May 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on wild beluga hearing
by Manuel Castellote - NOAA Affiliate 15 May '14

15 May '14

We are happy to announce the publication of this paper. Folks interested in wild beluga hearing or cetacean bioacoustics in zoological settings might find it particularly useful. Castellote, Mooney, Quakenbush, Hobbs, Goertz and Gaglione. 2014. Baseline hearing abilities and variability in wild beluga whales (*Delphinapterus leucas*). Journal of Experimental Biology 217: 1682-1691. doi:10.1242/jeb.093252 This open access paper is available at: http://jeb.biologists.org/content/217/10/1682.abstract Regards, Manuel Castellote -- Manuel Castellote *, PhDCetacean Assessment and Ecology Program* National Marine Mammal Laboratory *Alaska Fisheries Science Center/NOAA* 7600 Sand Point Way N.E. F/AKC3 Seattle, WA 98115-6349 (206) 526-6866 (voice) (206) 526-6615 (fax)

1 0

Assessment of Regulator Resources and Decision Making Tools
by Holly Morin 15 May '14

15 May '14

**apologies for cross-postings** Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS; www.dosits.org) is a comprehensive, educational website on underwater sound, designed to provide accurate scientific information at levels appropriate for all audiences, including regulators and policy-makers. Regulators have needs for comprehensive, easy to understand, and rapidly accessible resources. To meet these needs, the DOSITS team will be developing targeted resources over the next 18 months. To best serve the regulatory community, the team has created a brief survey designed to identify high priority topics and resource formats. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. All members of the regulatory community (government employees, federal and state contractors, NGO employees, and industry representatives that deal with underwater sound and/or marine animals) are encouraged to complete the survey. Your responses will directly influence the development of these new resources, which will be publically available on the DOSITS website. To complete the DOSITS Needs Assessment for the Regulatory Community, please follow this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/regulatoryneeds The survey will remain open until May 30, 2014. However, we would appreciate your completion of the survey as soon as possible. If you have any questions or problems with the survey, please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin(a)mail.uri.edu) Thank you for helping us help you! Holly Morin Marine Research Associate II University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography holly_morin(a)mail.uri.edu 401-874-6414

1 0

European Course on Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation, 1-5 Sept 2014
by Peter Evans 15 May '14

15 May '14

*******************Apologies for cross posting ********************** Tenth European Seminar on Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo, Valencia (Spain), 1-5 September 2014 DIRECTORS: J.A. Raga (University of Valencia) & P.G.H. Evans (Sea Watch Foundation & University of Bangor) SCIENTIFIC SECRETARY: J. Tomás & A. Perez del Olmo (University of Valencia) This international seminar represents the Tenth European course on the biology and conservation of one of the most threatened animal groups - marine mammals. The course consists of 15 sessions grouped into three modules: - The first module will show the latest advances and current research on several aspects of biology and pathology of cetaceans and pinnipeds with lectures on life history strategies, behavioural ecology, acoustics, parasitology, pathology, feeding ecology, statistical modelling, and assessment of population size and status - In the second module, there will be practical demonstrations of laboratory techniques applied to the research on marine mammals, covering dissection of a dolphin, acoustics and impacts of noise, dietary analysis, absolute abundance estimation from line transect surveys, and mark-recapture studies of population size and survival rates from photo-ID - The third module will deal with aspects of management and strategies for species conservation, including marine protected areas, at European and world scales. There will also be a round table debate on noise impacts. _________________ This seminar is supported by the project PROMETEO/2011/040 from the Generalitat Valenciana. TARGET AUDIENCE: ?University students in Biology, Veterinary, Environmental and Marine Sciences interested in learning the basics of studies on marine mammals and those wishing to learn about the latest knowledge advances of this field. It should also be of interest to Environmental Managers and postgraduate students who want to start doing research or conservation on marine mammals. ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY: Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo Student Office Plaza del Carmen, 4 E-46003 Valencia, Spain Phone +34. 963 108 020; Fax +34. 963 108 023 E-mail secretaria_valencia(a)uimp.es LANGUAGE: English REGISTRATION: This is limited to a maximum of 100 participants and is subjected to current availability and order of receipt. FORMS: These can be downloaded from - http://www.uimp.es/blogs/valencia/actividades/2014_marine_mammals_biology_c… GRANTS: A limited number of grants are available for the course. Applications with form and cv (with university qualifications) should be submitted between 15 May and 15 June 2014 to jesus.tomas(a)uv.es REGISTRATION FEES: 130 Euros DEADLINE: 1st September 2014 (if places are available) REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT: Applicants must be university students or post-graduates. DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION: A registration form will be provided by the Student Office. Once this has been completed, it should be handed into the same ofice together with the following documentation: a) Photocopy of the passport b) Evidence that the applicant is at least a university or graduate student c) Original receipt showing payment of registration fees. PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT COMMUNICATION WITH THE STUDENT OFFICE IS NOT POSSIBLE IN AUGUST DURING UNIVERSITY VACATION TIMES? For any queries and a copy of the programme, please contact Peter Evans at <peter.evans(a)bangor.ac.uk> or Juan Antonio Raga at <toni.raga(a)uv.es> kind regards, Peter Evans Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 1141565 - Registered Charity No. 1141565 Gall y neges e-bost hon, ac unrhyw atodiadau a anfonwyd gyda hi, gynnwys deunydd cyfrinachol ac wedi eu bwriadu i'w defnyddio'n unig gan y sawl y cawsant eu cyfeirio ato (atynt). Os ydych wedi derbyn y neges e-bost hon trwy gamgymeriad, rhowch wybod i'r anfonwr ar unwaith a dilewch y neges. Os na fwriadwyd anfon y neges atoch chi, rhaid i chi beidio a defnyddio, cadw neu ddatgelu unrhyw wybodaeth a gynhwysir ynddi. Mae unrhyw farn neu safbwynt yn eiddo i'r sawl a'i hanfonodd yn unig ac nid yw o anghenraid yn cynrychioli barn Prifysgol Bangor. Nid yw Prifysgol Bangor yn gwarantu bod y neges e-bost hon neu unrhyw atodiadau yn rhydd rhag firysau neu 100% yn ddiogel. Oni bai fod hyn wedi ei ddatgan yn uniongyrchol yn nhestun yr e-bost, nid bwriad y neges e-bost hon yw ffurfio contract rhwymol - mae rhestr o lofnodwyr awdurdodedig ar gael o Swyddfa Cyllid Prifysgol Bangor. This email and any attachments may contain confidential material and is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you must not use, retain or disclose any information contained in this email. Any views or opinions are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of Bangor University. Bangor University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of the text of the email, this email is not intended to form a binding contract - a list of authorised signatories is available from the Bangor University Finance Office.

1 0

Field based MMO training course, May 2014
by Maja Nimak-Wood 15 May '14

15 May '14

[cid:image004.png@01CF2D88.1EB40470] Pro-MMO Training Course Gardline Environmental Ltd.s' Marine Wildlife Department provides a field taught training course for new and current Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), in preparation for the working environment of offshore industries, whilst giving the opportunity to expand marine mammal identification skills. The Pro-MMO course trains applicants to become fully qualified, JNCC approved, professional MMOs who gain exceptional field experience during their training. The classroom element of the course will take place in Portsmouth (UK) while field part on a vessel sailing across the Bay of Biscay. The cost of the course is £600 and it includes all course materials, ID guide book, handouts, accommodation while on board, experienced staff and support afterwards. The next available dates for this 3-day field based course will be 6th- 8th May 2014. Application forms can be obtained from http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/services/service/field-based-marine-m… and all queries directed to maja.nimak-wood(a)gardline.com<mailto:maja.nimak-wood@gardline.com> Deadline for applications: 31st March 2014. Maja Nimak-Wood Marine Mammal Scientist Gardline Environmental Limited Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG Tel: +44 (0)1493 845600 Fax: +44 (0)1493 852106 www.gardlinemarinesciences.com<http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/> [cid:image003.jpg@01CF2D84.1796B740] Gardline Environmental Limited is part of the Gardline Group of Companies Registered in England No.04589816 | VAT Registration No. 640 4800 66 Registered office: Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 1

Introductory GIS and Species Distribution Modelling courses for Marine Biologists, Summer 2014
by Colin D. MacLeod 15 May '14

15 May '14

GIS In Ecology will be running the following introductory courses for marine biologists in the use of GIS and Species Distribution Modelling in June and August 2014. 1. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology, 23rd – 25th June 2014, Glasgow, Scotland: This three day course covers the basics of how to use GIS in marine biological research and is aimed at those who have little or no experience in using GIS, but who wish to learn. The course is taught by Dr Colin D. MacLeod, author of the ‘An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology’ series of books, and is taught in the type of language marine biologists will be familiar with. It consists of a series of background and practical sessions which will provide all the information needed to start successfully using GIS in marine biology. Cost: £395 (£300 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). More information on this course can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Glasgow_June_2014.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place email: cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com. 2. An Introduction To Species Distribution Modelling In The Marine Environment, 26th – 27th June 2014, Glasgow, Scotland: This two day course follows on from the introductory GIS course and provides all the information required to start using Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) in the marine environment in a practical and biologically meaningful way. In a series of background sessions, case studies and practical exercises, it covers how to create data layers of species distribution, how to select and create raster data layers of environmental variables, such as water depth, how to join information on species distribution to environmental information, how to export data from a GIS project for analysis in a statistical package, such as R, how to create spatial visualisations based on a statistical model and how to validate the spatial predictions of a model. The practical sessions work through a species distribution modelling project based on real marine survey data from start to finish. Cost: £295 (£200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). More information on this course can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_SDM_June_2014.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place email: cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com. Note: This course requires a basic knowledge of GIS and how to use ArcGIS GIS software (as covered in the above introductory GIS course). 3. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology, 11th – 13th August 2014, Glasgow, Scotland: In association with the 3rd International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) in Glasgow, Scotland in August 2014, GIS In Ecology will be running the above ‘Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology’ in the three days prior to the start of the conference. This allows those attending the conference to also attend this introductory GIS course while they are in Glasgow. For more information, email cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com. To book a place, visit the IMCC website: http://www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014. 4. An Introduction To Species Distribution Modelling In The Marine Environment, 19th – 20th August 2014, Glasgow, Scotland: In association with the 3rd International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) in Glasgow, Scotland in August 2014, GIS In Ecology will be running the above ‘Introduction To Using Species Distribution Modelling In The Marine Environment’ in the two days immediately after the end of the conference. This allows those attending the conference to also attend this introductory species distribution modelling course while they are in Glasgow. For more information, email cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com. To book a place, visit the IMCC website: http://www.conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2014. Note: This course requires a basic knowledge of GIS and how to use ArcGIS GIS software (as covered in the above introductory GIS course). ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ==================================================================================

1 0

Online publication of NAMMCO Scientific Publications
by Jill Prewitt 14 May '14

14 May '14

The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission - NAMMCO - is pleased to announce that all previous volumes in the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series are now online and available as open-access (i.e., free!). Please visit the journal website at http://septentrio.uit.no/index.php/NAMMCOSP/index to find complete editions of Volumes 1-8, and the online early versions of completed papers in Volumes 9 and 10. The purpose of the NAMMCO Scientific Publications series is to make available, in published, peer-reviewed form, scientific papers which have contributed to the work carried out by the NAMMCO Scientific Committee. For more information about the series, please contact Jill Prewitt at jill.prewitt(a)nammco.no<mailto:jill.prewitt@nammco.no> To order hard copies of Volumes 1-8, please email the NAMMCO Secretariat at nammco-sec(a)nammco.no<mailto:nammco-sec@nammco.no> Jill Prewitt Scientific Secretary North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission PO Box 6453 N-9294 Tromsø Norway Ph: +47 77687373

1 0

Publication beaked whale records in Western Australian
by Raudino, Holly 13 May '14

13 May '14

Dear MARMAMers We are pleased to share with you another publication on stranding data from Western Australia Christine J. Groom, Douglas K. Coughran and Holly C. Smith (2014). Records of beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) in Western Australian waters. Marine Biodiversity Records, 7, e50 doi:10.1017/S1755267214000475. Abstract Western Australia has an extensive coastline extending 12889 km (excluding islands) from latitude 35 degrees in the south to 14 degrees in the north. The extensive coastline intersects the distribution of many species of beaked whale. A total of 74 Ziphiidae were recorded as stranded along the Western Australian coast between 1940 and 2010 (70 years). Ten of the 21 species of beaked whales currently recognized taxonomically worldwide have been observed in Western Australia with True's beaked whale Mesoplodon mirus and Shepherd's beaked whale Tasmacetus shepherdi recorded more than elsewhere in Australia. Western Australia has the highest species diversity (10) of beaked whale strandings compared to other Australian states and regions. Gray's beaked whale, Mesoplodon grayi, was the most commonly reported species (33 records) and had the largest mass stranding group size (seven) of the beaked whales stranded in Western Australia. The records presented in this paper confirm the distribution of Arnoux's beaked whale Berardius arnuxii, strap-toothed beaked whale Mesoplodon layardii, Shepherd's beaked whale, Blainville's beaked whale Mesoplodon densirostris in Western Australian waters. The records presented of True's beaked whale confirm its presence in Australian waters, with Western Australia a possible key location for this species. Factors causing strandings and death should be investigated in future where ever possible, particularly the rostral injuries reported for six beaked whales. Beaked whale species identification should be confirmed through genetic analysis in future to maximize certainty of species identification. You can access the article at http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=92… Or please contact us if you would like a PDF copy Thanks in advance, Holly Raudino, PhD Research Scientist Marine Science Program Dept of Parks and Wildlife * holly.raudino(a)dpaw.wa.gov.au<mailto:holly.raudino@dpaw.wa.gov.au> * 9219 9754 [cid:image003.png@01CF6F50.A23087B0] Science and Conservation Division

1 0

Funded PhD in harbour seal ecology
by Thompson, Professor Paul M. 13 May '14

13 May '14

Fine-Scale Habitat Selection in Harbour Seals - Fully funded PhD studentship for EU or overseas students. The University of Aberdeen is currently offering a PhD project on harbour seal movements and habitat selection. The project builds upon collaborative studies with the University of St Andrews, which involves fine-scale tracking of >25 harbour seals from our long-term study population in NE Scotland. The studentship includes both stipend and fees, and is available to any student worldwide. Applicants must have excellent academic credentials and relevant research experience from either terrestrial or marine systems. We are particularly keen to hear from quantitative students who have strong track records in either spatial modelling or capture-mark-recapture analyses. Most critically, we are looking for good problem solvers who have a proven ability to identify interesting biological questions and undertake publishable work within an inter-disciplinary team. Project details & application instructions can be found at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/clsm/graduate/research/harbour-seals-674.php The closing date is Friday 30th May 2014 Further information about our research group and recent publications can be found at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/lighthouse/ The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683.

1 0

Marine Mammal Research Internship
by Victoria Howard 13 May '14

13 May '14

*The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is now accepting applications for the Fall 2014 Internship- deadline June 1, 2014* The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will participate with multiple projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research, sea turtle satellite tracking, and other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Interns must: - Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. - Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. - Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. - Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. *Principle Duties include*: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21’ and 31’ boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this Internship Program. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations *Please visit http://imms.org/internship.php <http://imms.org/internship.php> for full Internship information and details on how to apply*

1 0

New publication on the most southerly world-wide sightings of pygmy killer whales
by Ms Kylie Owen 12 May '14

12 May '14

Dear readers, We are pleased to announce a new publication on observations of pygmy killer whales in temperate Australian waters which are thought to be the most southerly sightings of this species world-wide. "Owen, K., Donnelly, D. (2014) The most southerly worldwide sightings of pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata)?. Marine Biodiversity Records 7: e46" Corresponding author: kylie.owen(a)uqconnect.edu.au Abstract The pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata) is a rarely sighted cetacean species that is currently believed to be confined to tropical and subtropical waters. This paper presents four sightings off the east coast of Australia that are believed to be the most southerly sightings of pygmy killer whales worldwide (approximately 37.31°S) and extend the range of this species into temperate regions of Australia. Group sizes ranged from 20-70 individuals and on two occasions a second cetacean species was noted in the presence of the pygmy killer whales. All four sightings occurred when water temperatures were particularly warm for the area (21-25.8°C) and demonstrate the potential for changes in the strength of warm water currents to influence species distributions. The article can be accessed at: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=92… Kind Regards Kylie and David PhD Candidate Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory School of Veterinary Science University of Queensland Gatton Campus, QLD Australia, 4343 Phone: 0407 325 293 Email: kylie.owen(a)uqconnect.edu.au

1 0