March 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New article: Devices to mitigate odontocete bycatch on and depredation from pelagic longlines
by Derek Hamer 26 Mar '15

26 Mar '15

Dear MARMAM subscribers, My co-authors and I are pleased to share with you our recent publication: Hamer DJ, Childerhouse SJ, McKinlay J, Double MC and Gales NJ, 2015. Two devices for mitigating odontocete bycatch and depredation at the hook in tropical pelagic longline fisheries. ICES Journal of Marine Science, doi: 10.1093/icesjms/fsv013. This article is now available on line at ICES JMS and will be assigned to a volume later this year. It will be part of the theme section: Marine Mammal Bycatch and Depredation, the impetus for which arose during a workshop in Woods Hole in late 2013, aimed at reviewing techniques for reducing bycatch or marine mammals in longline fishing gear. The workshop was hosted by the Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Mitigation. ABSTRACT Odontocete bycatch on and depredation from tropical pelagic longlines is globally widespread, having negative impacts on the economic viability of affected fisheries and on the conservation of affected odontocete populations. Reports by fishers that depredating odontocetes avoid gear tangles has underpinned the development of simulated structures to physically deter depredating odontocetes. This study assessed the efficacy of two such devices developed to mitigate odontocete depredation and associated bycatch. Of particular interest was their impact on (i) soak depth and (ii) sink rate using truncated trials, before determining their impact under full operational conditions on rates of (iii) catch of the five most economically important fish, and (iv) odontocete depredation and bycatch, on changes in (v) fish survival and size, and (vi) setting and hauling speed. The results indicated that the inclusion of devices on longlines had negligible impact on soak depth, thus were unlikely to impact on the suite of fish specifically targeted and caught. The sink rate was slowed, perhaps by drag, trapped air, or propeller wash, although the addition of weight might remedy this if the devices were to be used in areas where seabird bycatch could occur. Most importantly, trials conducted in Australian and in Fijian waters indicated that pooled fish catch rates (i.e. albacore, yellowfin, bigeye, mahi mahi, and wahoo) increased in the presence of the devices, possibly because more fish were attracted by them or because more depredators were deterred. Catch rates on control gear next to gear with devices attached were higher than more distant control gear, suggesting the influences of the devices may have extended to adjacent branchlines. The size of caught fish was mostly unaffected, although the survival of yellowfin and bigeye increased significantly in the presence of the devices. Hauling was slowed by the use of the devices and the need for an extra crewmember during setting and hauling, which could be cost prohibitive in some fisheries, especially if economic benefits from their use are not obvious. Despite the small sample size, odontocete bycatch only occurred on unprotected fishing gear and all individuals were released alive, although their fate was uncertain; there was evidence of injuries sustained from the event. The outcomes are positive and should motivate stakeholders to view such devices as a potentially effective tool for mitigating odontocete bycatch and depredation in this and similar longline fisheries. Future efforts should focus on improving operational integration and reducing implementation costs to encourage voluntary uptake and thus avoid non-compliance and the need for costly monitoring. The use of this technology could bring about marked improvements to the conservation situation for affected odontocete populations and to the economic situation for affected longline fisheries. The full article is available at: http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/03/23/icesjms.fsv013.fu ll.pdf+html?sid=ea022ee1-9865-4896-8a5e-59cb235ae948 All the best, Derek and co. __________________________________________________________ Dr Derek Hamer DBMS Global Oceans - Director e <mailto:derek@dbms-global.com> derek(a)dbms-global.com 3/40 Valley Street m +61 428 104 493 West Hobart s derekhamer1 Tasmania w <http://www.dbms-global.com/> www.dbms-global.com Australia 7000 __________________________________________________________ This message is private and confidential. If you received it in error, then please notify us and remove it from your system.

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Join Us For the Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference!
by Thompson,Nina 26 Mar '15

26 Mar '15

Please distribute to interest parties! Please join us for the Fifth Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference, June 2 - 4, 2015 in Gainesville, FL, USA. Registration is OPEN! Early registration pricing is in effect until April 7, 2015 !! Registration Information can be found at: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aeh/marinemammal/registration.html For more information on the Conference please visit the conference website at: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aeh/marinemammal/index.html For Group Rates on the Conference Hotel please book your room by April 27th! For hotel information: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aeh/marinemammal/site.html If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us (Nina Thompson- nina.thompson(a)ufl.edu<mailto:nina.thompson@ufl.edu>). Thank you for your interest in presenting at the Fifth Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference. We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your participation! Sincerely, Fifth Florida Marine Mammal Health Organizing Committee Mike Walsh, Thomas Waltzek, Iske Larkin, Nicole Stacy, Martine deWit, Craig Pelton, Roger Reep, John Reynolds, and Jim Wellehan [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig]

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Humpback whale sighting/ID in Madeira announces ECS 2016
by Filipe Alves 26 Mar '15

26 Mar '15

Dear colleagues,One or two humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are usually sighted every year in Madeira Island (Portugal, NE Atlantic) during their migration, and typically only during a day. This year, a whale was sighted when it was being announced in the ECS in Malta that the next conference will be held in Madeira! And until this day, a humpback whale was never identified from this waters (to my best knowledge).I photographed the fluke during a whalewatching trip with 'Ventura | Nature Emotions', and it would be interesting to run the photograph with existing catalogues, especially from the East Atlantic, to assess if it is an identified individual and know more about this whale's histories.Please contact me if you have a photo-id database for this species and are interested in the comparison.Thanks and hope to see you all in Madeira in 2016, Filipe Alvesmarine biologist, PhDhttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Filipe_Alves/publications CIIMAR-MadeiraTecnopolo, Madeira, Portugal----------------------------------------Conservation Unit of the Natural Park of Madeira ServiceQuinta do Meio, Madeira, Portugal----------------------------------------Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental ResearchUniversity of Porto, Portugal Ventura | Nature Emotionswhalewatching, Madeira Islandwww.venturadomar.com

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Public consultation on the draft Recovery Strategy for the Offshore Killer Whale in Canada
by Thar, Jonathan 26 Mar '15

26 Mar '15

Dear colleagues, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is pleased to inform you that the draft Recovery Strategy for the Offshore Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in Canada is now undergoing regional consultations. The draft Recovery Strategy, background information and an online comment form are available through April 27, 2015, at the following URL: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/consultation/sara-lep/killerwhaleoffshore-epau… We invite you to provide feedback on the document until April 27, 2015. Your input is valuable to the development of the Strategy, and will contribute to the overall recovery and long term survival of these whales in Canadian Pacific waters. If you have any questions, or would like more information about the process for developing the Recovery Strategy, please contact DFO's Species at Risk Program at +1-604-666-7907, or by e-mail at: SARA(a)pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:SARA@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca>. Thank you, Jonathan Thar DFO Species at Risk Recovery Planner

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Recruiting project leader for a marine mammal monitoring programme in Ireland
by Cronin, Michelle (CMRC) 26 Mar '15

26 Mar '15

We are recruiting a project leader to join a team of two research assistants and volunteers to coordinate an on-going marine mammal monitoring programme in Broadhaven Bay, County Mayo on the west coast of Ireland. The position will be from May 2015-April 2018. The candidate will ideally be an experienced postdoctoral researcher, employed through MaREI, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork and will be based close to the study area in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo for at least 6 months of the year during the field season and at University College Cork for the remainder of the year. Office space and shared accommodation/field station will be provided for the team. Data collection will primarily be in the form of land-based surveys and acoustic monitoring. Deadline for applications: April 6th 2015. For further information see attached. Dr Michelle Cronin Beaufort Research Fellow Environmental Research Institute Beaufort (c/o CMRC) University College Cork Irish Naval Base Haulbowline Cork, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)21 470 3114 E mail: michelle.cronin(a)ucc.ie Skype: croninmichelle

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Volunteer Wildlife and Dolphin Watching Guides. April to June 2015.
by Stones Brett 26 Mar '15

26 Mar '15

Volunteer Wildlife Guides Required Volunteer Position offered to a marine biology enthusiast with a passenger boat trip company to assist with wildlife guiding activities. SeaMôr Wildlife Tours is looking for enthusiastic and hardworking boat crew to fill a position offered during the period of April to June 2015. The position requires working on the wildlife watching boat as crew and a wildlife guide and also assisting with sales and marketing of the trips. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn some great skills such as boat handling, general seamanship, enhancing your public speaking skills, and hopefully help inspire the next generation of marine biologists. The trips run from the beautiful towns of New Quay and Abaereron in Cardigan Bay, which is home to the largest population of bottlenose dolphins in the UK. Harbour porpoises, grey seals and a variety of sea birds are also amongst the many animals that can be viewed on the trips. WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU WILL GAIN:Public speaking and guiding experienceCrewing on a commercial passenger boatBoat handling and general seamanshipCustomer service and team work ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:Fluent spoken EnglishInterest in marine wildlife and boatingFlexibility and the ability to work outdoorsGood communication skillsGood customer service skillsExperience of working in a small team DESIRABLE:Marine biology (or similar) qualificationRYA powerboat licenseInterest in marketingWebsite editing and design Other info:This is an unpaid post, however, there will be an element of paid work available, and free accommodation is provided. How to apply:If you are interested in this position, email your CV to Brett Stones, info(a)seamor.org, or call us on 07795242445. Website www.seamor.org

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New publication - Tsai and Fordyce 2015 Horopeta umarere
by Cheng-Hsiu Tsai 26 Mar '15

26 Mar '15

Dear colleagues We are pleased to announce a new article, describing a new baleen whale from the Oligocene of New Zealand. Cheng-Hsiu Tsai and R. Ewan Fordyce. 2015. The earliest gulp-feeding mysticetes (Cetacea: Mysticeti) from the Oligocene of New Zealand. Journal of Mammalian Evolution doi:10.1007/s10914-015-9290-0 Abstract Horopeta umarere is a new genus and species of extinct baleen whales from the Kokoamu Greensand (early Chattian, Oligocene, in the range 25–27 Ma), Hakataramea Valley, New Zealand. The geological age makes Horopeta umarere one of the earliest named baleen whales. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that Horopeta umarere may be the earliest crown Mysticeti (the sister taxon to Cetotheriidae), or the sister species to the crown Mysticeti; it is clearly not a species of Eomysticetidae. Estimated skull and body length of Horopeta umarere are 1.5-1.6 m and 6.5-7.5 m, respectively. Horopeta umarere shows some features that are linked to gulp feeding as seen in living humpback and rorquals: laterally bowed and robust mandible, D-shaped to teardrop-shaped mandible in cross-section, and posterolaterally deflected triangular coronoid process of the mandible. The sternum of Horopeta umarere is elongate, rod-shaped, and dorsoventrally stout with bilateral anterior and posterior rugose protrusions, indicating the presence of at least two pairs of ribs or costal cartilages. The structure of the skull and mandible are consistent with the use of gulp feeding, but the sternal morphology and rib attachments suggest an early evolutionary stage in gulp feeding employment, where more complex rib attachment may restrict the volume of water and food taken in one gulp compared to living humpback and rorquals. Thus, the morphology of Horopeta umarere has implications for the emergence of gulp feeding in baleen whale evolution as well as the emergence of the crown Mysticeti. Available at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10914-015-9290-0# or email Tsai: cheng-hsiu.tsai(a)otago.ac.nz<mailto:cheng-hsiu.tsai@otago.ac.nz>; craniata(a)gmail.com<mailto:craniata@gmail.com> Regards and all the best, Tsai Cheng-Hsiu Tsai （蔡政修) PhD student, Department of Geology, University of Otago 360 Leith Walk (Courier) or PO Box 56 (Postal) Dunedin 9054, New Zealand Email: cheng-hsiu.tsai(a)otago.ac.nz<mailto:cheng-hsiu.tsai@otago.ac.nz>; craniata(a)gmail.com<mailto:craniata@gmail.com>

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Volunteers needed for sperm whale research in New Zealand (June/July)
by Marta 25 Mar '15

25 Mar '15

*Seeking field assistants for research on sperm whales at Kaikoura, New Zealand* A volunteer is required to assist with fieldwork for a study on the foraging ecology of sperm whales *(Physeter macrocephalus)* and food web dynamics in the submarine canyon of Kaikoura, New Zealand. This PhD project is part of the ongoing research by the Marine Mammal Research Group (Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, New Zealand). *Fieldwork dates:* volunteers are needed for *16th June – 31st July 2015. * A *minimum commitment of 3 weeks* is required, preferably starting on the 16 th June or 9th July. Commitment to the full 6-week period is encouraged but not required. *Application deadline:* 20th of April *Location:* Kaikoura, on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. We will be based at a small but comfortable house in South Bay (Kaikoura). *Research involved: *the study aims to collect information on abundance, distribution, habitat use and diet of sperm whales at Kaikoura, with a wider focus on understanding the food web dynamics in the Kaikoura submarine canyon and the factors influencing the ongoing decline of the sperm whale population. Data collection involves doing acoustic tracking of sperm whales, photo-identification, acoustic transects for getting whale distribution data, acoustic recordings, collection of sloughed whale skin and fecal samples (for stable isotope analysis), plankton tows, and in-situ oceanographic sampling. All work is boat-based, from 6m RV *Grampus*. *Field and house duties: *assisting with loading/unloading equipment, boat launching and retrieval with towing vehicle, driving the boat, searching for sperm whales, taking photos for photo-identification, data collection, equipment cleaning and basic maintenance, data entry and photo-id matching, a share in communal cooking and housekeeping duties, and generally working hard and having a good time. *Expectations: *field assistants need to be available full-time, including weekends, and be prepared for early morning departures (7 am), and long days on the water (up to 10 hours) for multiple consecutive days. Expect also several consecutive days off the water due to bad weather conditions. Fieldwork is physically demanding but awesome if you enjoy it. In general, expect to work hard and learn a lot while having a good time in an amazing place. Kaikoura is a truly unique natural setting, located on the coast between the high snowy peaks of the Kaikoura mountain ranges and the Pacific Ocean. There are few places in the world where sperm whales can be reliably found close to shore; Kaikoura is one of them. The marine life in the area is spectacular, including New Zealand fur seals, dusky dolphins, Hector’s dolphins, a plethora of seabird species (including albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters) and occasional visits from humpback whales, blue whales and orca. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in field techniques for boat-based cetacean research, practical skills, and be involved in a project with conservation and management implications. *Essential prerequisites:* - Experience in driving and working on small boats, and being comfortable with working on small boats in open ocean conditions (up to 12 nautical miles from shore) - Be reliable, hardworking, adaptable, independent, and patient, and have a positive and enthusiastic attitude - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research - Fluent in English or Spanish *Highly desirable prerequisites:* - Experience in field research with marine mammals - Experience in photo-ID survey techniques and/or acoustic recording techniques - Driver’s license and experience with a towing vehicle - The project is well suited to upper level undergrads and graduate students with a background in Marine Science, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related fields - Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation *Expenses: *This is a volunteer position and therefore unpaid. However accommodation and transport while in Kaikoura are provided at no cost. Assistants are responsible for their own travel costs to/from Kaikoura (direct 3h bus available from Christchurch) and sharing of food expenses. Personal expenses are not covered. Assistants are responsible for arranging their own visa if necessary. *Application process: If you are interested in this position please send an email to Marta Guerra (marta.guerra(a)otago.ac.nz <marta.guerra(a)otago.ac.nz>) by 20th April*. The email should include a brief outline of why you would like to work on this project and relevant experience against the above prerequisites, and the dates when you are available to assist on the project. Please also attach a brief CV and include two relevant referees. Applications will be considered as they are received, so *early application is recommended*. Short-listed candidates will be contacted to schedule a Skype interview. All the best, Marta Guerra ------ PhD candidate Department of Marine Science University of Otago, Dunedin Aotearoa – New Zealand Ph: +64-226784245

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Publication of the first statewide abundance estimate for the Florida manatee
by Edwards, Holly 25 Mar '15

25 Mar '15

My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the first statewide abundance estimate for the Florida manatee in the journal Biological Conservation. http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1QkNv1R~d~EoX Combining information for monitoring at large spatial scales: First statewide abundance estimate of the Florida manatee Julien Martina,1, Holly H. Edwardsa, Christopher J. Fonnesbeckb, Stacie M. Koslovskya, Craig W. Harmaka, Teri M. Danea aFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, St Petersburg, FL 33701, USA bDepartment of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203 1U.S. Geological Survey, Southeast Ecological Science Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA. Abstract Monitoring abundance and distribution of organisms over large landscapes can be difficult. Because of challenges associated with logistics and data analyses uncorrected counts are often used as a proxy for abundance. We present the first statewide estimate of abundance for Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) using an innovative approach that combines multiple sources of information. We used a combination of a double-observer protocol, repeated passes, and collection of detailed diving behavior data to account for imperfect detection of animals. Our estimate of manatee abundance was 6350 (95%CI: 5310-7390). Specifically, we estimated 2790 (95%CI: 2160-3540) manatees on the west coast (2011), and 3560 (95%CI: 2850-4410) on the east coast (2012). Unlike uncorrected counts conducted since 1991, our estimation method considered two major sources of error: spatial variation in distribution and imperfect detection. The Florida manatee is listed as endangered, but its status is currently under review; the present study may become important for the review process. Interestingly, we estimated that 70% (95%CI: 60-80%) of manatees on the east coast of Florida were aggregated in one county during our survey. Our study illustrates the value of combining information from multiple sources to monitor abundance at large scales. Integration of information can reduce cost, facilitate the use of data obtained from new technologies to increase accuracy, and contribute to encouraging coordination among survey teams from different organizations nationally or internationally. Finally, we discuss the applicability of our work to other conservation applications (e.g., risk assessment) and to other systems. <><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Holly H. Edwards, Ph.D. Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 100 Eighth Ave. SE St Petersburg, FL 33701 727-896-8626 ext. 4745 Holly.Edwards(a)myfwc.com <><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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Request papers on anthropogenic noise in the high seas
by LORA REEVE 25 Mar '15

25 Mar '15

Dear All This week I am beginning my PhD research in international ocean law at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (http://ancors.uow.edu.au/students/UOW189617.html) in the University of Wollongong. My work is focused on developing options for the global community to regulate anthropogenic noise in the high seas (outside the 200 nm limit of EEZs, i.e., areas beyond national jurisdiction or ABNJ). For my initial literature search, I will look at the existing law and science related to the sources of noise in ABNJ as well as the associated impacts to the animals that live there. My background includes experience in marine mammal field research and international ocean law scholarship. Although I have a substantial library of papers on my topic, I am asking Marmam-ers for help in three ways. Please send me - Science and policy articles discussing marine mammals or other biological resources that are relevant to noise in ABNJ, including reports of primary field or laboratory research, review papers and management recommendations; - Contact information for any scientific list servs that pertain to biological resources in ABNJ other than marine mammals such those for pelagic fisheries or deep sea ecosystems; and - Any recommendations you may have for other important sources of information. Please send your papers and responses to me at lorareeve(a)mac.com Many thanks in advance! Aloha Lora Lora L Nordtvedt Reeve, MS, MBA, JD PhD Candidate Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) University of Wollongong Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia lorareeve(a)mac.com llr026(a)uowmail.edu.au http://www.linkedin.com/in/loralnordtvedtreeve

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