October 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

marked seals Europe, any ideas?
by Debbie Russell 20 Oct '15

20 Oct '15

Dear all In the last few months, two grey seals have been photographed in southern UK with large numbers on their backs (please see attached). It looks like the marks are in paint? We have been in touch with seal researchers in Netherlands, Ireland, Wales and France - none of who marked the seals. Thus it seems likely the marks were put on at a rescue facility. I would be grateful for any information on these marks. It would also allow us to report re-sightings to the appropriate person. Best wishes Debbie Russell Sea Mammal Research Unit -- *********************************************** Dr Debbie Russell Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) Office: +44 (0)1334 467281 Wednesdays: +44 (0)1334 461808 Postal address: SMRU Gatty Marine Laboratory University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK Twitter: @_SMRU_ *********************************************** The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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Announcement of the 2016 UKIRSC student conference
by Tobias Rosas Da Costa Oliver 20 Oct '15

20 Oct '15

The UK and Ireland Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy is pleased to announce its annual student conference. This will take place between 20th – 22nd of January 2016 at the Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St. Andrews, Scotland. Abstract deadline is 6th of January, 2016. For full details and to register, visit synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/ukrsc UKIRSC Committee

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Marine Mammalogy Position Announcement
by Chris Marshall 19 Oct '15

19 Oct '15

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN MARINE MAMMALOGY 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<http://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 under! graduate 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 at http://www.tamug.edu<http://www.tamug.edu/> Applications should be received by November 30<x-apple-data-detectors://2>, 2015for 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><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><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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new paper: Echolocation signals of Commerson's dolphins in Patagonia Argentina
by Vanesa Reyes 19 Oct '15

19 Oct '15

Dear colleagues We are pleased to announce our recent publication: Reyes Reyes,M.V., Iñíguez, M.A., Hevia, M., Hildebrand, J.A. and Melcón, M.L. (2015). Description and clustering of echolocation signals of Commerson's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) in Bahía San Julián, Argentina. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 138 (4):2046-2053 The article may be found at: URL: http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/138/4/10.1121/1.4929899?a… DOI: 10.1121/1.4929899 Email request can be sent to: vanesa.reyes(a)cethus.org Best regards, Vanesa Reyes

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PSO Training in Charleston, SC - November 21-22
by Angela Bostwick 19 Oct '15

19 Oct '15

Marine Protected Species Consulting is offering BOEM/BSEE-compliant Protected Species Observer training in Charleston, SC on November 21-22. Students will receive a certificate upon successful completion of this course. Day 1 Regulatory framework Visit Sea Turtle Hospital at the South Carolina Aquarium Day 2 Visually Locating and identifying animals Examinations and certification Lunch is provided both days and included in the $800 course fee (college/recent graduate and group discounts available), along with various identification guides, regulatory documents, and admission to the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston. While MPSC is not affiliated with the Aquarium, we will be viewing sea turtles in the facility to discuss the identifying characteristics of different species. MPSC will also be offering PSO Training in Honolulu, Hawaii January 7-8, and in Galveston, TX in February 2016. For more information or to register, please contact Angela at PSOCertifications(a)gmail.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Credit cards and check/money orders accepted. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder, Marine Protected Species Consulting --------------------------------------------------- ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers <https://www.facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers>

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New paper: right whale occurrence in Virginia
by Aaron N. Rice 19 Oct '15

19 Oct '15

Dear Colleagues- We are happy to share this new publication that describes right whale presence near Virginia that just came out as an Early View article on Marine Mammal Science: Salisbury, D. P., C. W. Clark, and A. N. Rice. 2015. Right whale occurrence in the coastal waters of Virginia, U.S.A.: Endangered species presence in a rapidly developing energy market. Marine Mammal Science DOI:10.1111/mms.12276. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12276/abstract -- Aaron N. Rice, Ph.D. Science Director Bioacoustics Research Program Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Cornell University 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850-1999 Email: arice(a)cornell.edu Web: http://www.nbb.cornell.edu/neurobio/aaronrice

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Update on Lagenorhynchus SMM Workshop
by Vollmer, Nicole (Nikki) 19 Oct '15

19 Oct '15

Hello! We just wanted to send an update regarding funding and speakers for the "Rethinking Lagenorhynchus" workshop being held at the SMM Biennial on Sunday, December 13th. We are pleased to announce that workshop registration fees will be covered for the first 24 participants that sign up! These spots are filling up quickly so we encourage you to act fast! This funding has been made possible by the American Genetics Association. Please take note that early bird registration has past, and workshop registration is now US $90.00. Registration for the workshop should be done through the conference website: https://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference/conference-registration/. Also, several very distinguished colleagues will be presenting their past and current work on Lagenorhynchus (and Cephlorhynchus). Confirmed speakers currently include Nobuyuki Miyazaki, María Constanza Marchesi, Anders Galatius, Frank Cipriano, Frants Jensen, Marianne Rasmussen, Susannah Buchan, Dara Orbach, and Marta Hevia. Please let us know if you have any questions, and see you in December! Thank you, Nikki and Erin Erin Ashe (ea84(a)st-andrews.ac.uk) Nikki Vollmer (vollmern(a)si.edu) Nicole Vollmer, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow NOAA/NMFS/National Systematics Laboratory Smithsonian Institution Natural History Museum PO Box 37012, MRC 0153 Washington, DC 20013-7012 202-633-2137 vollmern(a)si.edu

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Volunteers needed for bottlenose dolphin project, New Zealand
by Outhwaite, Blair 18 Oct '15

18 Oct '15

Bottlenose Dolphin Behavioural Volunteer Position at Great Barrier Island, New Zealand A volunteer is required to assist with a MSc study investigating the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at Great Barrier Island (GBI) and part of the Auckland coastline, New Zealand. This MSc project is part of the ongoing research of the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz<https://owa.massey.ac.nz/owa/redir.aspx?C=QIoA5pdRuUCToTWBw5X7lA6HAVO4K9EIs…>). The primary aim of this study is to assess the behaviour and acoustic repertoire of nationally endangered bottlenose dolphins in an area of zero tourism pressure. DATES: While the field season runs year round, currently volunteers are needed from December 2015 - March 2016. A minimum commitment of three months is required and priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods. LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand FIELDWORK: The volunteer position entails assisting during field surveys and analysis of bottlenose dolphin behavioural videos and photo-identification (photo-id). The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individuals based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of databases for archiving field data. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-id, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills. Fieldwork can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants therefore need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. During GBI trips, we will be based on the island for an average of 4 days, once a month. Coastal surveys will be conducted over 4 non-consecutive days of each month. Both GBI trips and coastal surveys are weather dependent. All surveys will be conducted from a 4.8m Stabicraft vessel. RESPONSIBILITIES: . Assisting with; boat-based photo-id surveys from a small vessel and collecting environmental/video based behavioural data (25% of the time). DISCLAIMER: while it is highly likely that the participant will gain field work experience, due to the nature of the project, time in the field cannot be guaranteed. . Analysis of photo-id and behavioural video data in the lab; including assistance with photo sorting, grading, and matching of photos, maintenance of a long-term photo-id catalogue, identifying behavioural events on video, and data entry. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days in the office analysing of photographs and matching them with the photo-identification catalogue (75% of the time). As this is a volunteer position, there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Auckland, living expenses, travel costs and visa. Accommodation and travel expenses to/from GBI will be covered. PREREQUISITES: . Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent . Have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research . Speak fluent English . Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude . Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation . Participants must be able to swim and should be comfortable working on small boats . Participants must be comfortable living out of a small backpack (with the exception of food) for several days (during GBI trips) QUALIFICATIONS: . The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent grads and graduate students who have some background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related fields . Basic computer proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel) Preferred qualifications but not required: . Prior experience working on small vessels . Field research including photo-id experience . Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research . First AID/CPR certification APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to B.Outhwaite(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:B.Outhwaite@massey.ac.nz>, using "volunteer position" as the subject line. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, the dates when you are available to assist on the project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant experience. Early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. All the best, Blair ---------------------------------- Blair Outhwaite MSc Candidate Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 Auckland, New Zealand Tel: +64 (0)9 414 0800 Ext: 43791(office) Cell: +64 (0)21 062 2794 Email: B.Outhwaite(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:B.Outhwaite@massey.ac.nz> Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/

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Marine Mammal Research Internship
by Victoria Howard 17 Oct '15

17 Oct '15

*Winter/Spring 2016 Marine Mammal Research Internship* The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will participate with multiple projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research, sea turtle satellite tracking, and other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Interns must: - Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. - Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. - Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. - Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. - *Principle Duties include*: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21’ and 31’ boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS - *Secondary Duties involve*: Assisting with animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting with educational tours. - *Field days: *Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this Internship Program. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations. *Deadline to Apply for the Winter/Spring Session (1/4/16 - 3/25/16 and 3/7/16 - 5/27/16) is November 1, 2015* *Please visit **http://imms.org/internship.php* <http://imms.org/internship.php>* for application and full details*

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LGBT Night at SMM Biennial, Thurs. Dec. 17
by Daniel Palacios 16 Oct '15

16 Oct '15

Dear colleagues, We are planning an informal "LGBT Night" during the SMM Biennial Conference on Thursday December 17. The intent is to provide a space of community for our LGBT colleagues and to promote diversity and inclusivity within our profession. Our current plan for the evening is as follows: 7:30 - 8:30 pm: Mixer with drinks and appetizers at The Marker Hotel, 501 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 9410, just a block from the Hilton (near Taylor Street). They will put us in an area just off the main bar (BDK). 9:00 - 10:00 pm: Dinner at Chow, 215 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114. Chow on Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/chow-san-francisco-3 We plan to use public transportation from the Hilton/Marker area taking the Muni train on Market St. and getting off at the Church St. Station (the one before Castro). Chow is just across the street. 10:00 pm: Bar hopping in The Castro (walking distance from Chow) Folks are welcome to join any or all activities. So that we can provide the mixer and dinner venues an approximate guest count, we would appreciate an RSVP in response to this email. Please also feel free to direct any questions to us. We look forward to seeing you in San Francisco. It's going to be great! Daniel Palacios <daniel.palacios(a)oregonstate.edu> Annalisa Berta <aberta(a)mail.sdsu.edu <ehines(a)sfsu.edu>> Frank Cipriano <cipriano(a)sfsu.edu> Ellen Hines <ehines(a)sfsu.edu> Jaime Jahncke <jjahncke(a)pointblue.org>

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