March 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on Chilean blue whale acoustics
by Susannah Buchan 24 Mar '14

24 Mar '14

Dear MARMANers, We are pleased to announce the publication of our most recent paper: *"A new song recorded for blue whales in the Corcovado Gulf, Southern Chile, and an acoustic link to the Eastern Tropical Pacific" * by Susannah J. Buchan, Rodrigo Hucke-Gaete, Luke Rendell, and Kathleen M. Stafford. in Endangered Species Research 23:241-252<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v23/n3/p241-252/> http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v23/n3/p241-252/ ABSTRACT: The identity, distribution and movements of blue whales *Balaenoptera musculus* that forage in the Chiloense Ecoregion in Southern Chile remain unclear. Studies of blue whale songs have identified acoustic populations with distinct song types, geographic ranges, migration routes and seasonal residencies--information that is relevant to the conservation of this endangered species. Here, we characterized the song sequences of blue whales that use the Corcovado Gulf based on dipping hydrophone recordings from 3 austral summer field seasons (2008, 2009, 2011), and compare these data to previously described song types for the Southeast Pacific (SEP) in order to better understand meso-scale (versus basin-scale) variation in blue whale song. Two distinct songs, SEP1 and SEP2, emerged from our analysis. Neither of these songs is used by Antarctic blue whales. Although SEP1 was the first song recorded in the Corcovado Gulf area in 1970, we found SEP2 to be the more common song, despite never having been reported previously in this area. Our report of SEP2 adds a new song to the current description of the SEP blue whale repertoire. Our recording of SEP1 reaffirms the acoustic link already established between Chile and the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP); our recording of SEP2 establishes a new acoustic link for this song between Chile and the ETP. These findings provide the basis for future passive acoustic studies on the temporal and spatial distributions of endangered SEP blue whales and for understanding how these songs relate to the population structure. Requests for reprints can be sent to: sjbuchan(a)gmail.com. We would also like to highlight the *recent creation of the largest Marine Protected Area **in continental Chile* on the Eastern Edge of the Corcovado Gulf, which will boost the conservation of blue whales, other vulnerable cetaceans and their unique Patagonian habitat. More information at: http://wwf.panda.org/?216893/Blue-whale-conservation-gets-a-boost. Kind regards, Susannah -- Susannah J. Buchan, PhD(c) Department of Oceanography, Universidad de Concepción sbuchan(a)udec.cl http://oceanografia.udec.cl/personas/estudiantes/susannah-buchan/ http://aneartotheocean.blogspot.com/

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French Speaking MMOs wanted
by Emma Forrester - Hydenlyne 24 Mar '14

24 Mar '14

Dear All, Hydenlyne are currently looking to increase their database of French speaking MMOs and PAM operators. If you are French speaking, with offshore experience please send you CV with subject line "french speaking MMO". Ideally you will have seismic experience and you MUST have (or be willing to acquire) offshore certificates (BOSIET, medical, MMO/PAM training). 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 This email is confidential and for the intended recipient(s) only. If you are not the intended or authorised recipient, please maintain this confidentiality, notify the sender immediately and then delete it from your computer systems. Any unauthorised duplication, dissemination or other use of this communication is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

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New paper modelling bottlenose dolphin biosonar
by Vanessa Trijoulet 24 Mar '14

24 Mar '14

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper is now available online: Cranford, T. W., Trijoulet, V., Smith, C. R., and Krysl, P. (2014). "Validation of a vibroacoustic finite element model using bottlenose dolphin simulations: The dolphin biosonar beam is focused in stages," Bioacoustics 23(2), 161-194. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09524622.2013.843061 Abstract: Psychoacoustic laboratory studies with live dolphins require considerable resources and are essential for assessing the validity of our models. Computerized numerical modelling methods are a reasonable approach to simulate the vibroacoustic functions of the dolphin biosonar apparatus. In order to validate this approach, we chose a vibroacoustic finite element model to simulate sound production and sound beam formation in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), based on computed tomography scans from live and postmortem dolphins. The right and left dorsal bursae were assumed to be potential sound sources. The simulations confirm several hypotheses: (1) the shape of the skull plays a role in the formation of the sound transmission beam; (2) the melon appears to concentrate the acoustic energy by a factor of four in the transmitted beam; (3) focusing the sound beam apparently occurs in a series of stages that include contributions from the skull, nasal diverticula, melon and connective tissue structures. An unexpected result is that adjustments to the focus and direction of the sound beam can result from small (millimetre scale) changes in the relative position of the anterior and posterior bursae within each sound generation complex. Comparing our results with those from dolphin psychoacoustic experiments establishes validation of our vibroacoustic model. The potential for varied effects from anthropogenic sound also emphasizes the importance of developing vibroacoustic modelling. These numerical modelling tools complement experimental data for determining exposure thresholds and may allow us to simulate exposure levels, from moderate to extreme, without impacting live animals. Corresponding author: Ted.W.Cranford(a)gmail.com Best regards, Vanessa Trijoulet PhD student Department of Mathematics and Statistics University of Strathclyde Livingstone Tower, 26 Richmond Street, Glasgow,G1 1XH, Scotland Tel: +44 (0)141 548 3385 http://www.strath.ac.uk/mathstat/staff/researchstudents/vanessatrijoulet/

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Research Training Seminar in collaboration with University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
by Sabrina Brando 23 Mar '14

23 Mar '14

Research Training: Theory, Practice and Challenges Research Training Seminar in collaboration with University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. Dates are May 12th - 15th, 2014. How do seals perceive the world? Where do dogs look and what do they pay attention to? What can dolphins remember and what cognitive tasks can birds solve? There are many areas of an animal’s life that are still largely unexplored and not well understood. Training animals to participate voluntarily in research projects allows researchers to learn about behavior, physiology, perception, cognitive ability, and even affective states. This knowledge can then be applied to improve welfare and or to aid in efforts to conserve a species. Do you want to learn more about training animals for research projects with positive reinforcement? Do you want to learn about the theoretical and practical aspects and challenges one could encounter? This seminar is a combination of lectures, workshops, and animal training sessions specifically focused on the topic of research training. Lecturers include Dr. Magnus Wahlberg, Dr. Guido Dehnhardt, Dr. Elizabeth Henderson, Dr. Rebecca Singer, Sabrina Brando, Martina Schiestl, Kirstin Anderson Hansen, & Jakob Højer - Kristensen. For more information: http://www.animalconcepts.eu/styled-4/styled-12/styled-3/index.html Best wishes, Sabrina Brando Sabrina Brando BSc. AnimalConcepts www.animalconcepts.eu sbrando(a)animalconcepts.eu +31633008373 "Do something wonderful, people may imitate it" - Albert Schweitzer Change habits, not habitats

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New Publication: Rare Mixed Species Assocations
by Cathy Bacon 22 Mar '14

22 Mar '14

Hello MARMAMers: On behalf of the authors, I am very happy to announce our new note which is now available online: Smultea, M.A., C.E. Bacon, K. Lomac-MacNair, I. Visser, and J. Bredvik. (2014). Rare Mixed-Species Associations Between Sperm Whales and Risso's and Northern Right Whale Dolphins Off the Southern California Bight: Kleptoparasitism and Social Parasitism? Northwestern Naturalist 95(1):43-49. Abstract: Inter-specific behavioral interactions between large whales and small odontocetes are rarely described and little understood. Reasons for such associations have been proposed but are difficult to substantiate empirically given the challenges inherent with studying deep- and long-diving cetaceans at sea. Proposed reasons include some of those described for schooling fish, birds, ungulates, and primates, such as reduced predation through the dilution or predator startle effect, competition for resources, aggression, kleptoparasitism, social parasitism, and play and sociality Herein, we describe the first published social interactions of Sperm Whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*), Risso's Dolphins (*Grampus griseus*), and Northern Right Whale Dolphins (*Lissodelphis borealis*) as photo- and video-documented off southern California in spring 2011. A PDF may be obtained from http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1898/NWN13-11.1 Or requests for reprints can be sent to: Mari Smultea mari(a)smulteasciences.com or Cathy Bacon cathy(a)smulteasciences.com Best, Cathy -- Cathy Bacon Marine Mammal Research Associate/Marine Biologist Smultea Environmental Sciences, LLC (SES) http://www.smulteasciences.com/#

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New Publication: Visual-Acoustic Survey of Cetaceans
by Cathy Bacon 22 Mar '14

22 Mar '14

Dear MARMAMers: On behalf of the authors, I am happy to announce a new publication which is now available: Smultea MA, Holst M. Koski WR, Stoltz Roi S, Sayegh AJ, Fossati C, Goldstein HH, Beland JA, MacLean S, Yin S (2013). Visual-Acoustic Survey of Cetaceans during a Seismic Study in the South-east Caribbean Sea, April-June 2004. Caribbean Journal of Science 47(2-3):273-283. *Abstract*: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory's monitoring and mitigation program during an academic seismic study in April-June 2004 was the largest cetacean survey undertaken to date in the southeast Caribbean Sea. A total of 10,007 km (904 h) of visual observations occurred from the seismic vessel R/V* Maurice Ewing* and from the support vessel R/V *Seward Johnson II*. In addition, 7375 km (846 h) of passive acoustic monitoring for vocalizing cetaceans occurred from the *Ewing* via a towed 250-m hydrophone array. Approximately 1293 cetaceans in 46 groups were seen from the two vessels, and 78 acoustic detections were made. Nine cetacean species were identified of which the long-beaked common dolphin (*Delphinus capensis*), Atlantic spotted dolphin (*Stenella frontalis*), and bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) were sighted most frequently. The striped dolphin (*S. coeruleoalba*), spinner dolphin (*S. **longirostris*), pantropical spotted dolphin (*S. **attenuata*), short-finned pilot whale (*Globicephala macrorhynchus*)*, *sperm whale (*Physeter macrocephalus*), and Bryde's whale (*Balaenoptera edeni*) were also identified during visual surveys. Only the sperm whale was positively identified by acoustic monitoring alone. At least 17 sperm whale detections (visual and/or acoustic) were made around the islands and atolls of the Venezuelan Archipelago near and beyond the 1000-m depth contour. Overall cetacean density in intermediate water (100 to 1000 m deep) was five times greater than in deep (>1000 m) water. This study addresses previous data gaps on the occurrence of cetaceans in shelf and offshore waters across a wide area of the southeast Caribbean Sea in spring. Requests for reprints can be sent to: Mari Smultea mari(a)smulteasciences.com or Cathy Bacon cathy(a)smulteasciences.com With warm regards, Cathy -- Cathy Bacon Marine Mammal Research Associate/Marine Biologist Smultea Environmental Sciences, LLC (SES) http://www.smulteasciences.com/#

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Cetacean stomach size data
by Cheryl Butner 21 Mar '14

21 Mar '14

Good afternoon, I am looking for data on stomach size for as many cetacean species as possible, both toothed and baleen. Any possible physical parameter that describes the size of the stomach with or without food in it - weight, volume, length/width, etc. 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. Thank you in advance for your help! Best, Cheryl Butner Research Assistant - Micheli and Goldbogen Labs Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University Pacific Grove, CA, 93950 USA Tel: (831) 655-6251 cbutner(a)stanford.edu http://www-marine.stanford.edu Follow Hopkins Marine Station on Facebook & Twitter!

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Press Release: Navy extends Northwest Training and Testing EIS Comment Period to Apr 15
by Nakahara, Liane L CIV Navy Region NW, N00P 21 Mar '14

21 Mar '14

Attached and below is a press release for consideration in your news format. The U.S. Navy is extending the public review and comment period for the Northwest Training and Testing Environmental Impact Statement until April 15, 2014, to allow the public more time to submit comments. The Navy is accepting comments throughout the extended public comment period, which began Jan. 24, 2014, and now runs until April 15, 2014. All comments must be postmarked or received online by April 15, 2014, for consideration in the Final EIS/OEIS. Written comments may be submitted via the project website at www.NWTTEIS.com or by mail. All comments received by April 15, 2014, will be considered in the development of the Final EIS/OEIS. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you. Very Respectfully, Liane Nakahara Public Affairs Specialist Navy Region Northwest Phone: (360) 396-1630 Cell: (360) 340-5372 Fax: (360) 396-7127 liane.nakahara(a)navy.mil --------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2014 Release #14-008 NAVY EXTENDS PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR NORTHWEST TRAINING AND TESTING DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT/ OVERSEAS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SILVERDALE, Wash. - The U.S. Navy is extending the public comment period for the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS) until April 15, 2014, to allow the public more time to submit comments. The Navy prepared the Draft EIS/OEIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with 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 the public to submit comments on the Proposed Action and alternatives, and the accuracy and adequacy of the Draft EIS/OEIS analysis. 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 Library (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 . Redwood Coast Senior Center (Fort Bragg) Southeastern Alaska: . Juneau Public Library - Downtown Branch . Ketchikan Public Library The Navy is accepting comments throughout the extended public comment period, which began Jan. 24, 2014, and now runs until April 15, 2014. All comments must be postmarked or received online by April 15, 2014, for consideration in the Final EIS/OEIS. Written comments may be submitted via the project website at www.NWTTEIS.com 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 Eight public meetings were recently held in Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Southeastern Alaska to inform the public about the Navy's Proposed Action and findings in the Draft EIS/OEIS. Public comments on the environmental analysis were accepted during the public meetings. All comments received by April 15, 2014, will be considered in the development of the Final EIS/OEIS. The Navy's Proposed Action is 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-

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Vacancy: Science Manager at the Sea Mammal Research Unit.
by Bernie McConnell 21 Mar '14

21 Mar '14

Greetings There is vacancy for the new post of Science Manager at the Sea Mammal Research Unit. Applicants should have a proven track record of scientific project management, preferably in the field of marine mammal science. The applicant will work with the Director and the staff at SMRU to implement the Director's and Senior Staff's strategy and vision for the Unit. For example, they will facilitate the translation of SMRU science into government policy and policy requirements. They will project manage the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) statutory and National Capability funding commitments and the Scottish Government funded Marine Mammal Scientific Support research programme; undertake the day to day management of staff and budgets and interact with academic staff, SMRU Marine and the SOI group of companies to assist in successful grant applications and other income generating activities. Details available at https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/ or https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/ViewVacancy.aspx?enc=mEgrBL4XQK0+ld8… Dr Bernie McConnell Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, Scotland.

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Documenting coastal species photography course, Wales, UK
by CBMWC 21 Mar '14

21 Mar '14

The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay, West Wales, UK is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the course Documenting coastal species through photography. The course will be run by Simon Tune in conjunction with Aberystwyth Universitys School of Lifelong Learning. The course looks at the wealth of different habitats and species to be found along the Ceredigion coastline and explores how photography can be used to look into and document these different worlds, including the use of photo-ID techniques to identify bottlenose dolphins. Dates: Starts 12th April and runs for three days (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) 9am to 4pm daily. Please note that the start and finish times may vary dependent on the weather and tides. Course fee: £90 (£80 concessions) Please note: Students will need to have their own digital camera, either a high-end digital compact with manual over-ride or a Compact System Camera or a Digital SLR. For all enquiries and bookings go to http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/sell/lifelong-learning/ or for further information contact Simon sit4(a)aber.ac.uk Please note when looking on SELLs webpages this course is under the Ecology section Laura Mears Project Officer Support our research - adopt a Cardigan Bay dolphin with the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre <http://www.cbmwc.org/support-us/adopt-a-cardigan-bay-dolphin/> Raise money for CBMWC with each internet search you do - it doesn't cost you a penny <http://sites.affilyon.co.uk/CBMWC> http://sites.affilyon.co.uk/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS Wales, UK Ffon/Phone: 01545 560 224 E-bost/Email: <mailto:info@cbmwc.org> info(a)cbmwc.org Website: <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org For all the latest news and sightings information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter and become a fan of our Facebook page <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org <http://twitter.com/CBMWC> http://twitter.com/CBMWC <http://facebook.com/CBMWC> http://facebook.com/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is supported by the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group, a marine interest group of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Helping to conserve Cardigan Bay's marine wildlife through education and research Helpu I warchod bywyd gwyllt morol Bae Ceredigion drwy addysg ac ymchwil ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- The contents of this email are confidential and are soley for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this email in error please delete it and notify us either by email or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the contents of this email.

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