April 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Synthetic Porpoise Communication: Bioacoustics Paper
by Boris Culik 14 Apr '15

14 Apr '15

Dear all, We are pleased to inform you that our article *Synthetic communication signals influence wild harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) behaviour *has been published on Taylor & Francis Online. It is available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09524622.2015.1023848. *Boris Culik^a ^* , Christian von Dorrien^b , Vailett Müller^c & Matthias Conrad^d ^e * We used our novel and programmable Porpoise Alarm (PAL, patd.) to synthesize life-like, electronic harbour porpoise communication signals based on those described for captive animals. In the Little Belt, Denmark, we employed PAL (source level 158 ± 1 dB p–p re 1 μPa@1 m; centroid frequency 133 ± 8.5 kHz) to synthesize three aggressive click train types termed “A”, “F3” and “M1” to naive, free-living harbour porpoises. Via theodolite tracking (372 h of total visual effort spread over 10 expeditions) we found that, depending on signal type, porpoises either avoid or become attracted to PAL: Signal types “A” and “F3” are slight deterrents, porpoises increasing minimum range (+23 to 32 m, respectively), whereas “M1” attracts porpoises, reducing range (by − 29 m). As determined via archival acoustic detectors (AADs), both signals “F3” and “M1” led the animals to significantly intensify their click rate (by +10% and 68%, respectively) while signal “A” led to a significant reduction ( − 59%). We propose that equipping fishing gear with PAL emitting signal “F3” could potentially reduce porpoise by-catch by increasing (1) awareness through enhanced echolocation and (2) distance to the nets. Detection probability and radius of PAL/AAD tandems could be improved by emitting signal “M1” to focus porpoise echolocation signals on the AAD. The signal may also be useful in luring animals away from hazards, which may be helpful for conservation measures prior to the onset of harmful acoustic activities such as pile-driving, seismic exploration or ammunition clearance. Kind regards, Boris -- ___________________________________ Boris Culik Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. F³: Forschung . Fakten . Fantasie Am Reff 1 D- 24226 Heikendorf Tel.: +49 (0)431 2378 588 Fax.: +49 (0)431 2378 589 Mobil.: +49 172 750 4192 Email bculik(a)fh3.de Web.: www.fh3.de ___________________________________

1 0

Volunteer Opportunties Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Expedition
by info＠dolphinresearchaustralia.com 13 Apr '15

13 Apr '15

MORETON BAY DOLPHIN RESEARCH PROJECT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Dolphin Research Australia Inc. is pleased to announce opportunities are now open for participants to join our Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Expeditions for one to two week durations between May and September 2015. The project offers a unique learning experience for those passionate about dolphins and the marine environment who want to contribute to increasing knowledge, awareness and improving conservation efforts. The research project focuses on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and Australian humpback dolphins and aims to assess and monitor the abundance and health of these populations in the Moreton Bay Marine Park and South East Queensland region. Participants have the opportunity to join the research team and have a hands-on and participatory experience working from small research vessels whilst being based at the University of Queensland Moreton Bay Research Station on the beautiful North Stradbroke Island located near Brisbane, Australia. Participants will assist in collecting data on the behaviour, acoustics and habitat use of coastal dolphins. No previous experience is required and all training will be provided to volunteers. Volunteers, however, do need to have the following; - An enthusiastic and positive attitude - Willingness to learn and work with a small team - General interest in dolphin biology and ecology - Be able to work long-hours on a small vessel (not susceptible to chronic sea sickness) - Ability to communicate fluently in English (both written and oral) - Good fitness level (the work requires agility to work on small vessels and participants will be required to regularly get on and off small boats, move around the vessel whilst underway and at times in choppy conditions) We have positions available on numerous expeditions between May and September 2015 for one-two week durations. Please check our website www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com or email us directly at info(at)dolphinresearchaustralia.com for more information, prices and dates. Kind Regards Liz Elizabeth Hawkins, PhD Executive Officer Founding Director Dolphin Research Australia, Inc. PO Box 1960 Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 E-mail: liz(a)dolphinresearchaustralia.com Ph: 0407 646 069 Website: www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com/> ABN: 42095866467 ** Dolphin Research Australia Inc. is a not-for-profit marine conservation, education & research charity -find out more about us & how you can help at <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com> www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com **

1 0

New publication - Tsai and Ando 2015 Aetiocetidae niche partitioning
by Cheng-Hsiu Tsai 13 Apr '15

13 Apr '15

Dear colleagues We are pleased to announce a new article, reporting a large Morawanocetus-like animal from the Oligocene of Hokkaido, suggesting niche partitioning in Oligocene toothed mysticetes. Tsai, CH and Ando, T. 2015. Niche partitioning in Oligocene toothed mysticetes (Mysticeti: Aetiocetidae). Journal of Mammalian Evolution doi: 10.1007/s10914-015-9292-y Available at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10914-015-9292-y 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> Abstract Niche partitioning has long been considered to be a fundamental part of speciation and difference in body size is a straightforward proxy for ecology and niche partitioning. Here we report a new aetiocetid specimen from the upper part of Morawan Formation (Oligocene; late Chattian, ~26–24 Ma), Ashoro, Hokkaido, Japan. This specimen comprises an isolated left squamosal and an isolated left periotic; the morphology of the squamosal is distinguishable from all aetiocetids, but shows a close match with the aetiocetid Morawanocetus yabukii in that: the dorsal margin of the zygomatic process of the squamosal is twisted dorsomedially; the zygomatic process expands dorsoventrally; the zygomatic process is transversely thin; and the anterior tip of the zygomatic process is acutely tapered. The estimated body size of this Morawanocetus-like specimen is ca. 8 m, almost twice the size of all known aetiocetids (3–4 m). Moreover, the preserved periotic reveals structures that are otherwise poorly known in aetiocetids. This large Morawanocetus-like aetiocetid sheds new light on niche partitioning of Oligocene toothed mysticetes and evolution of body size in Mysticeti. 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>

1 0

Bioacoustic Internship in Passive Acoustics (University of South Carolina Beaufort)
by MONTIE, ERIC 12 Apr '15

12 Apr '15

USCB Bio-Acoustic Summer Research Experience Need: Two marine mammal/fish bio-acoustic interns for summer 2015. Organization: Montie Marine Sensory and Neurobiology Lab, Department of Natural Sciences, University of South Carolina Beaufort. Salary: Unpaid Internship. Position could lead to a paid appointment depending upon performance and grant funding. Position Information: Part or full time (20-40 hrs per week); Monday through Friday. Full time is preferred. Position is from May 1st to September 1st. Start date is negotiable and position can be extended. Applicant must be available for 3 months minimum. Location: This position is located at the University of South Carolina Beaufort at the Bluffton campus. Bluffton, SC is located only 20 minutes from Hilton Head Island, SC. The campus is 10 minutes from the May River and 15 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. About Our Lab: Our research lab strives to understand the sensory and neurobiology of marine organisms. Specifically, we are interested in brain architecture, hearing of fish and marine mammals, and acoustic communication of aquatic vertebrates. The more applied part of our research program focuses on studies that investigate how natural and man-made stressors impact the brain, hearing, and acoustic communication. These stressors include man-made chemicals, harmful algal blooms, noise pollution, and climate change. We use techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, auditory evoked potentials, and passive acoustics using long-term monitoring devices. This research involves work on biomedical models such as zebrafish, as well as wild marine organisms like spotted seatrout, red drum, and bottlenose dolphins. Duties Include: (1) Sound production studies with fish and bottlenose dolphins. (2) Bottlenose dolphin abundance, distribution, and photo-identification. (3) Maintenance of water quality sensors in the May River. (4) Zebrafish husbandry. The internship will focus on analyzing and interpreting previously collected acoustic data using our DSG-Ocean Recorders. In addition, the interns will participate in two field trips per week performing bottlenose dolphin abundance and photo-ID surveys. There will be some opportunities for additional field work, consisting primarily of acoustic recorder deployment and retrieval. Qualifications: The internship is designed for undergraduates who are interested in gaining experience in marine bioacoustics. Undergraduates should have at least one full academic year completed. Experience with Adobe Audition, Excel, and MATLAB preferred but not required. Students in computational science majors are urged to apply. Boat experience is preferred but not mandatory. Evidence of good communication skills through interaction with public is also a bonus. Good organizational skills are a necessity. How to Apply: Please email a C.V. with GPA and two reference contacts to Dr. Eric Montie (emontie(a)uscb.edu) If you have questions concerning the position, please email or phone (843) 208-8107. Eric W. Montie Assistant Professor of Biology Department of Natural Sciences University of South Carolina Beaufort One University Boulevard Bluffton, SC 29909 Office Phone: (843) 208-8107 Fax: (843) 208-8294 Email: emontie(a)uscb.edu

1 0

Volunteering at Adriatic Dolphin Project, Croatia
by Grgur Pleslić 12 Apr '15

12 Apr '15

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY AT ADRIATIC DOLPHIN PROJECT, CROATIA Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation runs Adriatic Dolphin Project (ADP) since 1999. This research project focuses on biology and ecology of the bottlenose dolphins and other cetaceans inhabiting the Adriatic Sea. The overall aim of the project is to provide scientific background for the efforts to conserve cetaceans in the Adriatic Sea. There is a possibility for volunteers to join one of our research teams and take part in every day research routines. This is a great opportunity to learn first-hand about biology and ecology of the species, practice skills and techniques to collect and analyze data and gain a valuable field work experience. Students of marine biology/ecology and similar courses will find this experience most useful. However, no previous experience or knowledge of biology is required and anyone can join the team. There are volunteer positions available in two of our research teams: 1. Adriatic Dolphin Project - Lošinj The research team is based on the island of Lošinj, from where daily area surveys are conducted using a 5.8 m RIB. The duration of the volunteering stage is 12 days and positions are available from May to September. 2. Adriatic Dolphin Project - Northern Dalmatia The research in northern Dalmatia is boat-based, meaning the whole team lives and works on board a 14 m boat, and uses a 5.2 m RIB for daily area surveys in search for dolphins. The duration of the volunteering stage is 10 days and positions are available from June to August. You can find available dates, costs and other detailed information about each project here: http://www.blue-world.org/en/get-involved/volunteer/ Or you can contact us directly: volunteer(a)blue-world.org <mailto:volunteer@blue-world.org> Kind regards, Grgur Pleslić Senior Researcher Blue World Institute http://www.blue-world.org <http://www.blue-world.org/>

1 0

New article: Ontogenetic dietary changes in male South American fur seals in Patagonia
by Damian Vales 10 Apr '15

10 Apr '15

Dear MARMAM members, We are pleased to announce the following publication: Vales DG, Cardona L, Garc��a NA, Zenteno L, Crespo EA (2015) Ontogenetic dietary changes in male South American fur seals Arctocephalus australis in Patagonia. Marine Ecology Progress Series 525: 245�C260 (DOI: 10.3354/meps11214). ABSTRACT This study assessed ontogenetic dietary changes in male South American fur seals Arctocephalus australis in northern and central Patagonia (Argentina) using stable isotope ratios (��15N and ��13C) in vibrissae and bones. Sucking pups were characterised by higher ��15N values and lower ��13C values than older specimens. Weaning was associated with a marked drop of ��15N values, both in bone and vibrissae. Such a drop was inconsistent with the consumption of local prey and may reveal movement to distant foraging grounds or physiological changes associated with either fasting or rapid growth. Stable isotope ratios indicated that juveniles fed more pelagically than subadults and adults, but that there were no major differences between the 2 latter age categories. As subadults and adults are rather similar in body mass and are much larger than juveniles, body mass may play a role in the ontogenetic dietary changes reported. Nevertheless, demersal benthic prey were always scarce in the diet of male fur seals, which relied primarily on Argentine shortfin squid and small pelagic fish throughout life, though adults also consumed large amounts of decapod crustaceans available at shallow depths. Vibrissae did not reveal regular oscillations of ��15N or ��13C, except in 1 individual. Thus, male fur seals from northern and central Patagonia do not appear to migrate regularly between isotopically distinct areas, although nomadic displacements cannot be ruled out. The paper is available online at http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v525/ or PDF requests can be sent to vales(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar Best regards, Dami��n ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dami��n G. Vales Doctor en Ciencias Biol��gicas Laboratorio de Mam��feros Marinos Centro Nacional Patag��nico (CENPAT) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cient��ficas y T��cnicas (CONICET) Boulevard Brown 2915, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Argentina Tel: 54 (280) 4883184 Int 1252 Fax: 54 (280) 4883543 E-mail: vales(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar -------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

Release of the OERS Otter Activity Booklet
by Nesime Askin 09 Apr '15

09 Apr '15

Press ReleaseRE: OERS Otter Activity Booklet The Oceanographic Environmental ResearchSociety (OERS) is proud to announce the launch of "Fun with Sophie the SeaOtter & Ricky the River Otter" children's activity booklet.Illustrated by artist Nicole Clough, children from ages 4 to 7 will have 22stimulating educational pages to colour and learn about Sophie and Ricky. Fromthe colour of their coats, to their favourite foods, and some of the ecologicalstruggles of these cute baby otters, children will enjoying learning about seaotters, river otters, and some of their ‘otter’ relatives in this activitybooklet! Parents are encouraged to read to their children and help them learnmore about these furry and adorable otters. The "Fun with Sophie the Sea Otter& Ricky the River Otter" activity booklet is free, please send anemail to get.oers(a)gmail.com and write "OERS Otter Activity booklet"in the subject header of your email. It is our belief that providing freeactivity booklets for children will make it easier for educators and parentsworldwide to provide both fun and educational learning experiences for youngminds. It is important that we are able to inspire and raise awareness of thesespecies to children at an early age, so that they can grow to love and respectthese creatures. We thank you in advance for your efforts touse these activity booklets in your school, program, and/or organization. Weeven encourage adults to colour them in and share in the fun! Sincerely, Dr. Nesime Askin, OERSBiologist and Art Director ==================================================Dr. Nesime Askin, PhD OERS Biologist and Art Director Oceanographic Environmental Research Society (OERS) www.oers.ca email: nesimeaskin(a)yahoo.ca ==================================================

1 0

Seismic Airguns in the Atlantic social media campaign-- help needed
by Johnson, Charise 09 Apr '15

09 Apr '15

Hello all, I am passing on a request from my colleague at Oceana: we are looking for marine scientists to participate in a social media campaign to increase awareness of the potential risks of seismic airgun testing in the Atlantic Ocean. We've reached out to this list twice before seeking signers on two letters to the Obama administration on the issue: * 75 Leading marine scientists<http://usa.oceana.org/sites/default/files/statement._atlantic_seismic_5mar1…>: letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management expressing concern over the introduction of seismic oil and gas exploration along the U.S. mid-Atlantic and south Atlantic coasts (sent on 3/5/2015.) * 100+ scientists<http://oceana.org/sites/default/files/Marine_Scientist_Sign_on_Letter_Use_A…>: letter to President Obama urging him to wait on new science before permitting the use of seismic airguns in the Atlantic Ocean (sent on 2/20/2014.) Please let me or Nancy Pyne (npyne(a)oceana.org<mailto:npyne@oceana.org>) know if you're able to participate. Thanks so much! Best, Charise Johnson From: Pyne, Nancy Subject: Seismic Airguns in the Atlantic social media campaign-- help needed Thank you for signing a letter<http://oceana.org/sites/default/files/Marine_Scientist_Sign_on_Letter_Use_A…> to President Obama expressing your concerns about seismic testing along the U.S. mid-Atlantic and south Atlantic coasts. This letter has proven invaluable in our ongoing efforts to protect marine wildlife, ocean ecosystems and coastal communities from the impacts of offshore oil and gas exploration. As you may have heard, the Obama administration recently granted one of our requests, and has provided the public with another opportunity to comment on the permitting process for seismic testing. The comment period will be open during the month of April, and we would like to use the letter you signed to bring attention to this critical issue. I'm writing to ask if you'll be a part of a social media campaign designed at getting out the facts about seismic exploration. Here's what you would do: * Print out the attached sign and fill in your name and affiliation/position. * Take a picture of yourself holding the sign. It reads: "Seismic airgun exploration for oil and gas puts marine life at risk of serious harm." * Send the photo and attached disclosure form back to me, and we will take care of the rest! We truly appreciate your willingness to urge the Obama administration to reverse the decision to allow seismic surveys for oil and gas in the Atlantic. Please take the next step and help us get the word out to ocean-lovers and activists across the country. With the 5th anniversary of the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster approaching, we don't want to repeat the same mistakes in the Atlantic. All the best, Nancy Pyne Grassroots Manager, Climate and Energy Campaign [cid:image001.png@01D072D9.69A97F90] 1350 Connecticut Ave. NW, 5th Floor | Washington, D.C., 20036 USA D +1.202.467.1903 | C +1.202.486.6406 E npyne(a)oceana.org<mailto:npyne@oceana.org> | W http://oceana.org<http://oceana.org/> Facebook http://www.facebook.com/OceanaGreaterDC ** Check out our film "Drill, Spill, Repeat?" View the trailer<https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OTS8d4yo7ZA> and the full-length film<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqLXcsBfoQE&feature=player_embedded> here. Or let me know if you'd like a DVD!

1 0

Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitor Course
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 09 Apr '15

09 Apr '15

*We are pleased to announce UK and AU training courses for April and May for 2015.* *Scanning Ocean Sectors* specialises in training, consultancy and supply of *Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)* / *Marine Fauna Observer (MFO) *worldwide. We are JNCC recognised/approved course for industry and research for the UKCS and have been running for over 12 years. We have years of research behind the effective and consistent training of MMOs/MFOs including courses adapted/personalised to the requirements of our clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. Our staff are fully trained and experienced in all areas of the MMO/MFO line of work. Our specialised training ensures RESEARCH/INDUSTRY attains the most professional and well equipped MMOs/MFOs they require for the specialised work. The outcome from our training is that you will gain a KNOWLEDGABLE, EFFICIENT and EFFECTIVE MMO/MFO in the workplace and are proactive in their duties. Each student is graded in their certification to ensure the professional quality standard of the MMO/MFO. Our training course dates are below and there are still places available for the APRIL and MAY courses. Please note you must register and pay at the same time. NOTE: pre registering will NOT entitle you to the standard price. The price coding will be at the time of full and final payment. For full prices please visit www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/prices/. *MMO Training Course Dates in UK* *UK* MMO course 13th April to 16th *PAMO Training Course Dates in UK* PAMO 16th -17th April *AU* *MMO Training Course Dates in AU* MMO course 27th April to 30th *PAMO Training Course Dates in AU* PAMO 14th -15th May REGISTER NOW <http://www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/> *Register Online* Visit the website to register for the next MMO course. www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/ *Other Useful Links* Marine Mammal Observer Training on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammalobservertrainingcourses Marine Mammal Magazine on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammalobservertrainingcourses Marine Mammal Jobs on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammaljobs -- *Yvonne Miles* Managing Director www.scanningoceansectors.com www.marinemammaljobs.com www.facebook.com/scanningoceansectors

1 0

Aquatic Animal Health - Online Learning
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 09 Apr '15

09 Apr '15

Hi All, At the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine we are offering a few exciting online courses in the upcoming Summer and Fall semesters that are specifically geared towards students interested in Aquatic Animal Health. I was hoping you could forward the information below about these classes to students at your school who have an interest in this field. Summer classes (2015) Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the natural history, anatomy, physiology, behavior and common health issues of aquatic species: whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions, manatees, sea turtles, crocodilians, fish and invertebrates. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Jeffrey Hendel (hendelj(a)ufl.edu<mailto:hendelj@ufl.edu>). Manatee Health and Conservation is an online course (3 credits) that will provide students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) with a detailed overview of manatee natural history, health assessment, and research findings as well as explore conservation issues. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Jeffrey Hendel (hendelj(a)ufl.edu<mailto:hendelj@ufl.edu>). Fall class (2015) Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the controversial issues surrounding aquatic animal species ranging from invertebrates to marine mammals, with an emphasis on marine mammals, but also including sea turtles, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Jeffrey Hendel (hendelj(a)ufl.edu<mailto:hendelj@ufl.edu>). If you are interested in taking one of the classes, registration is now open for Summer and Fall terms (2015). Sincerely, Jeffrey Hendel Distance Education Program Assistant University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine

1 0