March 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper announcement
by Richard C. Connor 30 Mar '15

30 Mar '15

We are pleased to announce the publication of: 'Male dolphin alliances in Shark Bay: changing perspectives in a 30-year study' in Animal Behavior Abstract: Bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops cf. aduncus, in Shark Bay, Western Australia exhibit the most complex alliances known outside of humans. Advances in our understanding of these alliances have occurred with expansions of our study area each decade. In the 1980s, we discovered that males cooperated in stable trios and pairs (first-order alliances) to herd individual oestrous females, and that two such alliances of four to six, sometimes related, individuals (second-order alliances) cooperated against other males in contests over females. The 1990s saw the discovery of a large 14-member second-order alliance whose members exhibited labile first-order alliance formation among nonrelatives. Partner preferences as well as a relationship between first-order alliance stability and consortship rate in this ‘super-alliance’ indicated differentiated relationships. The contrast between the super-alliance and the 1980s alliances suggested two alliance tactics. An expansion of the study area in the 2000s revealed a continuum of second-order alliance sizes in an open social network and no simple relationship between second-order alliance size and alliance stability, but generalized the relationship between first-order alliance stability and consortship rate within second-order alliances. Association preferences and contests involving three second-order alliances indicated the presence of third-order alliances. Second-order alliances may persist for 20 years with stability thwarted by gradual attrition, but underlying flexibility is indicated by observations of individuals joining other alliances, including old males joining young or old second-order alliances. The dolphin research has informed us on the evolution of complex social relationships and large brain evolution in mammals and the ecology of alliance formation. Variation in odontocete brain size and the large radiation of delphinids into a range of habitats holds great promise that further effort to describe their societies will be rewarded with similar advances in our understanding of these important issues. You can access the article at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347215000810 Richard Connor & Michael Kruetzen

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RFP JIP III-15-03: Long term fixed acoustic monitoring etc.
by Campbell, John, IOGP 30 Mar '15

30 Mar '15

The Joint Industry Programme on E&P Sound and Marine Life is pleased to invite proposals on the following topic: "Long Term Fixed Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammals throughout the Life Cycle of an Offshore E&P Field Development" - RFP JIP III-15-03 The RFP document can be downloaded from: http://www.soundandmarinelife.org/funding/rfps.aspx . Submissions should be sent to info(a)soundandmareinlife.org and are due by 30th April 2015. JOHN A CAMPBELL JIP Coordinator ________________________________ John Campbell Technical Director email: jac(a)iogp.org phone: +44 20 3763 9707 International Association of Oil & Gas Producers 209-215 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8NL, UK reception: +44 20 3763 9700 web: www.iogp.org Follow us on Twitter @IOGP_News OGP is now IOGP.Visit our new website at www.iogp.org<http://www.iogp.org> ________________________________ This e-mail was sent by The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP). IOGP is registered in England. Registration number: 1832064. Registered office: 209-215 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NL.

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HWDT Cetacean Research Surveys- Volunteers required
by Kerry Froud 30 Mar '15

30 Mar '15

**Apologies for cross-posting** Seeking Volunteers Dear All, The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) conducts cetacean surveys throughout our field season (May - October) from aboard our research yacht < <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-Silurian.asp> http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-Silurian.asp> Silurian. Every year we welcome aboard enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to contribute directly to our research work. Volunteers, in effect, become marine mammal scientists for the duration of the survey; living and working aboard Silurian, assisting with day-to-day running, as well as working together as a team to carry out visual and acoustic surveys. To find out more about the research onboard please click here < <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-on-silurian.asp> http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-on-silurian.asp> . Volunteers will assist fully in the collection of data, with mega-fauna and sea bird identification training provided. Acoustic and visual methods are combined to produce comprehensive data sets. During encounters photographs are taken of dorsal fins to try and identify the individual, gaining a better understanding of species movements and interactions with each other. The data collected, and subsequent information produced is essential when monitoring the distribution, relative abundance and habitat preference of cetacean species in the Hebrides. Only with coherent data can effective conservation and management strategies be designed to enable long-term protection of the amazing species found in our waters. As a volunteer onboard Silurian, you will have the opportunity to see first hand the amazing variety of marine wildlife the UK has to offer including whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sharks and seabirds. You will explore some of the remotest, wildest parts of the British Isles, anchoring each night in a different secluded bay off one of the many Hebridean islands, venturing ashore to explore. The opportunity to gain sailing experience is also available, although no certificates are issued. Rendezvous location is either in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, where HWDT is based or in Kyle of Lochalsh. More information on specific surveys will be provided on request. There is a monetary value attached to participating which includes accommodation (aboard) and food throughout the duration. The income generated allows HWDT to continue this well established research programme, you can be assured that without your contribution the research couldn't be undertaken. 2015 Survey Dates: * 3rd - 11th May; 15% OFF £892.50 (was £1,050) * 14th - 22nd May; £1,050 * 6th - 14th June*; £1,150 * 15th - 26th June*; £1,500 * 30th June - 11th July; £1,500 * 15th - 23rd July; £1,150 * 26th July - 1st August (Teen Team Survey, participants must be aged 16 - 17) FULL * 4th - 15th August; £1,500 * 18th - 29th August; £1,450 * 1st - 12th September; £1,350 * 22nd - 30th September; £1,050 · 5th - 13th October**; £950 <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/stand_alone.asp?page=militarysurvey.asp> 15th - 23rd October; £950 *Kyle of Lochalsh rendezvous ** Joint Warrior <http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2013/april/10/130 410-joint-warrior> Military Exercise Monitoring Survey < <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/stand_alone.asp?page=militarysurvey.asp> http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/stand_alone.asp?page=militarysurvey.asp> Joint Warrior military exercise off western Scotland) For more information on the joint warrior survey, please see: <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/stand_alone.asp?page=militarysurvey.asp> http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/stand_alone.asp?page=militarysurvey.asp For further information about our surveys please go online to: <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/get-involved-join-us-onboard.asp> http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/get-involved-join-us-onboard.asp For Further information about HWDT please go online to: www.hwdt.org Or contact HWDTs volunteer coordinator Morven Russell Email: <https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam> volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org Telephone: 01688 302620 Thank you, and hope to see you onboard this season! Kerry Froud ----- Marine Biodiversity Officer Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust Clydesdale Bank Buildings Tobermory Isle of Mull PA75 6NU Tel: 01688 302620 <https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam> biodiversityofficer at hwdt.org www.hwdt.org < <http://www.hwdt.org/> http://www.hwdt.org/> ----- The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotlands whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within Hebridean communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats.

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New publication on demography of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
by Alessia Rossi 30 Mar '15

30 Mar '15

Dear MARMAM subscribers, my co-author and I are pleased to share with you our recent publication: Rossi A., Panigada S., Arrigoni M., Zanardelli M., Cimmino C., Marangi L., Manfredi P., Santangelo G. (2014). Demography and conservation of the Mediterranean fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus): what clues can be obtained from photo-identification data. Theoretical Biology Forum, 107(1-2): 123-142. ABSTRACT Long-lived and slow reproducing species, such as cetaceans, are among the most critical conservation units: a demographic approach can be very useful for their management and conservation. In the present work, we examined, by demographic tools, the most exhaustive photo-identification database available for the Mediterranean fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) population, recorded by Tethys Research Institute between 1990 and 2007 in the Western Ligurian Sea. A total of 31,782 km were covered and 548 fin whale sightings were recorded. The occurrence of the target species was uneven across the years and months: an anomalous reduction of sightings occurred between 2001 and 2004. Moreover, the target species is likely to concentrate in the study area in the summer months and probably moves to other areas in the early autumn. Using the photo-identification technique, 431 different individuals were photo-identified, but only 318 of them were sized: 6 calves (â‰¤10 meters), 33 immature (10-15 m), 261 adolescent-adult (>15 m) and 18 olds (â‰¥20 m). For the first time the size of the fin whale sub-population in the Pelagos Sanctuary was obtained by photo-identification and mark-recapture techniques. These techniques were used to estimate the size of the sub-population composed by individuals >15 meters as 539 fin whales (95% confidence interval=345-732) over the period 1990-1999. The number of calves was likely underestimated, as the sighting period (late spring-summer) was shifted with respect to the peak of births (late autumn). To fill this gap of knowledge we propose a simple mathematical model for the yearly dynamics of calves. After correcting the number of calves, a static life history table for the period 1990-2007 was set out. Our results highlight the highest survival proportions between calf and immature (61.1%) and the minimum between adolescent-adult and old (2.5%) vital stages. The overall life expectancy is estimated to be 6.3 years while the life expectancy of individuals entering the adolescent-adult stage is 14.3 years. This paper aims at providing a contribution for improving the conservation efforts and the demographic knowledge on fin whales in the Pelagos Sanctuary. Please contact me by e-mail (arossi(a)biologia.unipi.it) for the full text, I will happy to send you a pdf copy. All the best Alessia Rossi -- Alessia Rossi PhD Student PhD School in Biological and Molecular Sciences, Pisa University Department of Biology (Zoology-Animal Ecology) - Laboratory of Demography and Conservation via A.Volta, 6 - 56126 Pisa, Italy Tel: +300502211382. Fax: +390502211393. e-mail: arossi(a)biologia.unipi.it

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New paper linking behaviour to vital rates in mysticetes to measure anthropogenic impacts
by Fredrik 29 Mar '15

29 Mar '15

Dear MARMAM colleagues, Me and my co-author David Lusseau are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Conservation Letters: Christiansen, F. & Lusseau, D. 2015. Linking behavior to vital rates to measure the effects of non-lethal disturbance on wildlife. Conservation letters. doi: 10.1111/conl.12166. The paper describes a PCoD type of modelling approach to evaluate long-term consequences of whalewatching behavioural disturbance on minke whales in Iceland, a feeding ground. The paper incorporates the findings of several recent studies in behavioural ecology, physiology and reproductive biology, to link behavioural changes to foetal development in pregnant females, as a possible link to reproductive success, and hence vital rates. A press release of the paper can be found on the University of Aberdeen’s webpage: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/7461/ Abstract: The need for managing non-lethal effects on wildlife is becoming increasingly important as global human–wildlife interactions are now more frequent and more diverse. We developed a mechanistic model for minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) to measure the effects of behavioral disturbances caused by whalewatching activities on fetal growth. The model illustrates the pathway through which behaviorally mediated effects of anthropogenic disturbance might influence female reproductive success in an iteroparous capital breeding mammal. We found that although the behavioral disruptions caused by whalewatching interactions were substantial, the cumulative exposure of individuals to whalewatching boats was low, resulting in an effect on fetal growth no different from natural variability. This highlights the importance of considering all aspects of disturbance when evaluating effects of human disturbance on wildlife. Our mechanistic model can also be used to simulate different management scenarios to predict the long-term consequence of disturbance on vital rates, to help inform management decisions. For an early view of this paper, please visit: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/conl.12166/abstract If you are unable to download the article, please contact me by email and I will be happy to send you a copy: f.christiansen(a)live.se. Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Postdoctoral Research Fellow Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia +61 417 502 098, f.christiansen(a)murdoch.edu.au http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf

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Marine mammal volunteers required in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo, Ireland
by Roisin Pinfield 29 Mar '15

29 Mar '15

MarineMammal research assistants required in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo, Ireland Beaufort/ Coastal & Marine Research Centre (CMRC) University CollegeCork, is seeking volunteer research assistants for the 2015 field season, tocarry out research on marine mammals in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo, Irelandbetween May – September 2015. Research assistants will be required to conduct cliff-based monitoring surveys, office related tasks and strandings surveys. This presentsan opportunity to work within a team of experienced researchers and gainexperience in field techniques for marine mammal surveys, while contributing toa larger program of marine mammal research. WorkPeriod 15 May 2015 – 31 September 2015 Due to training requirements, preference will be given to applicants whocan commit to the full season. However, those available for shorter periods oftime will also be considered. Location Free accommodation for volunteers will be provided in a project house overlooking Beldara Beach (surf beach), 2.5km from Binghamstown, a small village located on the beautiful MulletPeninsula, Co. Mayo. The house,which doubles as the office, is 7km (10 mins. drive) from the larger town ofBelmullet, where there are supermarkets, cafes, pubs, banks, etc. All bills will be covered. The MulletPeninsula is a stunning location on the world famous Wild Atlantic Way,boasting some of the nicest, and untouched, beaches in Ireland. A perfect placefor those who enjoy surfing, hiking and wildlife. Applicants must be aware thatit is also somewhat geographically remote with limited facilities and variableweather patterns and for this reason applicants with a car will be looked uponfavourably. Responsibilities Conducting cliff-based surveys from two sites in Broadhaven Bay.Conducting occasional C-POD servicing trips. Data entry and analysis, including photo-ID and acoustic data. Requirements Essential Genuine interest in marine mammal biology, the marine environment and conservation. Basic computer proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word) Excellent verbal and communication skills Enthusiastic with a positive attitude to hard work and long hours Work well both in a team and independently Flexible and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent Prepared to work long days in the field Good English language skills Moderate level of fitness – there is a 25 minute hike carrying gear tothe cliff sites. Desirable, but not essential Enrolled in or completed a degree in Biology, Marine Biology, EnvironmentalScience, Animal Behaviour, Ecology, Zoology or related fields Previous field research experience, particularly marine research A strong interest and knowledge of marine mammals Familiarity with theodolite use, GPS equipment and software Prior experience with R, ArcGIS and C-POD software Driving Licence and car ApplicationInstructions Send a copy of your CV (including two relevant referees and their contactdetails) and a brief (max 250 words) covering letter with a description ofyourself and your experience to Roisin Pinfield(R.Pinfield(a)ucc.ie)by 10th April 2015

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Marine Mammal Biology course in northern Norway
by Ocean Sounds 29 Mar '15

29 Mar '15

For students interested in Marine Mammal biology as part of Ecology and Northern Wildlife studies, the Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture (FBA) at the University of Nordland (UiN) in Bodø, Norway offers different study programs (see below). The next Marine Mammal Biology course (BI227, 10CT) will be held in spring 2016, with lectures at FAB and a one week field course in Lofoten at Ocean Sounds. The main species studied are killer whales, long-finned pilot whales, minke whales, harbor porpoises and grey seals. The field course introduces methods of general marine wildlife studies, as well as Photo-ID and passive acoustics. There are possibilities to conduct a Bachelor or Master project on marine mammals. For more detailed information please visit the following links: · Master in Marine Ecology (120 ECTS) o Start: August 2015. o Teaching language: English o Søknadsfrist for nordiske søkere: 15. mai. o Application deadline for European students: 1. April o Application deadline for all other students: 1. February o Link: http://www.uin.no/en/studies/programmes-courses/find-programmes-courses/2015 h/Pages/MAMAE.aspx · Bachelor in Biology (180 ECTS) o Start: August 2015. o Teaching language: English o Søknadsfrist for nordiske søkere: 15. april. o Application deadline for European students: 1. April o Application deadline for all other students: 1. February o Link: <http://www.uin.no/en/studies/biology-bachelor2> http://www.uin.no/en/studies/biology-bachelor2 · Semester package Ecology and Northern Wildlife (30 ECTS) o Start: January 2016. o Teaching language: English o Application deadline: 15. September. o Link: http://www.uin.no/en/studies/ecology-and-northern-wildlife2 Admission guidelines: http://www.uin.no/en/studies/admission/Pages/default.aspx# <http://www.uin.no/en/studies/admission/Pages/default.aspx#&acd=e806aad8-973 f-d167-b295-d05a1aba5aca> &acd=e806aad8-973f-d167-b295-d05a1aba5aca For more information, please contact: Trine Åsheim Bernhardsen Trine.Asheim.Bernhardsen(a)uin.no With best wishes, Med vennlig hilsen, Heike Vester Biologist / lecturer Norway postal adress: Sauøya 1, 8312 Henningsvær, Norway <http://www.ocean-sounds.com/> www.ocean-sounds.com https://www.facebook.com/orca.oceansounds Ocean Sounds e.V., Berglen, Germany mobile: +47-91842012 oceansoundslogo_cut-s

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Polar Marine Mammals and Climate Change Symposium at the Animal Behavior Society's 52nd annual conference
by Deborah D Boege-Tobin 28 Mar '15

28 Mar '15

Please join us for the Polar Marine Mammals and Climate Change symposium and the Conservation Behavior Workshop at the Animal Behavior Society's 52nd annual international conference this June 10-14 in Anchorage, Alaska, USA. Registration is OPEN! Early registration pricing is in effect until April 6, 2015<x-apple-data-detectors://8>. Information can be found at www.ABS2015.org<http://www.ABS2015.org> If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: info(a)abs2015.org<mailto:info@abs2015.org> Thank you for your interest in attending and presenting at the 52nd Animal Behavior Society conference. We look forward to seeing you and hope you will participate!

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Use of digiscoping for shore-based photo-identification studies
by Caroline Weir 28 Mar '15

28 Mar '15

Dear colleagues, I am looking for advice on the feasibility of using digiscoping techniques (i.e. a DSLR camera fitted to a telescope) for photo-identification studies of delphinids from shore. In particular, I am interested to find out whether anyone has used digiscoping for scientific photo-identification studies and to receive informal feedback regarding success (e.g. image quality, focussing limitations, effective distance range etc), trouble-shooting and limitations. If you are willing to provide feedback then please contact me via e-mail at: caroline.weir(a)ketosecology.co.uk Thanks, Caroline Caroline Weir Marine Mammal Scientist www.ketosecology.co.uk

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Volounteer position for a project on inshore dolphins in Queensland, Australia.
by Daniele Cagnazzi 27 Mar '15

27 Mar '15

CAPRICORN CETACEANS RESEARHC PROJECT IS URGENTLY SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON INSHORE DOLPHINS IN THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA FOR JULY-SEPTEMBER 2014 Daniele Cagnazzi (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Marine Ecology Research Centre, SCU) is currently accepting applications for two volunteer positions, for the Capricorn Cetaceans Project for the Australian winter season from the 15 of May to the first week of September 2015. The primary aim of this project is to study inshore dolphin species primarily the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and the Australian snubfin dolphin in the Southern Great Barrier Reef Queensland Australia. More information about past and on-going projects can be found at http://www.capricorncetaceansproject.com/ on the project facebook page (search for Capricorn Cetaceans Project) and at the Marine Ecology Research centre website http://www.scu.edu.au/marine-ecology/index.php/33/ Field work include daily coastal surveys conducted on a 6m centre console vessel. During field work we will applied standard techniques normally applied in inshore dolphins studies. Additionally we will also collect skin samples using PAXARM biopsy system for an on-going genetic and toxicology analyses . More detailed information on the project will be given directly during a Skype conversation. While on land the team will share a house in Yeppoon and Laguna Quay Resort in Central Queensland. All accommodation costs are covered. Volunteers wil have to cover their food expenses at home while food and drinks on the boat are provided by the project. This position is mainly for people with photo-identification experience, with a profound interest in cetaceans and a background in marine studies. This project offers the opportunity for undergraduate thesis. Applications are considered only for the entire period. Daniele Cagnazzi, PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow Marine Ecology Research Centre School of Environment, Science and Engineering Southern Cross University Lismore NSW 2480 Australia Mobile 0428366838 Website: http://www.scu.edu.au/marine-ecology/index.php/33/ Website: www.capricorncetaceansproject.com<http://www.capricorncetaceansproject.com>

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