November 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Advanced PAMGuard training course
by PAMTech 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

PAMTech (pamtech.eu) is offering an Advanced PAMGuard course, teaching the advanced use of the leading passive acoustic monitoring research and industry software, PAMGuard (pamguard.org) for offline analysis. We are a small UK-based company made up of PAMGuard developers and experienced field acousticians who can enable you to get the most out of PAM applications. A high tutor-to-student ratio on our courses ensures participants can get individual assistance with their training requirements. Our next course is running on: 29/01/2016 and 30/01/2016 This two-day classroom-based course allows those with previous PAMGuard experience to get to grips with more advanced features, focusing on offline analysis and data management. The course will include some core analysis modules, but participants will also be able to tailor training to their particular needs by selecting from a range of optional modules including complex classifiers and localisation techniques, and the PAMGuard MATLAB library. There is also the opportunity to bring your own datasets and explore ways they can be analysed using PAMGuard. The course will take place on the Vine Trust Barge, Prince of Wales Dock, Edinburgh, EH6 7DX, Scotland, UK. Cost 350 GBP Participants must bring their own laptop running Linux or Windows (not OSX). We would recommend Windows 7/8.1 or Ubuntu 12.10+. Microsoft Access is also very useful for the course. For those wishing to follow the MATLAB module, a copy of MATLAB version 2012 or above is required. Course costs do not include accommodation, travel or food. To find out more, contact: pamtech.acoustics(a)gmail.com Or go to: pamtech.eu To book go to: http://pamtechadvancedpamguard.eventzilla.net (50% non-refundable deposit required)

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Aquatic Animal Health online spring course
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

Hi All, At the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine we are moving our Aquatic Wildlife Health online course to the Spring semester (previously offered in the summer). Spring class (2016) Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the natural history, anatomy, physiology, behavior and common health issues of aquatic species: whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions, manatees, sea turtles, crocodilians, fish and invertebrates. More information can be found at: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/education/courses/distance-learning-courses/a… For further information about this or other classes and enrollment, contact Dr Iske Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu) If you are interested, registration is now open for Spring term 2016. Class begins Tuesday, Jan 5th and runs through Wednesday, Apr 20th. Sincerely, Dr Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 For packages 32608 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________ Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from University of Florida employees via email may be subject to disclosure.

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MMPA/ESA Job Announcement at NOAA/NMFS Office of Protected Resources
by Trevor Spradlin - NOAA Federal 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

The following job announcement *(**PH-15-TW-1528990(MP)**)* for a *Marine Resource Management Specialist* just listed on USA Jobs and is open from *Tuesday, November 3, 2015 to Tuesday, November 10, 2015*. The position is located at NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources in Silver Spring, MD and is specifically in the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division: http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/419203500. Duties for this position include but are not limited to the following: - Provides expertise to staff and senior leaders on issues dealing with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) including: species recovery plans pursuant to the ESA; interactions between marine mammals and commercial fisheries; depleted designations under the MMPA; Negligible Impact Determinations for endangered marine mammals; issues involving constituents and other federal or state agencies regarding NMFS actions; and coordination of other MMPA-related policy matters. - Displays knowledge of marine mammal conservation and species recovery activities, and all relevant issues pertaining to the MMPA and ESA. - Coordinates key policy development and execution, including coordinating with regional offices and science centers, as well as federal or state agencies on the development of national-level policies and protocols related to implementation of the MMPA and the ESA as related to marine mammal conservation and recovery. -- ******************** Trevor R. Spradlin, M.Res. Deputy Chief Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division (F/PR2) Office of Protected Resources NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service Tel: 301-427-8479 E-mail: Trevor.Spradlin(a)noaa.gov

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POST REQUEST: Mystic Aquarium - Assistant Stranding Coordinator position
by Schuh, Janelle 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

All, Please see the below job posting. All application inquiries should refer to the Mystic Aquarium website at: www.mysticaquarium.org<http://www.mysticaquarium.org> 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. Janelle Schuh Stranding Coordinator Animal Rescue Program 860.572.5955 x154 | Hotline x107 | Cell 860.514.7132 [MA_Web] -- The content of this email is intended only for the use of the above-named addressee and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, and/or legally privileged. Please notify the sender if you received this email in error. --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "CONSORTIUM NERS" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to consortium_ners+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com<mailto:consortium_ners+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com>. To post to this group, send email to consortium_ners(a)googlegroups.com<mailto:consortium_ners@googlegroups.com>. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/consortium_ners. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

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New publication on insecticides and sunscreen in dolphin fetus
by Mariana Alonso 02 Nov '15

02 Nov '15

Dear all, I would like to announce the recent publication on insecticides and sunscreen in dolphin fetus: *Toxic heritage: Maternal transfer of pyrethroid insecticides and sunscreen agents in dolphins from Brazil.* M.B. Alonso, M.L. Feo, C. Corcellas, P. Gago-Ferrero, C.P. Bertozzi, J. Marigo, L. Flach, A.C.O. Meirelles, V.L. Carvalho, A.F. Azevedo, J.P.M. Torres, J. Lailson-Brito, O. Malm, M.S. Diaz-Cruz, E. Eljarrat, D. Barcelo (2015) *Environmental Pollution, Volume 207, December 2015, Pages 391–402* ABSTRACT: Pyrethroids (PYR) and UV filters (UVF) were investigated in tissues of paired mother-fetus dolphins from Brazilian coast in order to investigate the possibility of maternal transfer of these emerging contaminants. Comparison of PYR and UVF concentrations in maternal and fetal blubber revealed Franciscana transferred efficiently both contaminants to fetuses (F/M > 1) and Guiana dolphin transferred efficiently PYR to fetuses (F/M > 1) different than UVF (F/M < 1). PYR and UVF concentrations in fetuses were the highest-ever reported in biota (up to 6640 and 11,530 ng/g lw, respectively). Muscle was the organ with the highest PYR and UVF concentrations (p < 0.001), suggesting that these two classes of emerging contaminants may have more affinity for proteins than for lipids. The high PYR and UVF concentrations found in fetuses demonstrate these compounds are efficiently transferred through placenta. This study is the first to report maternal transfer of pyrethroids and UV filters in marine mammals. The full text and pdf is available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749115300865 Open access: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282731803_Toxic_heritage_Maternal_… For any questions or requests, please email: Mariana Alonso: alonso.mb(a)gmail.com <skj3(a)st-andrews.ac.uk> Cheers, Mariana *..............................................* *Mariana Batha Alonso, PhD* *Post Doctoral Researcher* Environmental Health San Diego State University (SDSU), CA, USA Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Agency (SCCWRP) Costa Mesa, CA, USA Biophysics Institute Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ, Brazil Aquatic Mammal and Bioindicator Laboratory Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), RJ, Brazil

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new paper: a new index to quantify the foraging effort of marine predators
by karine heerah 02 Nov '15

02 Nov '15

Dear all, We are pleased to share with you our publication entitled: "from high-resolution to low-resolution dive datasets: a new index to quantify the foraging effort of marine predators." K. Heerah, M. Hindell, C. Guinet and J-B Charrassin, Animal Biotelemetry 2015 (http://www.animalbiotelemetry.com/content/3/1/42) This methodological paper presents a different approach to identifiy and calculate foraging effort in low-resolution dive profiles that are transmitted by satellite. We therefore believe this could be useful to the community as the method can be applied to different species. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding the application of the method to your own dataset. Abstract:Background. In the last decade thousands of Satellite Relayed data Loggers (SRDLs) have been deployed, providing large datasets on marine predator movement patterns at sea and their diving behaviour. However, the latter is in a highly summarised, low resolution form, from which it is difficult to make the sorts of important behavioural inferences that are possible from higher resolution data sets (such as detection of likely foraging events). The main objective of this study was to develop a simple but accurate tool to detect and quantify within-dive foraging periods in low resolution dives. Method. Two southern elephant seals were fitted with a head mounted Time Depth Recorder (TDR) (recording depth at 1 Hz) and an accelerometer (recording 3 axes of acceleration at 16 Hz) from which prey capture attempts were estimated (PrCA), and a Weddell seal was also fitted with a TDR (1 Hz).The resulting high-resolution dive profiles were used to: (i) calculate an accurate index of foraging effort based on the detection of vertical sinuosity switches (i.e. huntinghighres time), (ii) produce a SRDL equivalent low-resolution dataset using a broken stick algorithm; and (iii) from each low-resolution dive calculate a set of candidate foraging effort indices. Results. Huntinglowres time, which is the total time spent in decreased vertical velocity segments of the dive, was the foraging effort index that best correlated with huntinghighres time. Huntinghighres mode of SES dives (highly sinuous parts of high-resolution dives) was associated with 77% of total PrCA. In comparison, Huntinglowres segments of SES dives were associated with 68% of PrCA as well as with four times more PrCA than transitlowres segments. Conclusion. We found a low-resolution index which indicates foraging activity within a highly summarised dive profile and which identified most PrCA, despite degraded information transmitted by SLDRs. Used in combination with other measurements of the in situ environment, the huntinglowres index could be used in numerous integrated marine ecology studies, such as habitat use studies that are crucial to facilitate more effective conservation. All the best, Karine Heerah------------------ PhD in Marine ecologyUPMC - IMAS

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International Workshop on Bottlenose Dolphin
by Claire Bonneville 02 Nov '15

02 Nov '15

Dear Sirs, I'd like to post the following message on the MARMAM list. Sincerely yours [Subject heading : International Workshop on Bottlenose Dolphin - 1 & 2 December 2015 Marseille] Dear MARMAMERS In the framework of the GDEGeM project "Grand Dauphin, Etude et Gestion en Méditerranée", we are pleased to announce the international Workshop "*Bottlenose dolphin conservation and monitoring in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea*", organized by the GIS3M (Groupement d'Intérêt Scientifique pour les Mammifères Marins de Méditerrané et leur environnement) in partnership with the French Marine Protected Area Agency, WWF France, ACCOBAMS and the Pelagos Sanctuary. This event will take place on the 1st & 2nd December at the Villa Méditerranée in Marseille (France), and will gather scientists and international experts in order to share knowledge and discuss about ecology and monitoring on the Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin, strategies of conservation, measures of conservation and networking. Everyone interested is welcomed; participation fees for the two-day workshop are 50 Euros, which include coffe break and icebreaker. If you are interested in participating to the workshop, registration is still possible on *http://www.gdegem.org/registration* <http://www.gdegem.org/registration> * In order to help us organizing the event, please register as soon as possible.* In parallel to the workshop, a public event will be organized in the Agora space of the Villa Méditerranée, free and open to all. French organizations will provide information and activities about the conservation of cetaceans and their environment. During the two-day worksop, exposition of photos and videos will be also proposed in this area. Please don't hesitate to forward this message to colleagues or person you think interested. If you need more information, please contact us at *workshop(a)gis3m.org* <workshop(a)gis3m.org> or visit: - The GDEGeM projet: *http://www.gdegem.org/* <http://www.gdegem.org/> - The Workshop: *http://www.gdegem.org/international-workshop* <http://www.gdegem.org/international-workshop> - Villa Méditerranée : *http://www.villa-mediterranee.org/ <http://www.villa-mediterranee.org/>* Looking forward to see you in Marseille, Sincerly yours, Claire Bonneville -- Claire Bonneville Volontaire au Service Civique - Sensibilisation et Valorisation de la conservation des cétacés en Méditerranée GIS3M - Groupement d'Intérêt Scientifique pour les Mammifères Marins de Méditerranée et leur environnement www.gis3m.org / www.facebook.com/GISMMM Le Kalliste Bât B4, 1 avenue Clément Monnier, 13960 Sausset-les-pins, France Tel : +33 (0)9 53 92 92 63 - Mob : +33 (0)6 83 72 77 93 Email : *cbonneville(a)gis3m.org* <hlgis3m(a)gmail.com>

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PSO & PAM Training Courses: San Francisco, 7-11 December 2015 before SMM 2015
by Sam Nichols 02 Nov '15

02 Nov '15

Seiche Training is running its two day Protected Species Observer (PSO) and three day Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) training courses in San Francisco between 7th and 11th December 2015, just before the SMM 2015. *PSO course:* This two day BSEE-compliant course provides the skills needed to become a Protected Species Observer. Highest quality training both in the classroom and on board a vessel to allow delegates to gain experience with marine mammal identification while at sea. Certificate for offshore work awarded upon successful completion of course. *PAM course:* This three day PAM course provides the skills needed to become an offshore PAM operator. Run by Seiche's highly experienced team with thorough support material, interactive PAMGuard workshops and a boat session, this course will expand delegates' knowledge of acoustic monitoring and provide insight into industry requirements for environmental mitigation. Certificate for offshore work awarded upon successful completion of course. Please contact s.hancock(a)seiche.com for more information, modules and costs. Limited student discounts available on request and with full proof of student status. (JNCC MMO and PAM courses also running in Plymouth, UK, 23-27 November 2015.) www.seiche.com

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