July 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New study on the diet of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal
by Alexandros A. Karamanlidis 16 Jul '14

16 Jul '14

Dear Marmamers, We are pleased to announce that our new paper is now available online. Karamanlidis, A. A., J. P. Curtis, A. C. Hirons, M. Psaradellis, and D. Dendrinos. 2014. Stable isotopes confirm a coastal diet for critically endangered Mediterranean monk seals. Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10256016.2014.931845 http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10256016.2014.931845. The abstract is as follows: You can also email us directly for a copy at: akaramanlidis(a)gmail.com Thanks, Alexandros *Δρ. Aλέξανδρος Καραμανλίδης* *Επιστημονικός Συντονιστής* *MOm/**Εταιρεία Μελέτης και Προστασίας Μεσογειακής Φώκιας* *Dr. Alexandros Karamanlidis* *Scientific Coordinator* *MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal* *www.mom.gr <http://www.mom.gr>* *akaramanlidis(a)gmail.com <akaramanlidis(a)gmail.com>* *tel:0030-210-5222888 <0030-210-5222888>, mob:0030-6942439175 <0030-6942439175>* [image: MOmsimablueDiafano copy]

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A Call for Help with regards to Association Indexing
by David Johnston 15 Jul '14

15 Jul '14

Hello all, my name is David Johnston and am currently conducting a pilot study to lead into a Masters study. The study is concerned with association patterns of bottlenose dolphins and how differences in these patterns could potentially explain variation in reproductive output of individuals. While I can successfully calculate half-weighted pairwise association indices based upon group membership, I am now wanting to develop the method further to be at a finer scale. I am wanting to calculate association indices based upon distance, though am using a photo-ID data set which goes back many years and does not have information on locations of individuals. I do have the specific times photos were taken however and am wanting to use these times as a proxy for distance between individuals, where if two individuals were photographed within a specified time-frame of one another could be considered associated. I am currently trying to write coding to calculate pairwise association indices for the statistical program R and am having some difficulties. I have searched online for coding that can calculate association indices at any level that I could develop further but have found nothing. Hopefully there is an R wizard out there that can either direct me to a piece of coding already written that I can develop from, or advise me of how I could potentially calculate these in the program SOCPROG; or of an entirely new way to calculate indices I have not considered. Your help would be most appreciated Kind regards, David Johnston

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New paper on marine spatial planning around right whales
by Andrew Wright 15 Jul '14

15 Jul '14

Dear Marmamers, We are please to announce that our new paper is now available online. Petruny, L.M., Wright, A.J. & Smith, C.E. 2014. Getting it right for the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis): A last opportunity for effective marine spatial planning? Marine Pollution Bulletin. Published Online 4th July 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.06.004 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X14003658 The abstract is as follows: The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) faces increasing pressure from commercial shipping traffic and proposed marine renewable energy developments. Drawing upon the successful Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary model, we propose a multi-stakeholder marine spatial planning process that considers both appropriate positioning of offshore wind farms and redefining commercial shipping lanes relative to whale migration routes: placement of wind turbines within certain right whale habitats may prove beneficial for the species. To that end, it may be advisable to initially relocate the shipping lanes for the benefit of the whales prior to selecting wind energy areas. The optimal end-state is the commercial viability of renewable energy, as well as a safe shipping infrastructure, with minimal risk of collision and exposure to shipping noise for the whales. This opportunity to manage impacts on right whales could serve as a model for other problematic interactions between marine life and commercial activities. You can also email me directly for a copy at: marinebrit(a)gmail.com Thanks, Andrew -- Andrew Wright, Ph.D. "We don't have to save the world. The world is big enough to look after itself. What we have to be concerned about is whether or not the world we live in will be capable of sustaining us in it." Douglas Adams

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Research Sailboat in Antarctic and Tierra del Fuego
by Federico Guerrero 15 Jul '14

15 Jul '14

Hello, Me and my wife are operating an Expedition Sailboat based in Ushuaia (Argentina) and Puerto Williams (Chile), organizing expeditions trips to Antarctica, Chilean Fjords, South Shetlands and around Tierra del fuego. We would like to offer our boat for science research projects. We have a sturdy, well built, coast effective comfortable boat and a strong interest in science. Ocean Tramp is an excellent base for field work in the fjords and Antarctica. We have ample space on board for gear storage, as well as an aft platform that makes sample collecting and small boat launching a breeze. Most importantly we ourselves want to know more about the amazing place we live and work. My wife is a geologist graduated from Princeton and I'm a seaman with Master unlimited license, and we both have ample experience in the field. Our boat can take up to 10 persons on a Chilean Fjord trip, and up to 8 persons on a trip to Antarctica, plus 2 or 3 crew to deal with the boat. We do make a living with our vessel, but we are flexible and interested on different projects, and open to hear ideas. If you feel like we could be of any interest to any party or organization or project, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can find out more about ourselves on our website www.syquijote.com Thanks -- Federico Guerrero Quixote Expeditions & Logistics <http://www.syquijote.com> Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/SyQuijote?ref=hl> Pasarela Luis Pedro Fique 305 CP 9410 Ushuaia Argentina Celular 02901 15 405431

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job announcement at Marine Mammal Commission
by Catherine Shrestha 14 Jul '14

14 Jul '14

Hello. Please post the following job announcement for a position at the Marine Mammal Commission. Position open at the Marine Mammal Commission. The position is Program Specialist and is a GS 12/13 level. If you are interested in applying, please go to the following link at USA Jobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/375273900 The position opened on July 11, 2014 and will close on August 11, 2014. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you. Regards, Cathy Shrestha Administrative Officer Marine Mammal Commission An Independent Agency of the U.S. Government 4340 East-West Highway, Room 700 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 cshrestha(a)mmc.gov<mailto:pthomas@mmc.gov> www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov> tel: 301-504-0087 fax: 301-504-0099

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Volunteers needed for marine vertebrates monitoring project in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
by Danielle Kreb 13 Jul '14

13 Jul '14

Dear colleagues, We would like to invite volunteers to join in the Berau marine vertebrates monitoring program in the Marine Park of Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The aim of this program is to protect a high diversity of marine vertebrates including cetaceans, turtles, whale sharks and manta rays. Besides raising awareness, engaging local communities in sustainable handycraft and ecotourism activities, part of the conservation program includes a long-term monitoring program of marine vertebrates in the area. Until now surveys are being conducted by the local NGO coordinated by Yayasan Konservasi RASI or the Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia (www.ykrasi.org) under guidance of Dr. Danielle Kreb and Ir. Budiono. However, additional ongoing monitoring is being conducted by involving both trained local fishermen and through an overseas volunteer/ Indonesian student monitoring program. Through earlier surveys it was found that the highest relative abundance of ceteaceans was found within 5km radius of islands or reefs, and therefore we also conduct coral reef monitoring at several locations by snorkling. We are looking for motivated volunteers/ students that are willing to engage in the program through a seven-day monitoring survey in the beautiful landscape of the Berau archipelago while being mostly based on the island of Maratua (day 1-7) but also three nights on Derawan Island (Day 8-10). After the first survey in June this will be the second survey for 2014 using overseas volunteers. Dates: 10-20 October 2014 (spaces available for 4 volunteers) Day by day schedule, qualifications for volunteers and costs involved can be downloaded from a flyer posted on our website at: http://www.ykrasi.org/coastal.html We are looking forward to your partcipation! Sampai jumpa, Danielle & Budiono Contact: Danielle Kreb (Ph.D) Member of IUCN/SSC/Cetacean Specialist Group Scientific Program Advisor, RASI Conservation Foundation Komplek Pandan Pandan Harum Indah C52 Samarinda 75124, Kalimantan Timur Indonesia Phone: office+ 62.541.744874; Mobile: + 62.81346489515 Web: http://www.ykrasi.org

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PhD opportunity 'How do grey seal pups learn how to forage?'
by Clare Embling 13 Jul '14

13 Jul '14

Dear MARMAM-ers, We'd like to announce a fully funded PhD opportunity at Plymouth University, UK (in collaboration with SMRU, St Andrews) to start 1st October 2014: How do grey seal pups learn how to forage? Using telemetry data to understand development of foraging behaviour in relation to oceanography and potential disturbance Human exploitation of the marine environment is increasing, yet our impacts on apex predators, particularly their vulnerable juvenile stages, are poorly understood. The UK has 38% of the world’s grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) which are protected under the EU Habitats Directive and therefore require maintenance of ‘Favourable Conservation Status’ (FCS). However, little is known about the development of foraging behaviour and preferences in pups, which learn to forage without parental guidance. This PhD will investigate the ontogeny of foraging behaviour from the pups’ departure from the breeding beach and investigate how foraging habitat preferences develop with age, sex and experience. This is a multidisciplinary project integrating oceanographic models with seal tag data to understand foraging habitat. An essential output from the study is the prediction of areas that are critical habitat for survival where anthropogenic activities should be conducted with particular care, since they may have population level consequences for grey seals. This PhD candidate will analyse extensive archived datasets from tagged grey seal pups in UK waters using cutting-edge modelling approaches to identify and characterise foraging behaviour and feeding grounds. The candidate will join an interdisciplinary team from biology and oceanography and will contribute to the growing Marine Vertebrate Research Group in the Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre (MBERC) http://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/research/mberc/Pages/default.aspx within the School of Marine Science and Engineering. Applicants should have at least a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject, such as zoology, marine biology, biology or oceanography, and preferably a relevant MSc or MRes qualification in some aspect of quantitative biology. The candidate should be highly self-motivated with good problem solving skills. Experience of spatial modelling, and/or biological or physical oceanography, and familiarity with computer packages such as R or Matlab would be an advantage. Candidates should be highly numerate with a keen interest in vertebrate foraging ecology and excellent written and oral communication skills. The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £13,863 per annum. The position is open to UK citizens and EU citizens with appropriate qualifications who have been resident or studied in the UK for three years. If you wish to discuss this project informally, please contact Dr. Clare Embling (clare.embling(a)plymouth.ac.uk<mailto:clare.embling@plymouth.ac.uk>). For an application form and full details on how to apply, please visitwww.plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduate<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduate>. Applicants should send a completed application form along with a covering letter detailing their suitability for the studentship, C.V., and 2 references to Francesca Niedzielski, Graduate School, 305 Link Building, Plymouth University, Drakes Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA or e-mail scienvresearch(a)plymouth.ac.uk<mailto:scienvresearch@plymouth.ac.uk> Supervisory team: Dr Clare B Embling, Dr Kimberley Bennett, Dr Phil Hosegood (Plymouth University) and Dr Debbie Russell (SMRU, University of St Andrews) The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 8th August 2014. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in the last week of August 2014. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received an offer of a place by mid-September should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. --------------------------------------------------- Dr Clare B Embling Lecturer in Marine Ecology Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre School of Marine Science and Engineering, Plymouth University Room B425 Portland Square Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA. email: clare.embling(a)plymouth.ac.uk twitter: @ClareEmbling http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/cbembling http://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=Gcin3_gAAAAJ&hl=en Member of the Marine Vertebrate Research Group http://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/research/mberc/Research/marine-vertebrates/Pages… twitter: @MarineVerts -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________________________ [http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass> This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, Plymouth University accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. Plymouth University does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.

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CRRU Field Course in Scotland - places still available for 2014
by Dr Kevin Robinson 13 Jul '14

13 Jul '14

We still have remaining places on our 2014 "Whales and dolphins of the Moray Firth" field course in Scotland this summer The CRRU field courses are run in the form of a training / educational placement, with formal lectures, seminars and presentations by the research team, practical training in field methodologies and data collection and analysis, and direct participation in the research, education and rescue work of this dynamic and outgoing conservation charity. The cost for an 11 day internship in 2014 is £895, and this will cover you for full board (all your accommodation and food costs), your full equipment needs and ALL associated field costs during your stay with us in the heritage fishing village of Gardenstown in Banff, Aberdeenshire. You'll simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to us in Banff, Scotland (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money. For full details and available dates, please visit the CRRU project page at www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp, or email us directly at info(a)crru.org.uk for further information and a pdf copy of the project briefing and booking/application form. Founded in 1997, the CRRU boasts over 70 scientific publications to date ( <http://www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp> http://www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp) In cooperation with universities, research institutions and other environmental organisations, current studies focus on the key coastal cetacean species frequenting the outer Moray Firth in NE Scotland - namely the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and the minke whale -providing robust scientific data for the adoption of management measures and effective conservation strategies for their future protection. Dr. Kevin Robinson Director, CRRU <mailto:kev.robinson@crru.org.uk> kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, PO Box 11307, Banff, AB45 3WB, Scotland, UK | ( +44 (0)1261 851696 | <http://www.crru.org.uk/> www.crru.org.uk Whale and Dolphin Research | Environmental Educational Outreach | Marine Wildlife Rescue | Consultancy | MMO Services Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC 035473

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Fall Internship Opportunity: Marine Mammal Research Program, Hawaii
by aliza milette 12 Jul '14

12 Jul '14

The Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP) at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), University of Hawaii is seeking a limited number of highly dedicated individuals for fall internship positions. MMRP’s scientists primarily study cetacean acoustic sensory systems, specifically hearing, echolocation, and communication with our resident false killer whale (*Pseudorca crassidens*), and 2 bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). MMRP faculty, staff, and graduate students have backgrounds in psychology, engineering, marine biology, zoology, and oceanography. MMRP collaborates with research groups and animal care facilities all over the world to further our understanding of cetacean sensory systems both in natural and experimental conditions providing valuable information that can be used to mitigate threats to marine mammals. Interns will work directly with and provide essential support to animal care and training staff. Interns will shadow trainers in all aspects of daily care, including food preparation, sanitation, boat and facility maintenance, while assisting in and observing general husbandry, medical procedures, and bio-acoustic research experiments. This opportunity will provide interns with a foundation in animal behavior, animal husbandry, operant conditioning training, and a unique opportunity to gain experience in the highly competitive field of marine mammal science. Interns must commit to a minimum of 16 hours per week, which can be completed during a combination of full days and/or half days (all beginning at 7am). Each day begins in the fish prep kitchen at 7am at the Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base. Positions are probationary and performance based and may be terminated at any point. Start and end dates may be negotiable, however August 15- December 20 (or longer) is preferred. There is no fee for this internship and interns are responsible for their own housing and airfare to Oahu. Personal transportation is preferred. However, there may be opportunities for carpooling or taking a bus. Requirements: · Qualified applicants must be flexible, able to work in a team environment, and have excellent communication skills. · Work can be physically demanding, interns must be comfortable working in the elements (rain or shine), be able to lift 60 lbs, and be able to swim. · Must provide a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation from college professors and/or from supervisors of related work · Must submit a cover letter describing your short-term and long-term interests and career goals and how they relate to this position, which part of our program interests you most, and how your interests, qualifications, and previous experiences will benefit our program. · Must submit a resume listing your Major, cumulative GPA, Major GPA, expected graduation date, relevant coursework and letter grade received, and any related professional or volunteer experiences. · Major in marine biology, psychology, animal science, zoology, or related field and experience with animal husbandry is preferred. *Please submit application materials and any questions by August 1* via email to Aliza Milette-Winfree: milette(a)hawaii.edu To be considered: your email subject line *must* read: *Last Name_Fall 2014 MMRP Application* -- Aliza Milette-Winfree Marine Mammal Research Program Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology PO Box 1106 Kailua, Hawai‘i 96734

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New publication: Inter-annual variability in blue whale distribution off southern Sri Lanka between 2011 and 2012
by Asha de Vos 11 Jul '14

11 Jul '14

We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper: de Vos A., Pattiaratchi C.B. and Harcourt R. G. (2014) Inter-annual variability in blue whale distribution off southern Sri Lanka between 2011 and 2012, J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2014, 2(3), 534-550; doi:10.3390/jmse2030534. Abstract: Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) movements are often driven by the availability of their prey in space and time. While globally blue whale populations undertake long-range migrations between feeding and breeding grounds, those in the northern Indian Ocean remain in low latitude waters throughout the year with the implication that the productivity of these waters is sufficient to support their energy needs. A part of this population remains around Sri Lanka where they are usually recorded close to the southern coast during the Northeast Monsoon. To investigate inter-annual variability in sighting locations, we conducted systematic Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) and visual surveys between January–March 2011 and January–March 2012. In 2011, there was a notable decrease in inshore sightings compared to 2009 and 2012 (p < 0.001). CTD data revealed that in 2011 there was increased freshwater in the upper water column accompanied by deeper upwelling than in 2012. We hypothesise that anomalous rainfall, along with higher turbidity resulting from river discharge, affected the productivity of the inshore waters and caused a shift in blue whale prey and, consequently, the distribution of the whales themselves. An understanding of how predators and their prey respond to environmental variability is important for predicting how these species will respond to long-term changes. This is especially important given the rapid temperature increases predicted for the semi-enclosed northern Indian Ocean. Keywords: Balaenoptera musculus; krill; upwelling; northern Indian Ocean; inter-annual variation; climate change Please feel free to contact the lead author for copies of the paper and with any queries: asha.devos(a)lincoln.oxon.org Cheers Asha -- ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> Asha de Vos Marine Biologist TED Senior Fellow Postdoctoral Scholar Coastal Conservation Action Lab University of California Santa Cruz 100 Shaffer Rd. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA http://about.me/ashadevos www.ashadevos.com

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