September 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job listing - Marine Advisor, Seismic Surveying - New Zealand Department of Conservation
by Dave Lundquist 07 Sep '14

07 Sep '14

The New Zealand Department of Conservation administers a Code of Conduct for minimising acoustic disturbance to marine mammals from seismic survey operations (http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/seismic-surveys-code…) A voluntary Code was first implemented in 2006, was revised in 2012, and subsequently became a mandatory requirement under the EEZ permitted activities regulations. The Department has committed to a full review and amendment of the Code to take into account lessons learned during implementation, international best practice, and best available scientific evidence on the effects of seismic surveying. We are seeking an experienced candidate to lead the review of the Code, which will be undertaken as a collaborative effort incorporating input from government agencies, scientists, industry, iwi, professional observers, and other stakeholders. The review will require understanding scientific principles ranging from the basic effects of sound on protected species to highly technical information on sound modelling, as well as consideration of the practical aspects of seismic surveying operations and how this affects at-sea implementation of any rules which are developed. Please apply online: https://careers.doc.govt.nz/jobtools/jncustomsearch.viewFullSingle?in_organ…. Applications must include a cover letter, a CV and evidence of the required capabilities as per the project description. For more information please contact Ian Angus, iangus(a)doc.govt.nz or telephone ++64 4 471 3081 quoting vacancy 60/515T1. Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 29 September 2014. Regards, Dave Lundquist Technical Advisor, Marine Species and Threats Mātanga Koiora Waitai Mōrearea Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai DDI: +64 4 471 3204 VPN 8204 Caution - This message and accompanying data may contain information that is confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message or data is prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify us immediately and erase all copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you.

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Doctoral thesis on Humpback whales in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia
by Wally Franklin 07 Sep '14

07 Sep '14

I am pleased to announce acceptance of my doctoral thesis into the research and scholarly publications of Southern Cross University. The thesis is available for download at: http://epubs.scu.edu.au/theses/357/ Title: The social and ecological significance of Hervey Bay Queensland for eastern Australian humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) Abstract: This study provides the first detailed research on the seasonal pod characteristics, seasonal social behaviour and temporal segregation of different reproductive and maturational classes of humpback whales in Hervey Bay (Queensland, Australia). Vessel-based surveys for this study were conducted for 9 weeks in 1992 and for 10 weeks each year between 1993 and 2009. The overall aim of this research was to investigate the importance of Hervey Bay for particular classes of humpback whales, and to assess whether social factors influenced seasonal pod characteristics, social behaviour and temporal segregation. The size and composition of pods in Hervey Bay varied significantly as the season progressed. Pods with calves present were rarely sighted early in the season but dominated later in the season. A significant increase was recorded over years in the frequency of groups of 3+ whales, which may be related to social and behavioural changes as the eastern Australian population expands. Non-agonistic social behaviour was observed more frequently earlier in the season when immature and mature males and females predominated and pods with calves were rarely observed. In contrast, competitive groups were observed more frequently later in the season when mother-calf pods predominated and increased significantly towards the end of the season as pod size and composition changed. Competitive groups and non-agonistic social behaviour were more frequently observed in both larger and newly associated pods. Mature non-lactating females occurred mainly during August. Lactating females occurred in September and October with peak density occurring in late September, an average of thirty-two days after that for mature non-lactating females. There were very few mature males observed in August, with the main concentrations occurring in September and October. Furthermore, both non-lactating and lactating females interact with immature and maturing males and females to a greater extent than previously reported, and show that social factors influence pod dynamics and behaviour of humpback whales in Hervey Bay. Hervey Bay is neither a terminal destination nor a calving or breeding area but rather a stopover early in the southern migration. This research has shown that Hervey Bay is an important habitat for different maturational and reproductive classes of whales. This is particularly true for females and their calves later in the season; for non-lactating and early pregnant females together with immature males and females early in the season; and for mature males seeking to maximise mating opportunities in mid- to late season. Keywords: humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, Hervey Bay, Queensland eastern Australia, social behaviour, pod size, pod composition, competitive groups, non-agonistic social behaviour, temporal segregation, migration, social organisation, photo-identification Trish Franklin, BA (Hons) La Trobe, Melbourne: PhD Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW trish.franklin(a)oceania.org.au ........................................................................ Trish & Wally Franklin The Oceania Project PO Box 646 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia ABN 73 052 470 630 ACN 052 470 630 Phone: 0418 797 326 Skype: oceania.org.au Email: trish.wally(a)oceania.org.au Web: The Oceania Project iWhales.org The Oceania Project-YouTube iWhales-YouTube The Oceania Project | Facebook Songlines of the eastern Australian Humpback whales Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Trish Franklin: PhD Thesis

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URGENT: PILOT WHALE MASS STRANDING IN NORWAY-HELP REQUIRED!
by Marta Acosta 07 Sep '14

07 Sep '14

Dear all, We have a mass stranding of 24 pilot whales in the South of Norway and we need help. The animals were discovered on Friday the 5th September but probably had been stranded for a few days before. The carcassess are still pretty fresh but we need to take fast action. The local government wants to get rid of the carcasses tomorrow Monday but we will try to stop this procedure. We suspect seismic activities might have had an influence, but of course we need to further the study and test for morbillivirus too and any other cause of death. We would like to necropsy these animals. Since we don´t have a stranding and response network in Norway we need extra people to help us conduct this task. We are searching for anyone that could join us in the South of Norway this week to help us. Anyone with experience in necropsy procedures would be of help, and those who have previous experience in pilot whale mass stranding, and have worked with morbillivirus and/or seismic, are preferred. We have some funding to cover the expenses of those who would like to help. Please send me an email at macostaplata(a)gmail.com. Hope to get some feedback from you guys! http://www.dagbladet.no/2014/09/05/nyheter/innenriks/dyretragedie/hval/grin… Marta Acosta PlataMAREFA

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REQUEST FOR ARTICLES - SIRENEWS
by Cynthia Taylor 05 Sep '14

05 Sep '14

The editors of Sirenews, the newsletter of the IUCN Sirenia Specialist Group, would like to request articles for the upcoming edition. Updates on manatee and dugong research, management, education, and conservation activities from around the world are encouraged. The deadline for submissions is OCTOBER 1, 2014. Please submit articles to ctaylor(a)sea2shore.org. Thank you - Cynthia Taylor and James Powell Sea to Shore Alliance ___________________________ Cynthia R. Taylor Research Scientist Sea to Shore Alliance 941-232-4587 ctaylor(a)sea2shore.org www.sea2shore.org

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MMR Humpback Whale Research - Seeking dedicated volunteers for Phase 2# project
by scott＠marinemammalresearch.com 05 Sep '14

05 Sep '14

Dear MARMAM Marine Explorers Marine Mammal Research Unit (MMR) Research project Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Seeking dedicated volunteers for Phase 2# project The Marine Mammal Research Unit (MMR) is seeking applications form volunteers for a 2 to 3 weeks distribution and behaviour study on humpback whales in October 2014. The study will be conducted at Jervis Bay, New South Wales (about 3 hours south of Sydney). Phase 2# Dates from 6th to 26th of October. Priority will be for volunteers who can commit to 2-3 weeks or if applicant is suitable 1 week may be ok. (as training is needed and time will be limited if applicant has NO experience) The study will collect data on the movements of southward migrating humpback whales and cow/calf pairs in Jervis Bay for spatio-temporal distribution patterns, documenting behaviour using focal follows and collect fluke identification photographs, record acoustics vocalisations of cow/calf pairs. Fieldwork may be conducted from both boat and land-based observations as they enter the study site in and around Jervis Bay. The volunteer is required to conduct boat and or land-based observations of the whales as they enter the study site. This area is unique as it represents a possible resting area for humpback whales while on southward migration to the main feeding grounds in the Antarctic. The volunteer will spend approximately six to eight hours daily counting and observing whales from the boat and or land-based. The volunteers must organise their own transport to the study site. Jervis Bay is a 3 hour drive from Sydney / airport (30 mins from Bomaderry (Nowra) train station). Own transports may be required to get to land-based observations sights. Volunteer daily duties: Equipment preparations, land & boat observations, detecting and Identifying cetacean’s, data collection, storage and reporting at the end of every day. Clean equipment, charge batteries and prepare for the next day of fieldwork. Phase 2# (CBED) shared accommodation and food will be provided for non local volunteers, meals are communal, fussy eaters are discouraged from applying (vegetarians are fine). The volunteers must be sociable as that will be expected to work and live as a part of a team and shared cooking and cleaning duties. This project will suit people with a background in science (including recent graduates and graduate students as well as higher level undergraduate students) keen to gain experience in cetacean survey techniques. Applicants should also be highly motivated and able to concentrate for several hours at a time. Those with previous survey experience, particularly of marine mammals, will be preferred. Applicants should reply with an email to info(a)marinemammalresearch.com Outlining why they would be suitable for this survey and why they would like to participate, an previous relevant experience. Email an attached CV, the names and contact details of two professional referees and will need to fill in a MMR volunteer application form. Successful applicants will be notified. Project associates Marine Mammal Research Unit (MMR) University of Sydney (UOS) Marine explorer (MEX) Please find our link to publication - humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Jervis Bay Article title: Distribution patterns of migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Jervis Bay, Australia: A spatial analysis using geographical citizen science data http://www.marinemammalresearch.com/projects/publications.html Marine Mammal Research | PO Box 117 Huskisson NSW 2540 Australia | web: www.marinemammalresearch.com

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Job announcement - marine mammal ecologist in Germany
by Gilles, Anita 04 Sep '14

04 Sep '14

Position available PostDoc research position Wildlife Research – Marine Mammals ITAW, Germany The Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo) is an interdisciplinary institute aiming to investigate the ecology of wild animals and to manage the impact of anthropogenic activities. Researchers of ITAWs marine section founded marine mammal research in Germany in 1989. Scientists at ITAW have recognised research strengths in abundance estimation, habitat use, bioacoustics, zoology, pathology as well as health monitoring of cetaceans and seals and coordinate the marine mammal stranding and population monitoring in Germany. The ITAW holds an unique position in Europe as researchers of many different disciplines ranging from veterinary research, zoology, marine biology, physics, geography, mathematics to engineering science conduct integrated research on wildlife. Recently, special focus has been put on the designation of marine protected areas and on investigation of the impact of human activities such as marine renewables, fisheries, navy exercises and marine debris. ITAW coordinates a large number of interdisciplinary projects, with funding from the German federal government and states, the German Research Foundation and the EU. ITAW scientists are actively participating in different international meetings and associations since 1990, including several ICES WGs, ASCOBANS, IWC and the Trilateral Seal Expert Group (TSEG) of the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat. Scientists are participating in implementing the EU MSFD, as well as indicators for OSPAR and HELCOM and participated in several EU funded projects such as SCANS and SCANSII. Due to this high-level expertise the network of collaborators is large and research is conducted worldwide, in other European countries as well as in polar regions (esp. the Southern Ocean). For our population assessment team, we are now recruiting an experienced marine mammal ecologist to supervise the harbour porpoise monitoring programme in the North and Baltic Sea. Required knowledge, skills and abilities: - Ph.D. degree in biology or related field; educational background in (marine) biology, zoology or ecology - With demonstrated experience in o Wildlife population assessments, visual survey methods (preferably Distance sampling and aerial or marine mammal survey experience), o Habitat modelling, statistical analyses of survey data, o Conservation and management applications, o Project supervision and fundraising, o Exchange with stakeholders and governmental institutions - Preferred candidates will have o Experience/knowledge of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Habitats Directive and anthropogenic impact assessments, o Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including proven ability in writing of reports and scientific papers, grant proposal preparation, and oral presentations, o Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team, o Ability to work in a small aircraft up to eight hours per day, o Computer competencies, including skills in Microsoft Office, database management, and in statistical packages (preferably R) Appreciated knowledge (but not required): - Background in bioacoustics - Good knowledge of German Description of job duties: - Project supervision, managing project logistics and budget, reporting to funding agencies, - Field work (survey planning, data collection), data and method evaluation, - Analysis of distribution data and abundance estimation - Trend analysis - Spatial modelling - Undertake consultancy work for government agencies - Development of new research opportunities and preparation of funding proposals - Supervision of bachelor, master and PhD students We offer: - 75% position for 2 years, however, an extension and/or top-up benefit is likely given successful grant applications - The salary is according to class 13 TVL of the German tariffs for public employees (75%) - Funds are available to support travel to conferences and workshops - Place of work is at ITAW’s aquatic section in Buesum (northern Germany, North Sea sea side resort) We would like to fill this position by 01 October 2014 (however, the position remains open until a suitable candidate is found); complete applications should be submitted by 17 September 2014. Please submit a letter of interest (max. 2 pages), a current CV and contact information of 3 references to Ursula Siebert (ursula.siebert(a)tiho-hannover.de<mailto:ursula.siebert@tiho-hannover.de>). Please use the keyword „application“. Postal address: Prof. Dr. Ursula Siebert Institut f. Terrestrische und Aquatische Wildtierforschung (ITAW) Werfstr. 6 25761 Buesum Germany For general information on research at the TiHo and ITAW, see http://www.tiho-hannover.de

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New publication on repeated call types in melon-headed whales
by Maxwell Kaplan 03 Sep '14

03 Sep '14

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce our new publication: Kaplan, M.B., Mooney, T.A., Sayigh, L.S., and Baird, R.W. 2014. Repeated call types in Hawaiian melon-headed whales (/Peponocephala electra/). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 136(3): 1394-1401. Abstract: Melon-headed whales are pantropical odontocetes that are often found near oceanic islands. While considered sound-sensitive, their bioacoustic characteristics are relatively poorly studied. The goal of this study was to characterize the vocal repertoire of melon-headed whales to determine whether they produce repeated calls that could assist in recognition of conspecifics. The first tag-based acoustic recordings of three melon-headed whales were analyzed. Tag records were visually and aurally inspected and all calls were individually extracted. Non-overlapping calls with sufficient signal-to-noise were then parameterized and visually grouped into categories of repeated call types. Thirty-six call categories emerged. Categories differed significantly in duration, peak and centroid frequency, and -3 dB bandwidth. Calls of a given type were more likely to follow each other than expected. These data suggest that repeated calls may function in individual, subgroup, or group recognition. Repeated call production could also serve to enhance signal detection in large groups with many individuals producing simultaneous calls. Results suggest that caution should be used in developing automatic classification algorithms for this species based on small sample sizes, as they may be dominated by repeated calls from a few individuals, and thus not representative of species- or population-specific acoustic parameters. You can access the paper here: http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/136/3/10.1121/1.4892759 or email me for a copy. Best, Max -- Maxwell Kaplan Biology Department Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 266 Woods Hole Rd, MS50, Woods Hole MA, 02543 office: + 1 508 289 3352 email: mkaplan(a)whoi.edu web: maxwellkaplan.com

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Underwater Acoustics in the Marine Environment course: 8th-10th September 2014, Bath, UK
by Sam Nichols 03 Sep '14

03 Sep '14

Hi there Please could you add the following posting for MARMAM members: .............................................................. Underwater Acoustics in the Marine Environment course 8th - 10th September 2014, University of Bath, UK Run in association with University of Bath Last chance to book this 3 day course, with an optional 4th day, which covers the fundamentals of underwater acoustics including the following topics: ocean environments, noise propagation models, sound field modelling, methods of assessment, impacts of noise on marine life, mitigation, environmental regulations and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), fisheries, JNCC guidelines and emerging studies and technologies across this field. 3 day course cost = £1,200 plus VAT including accommodation and 1 evening meal 4 day course cost = £1,600 plus VAT including accommodation and 2 evening meals Contact Sarah Hancock at s.hancock(a)seiche.com for all enquiries or visit www.seiche.com. .............................................................

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NOAA Fisheries announces redesigned incidental take webpage
by Jonathan Shannon - NOAA Federal 02 Sep '14

02 Sep '14

Good afternoon, We are pleased to announce the launch of our redesigned Incidental Take webpage <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm>. In this major redesign, we've made it easier to: - apply for authorizations, with new detailed instructions for potential applicants - find application status (i.e., in process, active, withdrawn, or expired) - search by sector (i.e., oil and gas, other energy, military, construction, and research and other) for current and past authorizations We hope this revision helps better explain our Incidental Take Program, and enables you to more easily apply for, or review, incidental take authorizations. If you have suggestions for improvement or still can't find what you're looking for, please contact our webmaster at pr.webmaster(a)noaa.gov. Best regards, 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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Doctoral thesis on Dolphin-Assisted Therapy
by Scott Taylor 02 Sep '14

02 Sep '14

I am pleased to announce the acceptance of my doctoral thesis into the University of the Sunshine Coast Research Bank. The thesis is available for download at: http://research.usc.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/usc:13419 Title: Geographies of the Liminal Dolphin: toward an understanding of the contested spaces of Dolphin-Assisted Therapy Abstract: Dolphin-Assisted Therapy (DAT) is a field of therapies that have been developed to enable humans with disabilities to achieve improved lives. DAT occurs in a range of places and environments, is theorised in various ways, and is both criticised and supported in a polarised discourse. Its various geographic situations and debates make a socio-spatial understanding of DAT problematic. Previous research on animal-human interactions, and in particular in the scholarship of animal geographies, explores similar challenges from the perspectives of ‘the contact zone’, re-imagining zoos and geo-ethics, but have not explored how interspecies work in therapies can be of significant mutual benefit, and in particular in relation to DAT. This research explores the socio-spatial constructions of DAT to reveal how they affect the therapies and human-animal relations more broadly. Using a social-constructionist onto-epistemological paradigm, and drawing on nonrepresentational theory, Actor Network Theory, and Foucault-inspired analysis, three methods of analysis were used to categorise the data: a genealogy of DAT’s history and development, a discourse analysis of academic and non-academic texts, and a case study of a DAT facility. Data were gathered by means of interviews, textual analysis, and personal observation. The findings showed that socio-spatial understandings of DAT are problematised by: varied degrees of proximity between humans and dolphins and the different regimes of knowledge produced by them; environments and their effects on relations between humans and dolphins; noninclusive ethical theories; and a lack of theorising about mutual effects. Keywords: dolphin; Dolphin-Assisted Therapy; animal geographies; proxemics; mutualism; animal-assisted therapy; interspecies ethics C. Scott Taylor, BSocSc (Hons); PhD Queensland, Australia

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