March 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

XXXIV International Meeting for the Study of Marine Mammals
by Comite Organizador 13 Mar '14

13 Mar '14

The Mexican Society for Marine Mammalogy (SOMEMMA) is proud to invite the Marine Mammal community to its * XXXIV International Meeting for the Study of Marine Mammals *that will be held in Queretaro City, May 12 - 15. The meeting´s theme is "*Multidisciplinarity as a strategy to solve marine mammal conservation conundrums*". We will host well-known speakers for keynote presentations, and have various sessions for oral presentations, poster presentations, clinical cases, case studies and project proposals. In addition, we will offer a series of specialized preconference workshops and cultural events. * This year we will offer simultaneous spanish-english translation (free of charge), *so we hope to host a good number of non-spanish speakers. SOMEMMA's meeting will be held in the historical city center of the beautiful city of Queretaro, famous for its quaint streets and plazas filled with cafes, bars, museums and theatres. In addition, our venue is close to Peña de Bernal, the wine and cheese route of Tequisquiapan and the historical Cerro de las Campanas. There will be a number of cultural and entertainment events, from hot air balloon rides to adventure tourism and ghost walks. Our banquet will be held at a restaurant famous for its typical food from the state of Oaxaca, and we will have live music for dancing. *You will definitely not regret coming to the meeting in Queretaro! * *Deadline for early* *(low cost) registration is 22 march 2014 *(40 USD for student that are SOMEMMA members, 72 USD for non member students; 80 USD for professionals that are SOMEMMA members, 114 USD for professionals that are not SOMEMMA members) Detailed information can be found at: http://kacevedow.wix.com/somemma34reunion#!english-version/cf8j You can also contact our member at large Sally Mizroch ( sally.mizroch(a)gmail.com) for more information. I hope to see you in Queretaro! Karina Acevedo-Whitehouse President of SOMEMMA 2012-2014

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Experienced Seismic Marine Mammal Observers Needed
by Ryan Blumenthal 13 Mar '14

13 Mar '14

Compass Personnel Services, Inc. is currently looking for a team of experienced Seismic MMO's for a 2 week project on the US East Coast, commencing next week. We are also looking to build up a database for future opportunities. Please send a CV and Cover letter to Mr. Phil Garrod at pgarrod(a)compassoffshore.com Best Regards, Phil Garrod Compass Personnel Services 21559 Provincial Boulevard Katy, TX 77450 This email was sent on behalf of Mr. Garrod with his permission. Please respond directly to Mr. Garrod at pgarrod(a)compassoffshore.com And not to the sender of this posting.

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ECS sweat
by Thierry Jauniaux 13 Mar '14

13 Mar '14

Apologies for cross posting Dear ECS conference participant This year the ECS conference put Hoddies sweat up for sale. A unique dark blue color in 4 sizes will be available: small/medium/large/Xlarge (European standard). Initially, the sale price was 35 €, discounted now for 30 euro according to the number of orders (sweat only available during the ECS conference and to be paid at the conference) Picture onhttp://liege.europeancetaceansociety.eu/content/photos-previous-years Only the orders sent to the address order.sweat.ecs2014(a)gmail.com before March 17th will be taken into account. Thierry

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Internships announcement - Cetaceans research - Last vacancies
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 13 Mar '14

13 Mar '14

Could you please post the following. Cetaceans research internships announcement and Masters opportunities - Summer-Fall 2014 Hi everyone, On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting internship applications for Summer term 2014 (a minimum of 60 days of participation) for our research project along the North-western coast of the Iberian Pensinsula (Galician waters, Spain). The BDRI offers the interns the chance to work during many steps of the research. Your participation means that you will not only be observing the studied animals at sea, but you will also be collecting different types of scientific data, using various research methods, and helping on board the research vessel in general. When back in the lab, you will participate in the transcription of the collected data, with the database work, you will use various software’s, perform photo-identification analysis, use of GIS and more. An incredible diversity of cetaceans is present in these waters. As an internship, you will be encouraged to work hard and gain an insight of what it is actually like to work as a marine mammal researcher. An academic background in biology or natural science, coupled with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in marine mammal’s research make the most qualified individuals. From resident populations of bottlenose dolphins, to harbour porpoises, risso’s dolphins, common dolphins, striped dolphins and pilot whales. Undergraduate and postgraduate students could, as a part of one of BDRI’s projects, present a personal research project as their thesis work. In order to do so, this is requested within your internship application. The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is no compensation for the internship positions. This means that in order for you to come and take a part of the project you will have to pay for a part of the expenses that are derived from your participation (the internship fee). The fee includes the accommodation in an apartment, and a small part of other expenses derived of your participation (use of equipment, use of boats). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain). There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Start and end dates are flexible. Positions are open until filled. Prior field research experience is recommended but not required. Please download the internships general information and application form at: www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc Send the application form, resume, recommendation letters, and cover letter by email to the email: info(a)thebdri.com. See you on site! Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Biologist and Director Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) Av. Beiramar 192, O Grove CP. 36980 Pontevedra-Spain tel. 00 34 605 521441 Selected scientific articles by the BDRI: 1. Diaz Lopez B., 2012. Bottlenose dolphins and aquaculture: interaction and site fidelity on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy). Marine Biology, 159:2161-2172. DOI 10.1007/s00227-012-2002-x 2. Diaz Lopez B. Mariño, F., 2011. A trial of acoustic harassment device efficacy on free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in Sardinia, Italy. Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology 2011, pp 44(4):197-208. 3. Diaz Lopez B., 2011. Aquaculture systems. In: Handbook of Models used in Ecosystem and Environmental Management, Sven Erik Jørgensen (Ed.), CRC Press, Taylor & Francis, FL.pp 241-256. 4. Diaz Lopez B., 2011. Whistle characteristics in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mediterranean Sea: influence of behaviour. Mammalian Biology 76: 180-189. 5. Diaz Lopez, B. & Shirai, J.A.B., 2010. Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphin's repertoire and communication use. In: Dolphins: Anatomy, Behavior, and Threats, (A.G. Pierce & L. Correa Eds.), Nova Science Publishers, New York. Pp 129 -148. 6. Diaz Lopez, B., 2009. The bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus foraging around a fish farm: Effects of prey abundance on dolphins' behaviour. Current Zoology 55(4):243-248. 7. Diaz Lopez, B., Bunke, M. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture off Sardinia Island (Italy): ecosystem effects evaluated through a trophic mass-balance model. Ecological Modelling 212: 292-303. 8. Diaz Lopez, B. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture and bottlenose dolphins social structure.Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 62 (6): 887-894. 9. Diaz Lopez, B., Shirai, J.A.B., Bilbao Prieto, A. & Méndez Fernández, P., 2008. Diving activity of a solitary wild free ranging bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Journal Marine Biological Association of U.K 88, Special Issue 06: 1153-1157. 10. Diaz Lopez, B & Bernal Shirai, J.A.B., 2007. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presence and incidental capture in a marine fish farm on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy)" Journal of Marine Biological Association of U.K 87: 113 – 117. 11. Diaz Lopez, B., 2006. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Predation on a Marine Fin Fish Farm: Some Underwater Observations". Aquatic Mammals 32 (3): 305 – 310. 12. Diaz Lopez, B., 2006. "Interactions between Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and gillnets off Sardinia". ICES Journal of Marine Science 63: 944-951. 13. Diaz Lopez, B., Marini, L. and Polo, F. 2005. The Impact of a fish farm on a Bottlenose dolphin population in the Mediterranean Sea. Thalassas 21(1):53-58.

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Postage stamp of Nth Pacific Right Whale?
by Watson, Alastair 12 Mar '14

12 Mar '14

I am researching 17th Century Japanese narrative-picture handscrolls (and other materials) looking at the coastal whaling traditions around southern / eastern Japan, particularly Nagasaki/Kyushu. The North Pacific right whale, Eubalaena japonica, was a prime target. Would welcome information regarding postage stamps / cachets depicting a North Pacific right whale so that I might consider for inclusion in publication. Philatelic examples of the other right whales are abundant. Thank you very much. Best Wishes Alastair Watson Professor of Veterinary Anatomy ------------------------------------------ Department of Physiological Sciences 264 McElroy Hall Center for Veterinary Health Sciences Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK 74078-2014 Email: awatson(a)okstate.edu Phone: 405-744-8083 Fax: 405-744-8263 P Be the Voice - - for those who have no voice

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New publication: Importance of squid as prey of NZ sea lions and NZ fur seals at The Snares, subantarctic NZ
by Trudi Webster 11 Mar '14

11 Mar '14

Dear list members, We are happy to announce our recent publication: Lalas, C. and Webster, T. 2014. Contrast in the importance of arrow squid as prey of male New Zealand sea lions and New Zealand fur seals at The Snares, subantarctic New Zealand. Marine Biology, 161(3): 631-643. Abstract: New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) are threatened by incidental bycatch in the trawl fishery for southern arrow squid (Nototodarus sloanii). An overlap between the fishery and foraging sea lions has previously been interpreted as one piece of evidence supporting resource competition for squid. However, there is currently no consensus about the importance of squid in the diet of New Zealand sea lions. Therefore, we investigated this importance independently of spatial and temporal differences in squid availability through a simultaneous study with sympatric New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri), a species known to target arrow squid. Diet sampling at The Snares (48°01′S 166°32′E), subantarctic New Zealand, in February 2012 coincided with peak annual catch in the nearby squid fishery. Diets were deduced by analyses of diagnostic prey remains from scats (faeces) and casts (regurgitations). The contribution of each prey species to the diet was quantified using the per cent index of relative importance (% IRI) that combined frequency of occurrence, mass and number of prey items. Arrow squid was a minor component in sea lion scats (2 % IRI), and none was found in their casts. In contrast, arrow squid was the major component in fur seal scats and casts (93 and 99 % IRI, respectively). This study found that New Zealand sea lions ate minimal squid at a time when squid was clearly available as evidenced by the diet of New Zealand fur seals; hence, there was no indication of resource competition between sea lions and the squid fishery. A PDF may be obtained from Marine Biology: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-013-2366-6<http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/1568539x/advance> or requests for reprints can be sent to: trudi.webster(a)otago.ac.nz Best wishes Trudi Marine Mammal Research Group Department of Marine Science University of Otago Dunedin, New Zealand Ph: +64 (0)3 479 5476 Cell: +64 (0)21 264 4432

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M.Sc. Position on beluga genetics
by Timothy Frasier 11 Mar '14

11 Mar '14

Dear all, I am looking for a M.Sc. student to start in September 2014 at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The research project will involve looking at genes involved in cancer susceptibility and reproductive success in the St. Lawrence beluga whale population (Delphinapterus leucas). Applicants should be highly motivated, independent, and have an excellent academic record. Students already with scholarships will be prioritized, but having funding is not a requirement. Our laboratory focuses on using genetic analyses to learn more about the biology of small populations (usually of whales). More can be learned at www.frasierlab.ca<http://www.frasierlab.ca>. Interested applicants should submit a CV and brief letter (< 1 page) explaining their interest in pursuing a M.Sc. in general, and in this project in particular, to Tim Frasier (timothy.frasier(a)smu.ca) Thanks! -Tim ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Timothy R. Frasier Department of Biology & Forensic Sciences Program Saint Mary's University 923 Robie Street Halifax, NS B3H 3C3 Canada Tel: (902) 491-6382 Fax: (902) 420-5046 E-mail: timothy.frasier(a)smu.ca<mailto:timothy.frasier@smu.ca> www.frasierlab.ca<http://www.frasierlab.ca> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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New Publication: Individual calling behaviour of North Atlantic minke whales
by Denise Risch 11 Mar '14

11 Mar '14

Dear list members, We are happy to announce our recent publication: Risch, D., Siebert, U. & Van Parijs, S.M. 2014. Individual calling behaviour and movements of North Atlantic minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Behaviour. doi: 10.1163/1568539X-00003187 Abstract: Information on individual calling behaviour and source levels are important for understanding acoustically mediated social interactions of marine mammals, for which visual observations are difficult to obtain. Our study, conducted in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SB- NMS), located in the Gulf of Maine, USA, used passive acoustic arrays to track North Atlantic minke whales and assess the sound production behaviour of individuals. A total of 18 minke whales were acoustically tracked in this study. Individual calling rates were variable, with a median intercall interval (ICI) of 60.3 s. Average source levels (SLrms ) for minke whales pulse trains ranged between 164 and 168 dB re 1 μPa, resulting in a minimum detection range of 0.4-10.2 km for these calls in this urban, coastal environment. All tracked animals were actively swimming at a speed of 5.0 ± 1.2 km/h, which matches swimming speeds of migrating minke whales from other areas and confirms SBNMS as part of the migration route of this species in the Western North Atlantic. Tracked minke whales produced 7 discrete call types belonging to 3 main categories, yet no individual produced all call types. Instead, minke whales produced 2 multisyllabic call sequences (A and B) by combining 3-4 different call types in a non-random order. While 7 of the trackedindividuals produced calling pattern A, 10 whales used calling pattern B, and only 1 animal combined call types differently. Animals producing different call sequences were in acoustic range of one another on several occasions, suggesting they may use these sequences for mediating social interactions. The fact that the same calling patterns were shared by several individuals suggests that these patterns may contain information related to sex, age or behavioural context. A PDF may be obtained from Behaviour: http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/1568539x/advance Or requests for reprints can be sent to: denise.risch(a)noaa.gov All the best, Denise _____________________________ Denise Risch, Ph.D. Passive Acoustic Research Group Protected Species Branch Northeast Fisheries Science Center 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543 USA email: denise.risch(a)noaa.gov phone: + 1 508 495 2136

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(Marmam) New paper on variation in Guiana dolphin whistles
by Luciana Guimarães 10 Mar '14

10 Mar '14

Dear list members, The authors are pleased to announce the online publication of the following article: “Variation in Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) whistles: using a broadband recording system to analyze acoustic parameters in three areas of southeastern Brazil” Andrade L. G., Lima, I. M. S., Macedo, H. S., Carvalho, R. R., Lailson-Brito, J. Jr., Flach, L. and Azevedo, A. F. (2014). Acta Ethologica Abstract The Guiana dolphin produces a variable whistle repertoire related to different social contexts. The current study evaluates Guiana dolphin whistles at a microscale. Acoustic parameters of whistles were compared between three areas in southeastern Brazil using a recording system with sampling rate of 96 kHz. Previous studies that utilized a sampling rate of 48 kHz reported little variation between adjacent areas in Brazil. Nine acoustic parameters of the whistles (duration, start, end, minimum and maximum frequencies, delta frequency, frequency at 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 of duration) were measured and whistles were classified into five contour forms. A total of 659 whistles were analyzed, of which 62.20 % showed an ascending contour form. The Guiana dolphin emitted whistles with a fundamental frequency reaching 44.9 kHz. Dolphin whistles from the three study areas varied significantly in nine acoustic parameters. The whistle duration was shorter (272.44±105.25 ms) in Guanabara Bay than those in Sepetiba (360.05±135.16 ms) and Paraty Bays (376.80±159.78 ms). The start and minimum frequencies of the whistles in Guanabara Bay was significantly higher than those in Sepetiba and Paraty Bays. The results of discriminant function analysis indicated a significant difference between Guanabara Bay and the other two areas. Comparisons of the ascending, descending–ascending, and multi whistles between areas showed differences in some acoustic parameters. In this study, by doubling the sampling rate in our recording systems, we were able to more accurately sample the whistle repertoire of Guiana dolphins in southeastern Brazil, and thereby detect differences in whistles between neighboring populations. Acta Ethologica http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10211-014-0183-7 For any questions or pdf requests please contact me (andrade.uerj(a)gmail.com) Best Regards, Luciana Luciana Guimarães de Andrade Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução - PPGEE - UERJ Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores - MAQUA Faculdade de Oceanografia Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 4º andar sala 4002 bloco E Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro - RJ CEP 20.550-013 Tel: 21 23340065

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We are pleased to announce our brand new Marine Mammal Observer training courses 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 *Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)* / *Marine Fauna Observer (MFO) *worldwide. We are JNCC recognised/approved course for industry and research for the UKCS and have been running for over 10 years. We have years of research behind the effective and consistent training of MMOs/MFOs 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 of the MMO/MFO line of work. Our specialised training is to ensure RESEARCH/INDUSTRY attains the best MMOs/MFOs 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 of the MMO/MFO industry is gaining. Our training course dates are below and there are still places available for the MARCH and APRIL courses. Please note you must register and pay at the same time. NOTE: pre registering will NOT entitle you to early price the price coding will be at time of full and final payment. For full prices please visit www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/prices/. *Australian MMO Training Course Dates in Hervey Bay, Queensland* · March 10th - 13th 2014 · June 2nd - 5th 2014 · August 25th - 28th 2014 · November 24th - 27th 2014 · December 1st - 4th 2014 · REGISTER NOW<http://www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/> *United Kingdom MMO/MFO Training Course Dates in Poole, Dorset* · April 7th - 10th 2014 · July 14th - 17th 2014 · September 29th - 1st 2014 · REGISTER NOW<http://www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/> *Register Online* Visit the website to register for the next MMO course. www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/ *Other Useful Links* 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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