May 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Opportunity to gain field research experience studying whales and dolphins in Southern California
by Stelle, Lei Lani 14 May '15

14 May '15

Safeguarding Whales and Dolphins under the California Sun Earthwatch Institute Earthwatch Institute is offering an opportunity to participate in research examining human impacts on marine mammals in Southern California. The area is home to numerous species of marine mammals; the most commonly observed during the summer months are blue whales, common, bottlenose, and Risso's dolphins, along with sea lions. As an Earthwatch volunteer on this expedition you will assist scientists in data collection regarding marine mammal activity in relationship to boating traffic and environmental variables. You will gain valuable training and hands-on research experience collecting data via boat and shore surveys, using a GPS and theodolite to record sightings locations, mapping with GIS, photographing to identify individual animals, and documenting and analyzing behavior from focal and scan follows. No previous experience is necessary. The research is based out of the beautiful seaside port of Dana Point, California and includes a day trip to Catalina Island. Expedition contributions cover accommodation (shared rooms in a townhouse), all meals, boat trips, and activities. Dr. Lei Lani Stelle, Associate Professor at the University of Redlands, the Principal Investigator on this project has been studying marine mammals and working with volunteers for over 20 years. 1-2 week research teams run from June 21- July 25. Currently there are spaces available for adults on Team 4: July 19-25, 2015. This expedition also accepts teen participants on a designated team 3: July 12-18, 2015. Teen teams are accompanied and supported by a facilitator. To learn more about this unique opportunity please feel free to call us at 1-800-776-0188 or read more about this expedition online at http://earthwatch.org/expeditions/whales-and-dolphins-under-the-california-….

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New publication on swimming gaits in beaked whales (Lucía Martina Martín López)
by Lucia Martina Martin Lopez 14 May '15

14 May '15

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce a new publication in which we described a new method for estimating the biomechanical parameters of swimming strokes from tag data. This study reveals that beaked whales may increase efficiency by switching gaits during different phases of deep dives. Martı́n López, L. M., Miller, P., Aguilar de Soto, N. and Johnson, M. (2015). Gait switches in deepdiving beaked whales: biomechanical strategies for long-duration dives. J. Exp. Biol. 218, 1325-1338. *Abstract* Diving animals modulate their swimming gaits to promote locomotor efficiency and so enable longer, more productive dives. Beaked whales perform extremely long and deep foraging dives that probably exceed aerobic capacities for some species. Here, we use biomechanical data from suction-cup tags attached to three species of beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris, N=10; Ziphius cavirostris, N=9; and Hyperoodon ampullatus, N=2) to characterize their swimming gaits. In addition to continuous stroking and strokeand- glide gaits described for other diving mammals, all whales produced occasional fluke-strokes with distinctly larger dorsoventral acceleration, which we termed ‘type-B’ strokes. These high-power strokes occurred almost exclusively during deep dive ascents as part of a novel mixed gait. To quantify body rotations and specific acceleration generated during strokes we adapted a kinematic method combining data from two sensors in the tag. Body rotations estimated with high-rate magnetometer data were subtracted from accelerometer data to estimate the resulting surge and heave accelerations. Using this method, we show that stroke duration, rotation angle and acceleration were bi-modal for these species, with B-strokes having 76%of the duration, 52%larger body rotation and four times more surge than normal strokes. The additional acceleration of B-strokes did not lead to faster ascents, but rather enabled brief glides, which may improve the overall efficiency of this gait. Their occurrence towards the end of long dives leads us to propose that B-strokes may recruit fast-twitch fibres that comprise ∼80% of swimming muscles in Blainville’s beaked whales, thus prolonging foraging time at depth. The article can be found at: http://jeb.biologists.org/content/218/9/1325.abstract Please contact for a PDF at: lmml2(a)st-andrews.ac.uk Kind regards, -- Lucía Martina Martín López, PhD student Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews KY16 8LB, Fife Scotland, UK lmml2(a)st-andrews.ac.uk http://soundtags.st-andrews.ac.uk/people/lucia-martin-lopez/

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HDR Honours opportunity: Geospatial analysis of marine mammal records , Victoria Australia
by Kate Charlton-Robb 13 May '15

13 May '15

Dear All, Please note there has been an extension to the closing date for applications for the 2015 Honours opportunity with AMMCF, in affiliation with Deakin University, Museum Victoria and Zoos Victoria .*Now 24th May 2015. *Kind Regards, Kate * * *__________________________________________ * *Honours opportunity with the **Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation (AMMCF), Museum Victoria and Deakin University**.* 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-Robbkcr(a)ammcf.org.au. Applications will be considered and we will contact you with further information. *CLOSING DATE 24^th May 2015 *** -- Dr Kate-Charlton-Robb Principal Researcher Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation PO Box 2046 Hampton East VIC 3188 e:kcr@ammcf.org.au w: ammcf.org.au

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book booth at the 2015 Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial in San Francisco
by Ellen M Hines 13 May '15

13 May '15

Biennial Book Booth At the 21st Biennial conference of the SMM to be held in San Francisco Hilton Union Square December 2015, we will be hosting a book booth for authors, editors and publishers to present their recent works and sign books for members. If you are interested in displaying a book, please contact Frances Gulland at gullandf(a)tmmc.org<mailto:gullandf@tmmc.org> Ellen Hines, PhD Associate Director & Professor of Geography Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies San Francisco State University 3150 Paradise Drive Tiburon, CA 94920 USA 1 415 338 3512 Fax: 1 415 338 6243 ehines(a)sfsu.edu<mailto:ehines@sfsu.edu> http://rtc.sfsu.edu/research/in_hines.html

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Call for volunteers to assist with hump-back whale research in Mozambican waters
by Nikki Sea Quests 12 May '15

12 May '15

*The Western Indian Ocean Whale (WIndOW) Project* *Monitoring East African Humpback Whales in South African and Mozambican waters* Seven populations of Southern Hemisphere humpback whales migrate annually between winter breeding grounds in coastal tropical waters and summer feeding grounds in Antarctic waters, with populations found off each of the west and east coasts of the three Southern Hemisphere continents and in the central South Pacific Ocean. The population breeding in the Western Indian Ocean occupies the coastal waters of Mozambique, Madagascar and the Western Indian Ocean archipelagos between July and October each year. Whales utilising Mozambique waters migrate coastally along the South African coastline in June and July and October and November, resulting in peak abundance in Mozambique waters in August and September each year. Heavily whaled on the breeding grounds, migration corridor and Antarctic feeding ground until October 1963, last century; east African humpbacks are now making a strong comeback. In August and September this year Sea Quests will be sailing from South Africa to research population abundance and trends as well as migratory destinations this population. The research will be done aboard R/Y Angra Pequena, a classic 72ft wooden expedition vessel operated by Sea Quests, whose *mission is to support *research and conservation expeditions <http://www.sea-quests.com/tour/research-conservation-missions/>*that build knowledge and awareness of our oceans. This vessel has recently been used as the research platform to film coelacanths in deep canyons in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and to collect biological samples from deep habitats (60-80m) on the continental shelf of South Africa.*The research will be overseen by the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, under the direction of Dr Ken Findlay who has been researching this population of humpback whales since the late 1980s. Come join us on our mission, and help contribute towards the conservation of this previously decimated species. You will live-aboard the expedition vessel and get hands on experience assisting the scientist team in field sampling and data collection, including: ·Individual Whale Photo ID and image matching ·Biopsy sampling for genetic population studies ·Line Transect abundance estimation ·Humpback song monitoring and recording No prior experience is required, and all training is provided. There are three 10-day research legs to contribute towards: 17 AugEmbark Maputo, Mozambique 18 Aug – 27 AugTeam 1 (10 days) Southern and Central Mozambique 28 AugChangeover at Beira (embark and disembark) 29 Aug -7 SeptemberTeam 2 (10 days) Northern Mozambique 8 SeptemberChangeover at Beira (embark and disembark) 9-18 SeptemberTeam 3 (10 days) Southern and Central Mozambique 19 SeptemberDisembark Maputo Cost $2450 per person per 10-day leg, this includes full board and lodging on M.Y. Angra Pequena, meals and soft drinks. You are responsible for flights and visas. *For more information please visit our website http://sea-quests.com/charters/volunteer-for-conservation/* *or to book your place please contact Nikki * nikki(a)sea-quests.com <mailto:nikki@sea-quests.com> +27 765013492 -- Postal address: PO Box 21405, Bluff, Durban, 4036, South Africa Email: nikki(a)sea-quests.com Cell: 0765013492 Twitter: @AngraPequena Facebook: myangrapequenaexpeditions Web: www.sea-quests.com --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com

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SeaWorld response to MMS paper on age milestones in killer whales
by Naomi Rose 12 May '15

12 May '15

Dear MARMAMers: Once again, I am compelled to post on SeaWorld's current public relations efforts. A recent paper in Marine Mammal Science, which went through comprehensive peer-review, indicates that while survivorship rates have improved in captive killer whales, survival to certain age milestones is still poor compared to the wild. (It also found age milestones at which survivorship declined in captivity, suggesting that husbandry practices during these life stages are particularly problematic, such as separating juveniles from their mothers.) A popular article about this paper was just published, in which Dr. Doug DeMaster was quoted, as well as Dr. Todd Robeck, a veterinarian at SeaWorld. The article is here: http://www.hakaimagazine.com/article-short/tanked-killer-whales-captivity. Any members of the Society can read the original paper, by John Jett, Ph.D. and Jeff Ventre, M.D., online at https://www.marinemammalscience.org/journal/read-the-journal-now/ (the article is available under "early view"). Dr. Robeck, in his capacity as a representative of SeaWorld, is highly critical of Marine Mammal Science and frankly of the peer-review process. (And I must confess, it has not been MY experience that the Society has a "large anti-captivity sentiment in a lot of [its] members.") This is typical of SeaWorld - when the company does not like the facts as presented, it attacks the presenter, whether it is an individual or a journal or an academic association. In short, its typical response is the ad hominem attack, when it should be a presentation of data that counters the claims of the analysis it is criticizing. SeaWorld, in its ongoing PR campaign, has told people that captive whales live as long as wild ones (see http://ask.seaworldcares.com/?p=131) which is not supported by the peer-reviewed science. If the company has data suggesting otherwise, it should publish it. I call again for the Society for Marine Mammalogy to write to SeaWorld's executives and ask them to stop misinforming the public about marine mammal science and Marine Mammal Science. I strongly urge marine mammal scientists to publicly respond to this PR campaign. This campaign is how many people are learning about killer whales right now and they are being misinformed. ____________________________ [13_AWILogo_ONLY] NAOMI A. ROSE, PH.D. Marine Mammal Scientist ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTE 900 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Washington, DC 20003 naomi(a)awionline.org<mailto:naomi@awionline.org> T: +1 202 446 2120 ~ F: +1 202 446 2131 ~ C: +1 240 401 4269 www.awionline.org<http://www.awionline.org/> P Please consider the animals and their habitat before printing.

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IMMS post-doctoral researcher
by Jonathan Pitchford 12 May '15

12 May '15

IMMS is seeking a full-time post-doctoral researcher to support ongoing wild dolphin population studies and development of additional projects appropriate to the mission of IMMS. Duties will include data analyses, preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts for publication, writing grant proposals, coordination and participation in collaborative research, and preparation of research reports for state and federal agencies. The successful applicant will also participate in other research projects at IMMS including diamondback terrapin and sea turtle research. Other activities include, but are not limited to dolphin and sea turtle stranding response and necropsy and education and outreach activities at IMMS. Job Title: Post-Doctoral Researcher Organization: The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) Location: Gulfport, MS Job Category: Full-time, salary Salary: Commensurate with experience Last Date to Apply: Open until filled Preferred Qualifications and Skills: * U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status * Ph.D. in biological or environmental science or comparable program * Experience writing grant proposals * Experience writing and publishing scientific manuscripts * Thorough understanding of statistical analyses and population dynamics including modern analytical and modeling approaches * Experience with scientific data collection and management including quality control procedures for ensuring data accuracy * Experience with computer programs Microsoft Access and Excel, Darwin, and ArcGIS * Experience operating and maintaining water quality instrumentation, GPS devices, digital cameras, boats, and jet skis * Ability to work in physically demanding environments (e.g., cold weather, extreme heat, rain, humidity, prolonged exposure to biting insects) * Attention to detail in all facets of work * Ability to work closely with a team of researchers * Excellent communication skills * Excellent writing skills * Positive attitude, enthusiasm, and established work ethic Benefits: * Full-time employment for a minimum of two years * Chance to contribute to an ongoing bottlenose dolphin photo-identification project in an understudied region within the northern Gulf of Mexico * Opportunities to participate in a variety of research projects and education programs at IMMS * Opportunities to design and develop future research projects at IMMS The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is an equal opportunity employer. You can learn more about the Institute at www.imms.org<http://www.imms.org/>. To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Jonathan Pitchford at jpitchford(a)imms.org<mailto:jpitchford@imms.org>.

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New publication on interactions between the Portuguese sardine purse-seine fishery and cetaceans
by Ana Marçalo 12 May '15

12 May '15

Dear Marmams, I am very pleased to announce the following publication which is now available online: Quantification of interactions between the Portuguese sardine purse-seine fishery and cetaceans Ana Marcalo; Isidora Katara; Diana Feijo; Helder Araujo; Isabel Oliveira; Jorge Santos; Marisa Ferreira; Silvia Monteiro; Graham J. Pierce; Alexandra Silva; Jose Vingada 2015. ICES Journal of Marine Science; doi: 10.1093/icesjms/fsv076 Abstract Interactions between cetaceans and the purse-seine fishery operating along the whole Portuguese continental coast were studied based on on-board observations from 2010 to 2011. Cetacean presence and mortality were estimated and characteristics under which interactions were most likely to occur were identified. Observations were made on 163 fishing trips (0.7% of the average annual number of fishing trips) and 302 fishing operations/hauls. Cetaceans were present during 16.9% of fishing events; common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) accounted for 96% of occurrences, mostly overnight in summerand early autumn. Regression models showed that cetacean presence during a fishing setwas significantly (p , 0.05) associated with sardine catches, effort, and latitude/longitude. Encirclement and mortality occurred in 2.3 and 1.0% of fishing events, respectively. Encircled species were thecommondolphin, bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), but only common dolphin showed mortality (three individuals); raised to fleet level, estimated total mortality rates of common dolphinswere 69 (95% CI 37–110) in the north and 91 (95% CI 55–165) in the south for 2010 and 78 (95% CI 47–140) in the south only for 2011. The estimated annual mortality rate due to purse seining is 113 (95% CI 3–264)commondolphins, which is0.63% of the current most optimistic estimate of population size for the Portuguese fishing area (SCANS II). The wide confidence limits, as well as variation between years, reflect low observer coverage, emphasizing the need for increased monitoring to cover gaps in the spatial and seasonal distribution of observer effort and provide reliable estimates of bycatch. For an early view of this paper, please visit: http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/fsv076? ijkey=v0vz89FiDuHo86n&keytype=ref If you are unable to download the article, please contact me at amarcalo(a)gmail.com for a PDF copy. Best wishes, Ana Marçalo -- Ana Marçalo Postdoctoral researcher CESAM (Centro de estudos do ambiente e do Mar) University of Aveiro Portugal Fisheries/Marine mammal biologist (Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem/Portuguese Wildlife Society) University of Minho Portugal www.socpvs.org http://cramq.socpvs.org/ www.marprolife.org

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Toothed whale biosonar beams: from flashlight to floodlight
by Peter Teglberg Madsen 12 May '15

12 May '15

Dear All, For those of you interested in echolocation, we have two recent papers out showing that toothed whales can change the width of their biosonar beams adaptively to the sonar task at hand. At close range they broaden their acoustic field of view likely to minimize the risk that prey escapes, while at longer ranges a narrow beam may reduce clutter problems. Please find abstracts below. Requests for pdf's can be made to the first authors: Danuta Wisniewska: danuta.wisniewska(a)bios.au.dk<mailto:danuta.wisniewska@bios.au.dk> Frants Jensen: fjensen(a)princeton.edu<mailto:fjensen@princeton.edu> Best Peter Peter T. Madsen Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience Aarhus University, Build. 1131, CF Mollers Alle 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark Phone: 0045 8715 6501 email: peter.madsen(a)biology.au.dk<mailto:peter.madsen@biology.au.dk> Web: www.marinebioacoustics.com<http://www.marinebioacoustics.com/> Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarineBioacoustics [sender_logo] Range-dependent flexibility in the acoustic field of view of echolocating porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) http://elifesciences.org/content/early/2015/03/20/eLife.05651 Toothed whales use sonar to detect, locate, and track prey. They adjust emitted sound intensity, auditory sensitivity and click rate to target range, and terminate prey pursuits with high repetition- rate, low-intensity buzzes. However, their narrow acoustic field of view (FOV) is considered stable throughout target approach, which could facilitate prey escape at close-range. Here, we show that, like some bats, harbour porpoises can broaden their biosonar beam during the terminal phase of attack but, unlike bats, maintain the ability to change beamwidth within this phase. Based on video, MRI, and acoustic-tag recordings, we propose this flexibility is modulated by the melon and implemented to accommodate dynamic spatial relationships with prey and acoustic complexity of surroundings. Despite independent evolution and different means of sound generation and transmission, whales and bats adaptively change their FOV, suggesting that beamwidth flexibility has been an important driver in the evolution of echolocation for prey tracking. Single-click beam patterns suggest dynamic changes to the field of view of echolocating Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in the wild http://jeb.biologists.org/content/early/2015/03/11/jeb.116285.abstract Echolocating animals exercise an extensive control over the spectral and temporal properties of their biosonar signals to facilitate perception of their actively generated auditory scene when homing in on prey. The intensity and directionality of the biosonar beam defines the field of view of echolocating animals by affecting the acoustic detection range and angular coverage. However, the spatial relationship between an echolocating predator and its prey changes rapidly, resulting in different biosonar requirements throughout prey pursuit and capture. Here we measured single click beam patterns using a parametric fit procedure to test whether free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) modify their biosonar beamwidth. We recorded echolocation clicks using a linear array of receivers and estimated the beamwidth of individual clicks using a parametric spectral fit, cross-validated with well-established composite beam pattern estimates. The dolphins apparently increased the biosonar beamwidth, to a large degree without changing the signal frequency, when they approached the recording array. This is comparable to bats that also expand their field of view during prey capture, but achieve this by decreasing biosonar frequency. This behaviour may serve to decrease the risk that rapid escape movements of prey take them outside the biosonar beam of the predator. It is likely that shared sensory requirements have resulted in bats and toothed whales expanding their acoustic field of view at close range to increase the likelihood of successfully acquiring prey using echolocation, representing a case of convergent evolution of echolocation behaviour between these two taxa.

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Field assistant needed for a behavioural ecological, physiological and demographical project in autumn 2015
by stephanie.kalberer＠uni-bielefeld.de 11 May '15

11 May '15

Field assistant needed for a behavioural ecological, physiological and demographical project in autumn 2015 We are currently looking for two highly motivated field assistants to participate in our international field project on behavioural ecology, phsyiology and demography of Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki). Since 2003, we are investigating a population of sea lions on a little islet (Caamaño), determining female and male reproductive success, and looking at physiological aspects, pup growth, social structure and demography in a study population of about 1000 animals. The project is run by Stephanie Kalberer, Prof. Oliver Krüger and Prof. Fritz Trillmich (University of Bielefeld, Germany). The field site is situated on a small (300m diameter), uninhabited islet off Santa Cruz. To investigate growth, reproductive success and social structure we run a regular recapture and resighting program. The field assistant will participate in all aspects of this program. Field work will be physically and psychologically demanding. Participants have to live in tents the entire field season and share in all camp duties (cooking, cleaning, daily data entry, etc.). No sanitary facilities are available and we provide sweet water only for drinking and cooking! All gear needs to be transported to the islet via a difficult landing and camp conditions are primitive, including mostly tinned food. Due to the long stay in this rough situation volunteers need to be physically capable. Preferences will be given to candidates with prior field work experience, especially those who have worked with pinnipeds before (please specify your experiences). Field assistants are expected to stay for the entire field season (end of September until the middle of December). We cover travel expenses from and to Galapagos, lodging on Santa Cruz and living expenses on Caamaño. The language at the camp will be English and Spanish. If you are interested, please send an application in English (including a letter of motivation, two references and your curriculum vitae) until 30th of May 2015 to the following address: stephanie.kalberer(a)uni-bielefeld.de Stephanie Kalberer PhD Candidate Galapagos Sea Lion Project Department of Animal Behaviour University of Bielefeld Germany --- Diese E-Mail wurde von Avast Antivirus-Software auf Viren geprüft. http://www.avast.com

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