May 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Posters
by Richard Ternullo 05 May '14

05 May '14

Dear MARMAM subscribers, 14th International Conference of the American Cetacean Society (ACS) Tuned in to Whales: Conservation, Research & Education. Friday, November 7th through Sunday, November 9th, 2014 Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach, California 2014 Call for Abstracts: Poster Session and Student Research Presentation Session The Student Research Presentation Session is devoted exclusively to research presented by undergraduate and/or graduate students, and is intended to encourage discussion and facilitate the exchange of current information pertaining to cetacean research, conservation, policy and education. It also provides an opportunity for students at universities and institutions to gain presentation experience in a professional environment, and presents a forum in which existing professionals may meet their rising peers. Abstract submissions will be accepted from current undergraduate or graduate students, student interns, and recently graduated students (within the past year) who conducted their work prior to graduation. Student authors must be from accredited institutions of higher education. The Poster Presentation Session will showcase a variety of programs and projects based at education institutions, agencies, and non-profit organizations. All are invited to submit abstracts for review. Posters addressing diverse topics within the fields of cetacean research, conservation, policy, and education, are welcome. Abstracts for both the Poster Presentation Session and the Student Research Presentation Session will be accepted through Saturday, July 31, 2014. To obtain submission guidelines and forms for either session please contact the ACS office at acsoffice at acsonline.org. AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 www.acsonline.org Richard Ternullo rternullo(a)aol.com

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New Publication on foraging ecology of bottlenose dolphins
by Laura Eierman 05 May '14

05 May '14

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper about the foraging ecology of bottlenose dolphins: Eierman, L.E. and Connor, R.C. (2014), Foraging behavior, prey distribution, and microhabitat use by bottlenose dolphins *Tursiops truncatus* in a tropical atoll. Marine Ecology Progress Series 503:279-288. doi: 10.3354/meps10721 Abstract The study of habitat use by top predators is important for understanding community interactions and is necessary for sound ecosystem management. In marine systems, top predators such as sharks and cetaceans have a strong impact on the structure and function of communities. While the observation of habitat use and foraging behavior of most marine predators is logistically difficult, bottlenose dolphins *Tursiops truncatus* offer less of a challenge due to visible surface behavior and well-documented populations. We examined bottlenose dolphin behavior in relation to microhabitat classes at Turneffe Atoll, Belize. The dolphins were found to feed proportionally more in boundary microhabitats, areas where dense seagrass beds adjoined open sand flats, than in other microhabitats. Fish density, particularly schools of grunts (family Haemulidae), were higher in the boundary microhabitat than in seagrass or sand microhabitats. Extensive acoustic recordings yielded few fish calls, suggesting that passive listening for soniferous fish was not the dominant means of diurnal prey detection. The dolphins’ disproportionate use of boundary microhabitats for feeding was likely due to the abundance and accessibility of prey. a PDF can be downloaded at: http://www.int-res.com/articles/meps2014/503/m503p279.pdf or requested by email: l <https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam>ee27(a)cornell.edu Regards, Laura Eierman

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phD proposal on chemical communication in aquatic mammals
by Aurelie CELERIER 02 May '14

02 May '14

PhD proposal Title: Aquatic scents: Chemical communication in aquatic mammals, How and why? Dead line for application: May 23th 2014 Location : CEFE/CNRS Montpellier Contact : Aurelie Célérier : aurelie.celerier(a)cefe.cnrs.fr<mailto:aurelie.celerier@cefe.cnrs.fr> : 0033 4 67 61 33 17 Duration: from October 2014- to October 2017 Abstract : Although chemical signals are central for a diversity of biological functions and have been extensively studied in terrestrial mammals, olfactory and gustatory abilities have been poorly investigated in marine mammals. Our project aims to give an exhaustive insight into the chemical communication in different groups of aquatic mammals (Sirenians, Pinnipeds, Cetaceans and Otter) and compare the evolutionary adaptations of chemical sensory systems in organisms ranging from semi to fully aquatic. Our approach is both original and multidisciplinary and aim to integrate 3 levels of exploration: 1) a Chemical level to identify the molecules emitted by individuals; 2) a Neuro-anatomical level to explore the nervous structures involved in the perception and processing of chemical cues and 3) a Behavioral level to investigate the involvement and adaptive function of chemical communication in the feeding behavior and social life of these species. The PhD student will be specifically involved in point 2 and 3 of the general project. Skills : Behavioural Ecology, Statistics, preference will be given to applicant with previous experience in Neurosciences and/or Chemical Analysis. Autonomy, flexible, excellent organizational and communication skills, hard working, field work and laboratory work ***************************************************************** [cid:image001.png@01CF6635.0DE9A6F0]Aurélie Célérier Maître de Conférence Équipe Écologie Comportementale CEFE - UMR 5175 F-34293 Montpellier cedex 5 Tél : +33(0) 4 67 61 33 17 email : aurelie.celerier(a)cefe.cnrs.fr<mailto:scampagn@univ-montp2.fr> http://www.cefe.cnrs.fr/ecomp/default.htm *****************************************************************

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Announcing Canadian Publication of Novel about Killer Whales and Marine Contaminants
by Ann Eriksson 02 May '14

02 May '14

Hello all: I am pleased to announce the Canadian publication of my novel, *High Clear Bell of Morning*, which highlights threats to the southern resident killer whales in the Salish Sea, with a particular focus on toxic marine contaminants. I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the members of this list who assisted me during the research phase. The novel is available in Canada in trade paperback and ebook wherever books are sold. It should be available in the US in the near future. You can find more information about the novel and my upcoming Canadian reading tour on my website www.anneriksson.ca or through my publisher www.douglas-mcintyre.com. Thanks very much. Ann

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Volunteer field assistant opportunity - Heaviside’s dolphins research in Namibia
by Sara Golaski 02 May '14

02 May '14

*Volunteer field assistant opportunity - Heaviside’s dolphins research in Namibia* *BACKROUND:* This volunteer position is to assist University of Pretoria MSc student Sara Golaski. The project aims to obtain baseline information on abundance and habitat use of Heaviside’s dolphins in Namibia using primarily photographic identification (photo-ID). *WHERE:* Walvis Bay, Namibia *WHEN:* June 1 until mid-July. *DATA ANALYSIS & FIELDWORK:* The volunteer position is primarily office based processing photo-ID images, but you will be aiding the Namibian Dolphin Project in all project activities including some fieldwork, community outreach and attending cetacean strandings should they occur. *EXPECTATIONS*, volunteers are expected to: - Be experienced with photo-ID work - Have good attention to detail - Be reliable, adaptable and hard-working - Be prepared to work long days - Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude. - Participate for a minimum of 1 month, 6 weeks preferred Post would suit upper level undergrads and graduate students who have interest and background in Biology, Marine Biology and an interest in pursuing further study. Due to the training required, applicants should be available for a *minimum of 1 month.* *LIVING & COSTS:* Volunteers are expected to cover their own living expenses, including flight costs. We can assist in finding accommodation which can be around ZAR 3000 ($300 USD) per month. Food and other personal expenses can be kept between ZAR 2000-3000 a month. *DEADLINE AND APPLICATIONS:* Interested volunteers should email Sara Golaski as soon as possible with a: *1 - LETTER of interest outlining relevant experience and motivation for participation* *2 – CV* *3 - Duration of stay (expected start and end date)* *to Sara Golaski **sgolaski(a)coa.edu* <sgolaski(a)coa.edu> *FOR MORE INFORMATION:* Namibian Dolphin Project website: http://www.namibiandolphinproject.com/

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Sirenews 61
by Cynthia Taylor 02 May '14

02 May '14

Sirenews 61, April 2014, is now available online at http://sea2shore.org/publications/sirenews/ Sirenews is the newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Sirenia Specialist Group. The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) is a science-based network of volunteer experts working together towards achieving the vision of "A world that values and conserves present levels of biodiversity." The Sirenia Specialist Group is focused on the conservation of manatee and dugong populations around the world. Cynthia Taylor and James Powell, co-editors Sea to Shore Alliance www.sea2shore.org

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New Paper: Survival and abundance of short-finned pilot whales
by Filipe Alves 02 May '14

02 May '14

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper about the population parameters of short-finned pilot whales: Alves, F., Dinis, A., Nicolau, C., Ribeiro, C., Kaufmann, M., Fortuna, C. and Freitas, L. (2014), Survival and abundance of short-finned pilot whales in the archipelago of Madeira, NE Atlantic. Marine Mammal Science. doi: 10.1111/mms.12137 Abstract Estimates of population parameters for the short-finned pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus, are scarce in literature, contributing to an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status of Data Deficient. In this study, photo-identification data collected over 7 yr from Madeira were used to estimate for the first time survivorship, capture probability, and abundance in this species using mark-recapture methodology. The Cormack-Jolly-Seber model estimated that the adult island-associated (i.e., resident and regular visitor) whales had a constant survival rate of 0.960 (95% CI: 0.853–0.990) and an annual capture probability varying between 0.372 (CI: 0.178–0.619) and 0.843 (CI: 0.619–0.947). A parameterization of the Jolly-Seber model estimated that 140 island-associated whales (CI: 131–151) used the area throughout the course of the study. Based on a closed population model, the most precise (lower CV) annual estimate of the total number of pilot whales using the southern and eastern waters of Madeira (~900 km2) in a 3 mo period covering summer/autumn was 334 animals (CI: 260–437). No trend was observed. Despite including biases, the approach used in this study provided plausible estimates of population parameters, which can contribute to the regional conservation strategies. a PDF can be downloaded at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12137/pdf or request it by email: filalves(a)rocketmail.com Regards, Filipe Alves

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New Publication: Large whale vessel strikes
by Julie van der Hoop 01 May '14

01 May '14

MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper in Conservation Letters: van der Hoop, J. M., Vanderlaan, A. S. M., Cole, T. V. N., Henry, A. G., Hall, L., Mase-Guthrie, B., Wimmer, T. and Moore, M. J. (2014), Vessel strikes to large whales before and after the 2008 Ship Strike Rule. Conservation Letters. doi: 10.1111/conl.12105 The paper is available in early view online: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/conl.12105/abstract Please contact me if you do not have access to the .pdf online: jvanderhoop(a)whoi.edu Abstract: To determine effectiveness of Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs), introduced in 2008 on the U.S. East Coast to reduce lethal vessel strikes to North Atlantic right whales, we analyzed observed large whale mortality events from 1990–2012 in the geographic region of the “Ship Strike Rule” to identify changes in frequency, spatial distribution, and spatiotemporal interaction since implementation. Though not directly coincident with SMA implementation, right whale vessel-strike mortalities significantly declined from 2.0 (2000–2006) to 0.33 per year (2007–2012). Large whale vessel-strike mortalities have decreased inside active SMAs, and increased outside inactive SMAs. We detected no significant spatiotemporal interaction in the 4-year pre- or post-Rule periods, although a longer time series is needed to detect these changes. As designed, SMAs encompass only 36% of historical right whale vessel-strike mortalities, and 32% are outside managed space but within managed timeframes. We suggest increasing spatial coverage to improve the Rule's effectiveness. ---------------------------------------------------------- Julie van der Hoop PhD Candidate MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography Woods Hole MA 02543

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MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AND JOURNALS AVAILABLE from VIVA Vaquita
by Thomas Jefferson 01 May '14

01 May '14

MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AND JOURNALS AVAILABLE The following is a partial list of items available – contactTom Jefferson <sclymene(a)aol.com> for a complete list. All funds go to ¡VIVA Vaquita! (a collaboration of five 501(3)c non-profits), forresearch and conservation of the World’s most endangered marine mammal species,the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Go to www.vivavaquita.orgfor more details. Prices listed aresuggested minimum donations. All itemsare in good-excellent condition, unless otherwise stated; HC=hardcover,PB=paperback. Preference will be givento domestic USA orders. Donations can bemade in cash or with checks in US dollars made payable to “Thomas Jefferson”. Email Tom Jefferson thelist of items you want and your postal address for the items to be sent to(please type your name and address exactly as they would appear on a mailinglabel). Shipping is included. Orders will be sent out only after paymentand ‘mailing label’ are received. Berta, A., and J. L. Sumich. 1999. Marine Mammals:Evolutionary Biology. First Edition ed. Academic Press. HC. $30. Best, P. B., J. L. Bannister, R. L. Brownell, and G. P.Donovan (Editors). 2001. Right Whales: Worldwide Status. Journal of CetaceanResearch and Management Special Issue 2. HC. $40. Brown, S. G. et al. 1974. Antarctic Mammals. Antarctic MapFolio Series 18: 1-19 + plates. (unbound,but in original card folder; some browning and water stains). $18. Dizon, A. E., S. J. Chivers, and W. F. Perrin (Editors).1997. Molecular genetics of marine mammals No. Special Publication No. 3. TheSociety of Marine Mammalogy. PB. $9. Domning, D. P. 1996. Bibliography and index of the Sireniaand Desmostylia. Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology 80: 611 pp. PB. $12. Donovan, G. P. (Editor), 1986. Behaviour of Whales inRelation to Management, Special Issue 8. Reports of the International WhalingCommission, 282 pp. HC. $12. Dudzinksi, K. M., and T. Frohoff. 2008. Dolphin Mysteries:Unlocking the Secrets of Communication. Yale University Press. HC. $7. Evans, P. G. H., and J. A. Raga (Editors). 2001. MarineMammals: Biology and Conservation. Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 630 pp. PB. $14. FAO. 1982. Mammals in the seas: Volume IV. Small cetaceans,seals, sirenians and otters. FAO of theUN. HC. $22. Garner, G. W. et al. (Editors). 1999. Marine Mammal Surveyand Assessment Methods. A. A. Balkema, 287 pp. HC. $38. Gaskin, D. E. 1982. The Ecology of Whales and Dolphins.Heinemann, London. PB. $12. Gentry, R. L., and G. C. Kooyman (Editors). 1986. Fur Seals:Maternal Strategies on Land and at Sea. Princeton University Press, 291 pp. HC. $16. Jefferson, T. A., S. Leatherwood, and M. A. Webber. 1993.Marine Mammals of the World: FAO Species Identification Guide. United NationEnvironment Programme and Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN. PB. $48. Jordan, D. S. and others. 1898. Seal and Salmon Fisheriesand General Resources of Alaska, Volume I. Government Printing Office. HC (spine damaged). $48. Klinowska, M. 1991. Dolphins, Porpoises, and Whales of theWorld: The IUCN Red Data Book. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. HC. $18. Leatherwood, S., and R. R. Reeves. 1983. The Sierra ClubHandbook of Whales and Dolphins. Sierra Club Books, San Francisco. PB. $8. Leatherwood, S., and R. R. Reeves (Editors). 1990. TheBottlenose Dolphin. Academic Press, 653 pp. HC. $42. Leatherwood, S., R. R. Reeves, W. F. Perrin, and W. E.Evans. 1982. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises of the eastern North Pacific andadjacent Arctic waters: A guide to their identification. NOAA Technical ReportNMFS Circular 444: 245 pp. PB. $10. Lilly, J. C. 1978. Communication Between Man and Dolphin.Crown Publishers, Inc. HC. $9. Mead, J. G., and J. P. Gold. 2002. Whales and Dolphins inQuestion. Smithsonian Institution Press (hardcover). HC (new). $5. Miller, G. S., and R. Kellogg. 1955. List of North Americanrecent mammals. Bulletin of the United States National Museum 205: 954 pp. PB. $12. Mitchell, E. (Editor), 1975. Review of biology and fisheriesfor smaller cetaceans. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada, 32. PB. $16. National Research Council. 1994. Low-Frequency Sound andMarine Mammals: Current Knowledge and Research Needs. National Academy Press. PB. $12. Norris, K. S. (Editor), 1966. Whales, Dolphins, andPorpoises. (First Edition). Universityof California Press, Berkeley, 789 pp. HC. $45. Norris, K. S. 1991. Dolphin Days: The Life and Times of theSpinner Dolphin. Norton. HC. $9. Norris, K. S., B. Wursig, R. S. Wells, and M. Wursig. 1994.The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin. University of California Press. HC. $28. Packard, E. L., and R. Kellogg. 1934. A new cetothere fromthe Miocene Astoria Formation of Newport, Oregon. In: E. L. Packard, R. Kelloggand E. Huber (eds.) Contributions to Paleontology: Marine Mammals. p pp. 1-62.Carnegie Institution of Washington. PB. $14. Perrin, W. F. 1975. Variation and taxonomy of spotted andspinner porpoise (genus Stenella) in the eastern tropical Pacific and Hawaii.Bulletin of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography 21: 206 pp. PB. $12. Pfeiffer, C. J. (Editor), 2002. Molecular and Cell Biologyof Marine Mammals. Krieger Publishing Company. $40, 427 pp. HC. $37. Pryor, K., and K. S. Norris (Editors). 1991. DolphinSocieties: Discoveries and Puzzles. University of California Press, 397 pp. HC. $23. Read, A. J., P. R. Wiepkema, and P. E. Nachtigall (Editors).1997. The Biology of the Harbour Porpoise. De Spil Publishers, 409 pp. HC. $32. Ruud, J. T. 1965. Essays in Marine Physiology (in Honor ofP. F. Scholander). Hvalradets Skrifter 48: 237 pp. PB. $21. Scheffer, V. B., and J. W. Slipp. 1948. The whales anddolphins of Washington State, with a key to the cetaceans of the west coast ofNorth America. American Midland Naturalist 39: 257-337. PB. $14. Twiss, J. R., and R. R. Reeves (Editors). 1999. Conservationand Management of Marine Mammals. Smithsonian Institution Press, 471 pp. HC. $28. Whales Research Institute. 1948-1984. 37-year run (nearlycomplete). Scientific Reports of the Whales Research Institute, 1-37 (complete,except missing volumes 13, 38, and 39). HC(most issues bound in blue buckram, with label on spine). $450. Wheeler, J. F. G. 1930. The age of fin whales at physicalmaturity with a note on multiple ovulations. Discovery Reports 2: 403-434. PB. $18. Würsig, B., T. A. Jefferson, and D. J. Schmidly. 2000. TheMarine Mammals of the Gulf of Mexico. Texas A&M University Press. HC (new). $12. Tom Jefferson VIVA Vaquita sclymene(a)aol.com

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Navy Living Marine Resource program BAA - call for pre-proposals
by Bell, Joel T CIV NAVFAC LANT, EV 01 May '14

01 May '14

The Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals in three topic areas related to underwater sound produced by human activities and its effect on marine life. Topics include hearing measurements in a broad range of marine mammal species, population density estimation from passive acoustic monitoring, and marine species monitoring data collection toolkit development. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the LMR website, www.lmr.navy.mil, for more information about the LMR program and the solicitation. Federal government applicants are not eligible to submit proposals under the BAA, but will be able to submit proposal statements directly to the relevant Navy Statement of Need. Academic, non-federal government, nonprofit, and private sector submitters should select the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Solicitation Number N39430-14-R-1464, when submitting their proposal. The BAA can be viewed at www.neco.navy.mil or www.fbo.gov, or at the LMR website, www.lmr.navy.mil. All submissions must be made via the LMR website. The solicitation period will close on 16 June 2014 (see website or BAA for official dates and other guidance). <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< Joel T. Bell Senior Protected Marine Species Biologist Marine Species Monitoring Program Manager Marine Resources Section (EV53) Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic www.navymarinespeciesmonitoring.us Phone: (757) 322-4854 Fax (757) 322-4894 NIPR: joel.t.bell(a)navy.mil SIPR: joel.bell(a)navy.smil.mil <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< <'//>< "The improver of natural knowledge absolutely refuses to acknowledge authority, as such. For him, skepticism is the highest of duties; blind faith the one unpardonable sin." ~Thomas H. Huxley

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