November 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Applications for Research Assistant/Intern Coordinator in Cardigan Bay, Wales now open
by Katrin Lohrengel 06 Nov '15

06 Nov '15

The Sea Watch Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, conservation, and public education is seeking applications for the following: RESEARCH ASSISTANT/INTERN COORDINATOR IN CARDIGAN BAY 2016 This position is responsible for assisting the Monitoring Officer in the running of the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project” and coordinating the project interns. The project is based in New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales, and takes care of the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of line-transect, photo-identification, land-based and acoustic surveys. Start Date: April 11th 2016 End Date: November 6th 2016 Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: • Coordinate between the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer and the project interns – in charge of the intern shared house and the intern weekly office rota. • Assisting the Monitoring Officer/Sightings Officer in intern basic training of land- and boat based surveys, photo ID studies, database entry and more. • Assisting the Monitoring Officer in all phases of the research. • Assisting the Sightings Officer with maintenance of the national sightings database. • Optional opportunity to undertake a personal research project supervised by the Monitoring Officer. Research topic will be chosen according to Sea Watch Foundation requirements and applicant’s interests. Requirements: The successful applicant is expected to have completed a BSc degree (or higher) in biology, marine biology, zoology, chemistry, or related field and able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. A strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and experience are beneficial. The applicant should ideally have some experience using DSLR cameras. Practical experience of photo-identification (both photography and matching) is desirable. Experience with other equipment regularly used by Sea Watch Foundation such as hydrophone, theodolite, digiscope and camera drone is advantageous. The applicant must be proficient with database and word processing software and be willing to learn new software applications. Specific experience in use of Access and GIS would be advantageous. Knowledge of other relevant software such as PAMGuard and Raven is useful but not essential. The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player since the project will involve working closely with other researchers, but also must be able to supervise small groups of people as they will be coordinating a team of at least 6 interns. They must be self-motivated, with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly. If a personal research project is undertaken, this brings the opportunity to submit work for scientific publication, and for presentation at the European Cetacean Society Conference. This position is unpaid, but accommodation will be heavily subsidised and will not exceed £10 per week should a charge be made at all. The Research Assistant will be responsible for their own travel expenses to New Quay. Due to the touristic background of New Quay, part-time paid evening work is generally easy to find if required by the applicant. The Research Assistant will have one day of every weekend free and may take a week’s vacation. Dates for this week should be previously agreed if possible. International applications are welcome but it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure visa requirements are met; Sea Watch cannot sponsor visa applications. To apply: Please send your CV and application form (which can be downloaded from our website www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/internships/) with a cover letter and contact details of two referees, reporting any relevant experience you have, to Katrin Lohrengel- katrin.lohrengel(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Deadline: 3rd January 2016. Please specify RESEARCH ASSISTANT/INTERN COORDINATOR in your subject title. Successful applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 3rd February 2016. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife inhabiting Welsh seas. Our work in Wales has been funded over the years by Natural Resources Wales, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: • Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys • Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories, using mark-recapture techniques • Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC using automated click detectors (T-PODs) and hydrophones. • Setting up a library of underwater sounds in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, and to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. At the New Quay office, we also run national training courses in cetacean identification and survey methods for the general public. -- [1] Katrin Lohrengel / Wales Development Officer katrin.lohrengel(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House, Wellington Place, New Quay, Wales, SA45 9NR http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/ [1] [2] [3] Links: ------ [1] http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/ [2] https://www.facebook.com/seawatchfoundation?ref=ts&fref=ts [3] https://twitter.com/WelshCetaceans

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Applications for Research Interns in Cardigan Bay now open
by Katrin Lohrengel 06 Nov '15

06 Nov '15

Sea Watch Foundation – Research Intern Opportunity in Cardigan Bay for 2016 Interns are invited to assist the Sea Watch Foundation (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk) with the running of the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project”. The project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and supports the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of vessel-based, land-based and acoustic surveys. Sea Watch has been monitoring these populations on behalf of the Welsh government (through funding provided by Natural Resources Wales) for the last 15 years. Cardigan Bay contains Britain’s largest coastal population of bottlenose dolphins, for which two Special Areas of Conservation have been established under the EU Habitats Directive. Interns will help the Cardigan Bay Monitoring Officer and the Sightings Officer by taking part in the following tasks: • Land-based surveys • Boat-based surveys • Photo-identification matching • Data entry • Raising public awareness • Education initiatives and school visits • Acoustic data collection • Assisting with and participation in training courses and public talks. In addition to these tasks, this year we are specifically looking for two interns in each period with interest in recently acquired specialist equipment to assist us in acoustic and aerial data collection using a towed hydrophone and unmanned camera drone respectively. Both drone and hydrophone interns will undertake all regular intern activities but will be expected to concentrate on acoustic and aerial data collection during boat based surveys. If you are particularly interested in either opportunity, please draw our attention to it in your covering letter and application form, highlighting relevant experience and by titling your application email Drone Research Intern or Hydrophone Research Intern. Interns are required from mid April until the end of October 2016. The research season is split into four separate periods, two 8-week periods (periods 1 & 2) and two 6-week periods (periods 3 & 4). Preference will be given to those applying for more than one period, including the whole 6.5 month field season, and particularly to applicants interested in working with the drone or towed hydrophone. Those applying for longer periods of time will be able to take on a personal project, potentially leading to a publication. Interns will be based in New Quay, Ceredigion, West Wales. Accommodation is provided through rental of a house that interns share at a rate of around £70 per person per week. Interns are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Period dates for summer 2016: Period 1: 18/04 – 12/06, Period 2: 13/06 – 07/08, Period 3: 08/08 – 18/09, Period 4: 19/09 – 30/10 Important skills/qualifications Essential: • an ability to work in a meticulous and reliable manner • strong commitment to volunteering work • willingness to work long hours outdoors in often changeable Welsh weather • good IT skills (Office package) • an ability to get on well with others in a small team and in shared accommodation Desirable: • a strong interest and knowledge of British cetaceans • a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar • prior experience in boat-based survey work • good verbal and written communication skills and in public speaking • experience in interacting with the public All interns will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in boat survey protocols, and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins. Interns in Periods 2 and 3 will be able to take part in Sea Watch’s annual 2-day training courses. Internships with Sea Watch have frequently led to established posts both within the organisation and in other national and international research and conservation bodies, as well as providing a stepping stone for students to undertake doctoral studies in marine mammal science. Please note that interns are responsible for their own travel and living expenses. International applications are welcome but it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure visa requirements are met; Sea Watch cannot sponsor visa applications. To apply: Please send your CV and application form (which can be downloaded from our website www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/internships/) with a cover letter and contact details of two referees, reporting any relevant experience you have, to Katrin Lohrengel- katrin.lohrengel(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Deadline: 10th January 2016. Please specify NEW QUAY INTERN APPLICATION in your subject title. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by 10th February 2016. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a registered marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. At Sea Watch Wales, we are dedicated to raising awareness, knowledge and conservation of the marine wildlife inhabiting Welsh seas. Our work in Wales has been funded over the years by Natural Resources Wales, and we work closely with the local management authority, Ceredigion County Council. Research The purpose of our research here is to monitor the marine mammal populations inhabiting Cardigan Bay, so as to gain information to aid the conservation and long-term well being of these animals and the local marine environment. This is achieved by conducting various projects including: • Estimating the abundance and distribution of bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, and grey seals within Cardigan Bay using distance sampling and opportunistic boat surveys • Maintaining and updating a catalogue of photographically identified bottlenose dolphins in Wales in order to study their abundance, social structure, movements and life histories, using mark-recapture techniques. • Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in the Cardigan Bay SAC primarily through hydrophone data collection. • Setting up a library of bottlenose dolphin whistles in Welsh waters in order to develop bio-acoustic research in the area. We further aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the local marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the area and its wildlife for future generations. At the New Quay Office, we also run national training courses in cetacean identification and survey methods for the public. -- [1] Katrin Lohrengel / Wales Development Officer katrin.lohrengel(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House, Wellington Place, New Quay, Wales, SA45 9NR http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/ [1] [2] [3] Links: ------ [1] http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/ [2] https://www.facebook.com/seawatchfoundation?ref=ts&fref=ts [3] https://twitter.com/WelshCetaceans

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Mystic Aquarium - TWO Animal Rescue Program positions available
by Schuh, Janelle 05 Nov '15

05 Nov '15

All, The below postings are open until filled. All inquiries should be directed to our Human Resources department. Thanks....Janelle POSITION: Assistant Stranding Coordinator DEPARTMENT: Animal Care & Veterinary Services EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: FT exempt Job Summary: Demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium at all times through a positive, can-do attitude and teamwork focused work ethic. Responsible for assisting the Stranding Coordinator with the execution of duties associated with the aquarium's Animal Rescue Program. These duties include: rescue and rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, maintenance of all rehabilitation facilities, answering and responding to calls of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, and coordinating the schedules of the stranding program volunteers. Minimum Job Requirements: Must be willing to consistently provide guest service above and beyond expectation. Bachelor of Science degree or minimum 4 years experience in related field. Ability to acquire a basic understanding of stranded marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation. Experience working with large animals desired. Must have public speaking experience. Ability to work under harsh weather conditions. Ability to work on a team as well as independently when required. Must be able/willing to assist in animal necropsies, experience preferred but not necessary. Strong communication (oral and written) and computer skills. Valid driver's license and a good driving record. Must be physically able to execute the work of the position. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Weekends and scheduling flexibility required. Responsibilities & Essential Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. * Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.,Assist with staffing a 24-hour hotline for reports of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Fishers Island, NY. * Appropriately coordinate field response/rescue of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. * Assist with overseeing the daily operations of the rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles including animal care and facility maintenance. * Assist with overseeing the training of all volunteers within the Animal Rescue Program and coordinate the scheduling of rehabilitation volunteers. * Collect Level-A data and specimens in the field and assist with carcass disposal, when necessary. * Provide educational information to the public when responding to stranding reports. * Assist in conducting public outreach programs, and media relations. * Assist in necropsy examinations at the Aquarium and in the field including, but not limited to, clean-up and waste management. * Assist with writing and implementing new standard operating procedures. * Assist with the release of rehabilitated marine mammals and sea turtles. * Perform accurate data entry into the Mystic Aquarium and NOAA Fisheries databases for all reported sightings and stranding's. * Demonstrate understanding of the hazards employees and volunteers are exposed to and must be certain that volunteers are properly trained in the use of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that will protect them from that hazard. * Insure employees and volunteers have the appropriate safety training needed in their position. Safety/Security * All employees are responsible for working in a safe manner at all times. * Every employee must properly use, and keep in good order, all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied to them as protection from recognized hazards. * Every employee must report any unsafe condition. * Every employee must have a working knowledge of all Facility wide, and Department specific, safety procedures that relate to their position, including, but not limited to: Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher Use. * Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor. POSITION: Stranding Assistant DEPARTMENT: Animal Care & Veterinary Services EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Part-time, Grant Funded, non-exempt Job Summary: Responsible for assisting the Stranding Coordinator and Assistant Stranding Coordinator with the execution of duties associated with the aquarium's Animal Rescue Program. These duties include: rescue and rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, maintenance of all rehabilitation facilities, answering and responding to calls of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Requirements: Bachelor of Science degree and minimum 2 years of experience in related field. Ability to acquire a basic understanding of stranded marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation. Must have public speaking experience. Ability to work in harsh weather conditions. Ability to work on a team as well as independently when required. Must be able/willing to assist in animal necropsies; necropsy experience preferred. Strong communication (oral and written) and computer skills. Valid driver's license and a good driving record. Must be physically able to execute the work of the position. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Weekends and scheduling flexibility required. Responsibilities: * Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.,Assist with staffing a 24-hour hotline for reports of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Fishers Island, NY. * Appropriately coordinate field response/rescue of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. * Assist with overseeing the daily operations of the rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles including animal care and facility maintenance. * Collect Level-A data and specimens in the field and assist with carcass disposal, when necessary. * Compile and report Level-A data to NOAA Fisheries. * Provide educational information to the public when responding to stranding reports. * Assist in necropsy examinations at the Aquarium and in the field including, but not limited to, clean-up and waste management. * Assist with the release of rehabilitated marine mammals and sea turtles. * Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor. Janelle Schuh Stranding Coordinator Animal Rescue Program 860.572.5955 x154 | Hotline x107 | Cell 860.514.7132 [MA_Web]

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DMAD New Positions for Cetacean Research
by Elizabeth Atchoi 04 Nov '15

04 Nov '15

***New Positions - DMAD Seeking Volunteers*** There are new positions available on marine mammal research in the Antalya Bay, Turkey *The Project: Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) founded for the purpose of contributing to the scientific knowledge on marine mammals for the conservation and sustainable management of marine biodiversity. Despite the large cetacean biodiversity, there haven’t been any long-term studies on this region. Therefore, the project aims to fulfil the gaps of missing long-term studies in the area by collecting data on cetacean abundance, distribution, behaviour and site fidelity. This project provides an excellent opportunity for post-grads, students and individuals interested in getting more experience and knowledge in the field of marine mammal research. *Requirements: We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and hard-working individuals to join our team. Minimum commitment is one month, although for a fuller experience we recommend two or more. A biology background is not mandatory but advantageous, as well as an ability to dedicate yourselves to the study. We will be on the field early in the morning or until late in the afternoon, boat trips can be day long (12 hours), and there is much data to process and enter. A good level of endurance is necessary as well as the ability to live and work in a multicultural team, sharing the same home. *Your Duties include: Collecting sighting and behavioural data (using binoculars, theodolite and different software’s) both during land and boat surveys Organizing photo-ID catalogue Entering data House cleaning and up keeping duties *Conditions: This position is unpaid and requires a contribution from the volunteers which covers the accommodation and project related activities. Food will be at each one’s responsibility, although in Turkey food isn´t expensive and should be around 75 Euro per month or less. We have positions available all year round that require a contribution, for people staying longer than 3 months there is a discount price. Expect long working days in the field, and to wake up very early (around 4:30 a.m.). The work will be carried under adverse weather conditions, in the summer: under the sun with very high temperatures (up to 45 Celcius), in the winter: windy and cold days. The typical week is divided in 3 days of fieldwork 1-2 days of office work and 1-2 days for you to enjoy the lovely Turkish Riviera and the city of Antalya. You will learn about different software’s used in cetacean research, techniques and tools for spotting dolphins/whales, identify individuals, amongst other things. There will also be space and opportunity for you to suggest and create your own project, as well as contribute to publications we might be working on. There may be opportunities to join into offshore surveys or other projects while you are here. *How to apply Please send a cover letter and CV to info(a)dmad.org.tr <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','info(a)dmad.org.tr');>. For more information please visit www.dmad.org.tr or email us. Have a good day, Aylin Akkaya Bas -- Elizabeth Atchoi Project Supervisor at DMAD Website <http://dmad.org.tr/> // Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/pages/DMAD-Marine-Mammals-Research-Association/157…> -- Elizabeth Atchoi Project Supervisor at DMAD Website <http://dmad.org.tr/> // Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/pages/DMAD-Marine-Mammals-Research-Association/157…>

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Deadline extension for VAQS Winter/Spring Internships
by Erin R. Bates 04 Nov '15

04 Nov '15

We recently extended the deadline for our winter/spring internship positions. The details are below. Please share with anyone who may be interested. Thanks! VAQS Stranding Response & Research Internships The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting Stranding Response & Research Intern applications for the winter/spring 2016 season. There are currently three positions available to begin early 2016. One of the positions will assist the research team with an on-going humpback whale photo ID matching project and the other two positions will assist the stranding response team with an emphasis on either data entry/organization or an on-going stomach content analysis project. The application deadline has been extended and now is November 30, 2015. Please note that all internships are non-compensatory and intern housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Duties: Research Intern- * Assist with vessel-based transect surveys for marine mammals * Assist with photo identification and matching of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) dorsal find and fluke images (Staff will train you in photo ID techniques, recording track effort and sighting data, image and data processing) * Assist in the field with photo ID and biopsy efforts (Stock research kits (biopsy supplies, electronic equipment, datasheets)) * Enter data from vessel surveys in excel and GIS databases and utilize image processing software (e.g. ACDSEE and IMATCH) * Respond to marine mammal and sea turtle stranding events. Work may be done under adverse weather conditions. Stranding Response Interns- • Respond to marine mammal and sea turtle stranding events. Work may be done under adverse weather conditions. * Assist in the collection of Level A data for the National Marine Fisheries Service * Participate in post mortem data collection and necropsies * Assist in care for animals during rehabilitation including, but not limited to: food prep, feeding, cleaning (mopping floor, washing dirty laundry, vacuuming tanks, washing dishes, etc.), tank repairs, and other husbandry duties * Assist with public outreach and education events * Assist with volunteer and cooperator trainings * Assist staff with daily administrative tasks including answering phones, taking messages, and preparing volunteers for response * Other duties as assigned by Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response staff * Data entry: Assist staff with on-going data entry into established databases and organization and entry of new data. * Stomach content analysis project: Assist the project lead with on-going bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) stomach content analysis project which includes: extraction of otoliths from fish and measurement of fish and otoliths Qualifications: Applicants must: 1) be at least 18 years of age; 2) be able to and comfortable with driving full-sized pick-up trucks; 3) be in good physical condition and able to lift over 40 pounds and assist with heavier loads; 4) be able to work in adverse conditions; 5) be comfortable on and around water; 6) be completing this internship for college credit. Specific to the research internship: 1) experience with photo-id, GIS, data and image processing preferred; 2) experience with Microsoft Office required; 3) a high level of attention to detail is preferred. Applicants must commit to 10 weeks and work well both independently and as part of a team. All interns will be required to deliver a 10-15 minute presentation to staff and volunteers at the end of their internship. Candidates should be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, responsible and able to take, as well as give direction. Internships are open to undergraduate and graduate students. Preference is given to students who have completed their sophomore year and are working towards credit for a degree in science. A background in biology and familiarity with stranding response is preferred but not required. Applicants who are interested in applying but will not be seeking college credit should still apply and may be considered for an apprenticeship position. Requirements: Interns are expected to work 24 hours a week (three eight-hour days) for 10 consecutive weeks without exception. Housing and transportation cannot be provided. Most of the animals the Stranding Center works with are dead (approximately 95%) and most are decomposing. This is a position that requires a strong nose, stomach and mental state. IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE! Please consider this before applying. A complete Stranding Response Intern application packet must include the following required components: * Cover Letter * Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Internship application form (http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/join/Documents/Intern-Application-Form.pdf) * (2) Letters of Recommendation (one must be from an academic instructor) * Statement of Intent: (1) page describing how the intern applicant intends to use the internship experience to assist in career or academic goals. * Resume * Official College Transcript(s) Forward your completed application packet to: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 717 General Booth Boulevard Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 Attn: Volunteer Resources Office - Intern Applicant OR email complete application packet to aquavols(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:aquavols@virginiaaquarium.com> [https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif]

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New publications on the anatomy of blood vessels in beaked whales
by Alex Costidis 04 Nov '15

04 Nov '15

Dear marmers, We are proud to announce the early view publication of our two companion manuscripts in the Journal of Morphology. The venous manuscript builds upon the arterial one. If interested, please follow the links below: Costidis A and Rommel S. 2015. The extracranial arterial system in the heads of beaked whales, with implications on diving physiology and pathogenesis. Journal of Morphology. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmor.20478/abstract Costidis A, Rommel S. 2015. The extracranial venous system in the heads of beaked whales, with implications on diving physiology and pathogenesis. Journal of Morphology. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmor.20437/abstract Kind regards, Alex Costidis

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Annoucement for the 2016 meeting on “Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life”
by Joseph A. Sisneros 04 Nov '15

04 Nov '15

Dear MARMAM, Can you please post this announcement to the list? Thank you very much, Joseph Sisneros sisneros(a)uw.edu We are pleased to announce that the web site for 2016 meeting on “Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life” (www.aquaticnoise.org) is now open for meeting registration, hotel reservations, submission of abstracts, and application for support to attend the meeting. Please note the following: · Closing date for submission of abstracts is February 29, 2016. · Closing date for requests for financial support is February 29, 2016 · We strongly encourage early registration and making of hotel reservations since our meeting space is somewhat limited and while we hope to accommodate all who wish to attend, this could ultimately get limited. · Meeting hotel rooms are also somewhat limited so please make your reservations early. · Note that anyone receiving any form of support to attend the meeting will be required to be first author on a presentation (talk or poster) and submit a paper to AN2016 edition of the *Proceedings of Meetings on* Acoustics (POMA). · We will attempt to provide financial support for as many people as possible. However, priority will be given to students, postdocs, and colleagues from developing nations. If you have any questions please feel free to contact any of the organizers. And we would be pleased if you would share this announcement with colleagues who might be interested in attending the meeting and linking to our meeting from your web sites. Christine Erbe, C.Erbe(a)curtin.edu.au Arthur N. Popper, apopper(a)umd.edu Anthony D. Hawkins, a.hawkins(a)btconnect.com Joseph Sisneros, Sisneros(a)uw.edu Frank Thomsen, frth(a)dhigroup.com -- ********************************************************************** Joseph A. Sisneros, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology and Biology Mailing Address: University of Washington Department of Psychology 337 Guthrie Hall Seattle, WA 98195-1525 *********************************************************************** email: sisneros(a)uw.edu office phone: 206-543-8893; lab phone: 206-543-5313 website: http://faculty.washington.edu/sisneros/sisneros.htm ************************************************************************

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New paper on social structure of killer whales in the Strait of Gibraltar
by Ruth Esteban 04 Nov '15

04 Nov '15

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in "Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology": Esteban, R., Verborgh, P., Gauffier, P., Giménez, J., Foote, A.D., de Stephanis, R. ABSTRACT: The primary prey of killer whales (*Orcinus orca*) in the Strait of Gibraltar is the bluefin tuna (*Thunnus thynnus*). All killer whales observed in this area hunt tuna by chasing individual fish until they become exhausted and can be overcome. However, a subset of pods also interact with a dropline tuna fishery which has developed since 1995. Here, we investigated the social structure within and among social units (pods). Our data suggested that social structure was shaped by maternal kinship, which appears to be a species-specific trait, but also by foraging behavior, which is less common at the intra-population level. At the start of the study, only one cohesive pod interacted with the fishery, which during the course of the study underwent fission into two socially differentiated pods. Social structure within these two fishery-interacting pods was more compact and homogenous with stronger associations between individuals than in the rest of the population. Three other pods were never seen interacting with the fishery, despite one of these pods being regularly sighted in the area of the fishery during the summer. Sociality can influence the spread of the novel foraging behaviors and may drive population fragmentation, which, in this example, is already a critically small community. Observations of social changes in relation to changes in foraging at the earliest stages of diversification in foraging behavior and social segregation may provide insights into the processes that ultimately result in the formation of socially isolated discrete ecotypes in killer whales. You can downloaded in this link: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00265-015-2029-3# Kind Regards, Ruth Esteban Ruth Esteban CIRCE (Conservation Information and Research on Cetaceans) C/Cabeza de Manzaneda 3 C.P. Pelayo-Algeciras (Cádiz) Spain +34675837508

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Reminder: Call for ECS papers for the JMBA Special Issue
by Andrew Wright 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

Dear Members, This is a reminder of the upcoming submission deadline for the next ECS-JMBA special issue. Submissions are open to all, however we are, as always, particularly keen to get submissions that follow on from presentations made at the conference in Malta. To build upon the growing success of the ongoing collaboration, please consider submitting to JMBA when polishing off your manuscripts. The date for submissions is 20th November, 2015. Please submit directly to JMBA, but note that the submission is for the ECS Special Issue. Review and responses for the current JMBA-ECS special issue are progressing and I hope that more information will be available soon. Best, Andrew -- Andrew Wright, Ph.D. ECS Editor (Outgoing)

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new article: Poxvirus in southern right whale (Carla Fiorito)
by Carla Daniela Fiorito 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

Dear MARMAM Colleagues: We are pleased to announce the following publication in Diseases of Aquatic Organisms: Fiorito C, Palacios C, Golemba M, Bratanich A and others (2015) Identification, molecular and phylogenetic analysis of poxvirus in skin lesions of southern right whale. Dis Aquat Org 116:157-163 ABSTRACT: Poxvirus skin disease has been reported in several species of cetaceans, principally in odontocetes, and a single report in mysticetes. Southern right whales Eubalaena australis in Peninsula Valdes, Argentina, show a variety of skin lesions of unknown etiology, and the number of these lesions has increased in recent years. Samples from dead whales were taken in order to establish the etiology of these lesions. One calf and one adult presented ring-type lesions, characterized by a circumscribed and slightly raised area of skin. Lesions were histologically characterized by the presence of microvesicles and vacuolated cells in the stratum spinosum, along with hyperplasia of the stratum corneum and eosinophilic inclusion bodies in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed aggregations of virions with typical poxvirus morphology. PCR of cetacean poxvirus (CPV) DNA polymerase, DNA topoisomerase I and parapoxvirus DNA polymerase gene fragments was done, and confirmed the presence of poxvirus in one sample. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the detected poxvirus belongs to the CPV-2 group. This is the first confirmed report of poxvirus in southern right whales in Argentina. The article can be downloaded from: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v116/n2/p157-163/ Alternatively, if you are unable to download the article please email me for a pdf at carlafiorito(a)gmail.com Kind regards, *Carla D. Fiorito, Veterinary. Doctoral student. * *Ecofisiología Aplicada al Manejo y Conservación de la Fauna Silvestre.* *Ecología, Manejo y Conservación de Sistemas Marinos* *Centro Nacional Patagónico (CONICET)Bvd. Brown 2815, U9120ACD, Puerto Madryn* *Tel: (0280) 154207293*

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