April 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

LAST CALL: CRRU fully funded internships available in 2015 for UK students
by Dr Kevin Robinson 28 Apr '15

28 Apr '15

CRRU fully funded training internships available in 2015 for UK students - "Dolphins and whales of the Moray Firth" We are delighted to announce that Reed Elsevier (New Scientist Parent Company) have grant funded internships for EIGHT promising UK students (nationals only please) to join the CRRU research team in Scotland this summer for a 10-day field training course of their choice, subject to available slots. For full details and available date, please visit: www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp. The funded places will be awarded to UK university students (undergraduates, graduates or postgraduates) whose financial situation or health renders them otherwise unable to fund such an opportunity themselves and those who lack such valuable experience essential for future work opportunities, and will be selected on a case-by-case basis, and include all project costs (accommodation, food, your full equipment needs and all associated field costs during your stay with the team). Awardees will simply need to fund their own travel itinerary to us in Banff, Aberdeenshire (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money. To be considered for one of these awards, please email us at <mailto:info@crru.org.uk> info(a)crru.org.uk for further an application form and full project briefing. The closing date for applications is 1 May 2015 and selected awardees will be notified by email very shortly after this date. All best wishes and thanks Dr. Kevin Robinson Director, CRRU <mailto:kev.robinson@crru.org.uk> kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, PO Box 11307, Banff, AB45 3WB, Scotland, UK | ( +44 (0)1261 851696 | <http://www.crru.org.uk/> www.crru.org.uk Whale and Dolphin Research | Environmental Educational Outreach | Marine Wildlife Rescue | Consultancy | MMO Services <http://www.facebook.com/crru.org.uk> <http://www.twitter.com/crru> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/cetacean-research-&-rescue-unit-crru-> Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC 035473

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New publication
by Julian Tyne 27 Apr '15

27 Apr '15

Dear all, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of: Julian A. Tyne, David W. Johnston, Robert Rankin, Neil R. Loneragan and Lars Bejder (2015). The importance of spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) resting habitat: Implications for management. Journal of Applied Ecology doi: 10.1111/1365-2664.12434. Online access: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.12434/abstract Blog: http://mucru.org/new-publication-hawaiian-spinner-dolphins-need-sheltered-b… Abstract 1. Linking key ecological characteristics with animal behaviour is essential for identifying and protecting important habitats that support life functions. Spinner dolphins display a predictable diurnal behavioural pattern where they forage offshore at night and return to sheltered bays during daytime to rest. These bays, which are also subject to considerable use by humans, have long been recognized as key habitats for this species although the extent to which dolphins rely on specific characteristics of these habitats for rest has not been quantified. 2. An integration of boat-based and land-based group focal follow sampling regimes and three gradient boosting Generalised Additive Models were developed to identify habitat features that contribute to the occurrence of resting spinner dolphins in coastal waters off Hawai'i Island. Two 'in-bay' models used data collected within-in bays and a third 'coastal' model (near-shore, outside of bays) used data collected both inside and outside of bays. 3. The coastal model identified that spinner dolphins were unlikely to rest outside sheltered bays. In-bay models showed that dolphins rested throughout daylight hours within bays with a peak resting period between 10 am to 2 pm. The models also identified bottom-substrate-type as an important predictor of rest. Pseudo R2 values of 0.61 and 0.70 for the in-bay models and 0.66 for the coastal model showed that these models provided a good fit to the behavioural data for the occurrence of resting spinner dolphins. 4. Synthesis and application: To date, studies evaluating spinner dolphin resting habitat have focussed on areas inside bays only. Here, we combined data collected inside and outside bays, and illustrate that should resting spinner dolphins be displaced from resting bays, they are unlikely to engage in resting behaviour elsewhere. Results provide further information on the importance of bays as important habitat for resting spinner dolphins. To mitigate the disturbance from human interactions during important rest periods, we recommend that management keep the spinner dolphin resting areas free from human activities. Our quantitative approach where models explicitly link behaviour with habitat characteristics is applicable to identify important habitats for protection of other taxa. ______________________________________________________________ Julian Tyne PhD Candidate, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University South Street Murdoch WA 6150 http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/ http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WQoZ0dUAAAAJ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Julian_Tyne?ev=hdr_xprf http://www.facebook.com/MUCRU http://www.trn.net.au/

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Cetacean research internships - Winter-Spring 2015
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 26 Apr '15

26 Apr '15

Cetacean research internships - Last call Winter-Spring Season 2015 Hi everyone, On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting internship applications for winter-spring term 2015 (a minimum of 60 days of participation) for our research project along the North-western coast of the Iberian Pensinsula (Galician waters, Spain). Our mission (since 2005) is to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat through education and research. Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in cetaceans behavioural ecology and sociobiology with a focus on dolphins ethology, habitat use and communication. Furthermore, as the Galician coastline is known for frequent strandings of various marine mammals species, the participants will be a part of an important network for rescue and data collection from these stranded animals. The BDRI offers the interns the chance to work during many steps of the research. Your participation means that you will not only be observing the studied animals at sea, but you will also be collecting different types of scientific data, using various research methods, and helping on board the research vessel in general. When back in the lab, you will participate in the transcription of the collected data, with the database work, you will use various softwares, perform photo-identification analysis, use of GIS and more. Moreover interns will also assist with marine mammals rescue (cetaceans and seals), carcass salvage, analysis of stomach contents, and field necropsies as needed in Galician waters. Hence, interns will also receive cross-training in different areas related with the strandings (Response, Rescue, Necropsy and data collection). As an internship, you will be encouraged to work hard and gain an insight of what it is actually like to work as a marine mammal researcher. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in marine mammals research make the most qualified individuals. Our centre understands the importance of giving the participant the responsibilities and experience which give an insight and reflect the ones of a true future job in the field of marine mammal science. The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is no compensation for the internship positions. The tuition fee includes the accommodation in an apartment, tuition and a small part of other expenses derived of your participation (use of equipment, field trips by car, use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain). Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum 8 weeks continuous commitment sometime between January 15th through November 30th. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Undergraduate and postgraduate students could, as a part of one of BDRIs projects, present a personal research project as their thesis work. In order to do so, this is requested within your internship application. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, he/she will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Positions are open until filled (maximum 8 vacancies). Prior field research experience is recommended but not required. Please download the internships general information and application form at: www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc Send the application form, resume, recommendation letters, and cover letter by email to the email: info(a)thebdri.com For more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit www.thebdri.com or our Facebook page. See you on site! Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Biologist and Director Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) Av. Beiramar 192, O Grove CP. 36980 Pontevedra-Spain tel. 00 34 605 521441 www.thebdri.com This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private information. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any).

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Elephant seals and killer whales - Field helpers - FIRST CALL
by simo_liste＠tiscali.it 26 Apr '15

26 Apr '15

VOLUNTEERS FIELD HELPERS RECRUITMENT ------------------------------------ PROJECT: Long term study of southern elephant seals and killer whales behavioral ecology WEB SITE: www.eleseal.org [1] POSITION: Volunteer (unpaid) field helper DURATION: 3 to 6 months, early September 2015 to early March 2016 LOCATION: Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands, Southern Atlantic DUTIES: - Elephant seals: counts, marking, GIS data collection, observation of behavior, pup handling, collection of samples - Killer whales: counts, photo-identification, observation and videotaping of behavior, necropsies of preys DEADLINE: May 15, 2015; please note that, capabilities being equal, positions will be allocated with a first come first served policy Volunteer field helpers are required for the 2015-2016 field season of a long term project on southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) and killer whales (Orcinus orca) carried out by the Elephant Seal Research Group. The field work site is Sea Lion Island (Falkland Islands). Sea Lion Island on Google maps http://maps.google.com/?q=Sea%Lion%Island,Falkland%Islands [2] Successful applicants will receive adequate training and will help with tagging and marking, counts, mapping of seals positions by GPS, management of environmental data loggers, behavioral observations, handling (weighing) of pups, and collection of biological samples. Moreover, they will help with photo-identification and observation of killer whales, and their predation behavior. They will also help with necropsies of elephant seals and sea lions predated by killer whales. Volunteers will be supervised by the PIs and/or by trained technicians. Previous experience of field work is appreciated but not essential. The field season runs for 6 months, from the beginning of September to the beginning of March. Only applicants who can stay for a minimum of about 3 months can be taken into consideration. Preference will be given to volunteers wishing to stay for the whole season (6 months). Applicants are required to pay all expenses to get to Sea Lion Island, and telephone/Internet expenses while there. Accommodation and food at SLI will be provided by the ESRG. Accommodation on SLI is rather basic and self-catering, but quite comfortable for a field research setting. Applicants will be required to work for the whole length of the day, seven days per week, with just half day per week of rest. The work is physically demanding, and it is often carried out in bad weather conditions. People without a good tolerance to cold climate are discouraged to apply. The island is a wonderful place with a very rich and tame wildlife, including large colonies of penguins and marine birds. To apply please send 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) a copy of an identification document with picture, to dr. Filippo Galimberti (fil_esrg(a)eleseal.org) Please put all documents together in the same file. Preferred format for email attachments is PDF. Reference letters (3 maximum) are appreciated but not essential, and should be sent directly to the email address mentioned above. Deadline for submission is May 15, 2015. Due to the limited number of positions available we warmly suggest perspective candidates to apply as soon as possible. Filippo Galimberti & Simona Sanvito Elephant Seal Research Group fil_esrg(a)eleseal.org www.eleseal.org [3] Connetti gratis il mondo con la nuova indoona: hai la chat, le chiamate, le video chiamate e persino le chiamate di gruppo. E chiami gratis anche i numeri fissi e mobili nel mondo! Scarica subito l’app Vai su https://www.indoona.com/

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New paper on southern Australian cetacean diversity
by Pete Gill 25 Apr '15

25 Apr '15

My co-authors and I would like to announce the publication of the following paper: Gill, P.C., R. Pirzl, M.G. Morrice and K. Lawton. 2015. Cetacean diversity of the continental shelf and slope off southern Australia. Journal of Wildlife Management 79(4): 672-681. DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.867 ABSTRACT We recorded a diverse cetacean assemblage from systematic aerial surveys in productive upwelling waters off southern Australia in 2002-2013. Surveys recorded 133 sightings of 15 identified cetacean species consisting of 7 mysticete (baleen) whale species, 8 odontocete (toothed) species, and 384 sightings of unidentified dolphins. This is the first assessment of cetacean diversity for the region and we found diversity to be comparable with other productive regions elsewhere. Differential spatial and temporal distributions of mysticete and odontocete species were apparent, and were associated with habitat variables and seasonal migration cycles. The study contributes new information to assist the environmental planning and management of activities in the region, including oil, and gas exploration and production, fishing, shipping, and renewable energy development. If you would like a PDF copy please contact me at pete(a)bluewhalestudy.org Regards, Dr Peter Gill Director | Blue Whale Study Inc. C/- Post Office | Narrawong VIC 3285 Australia Ph. [61+3](03) 5529 5227 |Mob. 0409 147 875 Email <mailto:pete@bluewhalestudy.org> pete(a)bluewhalestudy.org

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One volunteer position available for Derawan marine park research in August (14-25) & October (12-23) surveys
by Danielle Kreb 24 Apr '15

24 Apr '15

Dear all, This is a finall call for volunteers to join the Berau marine vertebrates conservation program, which aims to protect a high diversity of large marine vertebrates including cetaceans, turtles, whale sharks and manta rays in the Marine Park of Derawan Archipelago, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Besides raising awareness, engaging local communities in sustainable handycraft and ecotourism activities, part of the conservation program includes a long-term monitoring program of marine vertebrates in the area. Surveys are being conducted by the local NGO Yayasan Konservasi RASI (Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia) under guidance of Dr. Danielle Kreb and Ir. Budiono. The research team involves experienced RASI staff as well as local and overseas students and/or volunteers. We are looking for motivated volunteers and/or students that are willing to engage in the program through an eight-days monitoring survey in the beautiful landscape of the Berau archipelago.We will collect data to determine relative abundance, core area mapping, assessing seasonal species diversity and site fidelity as well as habitat usage of large mafine vertebrates. Through earlier surveys it was found that the highest relative abundance of ceteaceans was within 5km radius of islands or reefs, and therefore we also conduct coral reef monitoring at several locations by snorkling to asses its health. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn theory and practice of Reefcheck monitoring for the Indo-Pacific taught by a certified ecodiver that will join the survey.There will be an opportunity to do recreational things such as snorkling in the stingless jelly fish lake of Kakaban and snorkling near Manta Rays and/or whale sharks following good practice protocols. Underwater photo-id will be attempted as well of whale sharks.. Dates: 14-25 August (1 position left); 12-23 October 2015 (1 position left). Selections will be made until 10 May 2015. Day by day schedule, qualifications for volunteers and costs involved can be downloaded from a flyer posted on our website at: http://www.ykrasi.org/coastal.html We are looking forward to your participation! Regards, Danielle and Budiono -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Member of IUCN/SSC/Cetacean Specialist Group Scientific Program Advisor Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 52 Samarinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.org Facebook group/page: Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia

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Bushmeat - Information request
by A. Mel Cosentino 24 Apr '15

24 Apr '15

Dear MARMAMers I am compiling information about the use of marine mammals (especially small cetaceans and sirenians) as bait and for human consumption, resulting from direct hunts or opportunistic catches (e.g., by-catch) occurring in Africa, especially on the west coast. I would be very grateful if you would get in touch with me at orcinus.orca.1758(a)gmail.com if you have any published literature (e.g., scientific articles, reports), news, or contact details of people/organisations that could provide me with further information (in English, but also in Spanish or French would be appreciated). Attached is a list of the literature I found. Thank you in advance, A. Mel Cosentino References Alfaro & Van Waerebeek (2001). Drowning in a sea of silence: the bushmeat concept as applied to marine wildlife. Angelici et al (2001). Some new mammal records from the rainforest of South-Eastern Nigeria. Ayissi et al (2011). Report on the exploratory survey of cetaceans and their status in Cameroon. Ayissi & Jiofack (2014). Impact assessment on by-catch artisanal fisheries: sea turtles and mammals in Cameroon, West Africa. Ayissi et al (2014). Rediscovery of Cameroon Dolphin, the Gulf of Guinea Population of Sousa teuszii ( Kükenthal , 1892 ). Bamy et al (2010). Species occurrence of cetaceans in Guinea, including humpback whales with southern hemisphere seasonality. Brashares et al (2004). Bushmeat hunting, wildlife declines, and fish supply in West Africa. Clapham & Van Waerebeek (2007). Bushmeat and bycatch: the sum of the parts. Collins et al (2009). The Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii) in Gabon and Congo: cause for optimism or concern? Collins (2012). Progress report for Atlantic humpback dolphin work in Gabon and Congo Debrah et al (2010). An update on the catch composition and other aspects of cetacean exploitation in Ghana. Essuman (2008). Bioaccumulation of platinum group metals in dolphins, Stenella sp., caught off Ghana. Fa et al (2006). Getting to grips with the magnitude of exploitation: Bushmeat in the Cross–Sanaga rivers region, Nigeria and Cameroon. Leeney et al (2015). Food, Pharmacy, Friend? Bycatch, Direct Take and Consumption of Dolphins in West Africa. Lewison & Moore (2012). Improving interview-based assess- ments of sea turtle and marine mammal bycatch in West Africa: Putting fishing activity into a socio-economic context. Maigret (1994) Marine mammals and fisheries in the west Africa Morissette et al (2010). Ecosystem models clarify the trophic role of whales off Northwest Africa. Murphy, et al (1997). Cetacean in Gambian waters. Ofori-Danson et al (2003). A survey for the conservation of dolphins in Ghanaian coastal waters. Robards & Reeves (2011). The global extent and character of marine mammal consumption by humans: 1970–2009. Segniagbeto et al (2014). Annotated checklist and fisheries interactions of cetaceans in Togo, with evidence of Antarctic minke whale in the Gulf of Guinea. Sohou et al (2013). Biodiversity and status of cetaceans in Benin, West Africa: an initial assessment. Swensson (2005). Bushmeat trade in techiman, Ghana, West Africa. Thibault & Blaney (2003). The oil industry as an underlying factor in the bushmeat crisis in central Africa. Uwagbae & Van Waerebeek (2010). Initial evidence of dolphin takes in the Niger Delta region and a review of Nigerian cetaceans. Van Waerebeek et al (1997). Cetacean research in Senegal 1995-97: An overview Van Waerebeek & Ofori-Danson (1999). A first checklist of cetaceans of Ghana, Gulf of Guinea, and a shore-based survey of interactions with coastal fisheries. Van Waerebeek et al (2004). Distribution, Status, and Biology of the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin, Sousa teuszii (Kükenthal, 1892). Van Waerebeek et al (2008). Indeterminate status of West African populations of inshore common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus cautions against opportunistic live-capture schemes. Van Waerebeek et al (2008). Preliminary findings on the mass strandings of melon-headed whale Peponocephala electra on Boavista Island in November 2007, with notes on other cetaceans from the Cape Verde Islands. Van Waerebeek et al (2009). The cetaceans of Ghana, a validated faunal checklist. Waerebeek et al (2014). Cetacean landings at the fisheries port of Dixcove , Ghana in 2013-14: a preliminary appraisal. Weir et al (2009). Challenges and priorities for the conservation of the Vulnerable Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii), with a case study from Namibe Province , Angola. Weir et al (2008). Records of Fraser’s dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei Fraser 1956 from the Gulf of Guinea and Angola. Weir (2010). A review of cetacean occurrence in West African waters from the Gulf of Guinea to Angola. Weir et al (2011). West Africa’s Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii): endemic, enigmatic and soon Endangered? Weir & Pierce (2013). A review of the human activities impacting cetaceans in the eastern tropical Atlantic.

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HWDT- FINAL CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
by Kerry Froud 24 Apr '15

24 Apr '15

FINAL CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Dear All, The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) conducts cetacean surveys throughout our field season (May - October) from aboard our research yacht Silurian. < <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-Silurian.asp> http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-Silurian.asp> 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> . ***HWDT are issuing a final call for volunteers in a bid to fill the remaining berth for the survey running 3rd 11th May. HWDT are unable to run these surveys without a minimum of 5 volunteers and are therefore heavily discounting this first survey, offering you the chance to join us aboard for only £250 for a 9 day survey. HWDT have also massively reduced the cost of participating in the 2nd survey, now only £575 for a 9 day survey! *** 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. If you are interested in joining the May survey please contact Morven Russell on <mailto:volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org> volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org or call 01688 302620. 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: <http://www.hwdt.org> www.hwdt.org

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Free public lecture in London on coastal ecosystems (also live online)
by Jenny Cousins 23 Apr '15

23 Apr '15

Earthwatch lecture at the Royal Geographical Society, London, SW7 2AR, on May 14th 2015, Turning the Tide: Coastal Communities and Conservation: http://eu.earthwatch.org/events/2015/03/23/turning-the-tide-coastal-communi… The Lecture starts at 7.00pm. Please book your free ticket at the link above. Tropical coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds are some of the most biodiverse in the world and have essential economic functions. More than 10% of the world's population rely on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods, with global production almost doubling from the mid-1990s to 2012. Yet threats to coastal biodiversity from over-exploitation and climate change could have profound implications on ecosystem function and human well-being. Join us to hear how three leading scientists are working with local communities and stakeholders to find sustainable solutions for the long-term benefit of people and nature: * Professor Mark Huxham is Director of Academic Strategy at Edinburgh Napier University, the founding director of the Association for Coastal Ecosystem Services and leader of an Earthwatch research and conservation project in Kenya to restore mangroves - the first community based mangrove conservation project to be funded by carbon credits. * Professor David J. Smith is a senior lecturer in marine biology at the University of Essex and Director of the Coral Reef Research Unit; senior advisor to the Institute of Marine Environmental Research in the Aegean Sea and a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He leads the Earthwatch coral reef research project in the Seychelles. * Professor Jennifer Smith is an Associate Professor in Marine Ecology and Conservation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, California. She will be leading a new Earthwatch project looking at the ecological impacts of seaweed farming in Indonesia and the susceptibility of seaweed farms to environmental change. Professor Martin Attrill, Chair of this event, is director of the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth. Prof Attrill is a marine ecologist whose primary research interest is focused on the mechanisms behind long-term change and large-scale spatial patterns in marine assemblages and populations. He has been working with long-term data within a range of habitats such as the Thames Estuary, Brazilian coral reefs and the open Atlantic Ocean, including investigating the role of climate variation on fish, corals and plankton. He has published 100 papers in the prime literature, primarily on fish and benthic systems such as seagrass, and has current projects investigating the roles of Marine Protected Areas and their interaction with fishing (including a novel research partnership with the Blue Marine Foundation and local fishermen to undertake research into sustainable fishing with MPAs) and impacts of offshore renewable energy developments. Please do circulate the link within your networks and tweet #EWtideturn Any questions, contact Jenny Cousins at jcousins(a)earthwatch.org.uk

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New paper on mysticete evolutionary relationships
by Felix G. Marx 22 Apr '15

22 Apr '15

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce the recent publication of a new phylogenetic analysis of living and extinct baleen whales, based on both morphological and molecular data: Marx, F.G. and Fordyce, R. E. 2015. Baleen boom and bust: a synthesis of mysticete phylogeny, diversity and disparity. Royal Society Open Science 2:140434. Our study provides the first fully dated mysticete phylogeny, with all nodes (even those giving rise to purely fossil lineages) dated using a combined molecular/morphological clock approach. In addition, we provide an accompanying database of more than 4,000 specimen images on MorphoBank (www.morphobank.org, project 687). The paper is freely accessible at: http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/2/4/140434 Thank you very much and kind regards, Felix Marx ________________________________ Felix G. Marx PhD JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow Division of Biotic Evolution/ Department of Geology and Palaeontology National Museum of Nature and Science 4-1-1 Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0005, Japan; tel. +81 (0)29-853-8263 --- Research Collaborator, School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, United Kingdom

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