS field work * Hold an honours degree (preferably first class) and/or masters degree in a relevant subject area (e.g. animal communication, acoustic communication, animal behaviour, underwater acoustics) * If not from Australia or New Zealand, be competitive for an international research scholarship, i.e. having at least one published paper in a relevant area Potential candidates will take part in, and be interviewed during, the BRAHSS field season. If you wish to be considered for the PhD as well as volunteering for the field season, please put "BRAHSS 2014 field volunteer - consider for PhD" in the subject line of your BRAHSS volunteer application. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Michael Noad BVSc PhD Associate Professor Co-Leader, Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory School of Veterinary Science The University of Queensland - Gatton Campus, Qld 4343, Australia. P. (07) 5460 1876 (UQ internal 50876) F. (07) 5460 1922 M. 0416270567 W. www.uq.edu.au/vetschool<http://www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/cetacean-ecology-acoustic-laboratory> W. www.uq.edu.au/whale<http://www.uq.edu.au/whale> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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We are pleased to announce our brand new PASSIVE ACOUSTIC MONITORING COURSE FOR 2014
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 10 Mar '14

10 Mar '14

*We are pleased to announce our brand new training courses for 2014.* *Scanning Ocean Sectors* specialises in training, consultancy and supply of *Passive Acoustic Monitoring Operators *worldwide. We have years of research behind the effective and consistent training including courses adapted/personalised to the requirements of our clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. Our staff are fully trained and experienced in all areas. Our specialised training is to ensure RESEARCH/INDUSTRY attains the best personnel they require for the specialised work, the outcome from our training, KNOWLEDGABLE, EFFICIENT and EFFECTIVE in the job and are prepared for ALL necessary actions. Each student is graded in their certificates to ensure the quality standard in the industry. Our training course dates are below and there are still places available for the APRIL course. *Please note you must register and pay at the same time*. NOTE: pre registering will NOT entitle you to a place on the course. For full prices please visit www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/prices/. *United Kingdom PAMO Training Course Dates in Poole, Dorset* · 3rd Thursday- 4th Friday April · 10th Thursday- 11th Friday July *Register Online* Passive Acoustic Monitor International Training Course http://www.passiveacousticmonitortraining.com/register/ *Other Useful Links* Passive Acoustic Monitor International Training Course on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PassiveAcousticMonitorTrainingCourse?fref=ts Marine Mammal Observer Training on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammalobservertrainingcourses Marine Mammal Magazine on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammalobservertrainingcourses Marine Mammal Jobs on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammaljobs With regards, *Yvonne Miles* Managing Director yvonne(a)scanningoceansectors.com www.scanningoceansectors.com www.marinemammaljobs.com -- Regards, Yvonne Miles *Managing Director* *Scanning Ocean Sectors* E: yvonne(a)scanningoceansectors.com W: www.scanningoceansectors.com W: www.marinemammalobservertraining.com W: www.marinemammaljobs.com

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Aquarium of the Pacific Marine Mammal Photo ID internship
by Kera Mathes 10 Mar '14

10 Mar '14

Join the Boats Coordinator on data collection for blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales during our daily whale watching cruises, as well as interpreting data to guests at the Aquarium. This is a great opportunity for college students and recent graduates to gain valuable experience. Commitment: 15-20 hours/week for 15 weeks starting beginning on September Responsibilities include, but are not limited to * Taking dorsal fin photos of animals encountered during daily whale watching cruises (these are opportunistic sightings as we are a public whale watching boat) * Maintain detailed data logs of sightings and enter them into ACCESS databases * Answer questions and interpreting for guests on board. * Photo processing and IDing individual whales seen during daily trips * Create a project to display to Aquarium guests using whale data * Maintain Whale App database For more information and the online application, visit http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/volunteer/college_internships/ Application deadline is March 31, 2014 Kera Mathes Education Specialist Aquarium of the Pacific (562) 951-1651 KMathes(a)lbaop.org<mailto:KMathes@lbaop.org> "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead

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New paper on North Pacific humpback whale telemetry.
by Amy Kennedy - NOAA Federal 10 Mar '14

10 Mar '14

I am pleased to announce the publication of the following paper detailing the fine-scale movement of humpback whales satellite-tracked in the eastern Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea: Kennedy AS, Zerbini AN, Rone BK, Clapham PJ. (2014). Individual variation in movements of satellite-tracked humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) in the eastern Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea. Endangered Species Research, 23, 187-195. ABSTRACT: Humpback whales utilize waters off the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea as foraging grounds during summer months. Currently, the fine-scale movements of humpback whales within these feeding grounds are poorly understood. In the summers of 2007 to 2011, 8 humpback whales were tracked with satellite tags deployed near Unalaska Bay. Individuals were tracked for an average of 28 d (range = 8-67 d). Three whales remained within 50 km of their tagging locations for approximately 14 d, while 2 others explored areas near the northern shore of Unalaska Bay and Unimak Pass. Two whales moved west: one traveled to the Island of Four Mountains and returned to the northern side of Umnak Island, while the other moved through Umnak Pass and explored feeding areas on both sides of Umnak Island. Remarkably, 1 individual left Unalaska Bay soon after tagging and moved ~1500 km (in 12 d) along the outer Bering Sea shelf to the southern Chukotka Peninsula, Russia, then east across the Bering Sea basin to Navarin Canyon, where it remained until transmissions ceased. Most area-restricted search (i.e. foraging) was limited to waters shallower than 1000 m, while movement into deeper water was often associated with travel behavior. Tagged animals spent more time on the Bering Sea shelf and slope than the North Pacific. Movement patterns show individual variation, but are likely influenced by seasonal productivity. This study provides evidence that although humpbacks aggregate in well-known foraging areas, individuals may perform remarkably long trips during the feeding season. KEY WORDS: Humpback whale · Satellite telemetry · Aleutian Islands · Feeding ground · Movements A pdf of this manuscript can be downloaded from the Endangered Species Research website: *http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v23/n2/p187-195/ <http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v23/n2/p187-195/>* Cheers, Amy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Amy S. Kennedy, Ph.D. Cetacean Research Biologist National Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center Seattle, WA 98115 tel (206) 526-4141 fax (206) 526-6615

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Summer Field Course "Building Baseline Data on Cetaceans" | Barcelona (Spain)
by Julia Vera Prieto 10 Mar '14

10 Mar '14

Dear all, We would like to share with you the launching of a new Summer Field Course "Building Baseline Data on Cetaceans" in Barcelona (Spain) from July 27th - August 4th, 2014. The field course is geared to students of marine biology and environmental sciences that wish to build basic skills to undertake monitoring studies of cetaceans. During the Course, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the whales and dolphins of the Mediterranean; undertake training in survey design, data collection and interpretation; apply monitoring techniques and build experience deploying commonly used acoustic devices. The course combines structured lectures with fieldwork aboard a sailing vessel. Directed by a team of biologists from SUBMON (www.submon.org) participants will contribute to build knowledge on the abundance and distribution of cetaceans in the underwater canyons of Maresme and Palamos, while enjoying the beauty of Costa Brava and its deep blue Mediterranean waters. The cost of the 6-day Academic program is £950 / € 1150 and includes all lectures and field activities, as well as transfers, board and lodging during fieldwork aboard the vessel. For those who wish to further explore the city and summer life of Barcelona, an optional Cultural program is offered additionally for £500 / € 600 including accommodation and half-board during the Field Course and extended days (a total of 9 days), guided cultural visits to Sagrada Familia and Park Guell and other fun activities. Further information on the Field Course is available in our website: http://www.travelecoology.com/what-do-we-offer/courses-field-trips/courses-… Please do not hesitate to contact us (info(a)travelecoology.com) for any further information. Thank you and looking forward! Julia Vera Prieto Director Travelecoology Tel: +34 646 512 514 Fax:+ 34 910 166 105 www.travelecoology.com Facebook.com/Travelecoology @Travelecoology

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Seiche PAM course
by Sarah Hancock 10 Mar '14

10 Mar '14

Seiche Measurements - Passive Acoustic Monitoring Training 02nd 04th June 2014 Plymouth, UK For details email: <mailto:sarah@seiche.eu.com> sarah(a)seiche.eu.com Comprehensive hands-on PAM training for delegates with a scientific background in biology and marine sciences. The two days of classroom sessions include practical work with Seiche equipment to enable delegates to get to familiar with a PAM system, its set up, operation and troubleshooting. There is an interactive PAMguard workshop where delegates work along with the instructor to build a functioning PAMguard data model. Simulated sources show how the effective use of detectors enables PAM operators to detect and localise vocalising marine mammals. The third day is a practical session on a vessel where delegates take an active role in set up, deployment, troubleshooting and real-time mitigation scenarios The Course Modules Day 1 (classroom) Sound In Water Marine Mammals Anthropogenic Noise in the Sea Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on Marine Mammals Local Mitigation Guidelines PAM Principles & the Role of the PAM Operator Day 2 (classroom) PAM Hardware & Operations PAM Software PAMGuard Workshop Day 3 (on a vessel) Set up and deployment Troubleshooting Real-time mitigation Course Fees £450 Sarah Hancock Training Co-Ordinator Description: cid:3383135004_1047591 Seiche Measurements Limited Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1409 404050 Fax: +44 (0)1409 240276 Mob: +44 7825544436 <http://www.seiche.eu.com/> http://www.seiche.eu.com Registered in England & Wales No. 3475558, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon

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Volunteer Office Manager position in Namibia
by Simon Elwen 09 Mar '14

09 Mar '14

The Namibian Dolphin Project is currently seeking an independent, outgoing and trustworthy volunteer to manage the Namibian Dolphin Project office while the team undertakes fieldwork in Lüderitz . We are seeking someone from March to May 2014, which will include one month working with us in Walvis Bay and 2 months working independently as the responsible office manager. Core working hours are 7:30-1pm. The role will include: * Engaging with the public * Minor Administration * Desk top research work on dolphins, for example photo-identification, data organisation * Production of education and outreach materials relating to marine life * Fundraising During April-May you will be expected to represent the Namibian Dolphin Project in Walvis Bay and attend to strandings and public concerns, as and when they arise. This volunteer position is well suited to someone with an interest in the environment who can work independently. It would suit a post graduate seeking extra work experience or (as the hours are mainly in the morning) a scientist looking for a quite place to gain inspiration while writing papers/grant applications etc. If interested, please contact Dr Tess Gridley on: nam.dolphin.project(a)gmail.com. For more information about the project please refer to the website:www.namibiandolphinproject.com or blog. http://namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com/2014/01/opportunity-volunteer-of… Regards, The Namibian Dolphin Project Team -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Simon Elwen Ph.D. Research Fellow at the Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria Based in: Walvis Bay - Namibia. Phone: +264 81 421 4968 (mob Namibia) +27 71 139 5951 (Mob SA) Namibian Dolphin Project: www.namibiandolphinproject.com

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Abstract deadline extended for 3rd International Marine Conservation Congress
by jake levenson 09 Mar '14

09 Mar '14

Hi all, The deadline for the submission of abstracts for the 3rd International Marine Conservation Congress has been extended. All abstracts must be submitted online by 5pm (EST) on 14 March 2014. Decisions will be made by the end of March 2014. The early registration deadline has also been extended to 22 April 2014. More information on submitting IMCC3 abstracts is available at www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014/registration-participation/abstracts. Have a question about abstract submission? See our Presentation FAQ page for the most common questions (www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014/registration-participation/imcc3-presen…) Early registration is planned to begin soon. Hope to see you in Glascow! Jake Jacob Levenson Ecologist, Educator, All-Around Good Guy http://www.JacobLevenson.com

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CRRU Summer Field Courses in Scotland
by Dr Kevin Robinson 08 Mar '14

08 Mar '14

2014 field dates for the Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit’s “Whales and dolphins of the Moray Firth” project in northeast Scotland have recently been launched (see http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp) This year, dates for our 11 day field programme (arriving on a Monday and departing on a Thursday) will be: 1. Team I: 19 May - 29 May (3 places still available) 2. Team II: 2 Jun - 12 Jun (3 places still available) 3. Team III: 16 Jun - 26 Jun (3 place still available) 4. Team IV: 30 Jun - 10 Jul (3 places still available) 5. Team V: 14 Jul - 24 Jul (3 places still available) 6. Team VI: 28 Jul - 7 Aug (2 places still available) 7. Team VII: 11 Aug - 21 Aug (4 places still available) 8. Team VIII: 25 Aug - 4 Sep (3 places still available) 9. Team IX: 8 Sep - 18 Sep (5 places available) 10. Team X: 22 Sep - 2 Oct (5 places available) 11. Team XI: 6 Oct - 16 Oct* (10 places available) *GIS team - includes 3 day introduction to using GIS in marine mammal studies by GISinEcology The field teams are very much run in the form of a training / educational programme, with formal lectures, seminars and presentations by the research team, practical training in field methodologies and data collection and analysis, and direct participation in the research, education and rescue work of this dynamic and outgoing conservation charity (for publication list, see http://www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp) The cost for an 11 day internship in 2014 is 895 GBP, and this will cover you for full board (all your accommodation and food costs), your full equipment needs and ALL associated field costs during your stay with us in the heritage fishing village of Gardenstown in Banff. You'll simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to us in Banffshire, northeast Scotland (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money. For further details please visit the CRRU project page at www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp, or email us directly at info(a)crru.org.uk for further information and a pdf copy of the project briefing and booking/application form. We look forward to hearing from you On behalf of the CRRU team Dr. Kevin Robinson Director, CRRU <mailto:kev.robinson@crru.org.uk> kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, PO Box 11307, Banff, AB45 3WB, Scotland, UK | ( +44 (0)1261 851696 | <http://www.crru.org.uk/> www.crru.org.uk Whale and Dolphin Research | Environmental Educational Outreach | Marine Wildlife Rescue | Consultancy | MMO Services Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC 035473

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New publication about North Atlantic right whales
by Amy Knowlton 07 Mar '14

07 Mar '14

The authors of the following article are pleased to announce a new paper providing evidence that speed restrictions implemented in 2008 to reduce vessel related deaths of North Atlantic right whales along the East Coast of the United States have been effective. Laist, D.W, A.R. Knowlton, and D. Pendleton. 2014. Effectiveness of mandatory vessel speed limits for protecting North Atlantic right whales. Endangered Species Research 23(2): 133-147. http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr_oa/n023p133.pdf ABSTRACT: To reduce right whale Eubalaena glacialis deaths caused by ship collisions along the US East Coast, a rule was implemented on 8 December 2008 requiring all vessels ≥65 feet (19.8 m) to travel 10 knots (18.5 km h−1) or less in 10 seasonal management areas (SMAs). To evaluate the effectiveness of this rule, we plotted the locations of all right whale and humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae carcasses attributed to ship-strikes since December 1990 in US waters to determine their proximity to SMAs. In the 18 yr pre-rule period, 13 of 15 (87%) right whales and 12 of 26 (46%) humpback whales killed by ships were found inside later SMA boundaries or within 45 nmi (83 km) of their perimeters during later active dates. In the first 5 yr after the rule became effective, no ship-struck right whales were found inside or within 45 nmi of any active SMA. This was nearly twice as long as the longest pre-rule period without discovery of a ship-struck carcass in those areas during effective time periods. Based on the 18 yr pre-rule period, bootstrap resampling analyses revealed that the probability of finding no ship-struck whales in or near SMAs during the first 5 yr post-rule period would be a statistically significant reduction in such deaths (p = 0.031). The results suggest the rule has been effective at reducing right whale deaths. We suggest enlarging SMAs to include additional parts of the right whale migratory corridor.

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