April 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication: 2007 brevetoxin-associated dolphin/manatee die-off in east Florida
by Spencer Fire 22 Apr '15

22 Apr '15

Hello MARMAMers, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our article in the current edition of Marine Ecology Progress Series: "Brevetoxin-associated mass mortality event of bottlenose dolphins and manatees along the east coast of Florida, USA". Spencer E. Fire, Leanne J. Flewelling, Megan Stolen, Wendy Noke Durden, Martine de Wit, Ann C. Spellman, Zhihong Wang. Abstract - A mass mortality of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus and Florida manatees Trichechus manatus latirostris co-occurred with a severe bloom of the toxic algal species Karenia brevis along the eastern coast of Florida, USA, between October 2007 and January 2008. Brevetoxin (PbTx), a potent neurotoxin produced by this marine alga, was detected in 69 and 92% of the tested carcasses of manatees and dolphins, respectively, at concentrations similar to those reported for earlier mortality events along the west coast of Florida. Brevetoxin was also detected in fetal and neonate dolphins, providing evidence of maternal transfer of the toxin in wild populations. This study is the first to document a brevetoxin-associated marine mammal mortality event along the Atlantic coast of Florida. It also demonstrates that, despite the rarity of K. brevis blooms in this region, significant negative impacts to marine mammals inhabiting this region can occur. http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v526/p241-251/ Best regards, Spencer Fire Asst. Professor of Biological Sciences Florida Institute of Technology 150 W. University Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32901 sfire(a)fit.edu<mailto:sfire@fit.edu>

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Effects of Sound Tutorial now available on the Discovery of Sound in the Sea website
by Holly Morin 22 Apr '15

22 Apr '15

Regulators, public affairs officers, industry representatives, and other members of the decision-making community require readily accessible, comprehensive, and yet easy to understand resources that are consistently available for reference. To meet this need, the Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) Team is developing structured tutorials on key underwater sound topics. These sequential tutorials will present a progression of content supported by peer-reviewed material available on the DOSITS website (www.dosits.org) The first tutorial, focusing on the potential effects of sound on marine animals, is now available under the “Decision Makers” section of the DOSITS Resources page: http://www.dosits.org/resources/all/decisionmakers/decisiontutorial1/. The Effects of Sound tutorial discusses the potential impacts that increased background noise and specific sound sources might have on marine animals, including behavioral changes, masking, hearing loss, and physiological effects. The DOSITS content is derived exclusively from peer-reviewed scientific literature, which has gone through an additional peer review following the development of the tutorial. If you have any questions or problems with the tutorial, please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin(a)uri.edu) Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS; www.dosits.org) is a comprehensive, educational website on underwater sound, designed to provide accurate scientific information at levels appropriate for all audiences, including decision-makers. ******************************* Holly Morin Marine Research Associate II University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography holly_morin(a)uri.edu (**please note my updated email address**) 401-874-6414

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HDR Honours opportunity: Geospatial analysis of marine mammal records , Victoria Australia
by Kate Charlton-Robb 21 Apr '15

21 Apr '15

Hi All, Apologies for cross-posting, please see below: *HONOURS OPPORTUNITY with the **AUSTRALIAN MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVATION FOUNDATION (AMMCF) and DEAKIN UNIVERSITY**//* _/Australian citizen applicants only/_*_. _* AMMCF, in affiliation with Museum Victoria, Zoos Victoria and Deakin University, is currently seeking applications from highly qualified candidates for BSc Honours 2015 (mid-year intake). The project will assess the stranding and sighting records of marine mammals (whales, dolphins and seals) as a part of AMMCFs larger biodiversity assessment research program led by Dr Kate Charlton-Robb. *Background & Project overview* 37% of all marine mammals are at a risk of extinction, with 25% of marine mammal species listed as ‘threatened’. Marine mammals in the southern ocean face many threats that potentially impact on their long-term survival, including habitat degradation, anthropogenic activities, over-exploitation of prey species, and oceanic and environmental changes. In addition, the loss of top apex predators has the potential to seriously impact on lower trophic levels and important ecosystem functions. There is a distinct lack of knowledge about which cetaceans reside in Victorian waters, making it especially difficult to assess potential food-web and ecosystems impacts. Recently, unexpected or rarely observed species in this region have been recorded, including pigmy sperm whale (/Kogia breviceps/), rough-toothed dolphin (/Steno bredanensis/), shepherd’s beaked whale (/Tasmacetus shepherdi/) and striped dolphin (/Stenella coeruleoalba/). This Honours project will collate and assess the stranding (live/deceased beach-cast animals) and sightings records from across Victoria from numerous sources and use geospatial analyses to investigate the potential ecological drivers influencing such events; thus providing critical conservation and management knowledge for numerous top-order species. In particular, this research will provide a comprehensive biodiversity assessment, greatly extending our knowledge of marine mammal species in southern Australian waters, and potentially identifying rare, unique or endangered species. This Honours project will be offered in affiliation with Museum Victoria, co–supervised by Dr Karen Rowe and Deakin University, co-supervised by Associate Professor John Arnould. ** *Requirements* ·Bachelor of Science degree, with a minimum of Distinction average. ·Experience in collecting and processing ecological data. ·Proficiency in Microsoft and statistical packages. ·Familiarity with GIS analyses and software and relational databases (e.g., Microsoft Access). *Application Process* Please send your expressions of interest containing the following: 1.A brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience and the project of interest. 2.Curriculum Vitae 3.Current academic transcript 4.Two relevant referees who are familiar with your academic, research and ethical record. *Please forward the above to Dr Kate Charlton-Robb**kcr(a)ammcf.org.au. * Applications will be considered and we will contact you with further information. /Australian citizen applicants only. Unfortunately given the timing restrictions of the Honours course we are only able to offer the project to Australian citizens./ *CLOSING DATE: 15th May 2015* -- Dr Kate-Charlton-Robb Principal Researcher Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation PO Box 2046 Hampton East VIC 3188 e: kcr(a)ammcf.org.au w: ammcf.org.au

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MMO and PSO training courses, Inverness, UK
by Carolyn Barton 21 Apr '15

21 Apr '15

MMO and PSO training courses in Inverness, Scotland, 12-13 May 2015 Taught by an experienced MMO and MMO trainer and presenting an affordable solution for prospective MMOs. JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters, 12th May 2015, £125 PSO course for the Gulf of Mexico, meets BOEM/ BSEE requirements, 13th May 2015, £55 (when taken in conjunction with the MMO course). For details of course content and to download a booking form, see www.carolynbarton.co.uk or e-mail info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk . Carolyn Barton info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk www.carolynbarton.co.uk

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NEW PUBLICATION: Ontogeny of Oxygen Storage Capacity and Diving Ability in the Southern Sea Otter
by Nicole Thometz 21 Apr '15

21 Apr '15

Dear MARMAM community, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of our study, "Ontogeny of Oxygen Storage Capacity and Diving Ability in the Southern Sea Otter (*Enhydra lutris nereis*): Costs and Benefits of Large Lungs", which is currently in the May/June issue of Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. Ontogeny of Oxygen Storage Capacity and Diving Ability in the Southern Sea Otter (*Enhydra lutris nereis*): Costs and Benefits of Large Lungs *Authors*: Thometz, N.M., Murray, M.J., & Williams, T.M. *Abstract*: Small body size, large lungs, and dense pelage contribute to the unique challenges faced by diving sea otters (*Enhydra lutris*) when compared to other marine mammals. Here we determine the consequences of large lungs on the development of diving ability in southern sea otters (*Enhydra lutris nereis*) by examining the ontogeny of blood, muscle, and lung oxygen stores and calculating aerobic dive limits (cADL) for immature and mature age classes. Total oxygen storage capacity matures rapidly in sea otters, reaching adult levels by 2 mo postpartum. But this result is driven by exceptional lung capacity at birth, followed by a decrease in mass-specific lung volume with age. Blood and muscle oxygen stores remain well below adult values before weaning, with large pups exhibiting 74% and 54% of adult values, respectively. Slow muscle development limits the capacity of immature sea otters to dive against high positive buoyancy due to comparatively large lungs. Immature sea otters diving with total lung capacity (TLC) experience up to twice the mass-specific positive buoyancy as adults diving with TLC but can reduce these forces to comparable adult levels by using a smaller diving lung volume (DLV). The cADL of a juvenile with DLV is 3.62 min, while the cADL of an adult with TLC is 4.82 min. We find that the magnitude of positive buoyancy experienced by sea otters changes markedly with age and strongly influences the ontogeny of diving ability in this species. This paper was first published online 3/18/2015 Article DOI: 10.1086/681019 Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/681019 Best, Nicole M. Thometz, PhD Postdoctoral Researcher Email: nthometz(a)ucsc.edu Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Department University of California Santa Cruz

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Internships and marine mammal undergraduate study this fall in Homer, Alaska
by Deborah D Boege-Tobin 21 Apr '15

21 Apr '15

Please post the following on MARMAM. Thank you! The Semester by the Bay program has a few internships still available for this fall semester and is accepting applications now for undergraduate students interested in studying marine biology (marine mammals, seabirds, fishes, tide pool invertebrates, etc.) in the beautiful seaside town of Homer, Alaska. Our courses offer students numerous unique hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in the lab and field, such as behavioral ecology of beluga whales, sea otters, and harbor seals, acoustics of harbor porpoises, marine mammal skeletal articulation/museum preparation, marine debris assessment, seining and identification of estuarine fishes, behavior of seabirds at island rookeries, scientific illustration, among others. In addition, most students participate in community-based internships and/or volunteer opportunities with governmental or non-governmental researchers while studying with us at the Kachemak Bay Campus of Kenai Peninsula College - University of Alaska Anchorage. KPC offers in-state tuition and many internships include free or significantly reduced housing. Please see www.semesterbythebay.org<https://owa.uaa.alaska.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx> and/or contact Dr. Deborah Boege-Tobin at dtobin(a)uaa.alaska.edu for more information. Cheers, Debbie Deborah Boege-Tobin, PhD Associate Professor of Biology & Academic Advisor for Semester by the Bay University of Alaska Anchorage Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay Campus 533 E. Pioneer Avenue Homer, AK 99603 USA 907.235.1607 (office) 907.299.8380 (cell) Please consider the environment before printing this email - Thank you!

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PSO & PAM courses in Alaska, July 2015
by Sam Nichols 21 Apr '15

21 Apr '15

*PSO and PAM Courses* *20-21 and 22-24 July 2015* *Anchorage, Alaska* *run by Seiche Training and CSA* Seiche Training and CSA are market leaders in the provision of Marine Mammal Monitoring training in the USA, UK and around the world. Two and three day courses provide delegates with the tools needed to work offshore as Protected Species Observers and Passive Acoustic Monitoring operators. A combination of classroom and vessel sessions ensure the highest level of training. *PSO course* Protected Species Observer Training This 2 day interactive course is intended for people who wish to pursue a career in marine mammal observation and mitigation for the offshore seismic industry. The course has been designed to equip the delegates with a thorough background knowledge of all aspects of working offshore. Day 1 (classroom) Introduction to Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles Legislation within the Gulf of Mexico & Global Oceans Introduction to Seismic Surveys Permitting Requirements Role of the PSO Data Collection and Reporting Day 2 (classroom) Clues & Search Methods for Marine Mammals & Sea Turtles Species Identification Testing & Certification *PAM course* Passive Acoustic Monitoring Training 3 days of comprehensive ‘hands-on’ PAM training for delegates with a scientific background in biology and marine sciences who have successfully completed a certified PSO or MMO course. Day 3 (classroom) Sound In Water Marine Mammals Anthropogenic Noise in the Sea Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on Marine Mammals Local Mitigation Guidelines PAM Principles and the Role of the PAM Operator Day 4 (classroom) PAM Hardware & Operations PAM Software PAMGuard Workshop Day 5 (on a vessel) Set-up and deployment of PAM systems and visual observer stations Troubleshooting Real-time mitigation and reporting See http://www.seiche.com/topics/96-pso-pam-combined-course for more details, registration and booking. Or contact s.hancock(a)seiche.com.

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HWWC 2015 (Ste Marie, MADAGASCAR): Abstract Submission Deadline has been Extended
by Dina ANDRIANAIVORAVELONA 20 Apr '15

20 Apr '15

Dear All, Due to numerous requests, the paper submission deadline of the Humpback Whale World Congress (HWWC 2015, https://www.hwwc2015.org [6]) has been extended to May 3rd, 2015. Scientific topics of this international congress are : * Basic Research: Anatomy, Biology, Ecology, Ethology, Population dynamics, Engineer Sciences, Economics, History, Hunting. * Applied Research Methodology (visual observations, acoustic, genetics, tags, drones), data collection and storage protocols, tools and support software analysis (fluke's identification, automatic classification of sound units). * Regional Collaboration: Programs Workshops will encourage the exchange of information, practices, and experiences to favor partnerships focused on conservation. * Management, conservation and implementation of sustainable development policy: Preventive measures, establishment and management of marine protected areas, control measures on the impact of human activities, role of participatory science, alternatives to the use of natural resources. * Economy and social involvement: Humpback whales are coastal species, generating direct and indirect economic activities. This session will aim to explore viable strategies to preserve economic and social initiatives, with an emphasis on potential benefits and limitations During the congress, a photo contest will be organized. Photos should be submitted to info(a)hwwc2015.org The HWWC will take place at Ste Marie, Madagascar, from the 29th of June to the 3rd of July. Feel free to send any question/request to secretary(a)hwwc2015.org Best regards, Dina -- [7] DINA ANDRIANAIVORAVELONA SECRETARY HWWC2015 SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT [1] WWW.HWWC2015.ORG [2] [3] [4] [5] Links: ------ [1] https://hwwc2015.org/images/HWWC_announce_en.pdf [2] https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hwwc2015/596124213822902 [3] https://twitter.com/hwwc2015 [4] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5QXET0X1mnxhSicQg48dRQ [5] https://plus.google.com/u/0/113111500944132695494/posts [6] https://www.hwwc2015.org [7] https://hwwc2015.org

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COMMON DOLPHIN PHOTO-ID VOLUNTEER POSITION IN THE HAURAKI GULF, NEW ZEALAND
by Rankmore, Krista 20 Apr '15

20 Apr '15

COMMON DOLPHIN PHOTO-ID VOLUNTEER POSITION IN THE HAURAKI GULF, NEW ZEALAND A volunteer is required to assist with a PhD study investigating the abundance, social structure and site fidelity of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. This PhD project is part of the ongoing research of the New Zealand Common Dolphin Project (NZCDP) and the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz<https://owa.massey.ac.nz/owa/redir.aspx?C=QIoA5pdRuUCToTWBw5X7lA6HAVO4K9EIs…>). PROJECT BACKGROUND: The Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, is an important habitat for common dolphins that occur in the Gulf year round and use the region extensively for foraging and nursing. Common dolphins in this region consistently utilise inhabit coastal waters, making them vulnerable to the effect of tourism, pollution, and inshore recreational bycatch. DATES: Volunteers are needed from April to July 2015, and a minimum commitment of one month is required (priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods). LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand RESPONSIBILITIES: * The volunteer position primarily involves analysing photo-id data from multiple regions around New Zealand to assess movement patterns and site fidelity of common dolphins in New Zealand waters. Volunteers should be prepared to work long days in the office analysing of photographs and matching them with the photo-id catalogue (5 days per week). * There will also be opportunities to participate in opportunistic marine mammal field work from either a small research vessel or a tour-platform in the Hauraki Gulf (1 day per week). As this is a volunteer position, there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. The volunteer would therefore need to arrange their own accommodation in Auckland, living expenses, travel costs and visa. QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate will have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research, and have a willingness to learn photo-id techniques. Previous experience in photo-id would be advantageous. The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent grads and graduate students who are interested in learning about photo-id. APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to k.rankmore(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:k.rankmore@massey.ac.nz>, using "photo-id" as the subject line. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, the dates when you are available to assist on the project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant experience. Kind regards, Krista Hupman PhD Candidate Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural Sciences Massey University

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PAPER: Variation in δ15N and δ13C stable isotope values in common dolphins (Delphinus spp.) worldwide, with particular emphasis on the eastern North Atlantic populations.
by Ana Pinela 20 Apr '15

20 Apr '15

To whom it may concern: The following paper has been recently published in Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry: 'Variation in δ15N and δ13C stable isotope values in common dolphins (Delphinus spp.) worldwide, with particular emphasis on the eastern North Atlantic populations.' AM Pinela, Borrell A & Aguilar A (2015) Article first published online: 25 MAR 2015 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7173 ABSTRACT: RATIONALE Distinguishing population units of small cetaceans continuously distributed in a widespread area is challenging but critical for their conservation and management. The use of chemical markers allows investigating foraging ecology and inter-specific variability, in order to detect population structure and niche segregation in the common dolphin (Delphinus spp.).METHODS Stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) were measured in the bone tissue of common dolphins accidentally by-caught or stranded along the North-eastern and eastern Subtropical Atlantic Ocean, by means of continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Trophic positions were determined and compared, taking into account the local ecosystem trophic baseline for each study area. Data obtained for the study areas were qualitatively compared to common dolphin species/populations distributed worldwide.RESULTS δ13C and δ15N values were higher in the eastern Subtropical Atlantic as a consequence of the coexistence in the area of the common dolphin short- and long-beaked morphotypes. Individuals from the North-eastern Atlantic displayed lower δ15N values, reflecting dissimilarities in diet and of variation in local isotopic baselines. Comparisons with other areas around the world, suggest the species is extremely adaptive and feeds at different trophic levels to adapt to local variations. CONCLUSIONS Stable isotopes are a useful tool to investigate population structure and trophic niche segregation. Trophic behaviour of worldwide populations of common dolphins were fruitfully analysed and revealed substantial differences, likely reflective of both adaptive strategies of the genus and dissimilarities in the structure of the ecosystems. Here is the link to the Abstract page: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcm.7173/abstract If you are interested in a PDF *reprint* please write to this e-mail address: ana.pinela(a)gmail.com Thank you very much in advance. Best regards,Ana M. Pinela(University of Barcelona)

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