May 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

PhD / Post Doc Opportunity – cetacean community monitoring and health.
by Simon Elwen 22 May '14

22 May '14

*PhD / Post Doc Opportunity – cetacean community monitoring and health. * The Namibian Dolphin Project is a non-profit, research and conservation organization run by a small group of independent scientists in association with the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute and the Namibia Nature Foundation. Our mission is to research Namibia’s cetaceans to generate data on these populations that can be used for their conservation through sustainable management. see www.namibiandolphinproject.com for project background We are currently looking to expand our team and forge collaborations with researchers working on cetacean monitoring and health assessment. Consequently, we are seeking an experienced PhD student or recent post doctoral graduate (or both) to join our team in Walvis Bay, Namibia. This person would be expected to take a proactive approach in developing and leading research efforts within the framework of our *cetacean community health and monitoring programme* during a large coastal construction project taking place within Walvis Bay. Our core research focuses on a small and potentially threatened population of common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) with additional research being done on Heaviside’s dolphin (*Cephalorhynchus heavisidii*), dusky dolphins (*Lagenorhynchus obscurus*) and humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*). New research will build on photographic, behavioural, acoustic, stranding and tissue datasets collected since 2008, thus scope to develop research questions is wide. Logistical and fieldwork support will be provided but limited funds are available at the moment and the successful candidate will be expected to assist in generating funds through grant applications, sponsorships (etc) to finance further fieldwork and living costs. Although training will be provided, the ideal candidate will have a background in the relevant field skills: photo-identification, biopsy sampling, small boat research, stranding attendance and necropsy and be able to work independently leading field research efforts. The candidate must be reliable, independent and self motivated and have a drivers licence for manual cars and be an experienced boat skipper. This position is open to all nationalities, but those from SADC regions will be preferred. The successful candidate will be expected to relocate to Walvis Bay, Namibia, for a minimum of 2.5 years during this project with some time spent in Cape Town, South Africa. Start Date: from July 2014 onwards. For further information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Simon Elwen or Dr Tess Gridley on nam.dolphin.project(a)gmail.com -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 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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Internship for Harbor Porpoise Study
by Aileen Jeffries 21 May '14

21 May '14

Harbor Porpoise Internship The Harbor Porpoise Project with Pacific Biodiversity Institute has an opening for an intern for the summer, 2014. The intern position will be full time starting in May or June with a minimum duration of 3 months. The intern will have a 5 day work week with some flexibility in determining his or her work schedule. Some weekend work may be necessary. Duties: Interns will participate in field activities including land and water based visual surveys and Photo ID of cetaceans. They will learn how to take photographs for Photo ID work, handle acoustic instruments and will gain experience with data reduction and analysis. Research: This research is designed to provide an understanding of temporal and spatial aspects of the distribution of harbor porpoises. The internship offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in visual survey methodology, Photo ID and acoustic data collection and analysis. We are using high frequency hydrophones and acoustic spectral analysis software for parts of the work. The interns will learn how this equipment operates and work with acoustic data. Costs: Limited expenses will be covered and housing is provided for this internship position. If the intern extends for an additional 3 months a stipend may be negotiated. Living Arrangements and Transportation: The intern will be provided living accommodations in Anacortes during the time of the internship. During the work period interns must have a personal vehicle, bicycle or use public transportation to allow them to travel to and from the survey field sites. Requirements: Applicants must be advanced undergraduates or graduates of a scientifically oriented university program in the behavioral, acoustical or biological sciences. A typical applicant should have a strong interest in the scientific study of cetacean behavioral ecology and have interest in future graduate study in marine mammal science. The applicant must be an individual who seeks extensive and intensive exposure to the field work, data analysis techniques, and research literature in this field. The applicant must take initiative, be willing to work intensively, be self-motivated and be able to work as part of a team. Preference will be given to persons with experience handling a boat in the Puget Sound. Application: Interested applicants should first send an email with resume and a description of their background and interests to Aileen Jeffries, <mailto:aileen@pacificbio.org> aileen(a)pacificbio.org,

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New paper on false killer whale genetic structure
by Karen Martien - NOAA Federal 20 May '14

20 May '14

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Martien, K.K., S.J. Chivers, R.W. Baird, F.I. Archer, A.M. Gorgone, B.L. Hancock-Hanser, D. Mattila, D.J. McSweeney, E.M. Oleson, C. Palmer, V.L. Pease, K.M. Robertson, G.S. Schorr, M.B. Schultz, D.L. Webster, B.L. Taylor. 2014. Nuclear and mitochondrial patterns of population structure in North Pacific false killer whales (*Pseudorca crassidens*). Journal of Heredity. doi: 10.1093/jhered/esu029. Abstract: False killer whales (*Pseudorca crassidens*) are large Delphinids typically found in deep water far offshore. However, in the Hawaiian Archipelago there are two resident island-associated populations of false killer whales, one in the waters around the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) and one in the waters around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). We use mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences and genotypes from 16 nuclear (nucDNA) microsatellite loci from 206 individuals to examine levels of differentiation among the two island-associated populations and offshore animals from the central and eastern North Pacific. Both mtDNA and nucDNA exhibit highly significant differentiation between populations, confirming limited gene flow in both sexes. The mtDNA haplotypes exhibit a strong pattern of phylogeographic concordance, with island-associated populations sharing three closely related haplotypes not found elsewhere in the Pacific. However, nucDNA data suggests that NWHI animals are at least as differentiated from MHI animals as they are from offshore animals. The patterns of differentiation revealed by the two marker types suggest that the island-associated false killer whale populations likely share a common colonization history, but have limited contemporary gene flow. Reprints are available from the senior author (Karen.Martien(a)noaa.gov) or from the Cascadia Research Collective website ( http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii/Martienetal2014.pdf) -- Karen K. Martien, Ph.D. Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037, USA Phone: 858-546-7058 Fax: 858-546-7003 Karen.Martien(a)noaa.gov http://swfsc.noaa.gov/mmtd-mmgenetics

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Fall 2014 Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships
by Katie McHugh 20 May '14

20 May '14

*Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Internships Fall 2014 - Deadline June 1st* The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP), a partnership led by the Chicago Zoological Society and based at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, conducts the world's longest-running study of a dolphin population. The program's primary goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors that impact them. The SDRP uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within Sarasota Bay, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico coastal waters. For more information about the SDRP, please visit: <http://www.sarasotadolphin.org>www.sarasotadolphin.org <http://www.sarasotadolphin.org>. The SDRP is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for our Fall 2014 internship program (a minimum of 10 weeks of participation during 2 September -- 19 December, with applications due by June 1st). Please note that we are only seeking 1-2 interns this session and that we receive many more applications that we have openings -- the selection process is very competitive. The successful candidates will participate in the following research projects: 1) *Dolphin population monitoring project**:* (/YEAR ROUND/) This study will continue to monitor the resident bottlenose dolphin community in Sarasota Bay. Duties in the field will include assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for dolphin groups one to two weeks per month. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each dolphin group, and additional data related to human-dolphin interactions will also be collected in conjunction with this project. While in the lab (at least 2 wks per month), work will generally involve photo-identification of dolphins, computer data entry, video logging, dolphin dorsal fin identification catalog maintenance, equipment maintenance and other duties. 2) *Dolphin prey and habitat use project**:* (/JAN-MAR & JUN-SEPT ONLY/) This study will use the Sarasota dolphin community and fish populations to study relationships between distributions of dolphins and their prey and factors that affect fish community ecology, such as red tide. While in the field, work will involve sampling of fish communities through purse seining techniques, collection of prey fish for nutritional analysis, and collection of other environmental data. Interns may participate in this project 2-3 days per month. Interns should expect to spend about 20% of their time in the field, and about 80% of their time in the lab working with data, or performing equipment maintenance. There is no compensation for these internship positions, and successful applicants will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. Shared housing opportunities near Mote Marine Laboratory may be available (cost: $90/week). A few scholarships are available from Mote Marine Laboratory through a competitive application process (US citizens only). Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: * Minimum of 18 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies; * A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field; * Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel and Access); * Some field research experience preferred but not required; * Must be able to swim; * Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based research methods; * A willingness to spend a minimum of 10-12 weeks working full time as a volunteer with our program. * * *To apply for a Sarasota Dolphin Research Program internship, interested persons should:* 1) Fill out an application form at Mote Marine Laboratory's website (www.mote.org/interns <http://www.mote.org/interns>). Be sure to select "Sarasota Dolphin Research Program" as your first choice; 2) Complete and provide to Mote's intern office all other application materials including: a statement of interest, current college transcript, letter of recommendation, and /curriculum vitae/; 3) Send an email to SDRP Intern Coordinator (Katie McHugh, _kmchugh(a)mote.org_) stating your name, contact information, exact dates and duration of availability, where you learned about the internship opportunity (/e.g. /Mote, SDRP, Brookfield Zoo website, MARMAM, etc.), and that you have provided all application materials to the Mote intern office, as detailed above. All applications will be reviewed; those received by the application deadline of June 1st will be given first priority. We are seeking 1-2 interns for the fall, depending on scheduling. These are competitive positions - we typically receive many more applications than we can accept. Applicants may contact Katie McHugh (941-388-4441 ext. 450, kmchugh(a)mote.org <mailto:TUkmchugh@mote.orgUT>) in the SDRP with any questions. Applicants applying because of an interest in possibly being involved in graduate studies with the SDRP should discuss their interests with Program Director Randall Wells upon acceptance into the program. -- ************************************ Katherine McHugh Staff Scientist Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Chicago Zoological Society c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441 x450 office (650) 400-2776 cell kmchugh(a)mote.org ************************************

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Eighth International Conference "Marine Mammals of the Holarctic"
by Dmitri Glazov 20 May '14

20 May '14

Dear Colleagues! We remind you that the opening of registration on Eighth International Conference "Marine Mammals of the Holarctic" online: http://www.mmc2014spb.com/en/ Sinserely, Conference Organizing Committee -- Dmitry Glazov Deputy head of Russian White Whale Program www.sevin-expedition.ru A.N. Severtsov Institute of the Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences 33 Leninskiy prosp., Moscow, 119071, Russia www.sevin.ru glazovd(a)gmail.com Tel. mob. +79104051823 Tel. + 74959541511 Fax. +74959581260

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Training course advert
by Kathy James 20 May '14

20 May '14

2-DAY CETACEAN SURVEYING TRAINING COURSES New Quay, West Wales A short course to learn about British cetaceans, how to survey for them and contribute to their conservation! 14th-15th June 2014 For more information and booking visit: http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/cetacean-survey-training-courses/ or contact <mailto:info@seawatchfoundation.org.uk> info(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk. The course will consist of illustrated lectures and video presentations, as well as headland watches and boat surveys aboard a local research vessel. The area where land and boat trips will be undertaken is the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a place well-known for the presence and high sighting frequency of bottlenose dolphins (the largest population in the UK), harbour porpoises and grey seals. These populations are protected in the SAC following the 1992 EU Species and Habitat Directive. The Sea Watch Foundation is the most experienced organisation in the UK for training observers and students interested in marine mammals, having run courses for over twenty years. It has provided training for staff from all three national statutory conservation agencies, the Environment Agency, CEFAS, Department of the Environment, Wildlife Trusts, Royal Navy, and MMOs working with the oil and gas industries. Most of the field guides on cetaceans on the market in UK have actually been written or had consultations from the Sea Watch Foundation. Thus we hope we can guarantee a very high level training course given by highly experienced staff. The lectures and videos will focus on general biology and classification of cetaceans, species identification, conservation issues facing UK cetaceans, and recommended monitoring survey methods. The course will be based at New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales, where our Welsh office is based. It will provide an unparalleled opportunity to see marine mammals in the wild and to contribute to cetacean conservation in Britain. The practical element of the course will combine both land and boat-based surveys allowing participants to directly learn how to conduct systematic watches and fill in standardised recording forms. Land and Boat-based work will teach participants the skills needed for: . identifying the various cetaceans species found in the area . estimating group size and distinguishing between calves, juveniles and adults . determining cetacean behaviours . assessing sea state and other key environmental features . learning some basic photographic techniques aimed at identifying single individuals www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk Kathy James Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House Wellington Place New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk

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New paper on humpback whales
by Phillip Clapham - NOAA Federal 19 May '14

19 May '14

I am happy to announce publication of the following paper: Andriolo, A., Zerbini, A., Moreira, S., Pizzorno, J., Maia, Y., Danilewicz, D., Mamede, N, Castro, F. & Clapham, P. 2014. What do humpback whale pairs do after tagging? Zoologia 31: 105-113. ABSTRACT: The social structure of humpback whales in their tropical wintering grounds is very fluid. To date, no information has been published for cases in which two whales were both satellite-tagged while in association. Here, we report the movements of four humpback whale pairs tagged together off the coast of Brazil. Fieldwork and satellite tagging of humpback whales was conducted between 2003 and 2008 along the eastern coast of Brazil, between 20°S and 8°S. Movement was monitored while whales were still in their breeding ground. A switching state space model was applied to the filtered data of each humpback whale to standardize telemetry data and allow direct comparison of each individual track. GIS was used to plot model-predicted locations and to visually compare animal movements. The results confirm the short-lived nature of associations between breeding humpback whales, and show that individuals differ widely in their movements. Reprints are available from the senior author: *artur.andriolo(a)ufjf.edu.br <artur.andriolo(a)ufjf.edu.br>* -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Leader, Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program National Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115, USA tel 206 526 4037 fax 206 526 6615 email phillip.clapham(a)noaa.gov

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Volunteers Needed Bottlenose Research
by Jennifer Lewis 18 May '14

18 May '14

The Tropical Dolphin Research Foundation is a 501c3 (www.tropicaldolphin.org ). We need volunteer interns to work with us in the field during the month of June off Key West, Florida. Work will involve (after training) help collecting data on wild bottlenose dolphins, help with data entry and analysis, and clean up maintenance of vessels/vehicles. During the internship, education will be provided on marine mammal biology and behavior in addition to seamanship skills and general field ecology (some through evening lectures, some through hands on training). The research project involves investigation of a unique feeding behavior (mud plume feeding: Lewis, J and W. Schroeder. 2003. MUD PLUME FEEDING, A UNIQUE FORAGING BEHAVIOR OF THE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN IN THE FLORIDA KEYS. Gulf of Mexico Science 21: 92-97. The position is voluntary. Interns are responsible for travel, food and lodging costs. TDRF locates a house where interns stay for the duration with researchers. Interns can opt to stay for the duration (one month) or shorter. We prefer a minimum of two weeks. If interested, please forward the following to Dr. Jennifer Lewis ASAP: CV with three academic references A short one page letter describing your interest in this internship and future goals. jlewis(a)tropicaldolphin.org www.tropicaldolphin.org

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Volunteering opportunities at ADP North Dalmatia
by Grgur Pleslić 18 May '14

18 May '14

Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation runs several research projects on bottlenose dolphins in the Adriatic Sea. You can now join our research team in North Dalmatia as a volunteer and contribute to our effort to understand and protect this vulnerable species. The duration of volunteer courses is 10 days. During this time volunteers are an integral part of the team, living and working on board our mobile field station MB Anika - a 14 meters long wooden kutter. During field surveys volunteers and researchers use a 5.2 meters inflatable boat to search for dolphins and collect navigational, environmental, photo-ID and behavioural data. Upon returning to MB Anika the team works on data storage and analysis, boat maintenance, but there is also plenty of time off. This is a great opportunity to learn first-hand about biology and ecology of the species, practice skills and techniques to collect and analyze data and to have great time sailing through stunning archipelago. To find out more about the project and available dates and prices, please see this link: http://www.blue-world.org/en/get-involved/volunteer/Volunteer_at_ADP_North_D almatia/ Or send an e-mail to: grgur.pleslic(a)blue-world.org <mailto:grgur.pleslic@blue-world.org> Grgur Pleslić Senior Researcher Blue World Institute <http://www.blue-world.org/> http://www.blue-world.org

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Mares Conference - Marine Ecosystems Health and Conservation : Call for Abstracts & Registration
by MARES Conference Secretariat 16 May '14

16 May '14

[cid:image001.png@01CF70FF.9D142BF0] Mares Conference Marine Ecosystems Health and Conservation 17-21 November 2014, Olhão, Portugal Registration and Call for Abstracts are open ! Deadline for Abstracts submission: June 1st The Mares Conference<http://www.maresconference.eu/> will be held in Olhão, Portugal, from November 17th to 21st, 2014. This international and open conference will bring together scientists from different levels and disciplines to discuss and address main issues about marine ecosystems health and conservation. Six themes will be developed through the conference, and for each one a keynote speaker has been invited: 1. Future Oceans : temperature changes - hypoxia - acidification 2. Understanding biodiversity effects on the functioning of marine ecosystems : Lisa Levin<http://www.maresconference.eu/node/381#Lis> 3. Biological invasions: Gregory M. Ruiz<http://www.maresconference.eu/keynotes#Greg> 4. Natural Resources : overexploitation, fisheries and aquaculture: Rainer Froese <http://www.maresconference.eu/node/381#Rai> 5. Ocean noise pollution: Peter L. Tyack<http://www.maresconference.eu/keynotes#Tya> 6. Habitat loss, urban development, coastal infrastructures and Marine Spatial Planning: Michael W. Beck<http://www.maresconference.eu/node/381#Mik> Marine Mammals related topics are foreseen during sessions such as Ocean Noise pollution and Natural Resources Exploitation. The conference will be dynamic, innovative and participative, mixing oral presentations, round table discussions, and posters / digital objects<http://www.maresconference.eu/node/371> sessions. Scientific and social programme are detailed here: http://www.maresconference.eu/programme. We invite all participants to write and submit one or more abstract(s). Guidelines and submission forms are available here: http://www.maresconference.eu/callforabstracts. Deadline for abstract submission is set on Sunday 1 June 2014. Early bird Registrations are open: http://www.maresconference.eu/registrationform. The early bird registration deadline, with reduced rates, is 15 August 2014. Further information can be found on the website : www.maresconference.eu<http://www.maresconference.eu> We look forward to meeting you in Faro, The organizing committee, Prof. Dr. Adelino Canario Prof. Dr. Karim Erzini Prof. Dr. Estér Serrão Prof. Rui Santos Prof. Dr. Magda Vincx Dr. Tim Deprez Pieter Blondeel Wendy Massart PS: Sorry for any cross-posting [cid:image002.jpg@01CF70FF.9D142BF0] MARES Conference Coordination Office Ghent University Marine Biology Research Group Krijgslaan 281/S8 B-9000 Ghent , Belgium Tel. +32 9 264 85 26 maresconference(a)ugent.be<mailto:maresconference@ugent.be> www.maresconference.eu<http://www.maresconference.eu/>

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