July 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Deadline for abstracts extended for the upcoming American Cetacean Society Conference
by Sabena Siddiqui 10 Jul '14

10 Jul '14

Dear MARMAM subscribers, Abstracts for the Poster Presentation Session and the Student Research Presentation will now be accepted through Sunday, August 24th. Conference information: 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 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. A Student Poster Contest will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be recognized at the conference banquet and featured in the upcoming ACS Spyhopper newsletter. Additionally, a $250 first place prize will be awarded to the top presenter. 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. For submission guidelines and details, please visit the ACS website: http://acsonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2014-Call-for-Poster-Abstra… Additional inquiries can be sent to: posters(a)acsonline.org AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY P.O. Box 1391 San Pedro, CA 90733-1391 www.acsonline.org -- *Sabena Siddiqui * president American Cetacean Society Student Coalition (ACSSC) *"P**rotecting whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through public education, research grants, and conservation actions.*" ACSSC facebook page <http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Cetacean-Society-Student-Coalition-A…>

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Distance sampling training workshops August 2014
by Eric Rexstad 10 Jul '14

10 Jul '14

The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting two linked workshops in the summer of 2014 in our purpose-built facilities at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. The aim of these workshops is to train participants in the latest methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys, including line and point transects. The workshops are taught by leading researchers in the field, using industry-standard software. The first workshop (19-22 August) will run at an introductory level, and will focus on distance sampling methods, largely described in the standard reference book "Introduction to Distance Sampling." The workshop will be a blend of theory and practice and participants will learn how to use the program "Distance." Participants will gain a solid grounding in both survey design and methods of analysis for distance sampling surveys. Note that we have moved the 'automated survey design' and 'incorporating covariates in detection function' from the advanced workshop into the introductory workshop. The advanced distance sampling workshop (25-28 August) will include advanced treatment of: analyses in which detectability on the transect line is not assumed to be perfect (the so-called g(0) problem) and spatial (or density surface) modelling. We will also showcase a series of new R packages we have developed for performing standard as well as sophisticated analyses in R. The aim of this workshop is to bring participants up to date with the latest developments in distance sampling methods and software. It is also an opportunity for those actively engaged in the design, analysis and execution of distance sampling surveys to discuss common issues and problems, and set future research directions. The workshop will be a combination of lectures and computer sessions, with considerable time for discussion. For all workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data. Computer sessions take place in our modern computer classroom (attached to the seminar room); participants can use our computers or bring their own laptops. Additional details regarding the workshop can be found at our website http://www.ruwpa.st-and.ac.uk/distance.workshops/distance2014/workshop_over… -- Eric Rexstad Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9LZ +44 (0)1334 461833 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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Marine Mammals Monitoring Training - Stuart Florida - 9th - 13th October 2014
by Sarah Hancock 10 Jul '14

10 Jul '14

Marine Mammal Monitoring Training 9th - 13th October 2014 - Stuart Florida PSO Module Protected Species Observer Training BOEM & BSEE Compliant A 2 day interactive course aimed at people who wish to pursue a career in marine mammal observation and mitigation for the offshore seismic industry. This course has been designed to equip the delegates with a thorough background on all the aspects you will be required to know when working offshore. We have incorporated a day on board a vessel to allow you to gain experience with marine mammal identification while at sea. Day 1 (classroom) . Introduction to Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles . Legislation within the Gulf of Mexico and global oceans . Introduction to Seismic Surveys . Permitting Requirements . Role of the PSO . Data Collection and Reporting Day 2 (classroom) . Clues and Search Methods for Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles . Species Identification . Testing and Certification PAM Module Passive Acoustic Monitoring Training Comprehensive 'hands-on' PAM training for delegates with a scientific background in biology and marine sciences who have successfully completed the certified PSO Module. Day 3 (classroom) . Sound In Water . Marine Mammals . Anthropogenic Noise in the Sea . Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on Marine Mammals . Local Mitigation Guidelines . PAM Principles and the Role of the PAM Operator Day 4 (classroom) . PAM Hardware and Operations . PAM Software . PAMGuard Workshop Day 5 (on a vessel) . Set up and deployment of PAM systems and visual observer stations . Troubleshooting . Real-time mitigation and reporting Course Fee: PSO - $800 PAM - $800 Combo - $1600 Course coordinator: Sarah Hancock Tel: +44 1409 404 050 Mobile: +44 7825544436 Email: s.hancock(a)seiche.com Sarah Hancock Training Co-Ordinator SeicheEmailSignatureJune3 Seiche Measurements Limited Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1409 404050 Fax: +44 (0)1409 240276 Mob: +44 7825544436 <http://www.seiche.eu.com/> http://www.seiche.eu.com Registered in England & Wales No. 3475558, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon

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New publication on modelling habitat suitability of cetaceans in the Southern Ocean
by Annette Bombosch 10 Jul '14

10 Jul '14

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Predictive habitat modelling of humpback (/Megaptera novaeangliae/) and Antarctic minke (/Balaenoptera bonaerensis/) whales in the Southern Ocean as a planning tool for seismic surveys (2014). Annette Bombosch, Daniel P. Zitterbart, Ilse Van Opzeeland, Stephan Frickenhaus, Elke Burkhardt, Mary S. Wisz, Olaf Boebel. Deep-Sea Research I 91 p.101--114. DOI: 10.1016/j.dsr.2014.05.017 Abstract: Seismic surveys are frequently a matter of concern regarding their potentially negative impacts on marine mammals. In the Southern Ocean, which provides a critical habitat for several endangered cetacean species, seismic research activities are undertaken at a circumpolar scale. In order to minimize impacts of these surveys, pre-cruise planning requires detailed, spatio-temporally resolved knowledge on the likelihood of encountering these species in the survey area. In this publication we present predictive habitat modelling as a potential tool to support decisions for survey planning. We associated opportunistic sightings (2005--2011) of humpback (/Megaptera novaeangliae/, N=93) and Antarctic minke whales (/Balaenoptera bonaerensis/, N=139) with a range of static and dynamic environmental variables. A maximum entropy algorithm (Maxent) was used to develop habitat models and to calculate daily basinwide/circumpolar prediction maps to evaluate how species-specific habitat conditions evolved throughout the spring and summer months. For both species, prediction maps revealed considerable changes in habitat suitability throughout the season. Suitable humpback whale habitat occurred predominantly in ice-free areas, expanding southwards with the retreating sea ice edge, whereas suitable Antarctic minke whale habitat was consistently predicted within sea ice covered areas. Daily, large-scale prediction maps provide a valuable tool to design layout and timing of seismic surveys as they allow the identification and consideration of potential spatio-temporal hotspots to minimize potential impacts of seismic surveys on Antarctic cetacean species. The article is published open-access and can be downloaded via the following link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967063714000995 For comments or questions please contact annette.bombosch(a)gmail.com <mailto:annette.bombosch@gmail.com> or Olaf.Boebel(a)awi.de <mailto:Olaf.Boebel@awi.de> Best Regards Annette Bombosch Predictive habitat modelling of humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) and Antarctic minke (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) whales in the Southern Ocean as a planning tool for seismic surveys

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new publication: Methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs), Hydroxylated PBDEs (HO-PBDEs) and Hydroxylated PCBs (HO-PCBs) in the Liver of Harbor Seals from the Northwest Atlantic
by Susan Shaw 08 Jul '14

08 Jul '14

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: Liesbeth Weijs, Susan D. Shaw, Michelle L. Berger, Hugo Neels, Ronny Blust, Adrian Covaci (2014). Methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs), Hydroxylated PBDEs (HO-PBDEs) and Hydroxylated PCBs (HO-PCBs) in the Liver of Harbor Seals from the Northwest Atlantic. Science of the Total Environment 493: 606-614. Abstract Metabolites of PCBs and PBDEs are shown to influence the thyroid hormone homeostasis and therefore, could have an influence on the growth of newborn or young animals. We have investigated the occurrence of hydroxylated PCBs (HO-PCBs), hydroxylated PBDEs (HO-PBDEs), and methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs) in the liver (48 pups; 6 adults) and blubber (4 pups; 1 adult) of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina concolor) from the northwest Atlantic. The sum of HO-PCBs in the liver ranged from 90 to 22,450 pg/g wet weight (ww) for pups and from 410 to 5290 pg/g ww for adults. Congener 4-HO-CB 107 was predominant in almost all samples regardless of age or gender, except in one adult male. Sum HO-PCB concentrations were highly correlated with the sum of precursor PCBs in the liver of harbor seals (r2 = 0.79; p < 0.0001). Concentrations of sum HO-PBDEs in the liver ranged from 70 to 1850 pg/g ww for pups and from 90 to 230 pg/g ww for adults. HO-PBDEs were also correlated with PBDEs (r2= 0.58; p < 0.0001). Sum MeO-PBDE concentrations in the liver ranged from 20 to 1460 pg/g ww in pups and from 10 to 270 pg/g ww in adults. HO-PCBs and HO-PBDEs were not detected in the blubber. Levels of MeO-PBDEs in the blubber ranged from 1500 to 4400 pg/g ww. In all blubber samples, 6-MeO-BDE 47 was the predominant MeO-PBDE congener, followed by 2′-MeO-BDE 68 and 5-MeO-BDE 47, respectively. The presence of HO-metabolites in pup liver suggests that young harbor seals may have some, yet limited, metabolic capacity for PCBs and PBDEs, which can lead to an excessive accumulation of these chemicals in the body. Moreover, the presence of HO-PCB and HO-PBDE metabolites may pose an additional stress for young harbor seals due to their influence on the thyroid hormone system and could have consequences for the entire population. The above publication is the companion to the recently published article now in print: Susan D. Shaw, Michelle L. Berger, Liesbeth Weijs, Olaf Päpke, Adrian Covaci (2014). Polychlorinated Biphenyls Still Pose Significant Health Risks to Northwest Atlantic Harbor Seals. Science of the Total Environment 490: 477-487. Please contact me if you do not have access to these articles (sshaw(a)meriresearch.org) Regards, Susan D. Shaw, DrPH Director, Marine Environmental Research Institute Professor, School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, State University of New York, Albany, NY Tel: 207-374-2135 Email: sshaw(a)meriresearch.org www.meriresearch.org

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Post-doc opportunity, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
by Plon, Stephanie (Dr) (Summerstrand Campus South) 07 Jul '14

07 Jul '14

Post Doc Opportunity-cetacean population ecology The Coastal and Marine Research Institute at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, presents a diverse group of marine researchers. Cetacean research is fast expanding, with a number of postgraduate projects investigating the natural history, population dynamics and health of local populations in Eastern Cape waters. At present the opportunity exists for a postdoctoral researcher with mark-recapture experience to join the research team to assist in elucidating population structure and connectivity of local delphinid populations. Specifically, an existing dataset is available and current field projects provide room for expansion and incorporation of further research ideas. Prior experience in the following skills is desired: photo-identification, biopsy sampling, small boat research, stranding attendance and necropsy. The successful candidate must be a team player, have strong communication skills, be reliable, self motivated, and be able to work independently, leading field research efforts. He or she will be expected to assist in generating funds through grant applications. The post is available for 12-months, with an opportunity for extension. Start Date: January 2015. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, CV and contact details of two academic referees by 15. July. For further information about this opportunity, please contact Dr. Stephanie Plön Coastal and Marine Research Institute Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) PO Box 77000 Port Elizabeth, 6031 SOUTH AFRICA Tel: 041-5042877 Cell: 076-3791067 Fax: 041-5832317 e-mail: stephanie.plon(a)nmmu.ac.za ________________________________ NOTICE: Please note that this eMail, and the contents thereof, is subject to the standard NMMU eMail disclaimer which may be found at: http://www.nmmu.ac.za/disclaimer/email.htm

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Aquatic Mammals Journal's Historical Perspectives Year 6 now available
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 07 Jul '14

07 Jul '14

Dear MARMAM subscribers, In 2008, Aquatic Mammals Journal launched the Historical Perspectives Series in which esteemed colleagues provide a written essay of their perspective in a field related to marine mammal studies and/or are interviewed for a DVD record. The essays appear as articles in Aquatic Mammals Journal, and the DVDs are available for purchase from the Aquatic Mammals website (www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org) We are pleased to announce that the Historical Perspectives Series Year 6 DVD set and individual DVDs are now available from our web site. Check out this direct link for the Historical Perspectives page on the journal's web site: http://tinyurl.com/HistoricalPerspectives Year 6 features interviews with Roger Payne, Richard Sears, Claudio Campagna, Jeanette Thomas, Kenneth Ramirez, Jay Barlow, Annalisa Berta, Daniel Costa, Jim Estes and Aleta Hohn. A two-part summary DVD includes samples from each of the 12 interviewed women scientists in the Historical Perspectives series in celebration of the journal's 40th Anniversary. The Year 6 DVD set is available for $165 US and each DVD is available for $14.99. Check out our web site for more details!! We hope you enjoy this year's roster of interviewees and the summary DVDs. Cheers Kathleen Kathleen M. Dudzinski, Ph.D. Managing Editor, Aquatic Mammals Journal aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org to submit a manuscript, visit our: Manuscript Fast track web site at http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php

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New publication on assessing bycatch in trawl fisheries
by Simon Allen 07 Jul '14

07 Jul '14

Dear MarMam-ers, We're pleased to disseminate more of our research into protected species bycatch in trawl fisheries with the following publication: Jaiteh VF, Allen SJ, Meeuwig JJ & Loneragan NR 2014. Combining in-trawl video with observer coverage improves understanding of protected and vulnerable species bycatch in trawl fisheries. Marine and Freshwater Research 65: 1-8. The abstract reads as follows: Assessments of incidental wildlife mortality resulting from fishing rarely account for unobserved by-catch. We assessed by-catch of protected and vulnerable wildlife species in an Australian trawl fishery by comparing in-trawl video footage with data collected by an on-board observer. Data were obtained from 44 commercial trawls with two different by-catch reduction devices (BRDs). Eighty-six individuals from six major taxa (dolphins, sharks, rays, sea snakes, turtles and sygnathids) were documented from video analysis, including the endangered scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) and the critically endangered green sawfish (Pristis zijsron). On the basis of the 2008–2009 fishing effort of 4149 trawls and scaling from these results, we estimated the annual catch of protected and vulnerable species (+/- 1 s.e.) at 8109 +/- 910 individuals. Only 34% of by-catch was expelled through the BRDs. Independent observer data for the 44 trawls showed that 77% of the landed by-catch from these taxa were dead when discarded. The results indicate that unaccounted by-catch in trawl fisheries can be substantial, and that current methods of recording by-catch on-board vessels are likely to underestimate total fishing mortality. We recommend gear modifications and their validation through dedicated observer coverage, combined with in-trawl video camera deployments to improve current approaches to by-catch mitigation. You can access the article at: http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/MF13130.htm or drop the Vanessa a line (vanessa.jaiteh(a)hotmail.com<mailto:vanessa.jaiteh@hotmail.com>) for the PDF. Kind regards, Simon Simon Allen Research Associate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University WA 6150 Australia ph: +61(8) 9360 2823 mob: +61(0) 416 083 653 email: S.Allen(a)murdoch.edu.au<mailto:S.Allen@murdoch.edu.au> web: http://mucru.org/group-members/simon-allen/ "The opposite for courage is not cowardice, it is conformity. Even a dead fish can go with the flow" (Jim Hightower)

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Two historical contributions poorly known about southern caribbean baleen whales !
by iagudo＠lycos.com 03 Jul '14

03 Jul '14

Dear marmamers, + AGUDO(-PADRÓN), I. 1995. Sobre la ocurrencia de la ballena barbada Balaenoptera physalus (Linnaeus) 1758 (CETACEA: MYSTICETI: BALAENOPTERIDAE) en Venezuela. Revista de Ecologia Latinoamericana - RECOL, 4(1-3): 7-10 (English Abstract & Spanish General Text) < http://www.car-spaw-rac.org/IMG/pdf/Sobre_la_occurenca_de_la_ballena_barbad… >. + AGUDO(-PADRÓN), I. 1995. Notas sobre la identidad taxonômica específica del esqueleto de ballena barbada (CETACEA: BALAENOPTERIDAE) exhibido en el Museo del Mar, Cumaná, Edo. Sucre, Venezuela Nororiental. Revista de Ecologia Latinoamericana - RECOL, 3(1-3): 31-38 (English Abstract & Spanish General Text) < http://smtpilimitado.com/kennel/cetaceavenezuela.pdf [1] >. For other regional informations < http://www.costadevenezuela.org/?p=5402 >. Best regards for all ! Ignacio Agudo. Links: ------ [1] http://smtpilimitado.com/kennel/cetaceavenezuela.pdf

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New publication of Juan Fernández fur seal (Arctocephalus philippii) in the Pacific coast of Colombia
by Isabel Cristina Avila 03 Jul '14

03 Jul '14

Dear Collegues We share with you the recent publication titled:On the presence of a vagrant Juan Fernández fur seal (Arctocephalus philippii) in the Pacific coast of Colombia: a new extralimital record. Avila, I.C., J.J. Alava & C. Gavis. 2014. On the presence of a vagrant Juan Fernández fur seal (Arctocephalus philippii) in the Pacific coast of Colombia: a new extralimital record. Mastozoología Neotropical 21(1):109-114. ABSTRACT. We report the first record of a male Juan Fernández fur seal, Arctocephalus philippii (Peters, 1866), in the Colombian Pacific coast. The animal was mainly identified according to the external morphology of the head and snout. This observation is the first northernmost record for A. philippii in the Southeastern Pacific, with an extreme movement covering a total distance of approximately 3700-4600 km from its normal geographic range, including the Juan Fernández Archipelago and Desventuradas Islands (San Félix and San Ambrosio), Chile. This finding indicates that vagrant individuals can reach new sites in the Northern Hemisphere and could have a broader geographical displacement than previously thought. The article can be found at or downloaded from: http://www.sarem.org.ar/mastozoologia-neotropical-vol-21-no1/ http://www.sarem.org.ar/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/SAREM_MastNeotrop_21-1_1… -- Isabel Cristina Avila MSc Biologist

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