January 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Fellowship positions with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
by Erin R. Bates 12 Jan '15

12 Jan '15

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s Research & Conservation Division is offering Fellowship positions during the winter/spring (February – May) and busy spring/summer seasons (May – September). Qualified students can compete for one of three Batten Fellowship positions which include a stipend to help offset personal and incidental expenses (one spring and two summer fellowships). Successful candidates will be self-motivated, detail-oriented individuals who will assist with several aspects of on-going Virginia Aquarium Foundation programs including marine mammal and sea turtle research and stranding response. These positions are approximately three months long. Batten Fellows are expected to bring a higher level of dedication and scientific interest to the program and will be integrated more fully into staff activities. They will be required to complete a final project on their Fellowship work which will be submitted to the Aquarium’s Batten Fellowship Endowment Committee. Responsibilities, duties and projects will vary with each individual fellowship. Please see the attached document for fellowship requirements and descriptions. Those not accepted for a Batten Fellowship will have the opportunity to compete for a general internship (no stipend). Requirements: Applicants for Batten Fellowships with the Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division must: * Be 18 years of age or older * Be a rising senior, recent graduate or pursuing a post-graduate degree in a science-based program * Demonstrate interest in a career in marine or veterinary science * Have basic math and computer skills using MS spreadsheets, databases and data entry (advanced programs such as SQL, GIS, R, etc. preferred) * Have a valid U.S. drivers license and good driving record * Be able to swim and be comfortable in and around open water and boats * Be self-motivated and able to perform activities both as part of a team as well as independently * Be able to lift and carry 25 pounds and assist with lifting and moving larger loads * Be able to hike up to 5 miles on beaches carrying gear * Be physically and mentally fit: you will be expected to handle field activities, extreme weather, constantly changing environmental conditions, extended periods of intense activities, dead and decomposing animals (both during response and necropsy), prolonged periods of travel, insects, team activities, individual activities, sick and injured animals, etc. * Be available to perform support activities (24-7) as needed during the period of appointment (e.g. May 15, 2015 through August 15, 2015) Batten Fellow duties: * Assist VAQS staff with Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Network data collection, processing, organization and entry into relational database * Assist VAQS volunteers and staff in field stranding response and/or recovery of dead (comprise ~90% of VA strandings) and live marine mammals and sea turtles. Activities may be conducted under adverse weather conditions * Participate in postmortem data collection and necropsies (animal autopsies) * Assist in care for animals during rehabilitation, including but not limited to: food prep, feeding, extensive cleaning (mopping floors, laundry, dishes, cleaning tanks), and other animal husbandry duties Expectations: Stranding Response Batten Fellows will be expected to study a topic selected through discussion with a VAQS supervisor and complete a research paper for presentation at the end of the appointment period. Fellows will give an oral (MS PowerPoint) presentation summarizing their experience at the conclusion of the appointment and complete a survey/exit interview. It will be the responsibility of the Batten Fellow, not VAQS, to ensure that any requirements for academic credit at a home institution are fulfilled. This competitive position includes a stipend to help offset personal and incidental expenses over the course of the appointment period. **Winter/Spring Batten Fellow application materials are due by 9 February 2015 and notification of acceptance will occur no later than 23 February 2015. **Spring/Summer Batten Fellow application materials are due by 23 February 2015 and notification of acceptance will occur no later than 9 March 2015. Application materials should be mailed to: Volunteer Services Office – Batten Fellows Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 717 General Booth Boulevard Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Telephone: (757) 385-0274 Fax: (757) 437-6055 E-mail: aquavols(a)virginiaaquarium.com Questions about the Research & Conservation fellowship opportunities can be directed to: Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program E-mail: vaqstranding(a)gmail.com Information on all current Batten Fellowship opportunities can also be viewed on-line at the Virginia Aquarium website: http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/join/batten-fellowship

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Beneath the Waves Film Festival Second Call
by Betsy Mansfield 11 Jan '15

11 Jan '15

Dear Interested Filmmakers, The deadline to submit a film to the Beneath the Waves film festival is approaching quickly! Please submit your film by January 31, 2015. If you have a story to tell about the marine environment, we would love to hear from you. Whether you’re a first-time filmmaker or a professional, we’d love to hear about what interests you about the ocean. Details about submission follow. If you can think of anyone who may be interested, please forward them this call. Thank you, and we look forward to showing your best stories. -The Beneath the Waves Team Details: Please visit www.beneaththewavesfilmfest.org/submit-a-film/<http://www.beneaththewavesfilmfest.org/submit-a-film/> for instructions on submitting and www.beneaththewavesfilmfest.org/festivals/<http://www.beneaththewavesfilmfest.org/festivals/> for films shown in recent festivals. Length Beneath the Waves accepts short films (<10 minutes) to show at all of our festivals. However, if your film is greater than 10 minutes, we will still consider it. Language We prefer films in English, but films in other languages are also acceptable if they have English subtitles. Format We prefer digital submissions addressed to collections(a)beneaththewaves.org<mailto:collections@beneaththewaves.org> using a common compression format. We also require the film to be distributed over a video sharing service (i.e. YouTube, Vimeo, etc.). Contact If you have any questions about submission criteria or how to submit, please contact us at collections(a)beneaththewaves.org<mailto:collections@beneaththewaves.org>

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New publication on “Estimating the spatial position of marine mammals based on digital camera recordings”
by Brasseur, Sophie 11 Jan '15

11 Jan '15

We are pleased to inform you that the following paper has been published: Hoekendijk, J. P. A., de Vries, J., van der Bolt, K., Greinert, J., Brasseur, S., Camphuysen, K. C. J. and Aarts, G. (2015), Estimating the spatial position of marine mammals based on digital camera recordings. Ecology and Evolution. doi: 10.1002/ece3.1353 The paper is published in an open access journal and can be downloaded here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.1353/pdf SHORT SUMMARY Estimating the spatial position of animals is important in many ecological and behavioural studies, but can be extremely challenging for marine mammals who only appear at the surface briefly. This study shows how photogrammetric methods applied to land-based Digital HD recordings of harbour porpoises can be used to accurately estimate their spatiotemporal fine-scale distribution. ABSTRACT Estimating the spatial position of organisms is essential to quantify interactions between the organism and the characteristics of its surroundings, for example, predator–prey interactions, habitat selection, and social associations. Because marine mammals spend most of their time under water and may appear at the surface only briefly, determining their exact geographic location can be challenging. Here, we developed a photogrammetric method to accurately estimate the spatial position of marine mammals or birds at the sea surface. Digital recordings containing landscape features with known geographic coordinates can be used to estimate the distance and bearing of each sighting relative to the observation point. The method can correct for frame rotation, estimates pixel size based on the reference points, and can be applied to scenarios with and without a visible horizon. A set of R functions was written to process the images and obtain accurate geographic coordinates for each sighting. The method is applied to estimate the spatiotemporal fine-scale distribution of harbour porpoises in a tidal inlet. Video recordings of harbour porpoises were made from land, using a standard digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, positioned at a height of 9.59 m above mean sea level. Porpoises were detected up to a distance of ~3136 m (mean 596 m), with a mean location error of 12 m. The method presented here allows for multiple detections of different individuals within a single video frame and for tracking movements of individuals based on repeated sightings. In comparison with traditional methods, this method only requires a digital camera to provide accurate location estimates. It especially has great potential in regions with ample data on local (a)biotic conditions, to help resolve functional mechanisms underlying habitat selection and other behaviors in marine mammals in coastal areas. On behalf of all authors, Sophie Brasseur

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Dr. Kanjana Adulyanukosol
by Ellen M Hines 10 Jan '15

10 Jan '15

Dear Colleagues, yesterday, January 10, 2015, Dr. Kanjana Adulyanukosol, passed away from liver cancer. Kanjana was the foremost dugong scientist in Thailand. She began to study dugongs in 1988, and worked tirelessly to bring awareness of dugongs and their conservation to Thailand and beyond. Dr. Kanjana was a wonderful and generous woman who inspired, mentored and challenged many of us, and became our lifelong friend. Her books and papers are an impressive scientific contribution, while her exhibits, posters and famous t-shirts became lessons and examples in the importance of reaching out beyond the scientific community. Her pioneering research on Bryde's whales in the upper Gulf of Thailand has brought us a wealth of valuable knowledge. She tirelessly communicated her message of marine mammal conservation to countless local communities. For myself and many others, to have known and loved Kanjana has shaped our lives and our science. To continue within her legacy will be the greatest honor. Ellen Hines, PhD Associate Director & Professor of Geography Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies San Francisco State University 3152 Paradise Drive Tiburon, CA 94920 USA 1 415 338 3512 Fax: 1 415 338 6243 ehines(a)sfsu.edu<mailto:ehines@sfsu.edu> http://rtc.sfsu.edu/research/in_hines.html

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SEAMAMMS Call for Abstracts
by Margaret C. Lynott 09 Jan '15

09 Jan '15

The 2015 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) will take place March 27-29, 2015 in Virginia Beach, VA and will be hosted by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. SEAMAMMS is a regional, student-oriented, scientific marine mammal meeting. Preference will be given to marine mammal research conducted in the mid-Atlantic and southeast US or conducted by students in the same region. Other topics will be considered as space is available. Students and other interested parties are invited to submit abstracts for oral presentation and poster session. Attached you will find details for abstract submission. Abstracts are due by 5:00pm on Friday, February 13. The conference website will be up shortly and a link will be sent out. Maggie Lynott Stranding Response Manager Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program 717 General Booth Blvd Virginia Beach, VA 23451 mlynott(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:mlynott@virginiaaquarium.com> 757-385-6482 (desk) 757-437-4933 (fax)

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Summer Dolphin Research Internship in Savannah, GA
by Perrtree, Robin 09 Jan '15

09 Jan '15

The Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Laboratory (SSUDS lab) is accepting applications for Summer 2015 interns. There are 2-3 positions available. Application deadline is March 1st. The SSUDS lab is located adjacent to the marsh on the campus of Savannah State University in coastal Georgia. The SSUDS lab and Dr. Tara Cox study spatial ecology and conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, marine and coastal policy and management, and human interactions with marine mammals. Current projects include: Human-interaction behaviors (particularly begging), stock structure and abundance estimates, and diet of common bottlenose dolphins. Interns will support graduate research on common bottlenose dolphins living in the local waterways. Dates: May 11th - Aug 1st (Start and end dates are flexible) Location: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia Time: Interns are expected to commit full time (40 hours per week) and their time will be split between lab and field work. Lab duties include: photo-identification, data entry and double checking Field duties: assisting with small boat-based photo-identification surveys including sighting dolphins, data recording, photography, and environmental measurements Qualifications: * Minimum age of 18 years old * Currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field * Strong interest in marine mammals, the environment, and conservation * Computer proficiency, especially MS Office * Enthusiastic, attentive to detail, responsible, and dedicated * Works well in a team environment as well as individually * Ability to work long days in the hot sun on a small boat To apply please submit the following via email with the subject "SSUDS Internship" to perrtreer(a)savannahstate.edu<mailto:perrtreer@savannahstate.edu> : * A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, how the experience will help you meet your long-term goals, and your dates of availability. * A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. * Current academic transcripts (unofficial are sufficient). * Names and contact information for two references. This position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transport to Savannah, GA. This is a great opportunity to work with scientists and graduate students in the field and lab while gaining experience with photo-identification and boat-based marine mammal surveys. Savannah State University offers a Master of Science in Marine Sciences; thus, successful interns may have future opportunities for graduate study in the SSUDS lab. For more information about Marine Sciences at SSU please visit: http://www.savannahstate.edu/cost/nat-science/marine-sci.shtml Robin Perrtree SSUDS Lab Manager Marine Sciences Technician Savannah State University Savannah, Georgia

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Bimini Course - Final Deadline for Applications 15 Feb 2015
by Yeater, Prof. Deirdre M. 09 Jan '15

09 Jan '15

STUDY ABROAD BIMINI, THE BAHAMAS PS 299 - Special Topics in Psychology (3 Credits) - or - BI 199/299 - Special Topics in Biology for Non-Majors/Majors(3 Credits) Summer 2015: May 26 - June 8, 2015 *** Deadline Extended until February 15, 2015! Led by Dr. Deirdre Yeater in the Sacred Heart University Psychology department in collaboration with Dolphin Communication Project, this course will examine the behavioral and social ecology of coastal cetaceans, particularly Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. You will enjoy a hands-on learning experience with wild dolphins, in the beautiful waters surrounding the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. On the program, you will earn three credits while learning to record and analyze dolphin behaviors. You will also learn about ecotourism and human impacts on the marine environment. The field work at Bimini will consist of 4 to 5 hour boat surveys. If the group is able to make underwater observations, you will be assisting in the use of underwater slates, video cameras, and digital still cameras. The number of students accepted will be limited by the size of the research vessel. Therefore, you should apply as soon as possible. You MUST be able to swim and snorkel as part of the program. Application Deadline February 15! For more information, contact: Sacred Heart University Office of Global Affairs (203) 396-8028 studyabroad(a)sacredheart.edu<mailto:studyabroad@sacredheart.edu> www.sacredheart.edu/studyabroad<http://www.sacredheart.edu/studyabroad> https://sacredheart-sa.terradotta.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewPro… or Dolphin Communication Project http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/ Program Highlights Study Dolphins Dolphins are long-lived and social! Yet, we know little about their social relationships. Study dolphins in their natural habitat. Bimini, The Bahamas Less than 7 mile long and only a few hundred yards wide, Bimini is known for big game fishing, SCUBA diving, mangroves, and of course, wild dolphins. Application Requirements Students majoring/minoring in Psychology, Biology, or a related discipline Minimum GPA of 3.0 Visiting students accepted Deirdre Yeater, Ph.D Associate Professor Sacred Heart University 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT 06825 Phone: 203-365-4870 Fax: 203-371-7998

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Duke University Marine Laboratory Marine Conservation Summer Institute- Global Fellowship Announcement 2015
by Heather Heenehan 08 Jan '15

08 Jan '15

*Duke University Marine Laboratory Marine Conservation Summer Institute-Global Fellowships Summer 2015* *Application Deadline: February 1, 2015* The Duke University Marine Laboratory is offering an unparalleled educational opportunity from July 6 - August 7, 2015. Duke's Marine Conservation Summer Institute focuses on principles necessary for the conservation and preservation of coastal and ocean environments during an intensive five-week summer session. The emphasis is on interdisciplinary problem solving using biophysical and social science to address real world environmental problems. This program is an opportunity for students and professionals at any level to think about conservation biology and policy in an environment full of students, faculty and practitioners grappling with the same issues. The Institute will immerse students in the world of marine conservation biology and policy, giving them a set of basic tools for addressing and understanding issues of conserving marine biodiversity in the context of 21st Century society and the 'anthropocene' epoch. The Institute is set in the vibrant educational and research setting of the Duke University Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, North Carolina. The five-week course consists of three weeks of plenary lectures, field trips and activities, and two intensive week-long modules intertwined in weeks two and four and led by experts in the field. 2015 Themes and Instructors: · Human Dimensions and the Marine Environment · Coastal Aquaculture and Conservation · Ocean Energy and Sustainability · Invasive Species · Sea Turtle & Marine Mammal Conservation & US Ocean Laws · Doug Nowacek, Conservation Technology (Institute Director) · Xavier Basurto, Sustainability & Ocean Governance · James Morris, NOAA, Marine Ecology · Andy Read, Conservation Biology, Marine Vertebrates · Steve Roady, Environmental Law *Global Fellowships *in Marine Conservation will be awarded on a competitive basis and are contingent on available funding. The Fellowship fully covers travel expenses, room and board, tuition, and fees for ENVIRON 746A Marine Conservation Summer Institute. *Eligibility:* The Global Fellowships are available to any international applicant with a good working knowledge of English who has an interest in marine conservation biology and policy, ideally with the intent to apply this interest to the practice of coastal and marine conservation. *The course does not have specific prerequisites, but Global Fellows must have a BA or BS degree in hand and be enrolled in a graduate program, or currently working in the field of marine conservation. Past participants are not eligible for multiple fellowships.* *To Apply for Global Fellowships: * It is our preference to receive applications via email (rachel.lopiccolo(a)duke.edu) or by fax (252)504-7648. If sent by postal mail, application materials should be directed to: Duke Marine Lab Global Fellows Program c/o Rachel Lo Piccolo 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd Beaufort NC 28516, USA *Application Materials* In addition to the enrollment form, each Global Fellowship applicant is required to submit the following credentials: (*Please include last name and title on all printed and electronic documents) Documents to be submitted electronically as ONE document. Please include last name in file title: · Duke University Marine Lab summer course enrollment form- please print and send completed form · A brief essay - please limit this to one page - describing the applicant's background, education, research, and work experience. Please note a Curriculum Vitae does not take the place of this essay · A brief statement of purpose - please limit this to one page - i.e., describing the applicant's reason for applying for the Fellowship, how the applicant will be able to apply the training in his/her home country; and the applicant's future goals. · A Complete Curriculum Vitae. Documents below to be submitted with application or sent separate directly to Rachel Lo Piccolo · A letter of recommendation from academic faculty or employer addressed to Dr. Doug Nowacek. We do not offer guidelines about the information to be included in your reference letter. These letters typically include how the referee knows you, his/her opinions of your work together in the past, and thoughts about whether he/she feels you'd be well suited to this program. · A copy of your transcript is preferred. It may be an unofficial version. The transcript can be emailed to rachel.lopiccolo(a)duke.edu or faxed to (252) 504-7638 to the attention of Rachel Lo Piccolo. A non-certified translation of the transcript is fine. If sending a transcript is impossible, then please send a copy of your degree. If a traditional transcript is available, documentation certifying your courses, grades and official notes taken in each course during university studies in addition to a copy of your diploma will be required. *Due Date* Global Fellowship applications materials must be received no later than *February, 1st 2015,* by Rachel Lo Piccolo (rachel.lopiccolo(a)duke.edu) All applicants will be notified of their award status soon after the deadline date. We appreciate your interest in our Global Fellows program. If you have any questions you may contact Rachel Lo Piccolo at rachel.lopiccolo(a)duke.edu. Global Fellowship Application instructions: http://nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/global-fellowships-marine-conservation Global Fellowship Application for printing: http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/marinelab/programs/enrollment_forms/summerapp Marine Conservation Summer Institute: http://superpod.ml.duke.edu/mcsi/

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National Marine Life Center: Summer Internship Opportunities
by Margot Madden 08 Jan '15

08 Jan '15

The National Marine Life Center, a non-profit marine animal rehabilitation, education, and science center in Buzzards Bay, MA is seeking qualified applicants for our summer internship programs. Internships are available in marine animal rehabilitation & education, as well as marketing/development. Please read the job descriptions below, and if interested, apply as directed below. Marine Animal Rehabilitation & Education Internship Animal Care Responsibilities- Depending on need and case load, interns will assist with the care of the NMLC rehabilitation patients including seals, sea turtles, and freshwater turtles. Animal Care duties will include animal restraint, cleaning, disinfecting tanks, equipment, and environmental enrichment devices, food preparation, administering feeds including tube feeding, record keeping, maintenance, and water quality testing. Interns will also assist animal care staff with medical procedures, admission exams, and release events. Education Responsibilities- Interns will assist with environmental education programs, including on-site programs, off-site programs, fairs, and festivals. Interns will assist in giving public presentations to guests of NMLC and educate them on marine animals and conservation. Interns will assist in the gift shop, assist with various office projects, create displays for the Discovery Center, and help create lesson plans and activities that are aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks. Other Responsibilities- Each intern will take on a project which they will work on for the duration of their internship. The project must be proposed by the student and agreed upon with the NMLC staff. At the end of the internship, the intern will present the project to the staff, volunteers, and members of the public. Each intern will also be assigned a weekly chore to assist with the upkeep of the facility and equipment, and will be required to attend regularly scheduled intern meetings. Positions are unpaid, interns must have their own transportation, and housing is not provided, but NMLC will offer suggestions. Qualifications- -The internship is open to students who are currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university. High school students may also be considered. -Preference will be given to students or recent graduates working towards biology, environmental studies, marine science, education, or other related fields. -Intern should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. -Students that are adaptable, responsible, hard working, willing to learn, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply. -Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. -Interns must be able to commit to at least three months; summer interns should be available to work from May 23, 2o15 – August 15, 2015. -Interns should expect to work 35-40 hours per week which will include early morning and/or late night seal feedings. -If an intern plans to receive school credit for an internship they must notify staff prior to the internship start date, and it will be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required paperwork is completed and submitted. To Apply- Send your resume, cover letter, and one letter of reference to Kate Shaffer & Margot Madden at apply(a)nmlc.org or PO Box 269, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts 02532. Applications must be received by August 1 for the fall semester, November 30 for the spring semester, or February 28 for the summer semester. Marketing/Development Internship Responsibilities- -Promoting NMLC’s mission through appropriate publications and venues. -Assisting with donor outreach and communications, including donor tracking, follow-up, and upkeep of the donor database. -Updating community and website calendars with upcoming events and educational programs. -Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising events including our annual Mermaid Ball, Feet Fins & Flippers 5K, Deals for Seals Yard Sale, and The Spectacle of the Trees. Specific activities include: Creating event marketing materials, Writing press releases, Managing the 5K t-shirt design competition, Recruiting event sponsors, Recruiting donations for auction and raffle prizes, Helping with event registration and day of preparations -Maintaining social media outlets: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, & Instagram. -Maintaining our WordPress website. -Research potential funding sources and apply for funding through grants and sponsorship programs. -Update and edit current marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, direct mailings, and educational materials. -Update NMLC’s marketing plan, social media policy, media policy, & other communications policies Qualifications- -The internship is open to students who are currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from an accredited college or university. -Preference will be given to students or recent graduates in marketing, communications, or other related fields. -Strong written and verbal communication skills. -Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. -Must be outgoing and personable with good social and conversational skills. -Have knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite and social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube & blogging -Must be able to work independently and as part of a team. -Intern must be able to commit to at least three months; summer interns should be available from May 23, 2015-August 15, 2015. -Intern should expect to work 20-24 hours per week, including weekends, evenings, & holidays. -If an intern plans to receive school credit for an internship they must notify staff prior to the internship start date, and it will be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required paperwork is completed and submitted. -This position is unpaid. Interns must have their own transportation. Housing is not provided, but NMLC will offer suggestions. To Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and one letter of reference to Kate Shaffer and Ashley Bolbrock at apply(a)nmlc.org or PO Box 269, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, 02532. Applications must be received by August 1 for the fall semester, November 30 for the spring semester, or February 28 for the summer. -- Margot Madden Animal Care and Programs Assistant National Marine Life Center PO Box 269, 120 Main St Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 P (508) 743-9888 F (508) 759-5477 mmadden(a)nmlc.org

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New publication on critical habitat selection for bottlenose dolphins in the Istanbul Strait
by aylin akkaya 08 Jan '15

08 Jan '15

Dear Marmam Members, We are pleased to inform you that our latest paper has been published: Aylin Akkaya Baş, Ayaka Amaha Öztürk and Bayram Öztürk. 2014. Selection of critical habitats for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) based on behavioral data, in relation to marine traffic in the Istanbul Strait, Turkey Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12202. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12202/abstract Abstract: Marine traffic is a significant source of disturbance to the bottlenose dolphin population in the Istanbul Strait, Turkey. To determine the importance of this threat, behavioral data together with sighting data of both dolphins and marine vessels were assessed for 2012. The current study suggests that the Istanbul Strait is used mostly as a foraging ground for bottlenose dolphins. Nonetheless, in the same area there is intense marine traffic as well as increase of industrial fishing activities in autumn. The findings of this study indicated that high-speed ferries and high-speed boats were the most significant source of disturbance. Moreover, increased densities of fishing vessels resulted in a drastic decline of dolphin sightings. This study highlights that vessel type, speed, distance, and density have a cumulative negative effect on dolphins. In order to mitigate the impacts of vessels, it is necessary to establish managed areas in the Istanbul Strait. Such proposed areas should limit speed and density of marine traffic and have specific restrictions on vessel routes. We propose three different seasonal managed areas according to their values as critical habitat for bottlenose dolphins in the strait. Please e-mail me if you want a PDF copy. Sincerely,Aylin AKKAYA BAS

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