March 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Opportunity with Elding Whale Watching Reykjavik
by Megan Whittaker 26 Mar '14

26 Mar '14

JOB OPPORTUNITY AS AN ON-BOARD NATURALIST FOR ELDING WHALE WATCHING REYKJAVIK, ICELAND SUMMER 2014. Elding Whale Watching Reykjavik is a family owned company and has been running since 2000. We are the original operator in Reykjavik, abide by IceWhale guidelines as well as integrating our own and are the first and only environmentally certified whale watching company in Iceland. Elding also provides a platform for marine biologists to study the cetaceans we encounter on our tours to help build our knowledge and understanding. For further information about our company please visit our website at www.whalewatching.is Elding is looking for a guide for the summer and maybe longer that can speak fluent English (main language guiding in) and French. Please specify if you speak other languages fluently too. All applicants must be National Residents of Iceland, have appropriate Working Visas or are from EEA countries. Duration: Positions will start from May to October at least. Shift work on a 2-2-3 schedule (two days on, two off etc. and you have every other weekend off Fri-Sun). Salary will be discussed at a later date but you are looking around 280,000ISK/month · Narrating clearly and fluently to passengers the biology, conservation and ecology of the marine life found in Faxafloi Bay and other areas around Iceland. · Spotting wildlife for passengers · Cleaning – the main cleaning is done at the end of the day or when cancelled due to bad weather and yes it also means cleaning up vomit and toilets. · Looking after the welfare and security of passengers onboard. · Bar work – Each vessel has a bar where light refreshments are sold · Hospitality – this is done both onboard and in the office when needed · Other work/tasks – i.e. selling tickets, distributing brochures, answering the phone, translating documents etc… Important skills/qualifications · A strong interest and education in marine science specifically cetaceans and marine birds · A good knowledge of conservation issues related to marine life · Confidence to narrate and interacted with large groups of the public · Must be a quick learner, adaptive, a very good SENSE OF HUMOUR, hard working, outgoing and generally a very positive person (finding beauty in the little things) · Be quite strong as there may be some heavy lifting. i.e. moving cases of drinks or working with heavy ropes. · Be able to work calmly and politely under pressure and sometimes in stressful situations. · Must have experience on boats preferably of boats above 17m and not acceptable to seasickness easily · Good spotting skills · Maritime safety and First Aid certified is an advantage but not necessary. · Photography skills is desirable · Willingness to work long hours outdoors in sometimes unfavorable weathers. Elding prides itself on team work, no job is too small or too big for any of our staff members. We work together to make sure everything is finished for the following day. So being a team player is also very important. How to apply: Please email your C.V. and a short description of experience in English specifying any relevant experience you may have with the contact details of at least two references to Megan Whittaker (megan(a)elding.is) by the 15th April 2014.

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Summer Internship Opportunity at the Marine Mammal Research Program - Hawaii
by aliza milette 25 Mar '14

25 Mar '14

The Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), University of Hawaii is seeking a limited number of highly dedicated individuals for summer internship positions. MMRP's scientists primarily study cetacean acoustic sensory systems, specifically hearing, echolocation, and communication with our resident false killer whale (*Pseudorca crassidens*), and 2 bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). MMRP faculty, staff, and graduate students have backgrounds in psychology, engineering, marine biology, zoology, and oceanography. MMRP collaborates with research groups and animal care facilities all over the world to further our understanding of cetacean sensory systems both in natural and experimental conditions providing valuable information that can be used to mitigate threats to marine mammals. Interns will work directly with and provide essential support to animal care and training staff. Interns will shadow trainers in all aspects of daily care, including food preparation, sanitation, boat and facility maintenance, while assisting in and observing general husbandry, medical procedures, and bio-acoustic research experiments. This opportunity will provide interns with a foundation in animal behavior, animal husbandry, operant conditioning training, and a unique opportunity to gain experience in the highly competitive field of marine mammal science. Interns need to commit to a minimum of 20- 24 hours per week, which can be completed during a combination of full days and/or half days (all beginning at 7am). Each day begins in the fish prep kitchen at 7am at the Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base. Positions are probationary and performance based and may be terminated at any point. Start and end dates may be negotiable, however May 15- August 15 (or longer) is preferred. There is no fee for this internship and interns are responsible for their own housing and airfare to Oahu. Some form of personal transportation is preferred. However, there may be opportunities for carpooling with staff to the facility each day and the Oahu bus system is extensive and reliable. Interns are free to seek outside employment on their days off as long as it does not interfere with their commitments to MMRP. Requirements: · Major in psychology, animal science, biology, zoology, or related field is preferred. · Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment and have good communication skills. · Work can be physically demanding, interns must be comfortable working in the elements (rain or shine), be able to lift 60 lbs, and be able to swim. · Must provide a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation from college professors and/or from supervisors of related work · Must submit a cover letter describing your short-term and long-term interests and career goals and how they relate to this position, which part of our program interests you most, and how your interests, qualifications, and previous experiences will benefit our program. · Must submit a resume listing your Major, cumulative GPA, Major GPA, expected graduation date, relevant coursework and letter grade received, and any related professional or volunteer experiences. Please submit application materials and any questions via email to Aliza Milette-Winfree: milette(a)hawaii.edu To be considered: your email subject line *must* read: *last name_Summer 2014 MMRP Application* -- Aliza Milette-Winfree Marine Mammal Research Program Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology PO Box 1106 Kailua, Hawai'i 96734

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New publication on performance of Bayesian State-Space Models fit to Argos data processed with Kalman Filtering
by Mónica Cordeiro de Almeida e Silva 25 Mar '14

25 Mar '14

Dear Colleagues, The following paper entitled "Assessing Performance of Bayesian State-Space Models Fit to Argos Satellite Telemetry Locations Processed with Kalman Filtering" was recently published in PLOS ONE and is available online at http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0092277. Silva MA, Jonsen I, Russell DJF, Prieto R, Thompson D, et al. (2014) Assessing Performance of Bayesian State-Space Models Fit to Argos Satellite Telemetry Locations Processed with Kalman Filtering. PLoS ONE 9(3): e92277. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0092277 Abstract Argos recently implemented a new algorithm to calculate locations of satellite-tracked animals that uses a Kalman filter (KF). The KF algorithm is reported to increase the number and accuracy of estimated positions over the traditional Least Squares (LS) algorithm, with potential advantages to the application of state-space methods to model animal movement data. We tested the performance of two Bayesian state-space models (SSMs) fitted to satellite tracking data processed with KF algorithm. Tracks from 7 harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) tagged with ARGOS satellite transmitters equipped with Fastloc GPS loggers were used to calculate the error of locations estimated from SSMs fitted to KF and LS data, by comparing those to "true" GPS locations. Data on 6 fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) were used to investigate consistency in movement parameters, location and behavioural states estimated by switching state-space models (SSSM) fitted to data derived from KF and LS methods. The model fit to KF locations improved the accuracy of seal trips by 27% over the LS model. 82% of locations predicted from the KF model and 73% of locations from the LS model were <5 km from the corresponding interpolated GPS position. Uncertainty in KF model estimates (5.6±5.6 km) was nearly half that of LS estimates (11.6±8.4 km). Accuracy of KF and LS modelled locations was sensitive to precision but not to observation frequency or temporal resolution of raw Argos data. On average, 88% of whale locations estimated by KF models fell within the 95% probability ellipse of paired locations from LS models. Precision of KF locations for whales was generally higher. Whales' behavioural mode inferred by KF models matched the classification from LS models in 94% of the cases. State-space models fit to KF data can improve spatial accuracy of location estimates over LS models and produce equally reliable behavioural estimates. Kind regards, Mónica Almeida e Silva (Marine Biologist, PhD) ----------------------------------------------------- IMAR - Institute of Marine Research University of the Azores 9901-862 Horta Portugal Phone: (+351) 292200400 http://www.whales.uac.pt/ ----------------------------------------------------- Guest Investigator WHOI - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA

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New publication on Hawaiian humpback whale calves
by Maren Anderson 25 Mar '14

25 Mar '14

On behalf of the authors, I am happy to announce a new publication that is now available online in Aquatic Mammals on Hawaiian Humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*), detailing the effects of sex, seasonal period, and sea state on calf behavior: Zoidis A.M., Lomac-MacNair K.S., Chomos-Betz A.E., Day A.J., and McFarland A.S. (2014). Effects of sex, seasonal period, and sea state on calf behavior in Hawaiian Humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*). Aquatic Mammals, 40(1), 44-58. ABSTRACT: Ontogeny of behavior in young humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) calves likely reflects preparation for adulthood, including courtship and reproductive activities, predator avoidance, and prey capture. Reproductive strategies differ for males and females, with males competing aggressively for females, while females focus their energy on raising calves; thus, certain behaviors may develop differently in each sex. In addition to these forces driving behavioral development, ambient conditions, such as Beaufort sea state, may also impact behaviors by requiring adaptations to different environments, some of which are louder or more energetic. Herein, we examine the roles of sex, seasonal period, and sea state on Hawaiian humpback whale calf behavioral development. We used underwater video recordings to document when calves were (1) at the surface without their mothers, (2) in physical contact with or in close proximity to (within 5 m) of their mothers, (3) playing, (4) milling, (5) interacting with divers, or (6) vocalizing (social sounds). We analyzed foot- age of 199 groups (1,485.5 min) in which a calf was present using linear mixed effects models. Sex of the calf was determined in 107 groups (64 females, 43 males). Results indicate that males played or were surface active significantly more often than females, and that calves were at the surface with- out their mothers significantly more often during January and February than March, and significantly more during the end of January than the beginning of February, indicating that spatial proximity to the mother varies. There were no significant findings characterized by sea state though trends were evident. Behavioral differences by calf sex may be attributable to differences by sex in adult social roles--that is, males may need a higher level of fitness and ability to compete for access to females. Greater mother/calf separation midseason may drive development of motor skills, independence, and fitness in preparation for migration . KEY WORDS: Behavior · Calf · Humpback whale · *Megaptera novaeangliae*· Ontogeny · Underwater A pdf of this manuscript can be downloaded from the Aquatic Mammals website: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.40.1.2014.44 or requests for reprints can be sent to either: Ann Zoidis ann(a)cetosresearch.org or Kate Lomac MacNair at klomacmacnair(a)gmail.com Cheers, Maren ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Maren Anderson Staff Scientist /Marine Biologist Cetos Research Organization http://www.cetosresearch.org/

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Request for sharing information
by maria clara Jimenez 25 Mar '14

25 Mar '14

Dear friends, Regarding the *historic ruling of March 31 *of the *International Court of Justice <http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/148/18094.pdf>* - *ICJ *about the demand by Australia against Japan for the so called *"scientific" whaling <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3CDpm7foKs> *in the Antarctic, a group of Latin-American organizations initiate the Campaign: *"100,000 Voices in Defense of Whales, Science and Peace in Antarctica" <http://www.cerocazadeballenas.cl/>* The campaign *seeks to inform the public about the overwhelming implications* that the ruling the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will have for marine biodiversity and how conflicts about marine resources will be resolved from now on. The signatures will be gathered until* March 27th *in the *Zero Whaling <http://www.cerocazadeballenas.cl/>* webpage and will be delivered in the headquarters of the* ICJ <http://www.icj-cij.org/homepage/index.php> *at the Peace Palace in The Hague next March 28th. See the facebook *event <https://www.facebook.com/events/371152073023310/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcom…> *if you want to join. The International Court of Justice is the only court with general jurisdiction and universal character; its decisions are binding and without appeal. *The court procedures will be available **Online in the United Nations live streaming channel* <http://webtv.un.org/search?term=whaling>*. **The **decision of March 31st** can be seen **LIVE*<http://webtv.un.org/search?term=whaling> *from 10:00 am (Amsterdam UTC/GMT +1 hour). * *Help us raise awereness** and share **this information*<http://www.cerocazadeballenas.cl/index.php?idioma=eng> *with your contacts.* *Remember that your **signature* <http://www.cerocazadeballenas.cl/>* is important!* *And the Whales, Science and Peace in Antartic counts with your support!* *And join to the **delivery of the signatures <https://www.facebook.com/events/371152073023310/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcom…>* *in the Peace Palace next March 28th!* *GET INVOLVED, **SIGN <http://www.cerocazadeballenas.cl/> **AND SHARE(!)* *THANKS!* *[image: Imágenes integradas 1] <http://www.cerocazadeballenas.cl/index.php?idioma=eng>*

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Protected Species Observer and PAM course offering
by Barkaszi, Mary Jo 25 Mar '14

25 Mar '14

CSA Ocean Sciences and Seiche Measurements are offering a 5-day marine mammal and sea turtle observation course for individuals seeking professional certification and training for visual and acoustic monitoring of marine protected species. The course will be held at the CSA headquarters in Stuart, Florida on the 17th - 21st of April 2014. For more information about the course and registration, please contact sarah(a)seiche.eu.com<mailto:sarah@seiche.eu.com> Mary Jo Barkaszi Marine Mammal Business Line Manager CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. 8502 SW Kansas Avenue Stuart, Florida 34997 Phone: 772-219-3000 Direct: 772-219-3045 Mobile: 321-427-1574 mbarkaszi(a)conshelf.com<mailto:kstokesbury@conshelf.com> www.csaocean.com<http://www.csaocean.com> [CSA Logo]

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Sokkia DT5A rental or purchase needed ASAP
by Cathy Bacon 24 Mar '14

24 Mar '14

Hello MARMAMers, We are in need of renting or purchasing a Sokkia DT5A theodolite asap for a survey in Alaska. Please contact myself or Mari Smultea at mari(a)smulteasciences.com Thank you in advance, Cathy -- Cathy Bacon Assistant Project Manager/Senior Research Associate Smultea Environmental Sciences, LLC (SES) http://www.smulteasciences.com/#

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New publication: Behavioral event occurrence differs between behavioral states in Sotalia guianensis (Cetarctiodactyla: Delphinidae) dolphins: a multivariate approach
by Rodrigo Tardin 24 Mar '14

24 Mar '14

Dear all, We are very happy to announce the following publication: Tardin, R.H.; Plaza-Pinto, M.; Alves, M.A.S. & Simão, S.M. 2014. Behavioral event occurrence differs between behavioral states in Sotalia guianensis (Cetarctiodactyla: Delphinidae) dolphins: a multivariate approach. ZOOLOGIA 31(1):1-7 Abstract below. PDFs available upon request (Rodrigo Tardin - rhtardin(a)gmail.com) or at ZOOLOGIA website ( http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_serial&lng=en&pid=1984-4670)<http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_serial&lng=en&pid=1984-4670> ABSTRACT. Difficulties in quantifying behavioral events can cause loss of information about cetacean behavior, especially behaviors whose functions are still debated. The lack of knowledge is greater for South American species such as Sotalia guianensis (Van Benédén, 1864). Our objective was to contextualize the behavioral events inside behavioral states using a Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). Three events occurred in the Feeding, Socio- Sexual and Travelling states (Porpoising, Side flop, Tail out dive), and five events occurred in the Feeding and Travelling states (Back flop, Horizontal jump, Lobtail, Spy-hop, Partial flop ahead). Three events (Belly exposure, Club, and Heading) occurred exclusively in the Socio-sexual state. Partial Back flop and Head flop occurred exclusively in the Feeding state. For the events that occurred in multiple states, we observed that some events occurred more frequently in one of the states (p < 0.001), such as Lobtail, Tail out dive horizontal Jump, Partial flop ahead and Side flop. Our multivariate analysis, which separated Socio-sexual behavior from Feeding and Travelling, showed that the abundance of behavioral events differs between states. This differentiation indicates that some events are associated with specific behavioral states. Almost 40% of the events observed were exclusively performed in one state, which indicates a high specialization for some events. Proper discrimination and contextualization of behavioral events may be efficient tools to better understand dolphin behaviors. Similar studies in other habitats and with other species, will help build a broader scenario to aid our understanding of the functions of dolphin behavioral events. Best regards, Rodrigo <http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_serial&lng=en&pid=1984-4670>-- Rodrigo Tardin Doutorando em Ecologia e Evolução - IBRAG - UERJ M.Sc em Biologia Animal - PPGBA - UFRRJ Especialista em Docência do Ensino Superior - IAVM Laboratório de Bioacústica e Ecologia de Cetáceos - UFRRJ/ IF/ DCA

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Fine-Scale Population Structure of Estuarine Bottlenose Dolphins
by Graham Worthy 24 Mar '14

24 Mar '14

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: Nicole E. Browning, S.D. McCulloch, G.D. Bossart, and G.A.J. Worthy (2014) Fine-Scale Population Structure of Estuarine Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Assessed Using Stable Isotope Ratios and Fatty Acid Signature Analyses Marine Biology DOI 10.1007/s00227-014-2420-z http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-014-2420-z Summary: Stable isotope ratios and fatty acid signature analyses were employed to examine the fine-scale population structure of a year-round resident population of 600-800 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. The IRL, a 250 km long estuary running along the central-east coast of Florida (28.0° N, 80.6° W), is comprised of the Indian River Lagoon, Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River, and St. Lucie Estuary. Samples of skin and blubber were collected from dead stranded (n = 61, 1994-2004) and live dolphins (n = 153, 2002-2007, 2010, 2011) from throughout the IRL and surrounding environs. Using stable isotopes (SI), dolphins could be assigned to a Mosquito Lagoon subpopulation, a St Lucie Estuary subpopulation, and an Indian River Lagoon subpopulation. Fatty acid signature analysis (FASA) allowed for finer resolution, detecting Mosquito Lagoon and Banana River subpopulations, a separation of northern and southern IRL subpopulations, and a St Lucie Estuary subpopulation. Differences between sexes were detectable within subpopulations using FASA but not using SI. This may indicate that males and females are foraging in similar locations at a similar trophic level (detected using SI), but are varying in the types or proportions of specific prey (indicated by FASA). The combination of these complementary analyses results in a powerful tool for assessing fine-scale population substructure. -- ______________________________________________________ Graham A.J. Worthy, Ph.D. Provost's Distinguished Research Professor of Biology, Hubbs-Sea World Endowed Professor of Marine Mammalogy, and Director, Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Lab Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr, Room BIO402A Orlando FL 32816-2368 Graham.Worthy(a)ucf.edu<mailto:Graham.Worthy@ucf.edu> http://worthy.cos.ucf.edu/PEBL/ 407-823-4701 office 407-823-5769 FAX skype: graham.worthy "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something" Plato ______________________________________________________

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Cetacean surface time behaviours
by blanca morales guerrero 24 Mar '14

24 Mar '14

Good morning, I am trying to gather information about the time that some odontocetes and mysticetes spend at sea surface between diving behaviours as a part of one of my thesis chapters. It is proving very diffucult to find such information for all cetacean species - even hunting literature that goes back more than 50 years, so If you have data like this, know of publications that do, or could refer me to people who might, I would really appreciate it if you emailed me with any leads. I thank you for your time and advice, Blanca Morales GuerreroPhd. Student in Dr. Karina Acevedo-Whitehouse's labQuerétaro (México)blanca_morales_guerrero(a)hotmail.com

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