August 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Science Letter on humpbacks and megapipeline in BC, Canada
by Juan Alava 19 Aug '14

19 Aug '14

Dear Colleagues, Please, find below the links for a new letter on the delisting of humpback whales and the development of the Enbridge Northern Gateway megapipeline project in British Columbia, Canada, recently published in Science last July. Basically, we advocate that the decision to downlist humpback whales in British Columbia should account for threats posed by oil pipelines and associated tankers. The downlisting from ‘Threatened’ status to a species of ‘Special Concern’ was significant because the whales’ critical habitat, which overlaps proposed oil tanker routes, does not have to be protected under the revised status. Delisted whales good news for pipeline Juan José Alava, Joshua N. Silberg Science. 07/2014; 345(6194):278-279. DOI: 10.1126/science.345.6194.278-c The article can be downloaded from the following links: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Juan_Jose_Alava/contributions?ev=prf_a… https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264039644_Delisted_whales_good_new… Alternatively, it can be found at http://www.sciencemag.org.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/content/345/6194/278.3.full.pdf. Cheers, Juan José Alava Juan Jose Alava, PhD Adjunct Professor School of Resource & Environmental Management Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC, Canada https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Juan_Jose_Alava/contributions?ev=prf_a… E-mail: jalavasa(a)sfu.ca Associate Faculty Member School of Environment and Sustainability, Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, Royal Roads University Victoria, BC, Canada http://www.royalroads.ca/people/juan-jose-alava

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Volunteer opportunity - Heaviside’s dolphin research in Namibia
by Sara Golaski 18 Aug '14

18 Aug '14

*Volunteer opportunity - Heaviside’s dolphin 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:* November and December 2014. *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 months, 2 months 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 2 months.* *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/ -- Sara Golaski MSc Student, Zoology University of Pretoria Namibian Dolphin Project sgolaski(a)coa.edu http://www.namibiandolphinproject.com/

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CRRU GIS Field Course in Scotland, 6-16 Oct 2014
by Dr Kevin Robinson 17 Aug '14

17 Aug '14

Teaming up with GIS In Ecology once again in 2014, the Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) is offering a 11 day residential cetacean field course at their field base in Gardenstown in northeast Scotland from 6 to 16 October. The course will incorporate a custom-designed 3-4 day GIS module (including course manuals and materials) from GIS In Ecology ( <http://www.gisinecology.com/> www.GISinEcology.com) taught by Dr. Colin MacLeod/Dr. Michael Tetley, both renowned experts in using GIS in ecological research. It will consist of a series of background and practical sessions covering the use of GIS in cetacean and marine research. Practical elements will include learning how to collect field data at sea and how to import this data into a Geographic Information System to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of identified species and analyse the home ranges of known individual animals. A combination of ESRI's ArcGIS 10.1 software and an open-source (and licence free) alternative will be used in this regard, and a uniquely numbered and verifiable certificate of completion for this GIS module of the course will be provided. Additional aspects of this course will include basic instruction in power boat handling, safety at sea and competent crew ability; cetacean identification, taxonomy and nomenclature; photo-identification procedures and mark capture-recapture analyses for bottlenose dolphins and minke whales; an introduction to relational databases and computer-assisted matching software; assessment, first aid administration and methods used in the care, transport and rescue of stranded cetaceans; and practical methods for the re-floatation of live stranded whales and dolphins In short, you will have the opportunity to learn about these mammals and their dynamic marine environment first hand, working closely alongside a dedicated and knowledgeable research team. As you participate in the CRRU's ongoing field studies, you will learn and apply the principles of field research design, data collection and analyses, undertake training in marine mammal rescue techniques, and gain a personal understanding of the conservation issues which drive current research, rescue and conservation activities by cetacean biologists. The cost for this internship course is £1,250 [ <http://www.xe.com/> for a currency converter, click here], which includes full board (i.e. all accommodation and food costs), your full equipment needs (immersion suits, wet boots etc for boat trips), associated course materials and hand-outs, and all associated field costs during your stay with the CRRU team. You will simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to Banff in northeast Scotland (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money. For further details and conditions, please visit <http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp> http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp. Just 10 places are available for each of these exclusive GIS field teams, so immediate booking is advised. To request a booking form etc, email <mailto:kev.robinson@crru.org.uk> kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk. Additional dates for standard CRRU courses (without the GIS element) are also available and are listed at <http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp> http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp at a lower rate of £895. 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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New publication on pantropical spotted dolphin population genetics
by Sarah Courbis 15 Aug '14

15 Aug '14

The following publication is now available: Courbis, S., R.W. Baird, F. Cipriano, and D. Duffield. 2014. Evidence of multiple populations of pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) in Hawaiian waters. Journal of Heredity. 105(5):627-641. doi: 10.1093/jhered/esu046 Please contact sarahcourbis(a)gmail.com for pdf. *Abstract* Understanding gene flow and dispersal patterns is important for predicting effects of natural events and anthropogenic activities on animal populations. In Hawai‘i, most species of odontocetes are managed as single populations. Recent exceptions include false killer whales, spinner dolphins, and common bottlenose dolphins, for which studies have shown fidelity to individual islands or groups of islands. Our study focused on pantropical spotted dolphins. We analyzed mitochondrial control region and 11 microsatellite loci from 101 individuals from four areas: Hawai‘i, Maui/Lana‘i, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i/Ni‘ihau. We examined *F*ST, *Fʹ*ST, *R*ST, Jost’s *D*, and ΦST and used TESS to estimate number of populations and assignment probabilities. Our results support genetic differentiation among Hawaiʻi, Maui/Lana‘i, and Oʻahu and suggest that pantropical spotted dolphins near Kaua‘i/Ni‘ihau are likely transient and in low numbers. Between island regions, *F*st for microsatellites ranged from 0.016- 0.045 and for mtDNA from 0.011-0.282. *F*ʹST, ranged from 0.098-0.262 for microsatellites and 0.019-0.415 for mtDNA. *RST* and ΦST showed similar results to *F*ST for microsatellites and mtDNA respectively, and Jost’s *D* fell between *F*ST and *F*ʹST. TESS supported three populations, and greatest mean assignment probability by island region ranged from 0.50-0.72. The private alleles method indicated migration rates among regions from 1.49-3.45, and effective population size of the island of Hawaiʻi was estimated to be 220. There was no strong evidence to support sex-biased dispersal or group fidelity. Considering this study in the larger context of other odontocete population studies and studies of connectivity, we suggest genetic differentiation may be mediated by behavior adapted to differing habitat types and niches. *Key Words* *Stenella attenuata*; Hawai‘i; population genetics; management; stock; conservation Cheers, Sarah Sarah Courbis, Ph.D. Portland State University Portland, OR USA

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Job Posting: NAVFAC Atlantic Marine Resources Specialist (US Citizens) - Norfolk, VA
by Shoemaker, Mandy L CIV NAVFAC LANT, EV 15 Aug '14

15 Aug '14

Job Posting: NAVFAC Atlantic Marine Resources Specialist (US Citizens) - Norfolk, VA Seeking qualified candidates with educational emphasis and experience in marine species biology/ecology (marine mammals, sea turtles, fish, seabirds, etc.); with skills in research study and design, GIS analysis, acoustic impact analysis, statistical analysis, written and oral communication, and public outreach. Job Duties: The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic, Conservation Division in Norfolk, Virginia is currently seeking potential candidates with outstanding research and communication skills for a career position in the Marine Resources Branch in the Environmental Business Line. The person selected for this position will directly support Navy training, testing, and construction activities around the world. Duties will include preparation, management, and review of marine resources assessments; essential fish habitat (EFH) assessments; marine species density estimates; marine species surveys; technical reports; Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 documentation; Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) documentation; National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation; marine species mitigation and monitoring plans; and environmental studies assessing the environmental impacts of proposed Navy activities. The person selected will participate in consultations with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), coordinate projects with a multi-disciplinary team, and participate in project management for research and compliance documents. In addition, the person selected will participate in research and monitoring with regards to the potential impacts on marine species from Navy activities. Experience in the following is highly desirable: marine mammal, sea turtle, seabird or fisheries biology; scientific study design; principals of underwater acoustic analysis; statistical principles and methods; ESRI Geographic Information System (GIS) products; environmental legislation and DoD/Navy policy. Position level is a GS-401-12 (Salary Range: $69,497 to $90,344 depending on education and experience). This position is open to US citizens only. The USA jobs solicitation open period is 18-27 August and interested candidates can apply online at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/378494600 Mandy Shoemaker Marine Resources Branch Head Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic

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Dolphin Research Courses in Slovenia, north Adriatic Sea
by Ana Hace 15 Aug '14

15 Aug '14

Dear list members, You can still join the last two this year’s Morigenos Dolphin Research Courses, which will take place from 20th to 29th of August and from 4th to 13th of September in Slovenia. *** Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society is a small research NGO that aims to combine scientific research, monitoring, education, public awareness, capacity building and management, to achieve effective conservation of the marine environment and biodiversity. More information at www.morigenos.org Morigenos Research Courses offer interested people to join the research team for 10 days and participate in day-to-day research activities. This includes boat surveys, land-based watches, theodolite tracking, photo-identification and behavioural observations. All the necessary training is provided through lectures, practical work in the field, and short workshops. Food and accommodation in our research base in lovely town of Piran are included. By the end of this course, you will: - have a better understanding of current issues in marine mammal and turtle conservation; - obtain an overview of different methods for studying marine mammals in the wild; - acquire practical experience of pleasures and frustrations of marine mammal field research. You will also get to know the Slovenian coast and enjoy summer delights. Detailed information can be found here: Morigenos Research Courses Applications: Anyone above the age of 16 can participate, regardless of nationality, academic background or previous experience. So to ensure your place as soon as possible, please send an e-mail to morigenos(a)morigenos.org for registration or questions. *** Slovenian Dolphin Project is a long-term research, monitoring and conservation programme, established in 2002 and focusing on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Slovenian and adjacent waters in the north Adriatic Sea. Bottlenose dolphins can be found in the area year-round and about 130 individuals have been photo-identified over the past 10 years. Research activities focus on dolphin distribution, abundance, behaviour, social structure, habitat use, feeding habits, fishery interactions and tourism impact, and aim to provide the scientific baseline for effective conservation of dolphins and their habitat. This research has been the basis for the implementation of Natura 2000 for bottlenose dolphins in Slovenia. Apart from dolphins, the research team also undertakes research on loggerheard turtles (Caretta caretta), which visit this area between April and October. ---------------- Ana Hace Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society Kidricevo nabrezje 4 6330 Piran Sloveniawww.morigenos.org http://www.facebook.org/morigenos

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Cape Ann Whale Watch Fall Internship Position
by Lilly, Laura 13 Aug '14

13 Aug '14

Cape Ann Whale Watch is accepting applications for its Field Research and Environmental Education Internship. Based in Gloucester, MA and partnered with Planet Whale, our whale watch boat takes between 150 and 250 passengers a day on whale watches in and around the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. We work to educate passengers about marine life and the oceans to foster a sense of importance and personal responsibility in doing a part to contribute to the wellbeing and conservation of the environment. This internship will allow you to gain hands-on experience in research, educational techniques, and the general workings of being on a whale watch boat. Interns are the core of the education program at Cape Ann Whale Watch. They work collaboratively with the naturalist to help accomplish our goal of educating people about whales and fostering a stronger appreciation and respect for whales and the ocean environment. Educators circulate the boat with hands-on teaching tools to educate the public about whales and their environment. Once the actual whale watching begins, the naturalist provides educational interpretive commentary while the interns collect data on whale behavior and identification for our research. For more information, see attached document or contact Laura at lbelliveau(a)worcester.edu. -- Laura Lilly (978) 302-5802

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New report: satellite tagging, photo-identfication and PAM of odontocetes off Kaua'i in 2013
by Robin Baird 13 Aug '14

13 Aug '14

New report available: Baird, R.W., S.M. Jarvis, D.L. Webster, B.K. Rone, J.A. Shaffer, S.D. Mahaffy, A.M. Gorgone and D.J. Moretti. 2014. Odontocete studies on the Pacific Missile Range Facility in July/August 2013: satellite-tagging, photo-identification, and passive acoustic monitoring. Prepared for Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, submitted to Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific by HDR Environmental, Operations and Construction, Inc. Abstract. A joint project in July and August 2013 on and around the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) combined passive acoustic monitoring and boat-based field efforts. There were 671 kilometers (36.6 hours [hr]) of small-vessel survey effort over the course of the 8-day project, with 55.1 percent of time (20.2 hr) spent within the PMRF instrumented hydrophone range boundaries. A total of 33.0 hr of acoustic monitoring coincided with the small-vessel field effort. There were 18 sightings of four species of odontocetes, five of which were directed by acoustic detections from the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) system. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were encountered on six occasions, spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) on three, rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) on eight, and false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) once. Recordings on the M3R system were made for three of the four species (all but spinner dolphins) to improve species classification for future acoustic monitoring efforts. During the encounters 4,393 photos were taken for individual identification, two biopsy samples were obtained for genetic studies, and three depth-transmitting satellite tags were deployed on two species (one false killer whale, two rough-toothed dolphins). Data were obtained from the two tagged rough-toothed dolphins for 9.9 and 13.4 days. During this period they remained associated with Ni'ihau, with each found inside PMRF range boundaries on 11 occasions, spending 34 percent and 46 percent of their time on PMRF, respectively. The tagged false killer whale was identified as part of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands population, known from previous efforts to use the area around Kaua'i. Data were obtained for 21.3 days; during this period the tagged individual was found inside PMRF boundaries on 17 occasions, spending 24 percent of its time on PMRF. Based on preliminary sound propagation analyses and the locations of animals tracked during this study, both of these populations are likely exposed to mid-frequency active sonar on PMRF, but appear to use the overall area in different ways. Thus, the likelihood of exposure to different sound levels also probably varies by species. Continued collection of movement and habitat use data from all species should allow for a better understanding of the use of the range as well as provide datasets that can be used to estimate received sound levels at animal locations and examine potential responses to exposure. A copy of the report can be downloaded from http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii/publications.htm or directly at http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii/Bairdetal2014_JulAug2013.pdf More information on our Hawai'i odontocete research can be found at http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii.htm =============================================================================== Robin W. Baird, Ph.D. Research Biologist Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W. 4th Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 USA Follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cascadia-Research-Collective/110495958982184> Cascadia on YouTube<http://youtu.be/M5L0fdMNHgw> Updates from our July 2014 Kona field project<http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/hawaii/July2014.htm>

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Post-Doctoral Fellow Position, Sarasota Dolphin Research Program
by Jason Allen 13 Aug '14

13 Aug '14

*Post-Doctoral Fellow* *Sarasota Dolphin Research Program * The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP) is a collaborative partnership dedicated to dolphin research, conservation, and education. The SDRP was started in 1970 through Mote Marine Laboratory when Blair Irvine and high school student Randy Wells began a tagging study to find out if dolphins in the Sarasota Bay area were residents or moved more broadly -- it was the first systematic study of bottlenose dolphin ranging patterns. Findings of multi-decadal, multi-generational residency set the stage for the program to continue and develop into new areas of research. Since 1989, the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) has led the SDRP partnership, providing an administrative home for the long-term program and support for ongoing program operations, including the CZS employees who form the core program staff. Mote Marine Laboratory, where our initial research was conducted during 1970-1971, has provided a base of operations on Sarasota Bay and access to laboratory facilities and infrastructure since 1992. The Program Director since the late 1970's, Dr. Randall Wells, guided the SDRP from a seasonal operation involving teams of volunteers to its current year-round operations with a complement of full and part time staff, who work with graduate students, interns, and volunteers. The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, conducting "the world's longest-running study of a wild dolphin population", now is a pre-eminent international center for research into the biology, behavior, ecology, health, and impacts of human activities on dolphins in Sarasota Bay and elsewhere around the world. * http://sarasotadolphin.org With a research focus on Behavioral Ecology and Population Biology, as the Post-Doctoral Fellow, you will develop and implement dolphin research projects, including: research design, proposal preparation for extramural funding, data collection and analysis, managing project logistics and budget, and reporting to funding agencies. You will train and oversee interns, graduate students, and staff as necessary for data collection and processing; prepare reports for peer-reviewed scientific publication and presentation; and be responsible for other related duties as assigned, including assisting Senior Conservation Scientist (Program Director), with program management. This position is a full-time, two-year, temporary position. Incumbent should have broad research and conservation interests. The requirements for this position include the following: * · Ph.D. degree in biology or related field required. * · One year of experience leading dolphin photographic identification surveys required. * · Minimum of two years of experience piloting small boats required. * · Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including proven ability in writing of reports and scientific papers, grant proposal preparation, and oral presentations. * · Computer competency required, including skills in Microsoft Office, database management, and statistical packages. * · Must have a demonstrated ability to work independently and prioritize tasks as necessary. Must have ability to work collaboratively. * · Must represent the Society in a professional manner at all times. * · Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. * · Valid driver's license required. Florida residents must possess a valid Florida license within 30 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents. The desirable/preferred qualifications include the following: * · Broad research and conservation interests preferred. * · Experience with programs such as FinBase, SOCPROG, MARK, R, Bayesian analyses and GIS skills desirable. * · Experience leading focal animal behavioral follows desirable. Strong quantitative analytical skills desirable. * · Radio-tracking experience desirable. * · Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus. The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer -- Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled. CZS would like to fill this position no later than 31 December 2014; complete applications should be submitted by 30 September 2014. If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the CZS Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile, along with your CV. Please visit our website at www.czs.org/czs/careers <http://www.czs.org/czs/careers>. Please look for requisition number 574BR.

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Volunteer research assistant for marine mammal data entry/data processing Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
by Cheryl Cross 12 Aug '14

12 Aug '14

*Position:* One volunteer is required to assist with marine mammal distribution data entry and processing in Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds, NZ. This research forms part of an ongoing PhD study being conducted under the auspices of the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University, Auckland (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz) *Timeframe:* 3 Months between September-December 2014 *Location:* Picton, New Zealand *Responsibilities:* Major Responsibilities include: - Entry of dolphin sighting/distribution data - Data analysis using GIS - Photo data processing and matching *Qualifications:* The ideal candidate will have a science background, experience in the aforementioned areas and an interest in marine mammal science. This internship is well-suited for recent graduates of marine biology, zoology, ecology or similar fields looking to gain additional experience. He or she must: - Possess basic computer skills - Be detail oriented and organized - Be responsible, focused and motivated - Be personable, possess strong communication skills and fluency in English - Be prepared to live in a small town and to work independently the majority of the time - Make a minimum 3 month commitment (40-45 hrs/week) to the project - Possess a strong interest in science and a mature attitude toward marine mammal research - Be flexible and patient *Application Process:* If interested please email c.cross(a)massey.ac.nz with the subject line VOLUNTEER POSITION Please list the following in a CONCISE message: 1) Relevant experience or qualifications 2) The time frame that you are available over the next several months 3) Reasons you want to help with this project 4) The contact info of at least one professional reference that can confirm work ethic and experience *Please also attach CV or resume to the email.* This is great opportunity to work in a unique environment while gaining further experience and contributing to an important project. Priority will be given to placing applicants that are available immediately. Unfortunately, no monetary compensation or funding for housing is available for this position, so the candidate must be able to support living expenses for the extent of the internship period. Thank you for your interest! Sincerely, Cheryl *Cheryl L. Cross* PhD Student Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904, North Shore 0745 Auckland, NZ Tel: +64 9 414 0800 EXT 41520 Mob: +64 21 022 93719 Fax: +64 9 443 9790 Email: c.cross(a)massey.ac.nz Web: http://www.coastalmarineresearchgroup.com/ <http://www.coastalmarineresearchgroup.com/>

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