October 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper on estimating cetacean force outputs
by Logan Arthur 26 Oct '15

26 Oct '15

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in *Marine Mammal Science*. Arthur L.H., McLellan W.A., Piscitelli, M.A., Rommel S.A., Woodward B.L., Winn W.P., Potter C.W., and D.A. Pabst. (2015) Estimating maximal force output of cetaceans using axial locomotor muscle morphology. *Marine Mammal Science*. 31:1401-1426. ABSTRACT: Cetaceans span a large range of body sizes and include species with the largest known locomotor muscles. To date, force output and thrust production have only been directly measured in the common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*), although thrust forces have been hydrodynamically modeled for some whales. In this study, two metrics of epaxial muscle size—cross-sectional area (CSA) and mass—were used to estimate force output for 22 species (*n *= 83 specimens) ranging in size from bottlenose dolphins to blue whales (*Balaenoptera musculus*). Relative to total body length (TL), maximum force output estimated based upon both muscle CSA (TL1.56 ± 0.05) and mass (TL2.64 ± 0.07) scaled at rates lower than those predicted by geometric scaling, suggesting relative force output decreases with increasing body size in cetaceans. Estimated maximal force outputs were compared to both published drag forces and to the breaking strengths of commercial fishing lines known to entangle whales. The breaking strengths of these lines are within the same order of magnitude, and in some cases, exceed the estimated maximal force output of whales. These results suggest that while powerful animals, large whales may be unable to break the extremely strong fishing line used today. The article can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12230/abstract PDFs can be requested at Logan.h.arthur(a)gmail.com Regards, Logan Arthur

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Marine Mammalogy Position
by Chris Marshall 23 Oct '15

23 Oct '15

The Department of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor position in the area of Marine Mammalogy. We seek an individual with a Ph.D. whose research complements that of faculty in the Department of Marine Biology (www.tamug.edu/marb<x-apple-msg-load://875BB978-1634-4122-9200-423B4B31EE2F/www.tamug.edu/marb>). Preference will be given to applicants with expertise in acoustics, behavioral ecology, fisheries interactions, or any organismal aspects of marine mammalogy. We are particularly interested in recruiting someone who has developed innovative research approaches to the field and who will be comfortable developing multidisciplinary partnerships with other research groups across the university. Teaching responsibilities will include a course in marine mammalogy and advanced courses in the candidate's area of specialization. The successful applicant will be expected to establish and sustain a vigorous externally funded research program as well as mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. TAMUG is the ocean-oriented branch campus of Texas A&M University (TAMU) and is presently undergoing continuous growth and expansion of its physical facilities. In addition to undergraduate programs, TAMUG is the host campus of a graduate-level Interdisciplinary Degree Program (lDP) in Marine Biology, which is comprised of faculty from six departments within the Texas A&M University System. Apart from the lDP, members of the Department of Marine Biology also maintain joint or graduate appointments in departments on the main and Galveston campuses. The Department recently moved into the new Ocean and Coastal Studies Building, and this LEED-certified facility is home to over 20 research laboratories, two teaching laboratories, and a Sea Life Center with running sea water systems. More information of the Department and the campus can be found athttp://www.tamug.edu<http://www.tamug.edu/> Applications should be received by November 30, 2015<x-apple-data-detectors://2> for full consideration. Anticipated start date for the position is fall 2016. To apply, send a curriculum vitae, statement of current research and teaching interests and list of three references with contact information to: Chair, Marine Biology Search Committee PAR # 3822, c/o Human Resources Department, Texas A&M University at Galveston, P.O. Box 1675, 200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX 77553-1675<x-apple-data-detectors://3> or by email referencing PAR # 3822 (hr(a)tamug.edu<mailto:hr@tamug.edu>). For more information regarding the position, contact the Department Head of Marine Biology (Dr. John R. Schwarz) by e-mail (schwarzj(a)tamug.edu<mailto:schwarzj@tamug.edu>).Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of eligibility to work in the U.S. Texas A & M University at Galveston is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action/ Veterans/ Disability Employer. Notice of Non-discrimination http://vpfa.tamu.edu/media/642261/NoticeOfNonDiscrimination.pdf

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HDR Honours opportunity: Geospatial analysis of marine mammal records , Victoria Australia
by Kate Charlton-Robb 23 Oct '15

23 Oct '15

Hi All, We are seeking a full-time Honours candidate to investigate “Geospatial analysis of marine mammal records, Victoria, Australia”. Please find details of the research project and application process below. Please also note, due to the nature of an Honours year, we will only be able to accept applications from Australian Citizens. Kind Regards, Dr Kate Charlton-Robb *_____________________* *Honours opportunity with the Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation (AMMCF), Museum Victoria and Deakin University. * *AMMCF*, in affiliation with *Museum Victoria*, *Zoos Victoria* and *Deakin University*, is currently seeking applications from highly qualified candidates for BSc Honours 2016. The project will assess the stranding and sighting records of marine mammals (whales, dolphins and seals) as a part of AMMCFs larger biodiversity assessment research program led by Dr Kate Charlton-Robb. ***Background & Project overview* 37% of all marine mammals are at a risk of extinction, with 25% of marine mammal species listed as ‘threatened’. Marine mammals in the southern ocean face many threats that potentially impact on their long-term survival, including habitat degradation, anthropogenic activities, over-exploitation of prey species, and oceanic and environmental changes. In addition, the loss of top apex predators has the potential to seriously impact on lower trophic levels and important ecosystem functions. There is a distinct lack of knowledge about which cetaceans reside in Victorian waters, making it especially difficult to assess potential food-web and ecosystems impacts. Recently, unexpected or rarely observed species in this region have been recorded, including pigmy sperm whale (/Kogia breviceps/), rough-toothed dolphin (/Steno bredanensis/), shepherd’s beaked whale (/Tasmacetus shepherdi/) and striped dolphin (/Stenella coeruleoalba/). This Honours project will collate and assess the stranding (live/deceased beach-cast animals) and sightings records from across Victoria from numerous sources and use geospatial analyses to investigate the potential ecological drivers influencing such events; thus providing critical conservation and management knowledge for numerous top-order species. In particular, this research will provide a comprehensive biodiversity assessment, greatly extending our knowledge of marine mammal species in southern Australian waters, and potentially identifying rare, unique or endangered species. This Honours project will be offered in affiliation with Museum Victoria, co–supervised by Dr Karen Rowe and Deakin University, co-supervised by Associate Professor John Arnould. *Requirements* · Bachelor of Science degree, with a minimum of Distinction average. · Experience in collecting and processing ecological data. · Proficiency in Microsoft and statistical packages. · Familiarity with GIS analyses and software and relational databases (e.g., Microsoft Access). *Application Process* Please send your expressions of interest containing the following: 1.A brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience and the project of interest. 2.Curriculum Vitae 3.Current academic transcript 4.Two relevant referees who are familiar with your academic, research and ethical record. Please forward the above to Dr Kate Charlton-Robb kcr(a)ammcf.org.au <mailto:kcr@ammcf.org.au>. Applications will be considered and we will contact you with further information. *CLOSING DATE 13^th November 2016* -- Dr Kate-Charlton-Robb Principal Researcher Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation PO Box 2046 Hampton East VIC 3188 e: kcr(a)ammcf.org.au w: ammcf.org.au

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Re: [MARMAM] Navy Living Marine Resource Program Environmental Need Topics - call for pre-proposals
by Shoemaker, Mandy L CIV NAVFAC EXWC, EV13 23 Oct '15

23 Oct '15

We have had some technical difficulties with the Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) website today, but it appears as though everything is back up and running. We understand that folks are trying to submit pre-proposals today and apologize for the inconvenience. At this time, we have extended the deadline to 5:00 pm, Pacific Daylight Time on Monday 26 OCTOBER, 2015. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience. Thanks, Mandy Shoemaker Senior Marine Resources Specialist Living Marine Resources Program -----Original Message----- From: Shoemaker, Mandy L CIV NAVFAC EXWC, EV13 Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2015 3:39 PM To: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca Subject: Navy Living Marine Resource Program Environmental Need Topics - call for pre-proposals The Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals in two topic areas related to underwater sound produced by human activities and its effects on marine life. Topics include: 1) behavioral response research to study the effects of sound on marine mammals and 2) marine species hearing research related to the acoustic effects criteria. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the LMR website, http://www.lmr.navy.mil/Preproposals.aspx, for more information about the LMR program and the solicitation. Federal government applicants are not eligible to submit pre-proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), but will be able to submit pre-proposals directly to the relevant Navy statement of need by selecting Federal Government when submitting. Academic, non-federal government, nonprofit, and private sector submitters should select Private/Academia, when submitting their pre-proposal. The need topics can be viewed within the BAA at www.neco.navy.mil, www.fbo.gov, or at www.lmr.navy.mil/Preproposals.aspx. All submissions must be made via the LMR website. The solicitation period will close at 5:00 pm, Pacific Daylight Time on 23 OCTOBER, 2015 (see website or BAA for official dates and other guidance). Anu Kumar Program Manager Living Marine Resources Program Mandy Shoemaker Senior Marine Resources Specialist Living Marine Resources Program

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Announcing Plenary Speakers, Oral Sessions and Special Panels at the SMM 2015 Conference
by Katherina Audley 22 Oct '15

22 Oct '15

Plenaries, Oral Sessions and Special Panels at the SMM 2015 Conference The organizing committee of the 2015 Biennial Conference is proud to announce our plenaries. We will change things up a bit and offer two shorter plenaries each afternoon. We start on Monday morning with an opening plenary by Peter Tyack, and continue that afternoon with a panel of scientists and journalists, entitled: How to Make Your Science Matter, moderated by Nancy Baron, COMPASS Director of Science. This is very exciting, as our panel consists of Marcia Mc Nutt, Editor in Chief of Science, Jane Lubchenko, U.S. Science Envoy for the Oceans, Nick Gales, SMM President, Charles Littnan, NOAA Fisheries, Ken Weiss, from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, and David Malikoff, from Science Magazine. Our subsequent plenaries will reflect themes from the Biennial: On Tuesday, Jennifer Francis (Rutgers University) and Sue Moore (NOAA/NMFS) will discuss climate change. Wednesday¹s speakers, Beth Shapiro (UC Santa Cruz) and Karina Acevedo-Whitehouse (AU of Queretaro) will present emerging technologies. Human Dimensions is the theme for Thursday, with plenary talks by Claudio Campagna (Wildlife Conservation Society) and Mike Orbach (Duke University). Our program is really taking shape! Find out more about our plenaries and developing conference program here <https://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference/conference-schedule/> (https://www.marinemammalscience.org/smm-news/smm-conference-news/plenaries- oral-sessions-and-special-panels-at-the-conference/). Stay tuned for more announcements and a detailed scientific program coming mid-November. We look forward to seeing you in San Francisco, its going to be great!

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November Lecture Series: In the Heart of the Sea
by Monica Pepe 22 Oct '15

22 Oct '15

In partnership with NOAA and Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the New Bedford Whaling Museum is hosting a 3-part lecture series titled Whales in the Heart of the Sea. The series leads up to the release of the film In the Heart of the Sea, directed by Ron Howard, and based off Nathaniel Philbrick's novel about the sinking of the whaleship Essex. Guest speakers include Dr. Michael Moore (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute), Scott Landry (Center for Coastal Studies), Robert Rocha (New Bedford Whaling Museum), Regina Asmutis-Silvia (Whale & Dolphin Conservation), Dr. Hal Whitehead (Dalhousie University Professor of Biology), Colleen Coogan (NOAA Fisheries), and Michael Harrison (Chief Curator of the from the Nantucket Historical Society). Dates: November 3rd, 10th, and 17th Time: Reception at 6PM, lectures at 6:30PM Location: New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740 Registration is FREE and you can reserve seats by calling 508-997-0046 ext. 100 or online through the New Bedford Whaling Museum at http://store.whalingmuseum.org/collections/events/products/whales-in-the-he…. For those unable to attend, the event will be streamed live. Streaming information can be found at http://whalesense.org/events/ the night of the event. Funding provided through NOAA and the Preserve America Program. [WDC - Whale and Dolphin Conservation]<http://www.whales.org/> Monica Pepe Conservation and Education Manager Telephone: +1 508 746 2522 Skype monica.c.pepe WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation 7 Nelson Street Plymouth MA 02360-4044 United States whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC on Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/whales.org> [WDC on Twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org> [WDC on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <http://whales.org/en/blog> [WDC E-Newsletter] <http://whales.org/en/newsletter> [http://www.wdcs.co.uk/media/images/EmailSignatureImages/Campaigns/USAddYour…]<http://us.whales.org/protect-humpbacks> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC"), Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. WDC, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: +1 (508) 746-2522 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. ________________________________

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workshop on the analysis of capture-recapture data using multievent models
by GIMENEZ Olivier 22 Oct '15

22 Oct '15

Upcoming workshop on the analysis of capture-recapture data using multievent models to be held at Center for Evolutionary and Functional Ecology (CEFE), Montpellier, France, 21-25 March 2016. The registration of participants will be at CEFE the 21 March on evening and will be followed by 3 days of lectures and practical exercises plus 1 day of practical work on the participants' data. You are hereby cordially invited to take part in the following workshop: MODELLING INDIVIDUAL HISTORIES WITH STATE UNCERTAINTY organized by the Biostatistics and Population Biology team of CEFE in Montpellier (France) The estimation of population parameters (survival, recruitment, dispersal, and population growth rate) is critical to many areas of fundamental and applied biology. The major source of data for such estimation comes from observations of marked animals. This workshop will deal with recent advances in the analysis of such data. The content is aimed at providing the participants with a solid background in the philosophy, theory and practices for the analysis of data from marked animals, with a specific focus on multievent data and models. Multievent capture-recapture models are a natural generalization of the multisite recapture models. Similarly, individuals are sampled on discrete occasions, at which they may be captured or not. However, contrary to the multisite case, uncertainty in the assessment of state such as breeder, diseased or highly catchable can be incorporated into the analysis. Conceptually, it is not states that are observed but rather something dubbed an "event" (a particular breeding behaviour, a positive blood test or just encounter), which reflects to some extent the underlying state. The presence of imperfect observations and the lack of information on individual quality presently make multievent models an invaluable tool in virtually any area of population biology. Current applications include the study of dispersal, epidemiology, individual heterogeneity, mixture of information... New developments allow the treatment of individual heterogeneity through random effects as well as through mixture models, and the inclusion of individual as well as environmental covariates. For examples of topics that can be addressed in the multievent framework, see the non-exhaustive bibliography below. Depending on the majority of participants wishes, one of the following theme will be developped during the workshop: - stopover; - epidemiology; - site occupancy. Emphasis will be placed on stringent procedures for building and selecting the most appropriate models for the data set at hand, in order to be able to draw reliable biological conclusions. Format of the workshop will be a combination of lectures and computer lab exercises with the programs E-SURGE and U-CARE. U-CARE incorporates goodness-of-fit tests for multistate models, and E-SURGE makes the building of complex models easy based on a language describing the structure of models in a compact and user-friendly way. All lectures and course material will be in English. It is our hope that participants will bring their own capture-recapture data to work on them during the workshop. To take full advantage of the workshop, it is expected that the participants will have some basic practice of the analysis of CR data. Teachers: Roger Pradel, Rémi Choquet, Olivier Gimenez, Tamar Lok, and Jean-Dominique Lebreton. Participants will have to provide their own laptop computer that is capable of running Windows-based software. Thank you for disseminating this message to colleagues and students who may not have received it. The workshop organizers Roger Pradel, Rémi Choquet, Olivier Gimenez For application, go to http://multievent.sciencesconf.org/

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Invited keynote speakers - 30th Conference of the European Cetacean Society, Madeira, 14 - 16 March, 2016
by ECS2016 Madeira Conference 21 Oct '15

21 Oct '15

The 30th Conference of the European Cetacean Society Organizing Committee is pleased to announce the following three keynote speakers for the 2016 Conference: - Professor Hal Whitehead of Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada, will be giving a talk entitled “Sperm whale societies of the Atlantic and Pacific: why so different?”; - Dr. Robin Baird of Cascadia Research Collective, Washington, USA, will speak on “Oasis in a desert sea: development of island-associated populations of open-ocean odontocetes in the Hawaiian archipelago”; and - Dr. Mónica Silva’s keynote talk is entitled “the ecological importance of open waters and oceanic islands for baleen whales”. Monica Silvia is a researcher at Mare and IMAR, Azores. The conference will take place in Funchal, Madeira, from 14 - 16 March 2016, hosted by the Madeira Whale Museum The theme of the conference is “Into the Deep: Research and Conservation on Oceanic Marine Mammals”. For further information on the conference visit: http://europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/30th-annual-conference-funchal… The abstracts submission deadline is *23 October 2015* (23:45 CET). The abstracts may be submitted online at ECS Conference page: http://europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/submit-abstract Workshops proposals are also welcome. Workshops will run on 12-13 March. Workshop proposal forms can be downloaded here: http://europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/workshops-0 and should be sent to ecs2016conference(a)gmail.com by the *23 October 2015* (23:45 CET) deadline. Looking forward to meeting you at Madeira in March 2016, Conference Organising Committee

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Seal Rehabilitation and Stranding Internships -URGENT NEED (Ireland)
by Soundside Marinelife Rescue Center 20 Oct '15

20 Oct '15

POSITION ANNOUCMENT - 2 Internships available at Seal Rescue Ireland 1. Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Internship 2. Marine Strandings and Education Internship Seal Rescue Ireland is a very busy marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility located in Courtown Ireland. It is the only seal rehabilitation facility in Ireland and responds to strandings along the entire coast of Ireland. Most strandings are Grey and Common Seal pups who have been wounded, orphaned or injured. The facility is currently accepting applications for their winter internships. This is a full time position for a minimum of eight weeks. Priority will be given to candidates who can start immediately and stay a longer period of time. MARINE MAMMAL REHABILITATION INTERNSHIP Job Summary: This position provides the intern with work experience in the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals. The candidate is responsible for assisting in the daily husbandry care and maintenance of rehabilitation animals (cleaning, food prep, visitor talks, etc.). Participation in the rescue groups educational program and fundraising program are required. We are a small facility so interns are expose to many different aspects of what it takes to run a rehab facility. Each intern will be responsible for planning one fundraiser or similar project. Requirements: Applicants must have a background or interest in areas of study such as Pre-Vet, Biology, Zoology, or any other animal related field. Applicants must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral instruction, and have effective communication skills. Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas, and must be able to lift 50 pounds. Applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays. Public speaking skills are highly encouraged. Previous animal care and handling skills are preferred. MARINE STRANDINGS AND EDUCATION INTERNSHIP Job Summary: This position will provides the intern with work experience in all aspects of a rescue and rehabilitation centre with primary focus in the educational program and stranding department. The intern will be expected to oversee the educational program and help with its development, plan/attend outreach events, assist with fundraiser events, and develop educational materials. The candidate is also responsible for working at the centre by assisting with marine mammal stranding calls and organizing rescues/transports. There may be some involvement in assisting in the husbandry care and maintenance of rehabilitation animals if interested. Requirements: Applicants must have a background or interest in areas of study such as Pre-Vet, Biology, Zoology, Education, or any other related field. Applicants must be organized, personable, and have ability to plan events. Background knowledge of marine mammals is preferred but not required. Having people skills, ability to speak clearly on the phone, being comfortable around children and ability to speak to a crowd is a must. Looking for a highly motivated individual who will take our stranding response and education program to the next level. Applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays. Both positions are unpaid positions. Intern housing is available at 70 Euro/Week (includes food) if desired. Interns are responsible for all travel expenses. Send a resume and cover letter to: sealrescueireland(a)gmail.com (Attention: Winter Internship: Rehabilitation or Winter Internship:Strandings) Email or call Rehab Manger, Meadow Greenwood, for a full job description or any questions. Telephone: 087 1955 393 www.sealrescueireland.org www.facebook.com/sealrescueireland

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Positions available
by Barkaszi, Mary Jo 20 Oct '15

20 Oct '15

Positions available immediately for experience protected species observers and PAM technicians in the Eastern Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. Must be eligible to work in countries including Cyprus, Israel, Turkey Greece or Qatar. Please send all the following information to these email addresses: EIacovides(a)conshelf.com<mailto:EIacovides@conshelf.com>; eav(a)conshelf.com<mailto:eav@conshelf.com>; tvb(a)conshelf.com<mailto:tvb@conshelf.com> 1) CV - please include citizenship and home port as well as vessel names, dates, and positions on all research and commercial projects you have worked on in the last 3 years. Please state whether you have the following and if so please provide detail: a. Aerial survey experience b. Pelagic bird survey experience c. Coastal species survey experience (e.g. dugongs, manatees, birds) 2) Copies of observer training certificates 3) Copies of offshore medical & safety certificates 4) Rate history / day rate requirement for working as a PSO or PAM operator

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