July 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal Observer Training Course for New Zealand
by Maja Nimak-Wood 24 Jul '14

24 Jul '14

[cid:image004.jpg@01CFA74D.55C2E4B0] Pro-MMO NZ Training Course Gardline Environmental Ltd is a MMO training course provider for New Zealand approved by New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC). The Pro-MMO NZ entirely meets the requirements of the curriculum outlined in the '2013 Code of Conduct for Minimising Acoustic Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Survey Operations'. This dedicated training programme is devoted to producing competent, professional marine mammal observers, capable of implementing the requirements of the Code, in terms of mitigation as well as scientific data collection, during seismic operations within New Zealand waters. MMO training for New Zealand is the most comprehensive and stringent in the world with extensive theoretical and practical requirements. The course consists of a series of extensive modules which are available through interactive distance learning prior to the practical component. Candidates will need to be able to complete the theory modules during the time frame outlined below and be available for the practical field days in New Zealand. The course is designed to be of benefit to both experienced and inexperienced MMOs. Candidates who successfully complete this course will be certified as 'trained' observers as per standards in the Code. After gaining a minimum of 12 weeks of experience working on seismic surveys in New Zealand, trained observers will then advance to the status of 'qualified' observers. The course dates and place: a) Distance learning 1st - 21st September 2014 b) Field based 23rd-25th September 2014 Auckland, New Zealand The course cost: £1200 or AUD $ 2150 The course fee includes both distance learning and field based component, lecture and handout material and ID book. Application: Application forms and more information about the course can be obtained by contacting Maja Nimak-Wood maja.nimak-wood(a)gardline.com<mailto:maja.nimak-wood@gardline.com> Deadline for applications: 11th August 2014 Due to high interest in this course and limited number of places, we encourage you to apply early. 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@01CFA74A.D6B77700] 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 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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New paper: Marine mammals trace anthropogenic structures at sea
by Debbie Russell 23 Jul '14

23 Jul '14

Dear all We have a new paper (see below). Best wishes Debbie Russell Russell, DJF , Brasseur, S , Thompson, D , Hastie, GD , Janik, VM , Aarts, G , McClintock, BT , Matthiopoulos, J & McConnell, BJ 2014, ' Marine mammals trace anthropogenic structures at sea ' Current Biology , vol 24, no. 14, pp. 638. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2014.06.033 Summary On land, species from all trophic levels have adapted to fill vacant niches in environments heavily modified by humans. In the marine environment, ocean infrastructure has led to artificial reefs, resulting in localized increases in fish and crustacean density. Whether marine apex predators exhibit behavioural adaptations to utilise such a scattered potential resource is unknown. Using high resolution GPS data we show how infrastructure, including wind turbines and pipelines, shapes the movements of individuals from two seal species (Phoca vitulina and Halichoerus grypus). Using state-space models, we infer that these animals are using structures to forage. We highlight the ecological consequences of such behaviour, at a time of unprecedented developments in marine infrastructure. -- *********************************************** Dr Debbie Russell Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) Office: +44 (0)1334 467281 Wednesdays: +44 (0)1334 461808 Postal address: SMRU Gatty Marine Laboratory University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK *********************************************** The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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New study about bottlenose dolphins in coastal Setúbal Bay (Portugal)
by Francisco Martinho 23 Jul '14

23 Jul '14

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce our recently published article about a long-term study of bottlenose dolphins in coastal Setúbal Bay (Portugal - just a curious note, the last year's ECS conference was held at Setúbal). Francisco Martinho. Andreia Pereira. Cristina Brito. Raquel Gaspar. Inês Carvalho. 2014. Structure and abundance of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in coastal Setúbal Bay, Portugal. Marine Biology Research. DOI: 10.1080/17451000.2014.894244. The article is available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17451000.2014.894244. Abstract: The environmental plasticity of bottlenose dolphins leads to a range of inter-specific variations in ecological parameters that make worldwide generalizations difficult. Thus, regional studies about bottlenose dolphins are important to the overall conservation of this species. The aim of this study was to characterize for the first time bottlenose dolphins that occur in the coastal regions of Setúbal (Portugal) using two temporally distinct datasets: dataset 1 (1998–2001) and those in dataset 2 (2007–2011). Bottlenose dolphins identified in dataset 1 were considered a closed and a more cohesive group than dataset 2, with stable associations and an abundance of 106 (95% CI = 69–192) individuals. Dataset 2 seemed to be composed of an open group of 108 (95% CI = 83–177) animals, with a migration rate of 19% (SE = 0.1) individuals per year, and with low association values. The proportion of ‘regulars’ (dataset 1, 22%; dataset 2, 12%), ‘frequent’ (dataset 1, 10%; dataset 2, 14%) and ‘occasional’ (dataset 1, 68%; dataset 2, 73%) animals was relatively similar between datasets. In addition, there was no matching of individuals between datasets which could be related to large-scale movements of the individuals and/or the carrying capacity of the study area. If you would like to request a copy, please contact us at: francisco.marinho(a)golfinhos.net Kind regards, Francisco Martinho

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Book announcement to post in Marmam
by Alex Aguilar 23 Jul '14

23 Jul '14

Hi, please post this book announcement in Marmam: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am pleased to announce the publication of a new book on whaling history: Chiman, la pesca ballenera moderna en la península ibérica. Publicacions i Edicions de la Universitat de Barcelona by Alex Aguilar Price: €48 This book, written in Spanish and lavishly illustrated with nearly four hundred images, most of them never published before, describes in detail the whaling operations conducted in the Iberian Peninsula during the 20th century, which constitute one of the most turbulent episodes in the history of whaling. Along the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Portugal a handful of Norwegian and Spanish companies opened and closed factories at the same pace they decimated whale populations. In the final phase of the period, environmental demonstrations and eco-terrorism brought the whaling industry to the front pages of newspapers. The venture eventually ended in an abrupt stop after slaughtering over 21,000 whales and bequeathing to the history of the exploitation of the seas one of its most complex and destructive legacies. The book contains chapters on the development of the operations, life onboard the catcherboats and at the whaling factories, the species exploited and the products obtained. If you are interested in the book, contact the author at: aaguilar(a)ub.edu or directly at the Publisher’s web page, where you can have online access to the contents and some parts of the book: http://www.publicacions.ub.edu/ficha.aspx?cod=07941 Best wishes, Alex Aguilar ------------------------------------------------- Aquest correu electrònic i els annexos poden contenir informació confidencial o protegida legalment i està adreçat exclusivament a la persona o entitat destinatària. Si no sou el destinatari final o la persona encarregada de rebre’l, no esteu autoritzat a llegir-lo, retenir-lo, modificar-lo, distribuir-lo, copiar-lo ni a revelar-ne el contingut. Si heu rebut aquest correu electrònic per error, us preguem que n’informeu al remitent i que elimineu del sistema el missatge i el material annex que pugui contenir. Gràcies per la vostra col·laboració. Este correo electrónico y sus anexos pueden contener información confidencial o legalmente protegida y está exclusivamente dirigido a la persona o entidad destinataria. Si usted no es el destinatario final o la persona encargada de recibirlo, no está autorizado a leerlo, retenerlo, modificarlo, distribuirlo, copiarlo ni a revelar su contenido. Si ha recibido este mensaje electrónico por error, le rogamos que informe al remitente y elimine del sistema el mensaje y el material anexo que pueda contener. Gracias por su colaboración. This email message and any documents attached to it may contain confidential or legally protected material and are intended solely for the use of the individual or organization to whom they are addressed. We remind you that if you are not the intended recipient of this email message or the person responsible for processing it, then you are not authorized to read, save, modify, send, copy or disclose any of its contents. If you have received this email message by mistake, we kindly ask you to inform the sender of this and to eliminate both the message and any attachments it carries from your account. Thank you for your collaboration.

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UF online Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues course - Fall, starts August 25th - registration open now
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 23 Jul '14

23 Jul '14

Please Post: At the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine we are offering an exciting online course in the upcoming Fall semester that is specifically geared towards those interested in Aquatic Animal Health. This course has registration options for undergraduate students, graduate students and as continuing education for the professional or practitioner. Fall class (2014) Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues is an online course (3 credits) that runs August 25 - December 10, 2014 and is designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the controversial issues surrounding aquatic animal species ranging from invertebrates to marine mammals, with an emphasis on marine mammals, but also including sea turtles, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. More information can be found here: (http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/education/courses/distance-learning-courses/a…) For questions about the class or enrollment, contact Jeffrey Hendel (hendelj(a)ufl.edu<mailto:hendelj@ufl.edu>). If you are interested in taking one of the classes, registration is now open for the Fall term (2014). " Thank you, Dr Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 For packages 32608 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/

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New Zealand MMO & PAM Consultants Needed
by Emma Forrester - Hydenlyne 23 Jul '14

23 Jul '14

Good morning, Hydenlyne are currently looking to expand their database of MMOs and PAM operators located in and around New Zealand for an upcoming project opportunity. You must have the following: - OPTIO approved BOSIET certificate - International standard offshore medical certificate - Experience working as an MMO or PAM operator on an offshore seismic vessel Ideally you will have experience within New Zealand waters and with local guidelines. Please send you CV to emmaforrester(a)hydenlyne.com<mailto:emmaforrester@hydenlyne.com> ASAP. Kind regards, Emma Forrester Project Manager UK Mobile +44 (0)7730222001 Office +44 (0)1202 900078 Hydenlyne 1 Princes Court Princes Road Ferndown Dorset England BH22 9JG This email is confidential and for the intended recipient(s) only. If you are not the intended or authorised recipient, please maintain this confidentiality, notify the sender immediately and then delete it from your computer systems. Any unauthorised duplication, dissemination or other use of this communication is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

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New paper on feeding signatures in seals
by Kristina Ydesen 22 Jul '14

22 Jul '14

Dear All, We have recently published a new method to detect feeding events in pinnipeds using head-mounted accelerometers. For those of you interested, the title and abstract can be found below. J.Exp. Biol. http://jeb.biologists.org/content/early/2014/04/01/jeb.100016.abstract What a jerk: prey engulfment revealed by high-rate, super-cranial accelerometry on a harbour seal (*Phoca vitulina*) K. Ydesen, D. Wisniewska, J. Hansen, K. Beedholm, M. Johnson and P.T. Madsen Abstract A key component in understanding the ecological role of marine mammal predators is to identify how, where and how much prey they capture in time and space. Satellite and archival tags on pinnipeds generally only provide diving and positioning information, and foraging is often inferred to take place in particular shaped dives or when the animal remains in an area for an extended interval. However, fast movements of the head and jaws may provide reliable feeding cues that can be detected by small low-power accelerometers mounted on the head. To test this notion, a harbour seal (*Phoca vitulina*) was trained to wear an OpenTag (sampling at 200 or 333 Hz with ±2 or ±16 g clipping) on its head while catching fish prey in front of four underwater digital high-speed video cameras. We show that both raptorial and suction feeding generate jerk (i.e., differential of acceleration) signatures with maximum peak values exceeding 1000 m/s3. We conclude that reliable prey capture cues can be derived from fast-sampling, head mounted accelerometer tags thus holding a promising potential for long-term studies of foraging ecology and field energetics of aquatic predators in their natural environments. Requests for pdfs can be made to kristinaydesen(a)gmail.com On behalf of the authors Kristina

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Nat'l Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Policy, D.C. town hall (7/24) and website
by Jonathan Shannon - NOAA Federal 22 Jul '14

22 Jul '14

Good morning, NOAA Fisheries is seeking input from constituents to aid the creation of a National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Policy <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/management/recreational/policy/index.html>. Russell Dunn, National Policy Advisor for Recreational Fisheries will be hosting a Town Hall in Silver Spring, MD on Thursday, July 24th from 2-4pm ET and a webinar <https://noaaevents2.webex.com/mw0307l/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&siteur…> on Monday July 28th starting at 2pm ET to hear what you think would make a good National Saltwater Recreation Fisheries Policy. If you are unable to join this meeting or the webinar <https://noaaevents2.webex.com/mw0307l/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&siteur…>, you can view the remaining in-person meeting schedule, review past meeting summaries, and share your thoughts online (until September 12th) through the National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Policy website <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/management/recreational/policy/index.html>. The meeting on July 24th will take place in the NOAA Science Center (1301 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910), and consist of a brief overview of the process for developing the policy, some NOAA Fisheries ideas, and an open discussion. Please bring a government issued identification and be prepared to pass through security for entry to the meeting. Please contact nmfs.recfishpolicy(a)noaa.gov with any questions. Thank you, Jonathan Shannon *Outreach Specialist* NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources U.S. Department of Commerce Office: 301-427-8431 jonathan.shannon(a)noaa.gov *Webhttp://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/ <http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/>Facebookwww.facebook.com/noaafisheries <http://www.facebook.com/noaafisheries>Twitterwww.twitter.com/noaafisherie <http://www.twitter.com/noaafisheries>sYouTubewww.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov <http://www.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov> *

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EXCITING OPPORTUNITY with MARINElife: Volunteer cetacean and seabird survey opportunity – waters around Cornwall UK
by Rachel Davies 22 Jul '14

22 Jul '14

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY with MARINElife: Volunteer cetacean and seabird survey opportunity – waters around Cornwall UK 30th September to 19th October 2014 In partnership with CEFAS, volunteer places are available for a 20 day survey of the waters around Cornwall UK, including the Celtic Deep. There is also the possibility of just completing a portion of this survey, as there will be a staff change day around the 12th/13th October. Therefore, if you are only able to commit to the first or second leg of this survey, please state this in your application. Cetacean species likely to be encountered include White-beaked Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin, Minke Whale, Long-finned Pilot Whale and Fin Whale, with Humpback Whale and White-sided Dolphin also possibilities. Migratory seabirds encountered are likely to include Sabine’s Gull, Grey Phalarope, Great Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater, Pomarine Skua and Long-tailed Skua. Similar surveys in 2011, 2012 and 2013 produced an excellent variety of animals including large numbers of Fin Whales. You will join and have opportunity to learn from a multidisciplinary team carrying out pelagic fish and plankton surveys and collecting oceanographic data. There will also be the opportunity to contribute to analyses linking mammals and seabirds sightings to prey availability. *Details:* Departure Date: 30th September 2014 Return Date: 19th October 2014 Departure Port: Portland, Dorset Return Port: Swansea Dates are provisional and may vary by a day. All meals will be provided for you onboard the ship; specific dietary requirements can be catered for (please specify in your application). Your bunk will have a bed, en-suite bathroom, TV, desk and internet access – towels and bedding will be provided. You will also have access to the lounge room and gym for use in your spare time. *Requirements:* - Experienced in cetacean and/or seabird identification at sea - A valid ENG1 medical certificate (see www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga-mgn264.pdf and http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga07-home/workingatsea/mcga-medicalcertandadvic… ) - Personal Sea Survival Certificate (MCA approved Personal Survival Techniques (according to STCW 95 convention). It is really important that you have or obtain the correct PST certificate to be able to join this trip. If you would like to join the research team as a Marine Mammal & Seabird Surveyor, please email Rachel.Davies(a)marine-life.org.uk including a CV or brief summary of experience. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Rachel Davies -- Dr. Rachel Davies Conservation Science Manager [image: MARINElife logo] <http://www.marine-life.org.uk/> European Cetacean Monitoring Coalition (ECMC) Coordinator rachel.davies(a)marine-life.org.uk T. 01308 456573 / 01460419043 M. 07969804996 Send Sightings To: sightings(a)marine-life.org.uk Website: www.marine-life.org.uk Find us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/pages/MARINElife#!/pages/MARINElife/213377818675948> and Twitter <http://twitter.com/MARINElife_UK> Registered Charity No. 1110884

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New publications on fur seal themroregulation
by David Rosen 21 Jul '14

21 Jul '14

Dear colleagues: We are happy to announce the publication of two studies on thermoregulatory abilities of northern fur seals in Marine Mammal Science. Dalton AJM, Rosen DAS, Trites AW (2014) Broad thermal capacity facilitates the primarily pelagic existence of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). Marine Mammal Science 30: 994-1013 Rosen DAS, Trites AW (2014) Thermal limits in young northern fur seals, Callorhinus ursinus. Marine Mammal Science 30: 1014-1028 Electronic copies can be obtained by writing me at: rosen(a)zoology.ubc.ca Regards, Dave Rosen Abstract: Dalton et al. Thermoregulatory capacity may constrain the distribution of marine mammals despite having anatomical and physiological adaptations to compensate for the thermal challenges of an aquatic lifestyle. We tested whether subadult female northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) experience increased thermoregulatory costs in water temperatures potentially encountered during their annual migration in the Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean. Metabolic rates were measured seasonally in 6 captive female northern fur seals (2.75–3.5 yr old) in ambient air and controlled water temperatures of 2°C, 10°C, and 18°C. Rates of oxygen consumption in ambient air (1°C–18°C) were not related to environmental temperature except below 2.5°C (winter only). However, metabolism was significantly higher during the fall seasonal trials (September–October) compared to other times of year, perhaps due to the costs of molting. The fur seals appeared thermally neutral in all seasons for all water temperatures tested (2°C–18°C) except during the summer when metabolic rates were higher in the 2°C water. Comparing this broad thermal neutral zone to the average sea surface temperatures potentially encountered during annual migrations indicates wild fur seals can likely exploit a large geographic area without added thermal metabolic costs. Abstract: Rosen and Trites The thermoregulatory abilities of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) during their first two years in the frigid waters of the North Pacific Ocean may limit their geographic distribution and alter the costs for exploiting different species of prey. We determined the thermoneutral zone of six young northern fur seals by measuring their metabolism in ambient air and controlled water temperatures (0°C–12°C) from ages 8 to 24 mo. We found that the ambient air temperatures within our study (overall 1.5°C–23.9°C) did not affect resting metabolic rates. Calculated lower critical temperatures in water varied between 3.9°C and 8.0°C, while an upper critical temperature in water was only discernible during a single set of trials. These thermal responses provide insight into the possible physiological constraints on foraging ecology in young northern fur seals, as well as the potential energetic consequences of ocean climate change and altered prey distributions.

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