May 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Harbour porpoise birth information request
by duncan jones 09 May '15

09 May '15

Hi,I was wondering if anyone on the network could help me with something I witnessed today. I have been researching harbour porpoises of the Cornish coast in the south west of the UK for 10 years and saw a first today. While out surveying we came across a mother and calf. The calf was surfacing vertically with great effort and chin slapping at every surface. It also appeared to move fairly erratically with frequent direction changes. Having watched a you tube video that shows a porpoise birth in a pool - Harbor Porpoise Birth . The surfacing and swimming of the animal we witnessed seemed very similar. My main question is how long do new born calves exhibit this vertical surfacing behaviour and lack of control for? My assumption is that this calf could have been new born and at most hours old. I'd be grateful for any information with regard to this and to hear from anyone who has witnessed this in wild porpoises. We often wondered where the porpoises we observe go to calve and I'm wondering if I have finally had a glimpse at the beginning of an answer to this question. We do regularly see mothers and calves. Thank you in advance for any helpful repliesDuncan | | | | | | | | | | | Harbor Porpoise Birth | | | | View on www.youtube.com | Preview by Yahoo | | | | |

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Join Us For The Upcoming Aquatic Ecosystem Health Conference!
by Thompson,Nina 08 May '15

08 May '15

Please distribute to interested parties! Do you work on or with aquatic animals? If so, we would like to remind you that the Aquatic Ecosystem Health Conference 2015 is coming up! This conference consists of the Third International Symposium on Ranaviruses and the Fifth Florida Marine Mammal Health Conference. The proceedings for both conferences are available online! Please check out our website to see all the amazing talks there will be on Ranaviruses, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees! ( http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aeh/) We are getting excited about this conference and we encourage you and your friends to register! We have extended the regular registration price for the meeting. If you know someone who has not registered and wants to join us for a great time please visit our website: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aeh/marinemammal/registration.html We are offering veterinarians CE (continuing education) credits for this conference, so if you are interested in getting some continuing education credits, we encourage you to come to this conference! Lastly, we would like to tell you all that we are offering a number of field trips and workshops on June 1st as part of the Ranavirus symposium! They are all going to be a lot of fun in different ways and you can opt to go on a nature walk, go see the beauty of Homosassa Springs, or you can do a workshop on Ranavirus surveillance or a workshop on sterile sample collection from Ranavirus hosts! Please visit the website for more information on the different opportunities available for you to enjoy on June 1st: http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/aeh/ranavirus/ft_nfo.html. We have also received some beautiful artwork as donations for a raffle during the Marine Mammal Health Conference to help raise funds to supplement student participation for the next conference! We look forward to an enlightening week or research, ideas, talks and a look towards the future and we hope to see you there! Thank you, Nina Thompson, MS Program Assistant/Biologist Aquatic Animal Health Program UF College Of Veterinary Medicine PO Box 100136 Gainesville, FL 32610 352-214-7133 (cell) 352‐294‐4198 (Office) [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig]

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HWDT - AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN FIELD EXPERIENCE
by Volunteer Coordinator 08 May '15

08 May '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> 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> . ***HWDT are issuing a final call for volunteers in a bid to fill the remaining berth for the survey running 14th 22nd May. HWDT are unable to run these surveys without a minimum of 5 volunteers and are therefore heavily discounting this survey, offering you the chance to join us aboard for only £250 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 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 For Further information about HWDT please go online to: www.hwdt.org Morven Russell Volunteer Coordinator Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust 28 Main Street Tobermory Isle of Mull PA75 6NU Tel: 01688 302620 <mailto:volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org> volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org <http://www.hwdt.org/> www.hwdt.org The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotlands whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within Hebridean communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats.

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BOLOGNA students - FULLY FUNDED internships 2015 for Bottlenose Dolphin Research off Istria, Croatia; others still welcome
by mag. Darja Ribaric Vivamar 08 May '15

08 May '15

Dear Bologna students and other potential interns, Vivamar Society, is happy to be able to invite 5 Bologna University students (undergraduates or graduates) to the FULLY FUNDED intern opportunity for the ADIS (Ambassadorship for Dolphins of Istria & Slovenia) project. The project deals with research and conservation activities for the vulnerable Bottlenose Dolphins off Istria, Croatia – in the heart of Europe, since 2002. The invitation refers to highly motivated students that would like to learn about the research techniques and help in the conservation of the last remaining marine mammals in the NE Adriatic. To be selected for this fully funded opportunity, please send us your CV with the cover letter of motivation to info(a)vivamar.org. The Bologna students might get reimbursed also for the transfer costs but will need to pay their health insurance. There are still places available to students from other universities, on a regular basis, therefore some more words to other interns: VIVAMAR teams are small and can therefore offer intense connection between the team members and a dedicated attention of a researcher to the motivated students. The program comprises lectures on Marine Ecology, Marine Mammals of the Adriatic Sea, other large vertebrates in the Adriatic and their role for the Marine Ecosystem balance, daily research on the field, including learning of the methods, data analysis and possible engagement in Vivamar awareness activities to the local people. Along the interns will learn how to prepare and deliver the key messages, which might remain as a good learning experience also for the everyday life and later for the employment. The available team dates are: 5th TEAM 26th JUN - 6th JUL 6th TEAM 10th JUL - 20th JUL 8th TEAM 14th AUG - 24th AUG 9th TEAM 28th AUG - 7th SEP The COST & DURATION The price for an 11 day intern team duration is 965 EUR. WHAT IS and is not INCLUDED This is an all-inclusive rate. The price doesn’t include the transportation to and from the research site and the health insurance. For more information please write to info(a)vivamar.org. Required Qualifications and conditins for Interns ª min work on a programme 4-6 hours/day; you will work 8 days out of 11, ª strong interest in the study of marine mammals, positive attitude to the other team members, ª being able to recognize the importance of Dolphin conservation & research for the local Marine Ecosystem and through this Vivamar efforts in the area, ª independent work, as well as in the group, ª basic computer literacy in Microsoft Officem and possible ability in writing the reports (or at least a will to learn that); Welcome to the ADIS and thank you, DARJA RIBARIČ, MPhil in biol. President and Head researcher VIVAMAR Society for the Sustainable Development for the Sea Dolphin Research & Conservation / Marine Wildlife Awareness www.VIVAMAR.org/en <https://www.facebook.com/vivamar?ref=hl> e943ecc8-5be2-4768-a17e-1b829b908afe <https://twitter.com/infoVivamar> 541aa3ae-22f4-4ed9-bfd4-35cb8d8633b6 <https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=14368368&trk=nav_responsive_tab_pr…> 7b24d431-b33f-4266-8e00-6ec431907477 logo Recognised in the Ministry for Environment as being in the public interest 215-10/2007/4

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SeaWorld's new "Ask SeaWorld" Twitter campaign
by Naomi Rose 07 May '15

07 May '15

Dear MARMAMers: As some here may know, SeaWorld has launched a new Twitter campaign, "#Ask SeaWorld." The link below takes you to a March 28 question and response from the related website. http://ask.seaworldcares.com/?p=276 >From my knowledge of the literature and my time in the field, I know that killer whale teeth generally do not suffer severe apical wear (and only very rarely exhibit breakage) and when they do, this wear occurs at the population level and is associated with prey type (e.g., in the Pacific offshore ecotype, severe tooth wear is associated with feeding on sharks; Ford et al. 2011) or feeding method (e.g., in Type 1 North Atlantics, severe tooth wear is associated with suction-feeding; Foote et al. 2009). Pacific transient ecotype teeth suffer moderate lateral and apical wear, associated with feeding on other marine mammals (Ford et al. 2011). Generally mammal eaters show lateral wear more than apical wear (Caldwell & Brown 1964). Pacific resident ecotype and Type 2 North Atlantic teeth suffer no apical and little lateral wear (Ford et al. 2011; Foote et al. 2009). In all these papers, tooth wear is hypothesized to be due to prey type or feeding method, not to general manipulation of objects in the environment, since some populations generally suffer little to no wear and must also manipulate objects in the environment. Almost all captive killer whales suffer moderate to severe apical wear and occasional breakage. If you follow this link, you will see several photos of captive orcas showing various levels of tooth wear and breakage: https://theorcaproject.wordpress.com/2010/09/25/the-hidden-cost-of-captivit… You can see drilled out teeth, teeth worn to the gums, and broken teeth in these photos (I have other higher resolution photos, if anyone wishes to see them). While less than a handful of juvenile to adult captive killer whales suffer no wear or breakage (such as Lolita), this is the exception rather than the rule. These photos are representative of most captive killer whale teeth. Given that captive killer whale teeth rarely or never touch the fish they are fed (thawed frozen fish are dropped directly into the open mouths of the animals and are rarely handled by the animals' teeth in any way), this begs the question of how their teeth wear or break like this. The response on SeaWorld's web page consists of two major points: 1) that moderate wear occurs when the whales' teeth "brush against" abrasive surfaces such as the walls (the suggestion is that this happens only occasionally and even inadvertently and is more than a slight touch but far less than a concentrated grinding); and 2) that "a lot" of stranded killer whales have poor dentition, which is the result of simple "manipulation" of objects in their environment. This claim does not distinguish the populations from which such stranded whales come; it simply implies that many whales from all populations have teeth similar to those of captive killer whales and for similar reasons. In short, SeaWorld's reply is saying that captive killer whale dentition is "normal." This is incorrect and I personally believe that it is incumbent upon our community to clarify for SeaWorld that this is incorrect, so the company will stop misleading the public, including the media, about this issue. Captive killer whales, as far as I understand it from what I have read and heard, break and wear their teeth because they persistently grind their teeth on the concrete walls and metal gates of their enclosures as a stereotypy. I would prefer to have a peer-reviewed reference to offer here for this claim, but unfortunately the public display facilities holding killer whales have published very little of substance on captive killer whale dentition. The only relevant paper I was able to find was in Zoo Biology (Graham & Dow 1990), describing one whale's damaged dentition and the treatment for it. This paper clarified that the teeth of this one animal were worn by "biting a cement structure in the pool." Indeed, they note that for whales in net pens, "there are no hard surfaces to chew on, so tooth wear is not evident after several years in captivity." For whatever reason, SeaWorld is misleading the public about the facts related to captive (and wild) killer whale dentition. As the leading marine mammal scientific society, I believe the Society for Marine Mammalogy should pen a letter to SeaWorld's executives, asking them to correct this misinformation, especially since it is being disseminated in an active public relations campaign purporting to "set the record straight." References: Caldwell, D.K. and Brown, D.H. 1964. Tooth wear as a correlate of described feeding behavior by the killer whale, with notes on a captive specimen. Bulletin So. Calif. Academy Science 63: 128-140 Ford, J.K.B., Ellis, G.M., Matkin, C.O., Wetklo, M.H., Barrett-Lennard, L.G., and Withler, R.E. 2011. Shark predation and tooth wear in a population of northeastern Pacific killer whales. Aquatic Biology 11: 213-224 Foote, A., Newton, J., Piertney, S.B., Willerslev, E. and Gilbert, M.T.P. 2009. Ecological, morphological and genetic divergence of sympatric North Atlantic killer whale populations. Molecular Ecology 18: 5207-5217 Graham, M.S. and Dow, P.R. 1990. Dental care for a captive killer whale (Orcinus orca). Zoo Biology 9: 325-330 ____________________________ [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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New papaer: Dolphins Adjust Species-Specific Frequency Parameters to Compensate for Increasing Background Noise
by Elena Papale 07 May '15

07 May '15

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm pleased to announce the publication of a new paper: "Dolphins Adjust Species-Specific Frequency Parameters to Compensate for Increasing Background Noise" Elena Papale, Marco Gamba, Monica Perez-Gil, Vidal Martel Martin, Cristina Giacoma PLoS ONE 10(4): e0121711. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0121711 A PDF version of the paper is available online at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0121711 or via email request to: elena.papale(a)iamc.cnr.it ABSTRACT An increase in ocean noise levels could interfere with acoustic communication of marine mammals. In this study we explored the effects of anthropogenic and natural noise on the acoustic properties of a dolphin communication signal, the whistle. A towed array with four elements was used to record environmental background noise and whistles of short-beaked common-, Atlantic spotted- and striped-dolphins in the Canaries archipelago. Four frequency parameters were measured from each whistle, while Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) of the background noise were measured at the central frequencies of seven one-third octave bands, from 5 to 20 kHz. Results show that dolphins increase the whistles frequency parameters with lower variability in the presence of anthropogenic noise, and increase the end frequency of their whistles when confronted with increasing natural noise. This study provides the first evidence that the synergy among SPLs has a role in shaping the whistles' structure of these three species, with respect to both natural and anthropogenic noise. Best, Elena -- -- Elena Papale, PhD Institute for Coastal Marine Environment National Research Council Via del Mare 3 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP) Italy elena.papale(a)iamc.cnr.it elenabiancapapale(a)gmail.com ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program.

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New paper on grey seal behaviour
by BISHOP A.M. 07 May '15

07 May '15

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce a new publication: Bishop, A., Pomeroy, P., & Twiss, S.D. (2015). Breeding male grey seals exhibit similar activity budgets across varying exposures to human activity. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 527:247-259. *Abstract:* Human−wildlife interactions can be incidental or direct through activities such as wildlife tourism. In the presence of anthropogenic activities, some animals exhibit behavioural alterations such as increased vigilance or spatial displacement. Thus, chronic exposure could be adverse to individual fitness through loss of energy or time. Pinnipeds are exposed to human activities in the aquatic environment and on land, but the degree of exposure varies across a species’ geographic distribution. For example, breeding colonies of grey seals Halichoerus grypus along the mainland coast of England are exposed to anthropogenic disturbance in the forms of tourism and military activities; however, many offshore colonies are relatively undisturbed. Due to the recent expansion of mainland colonies, the impacts of human presence during the breeding season are of urgent interest for managers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test for any behavioural adjustments associated with anthropogenic presence by comparing the activity budgets of individual male grey seals at a mainland colony with activity budgets from 2 isolated colonies. We found no evidence of differences in the male activity budgets for time spent in non-active behaviours across colonies, and of the 3 colonies, males on the mainland spent the least amount of time alert. This indicates that as capital breeders, selection for conservation of energy is potentially overriding short-term costs of local stressors or that males at the mainland colony have habituated to human presence. Our results demonstrate the importance of understanding species- and life-history-stage-specific selection pressures when considering management actions. The article can be found at: http://www.int-res.com/articles/meps2015/527/m527p247.pdf Please contact for a PDF at: a.m.bishop(a)durham.ac.uk Kind regards, Amy ______________________ Amanda Bishop PhD Student Durham University School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences DH1 3LE UK office: +44 (0)1913341247

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Paper: Conflicting rates of increase in the sperm whale population of the eastern Caribbean
by hwhitehe＠Dal.Ca 07 May '15

07 May '15

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Marine Mammal Research Assistant Professorship at the University of Maine
by Mark Wells 07 May '15

07 May '15

Dear Mr. Klassen, Here is the job summary. The School of Marine Sciences of the University of Maine invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professorship in marine mammal science. The successful applicant will have expertise working directly with marine mammals in one or more of the following areas: marine mammal biology and physiology, marine mammal health, ecotoxicology or population ecology, marine mammal/fisheries interactions, or environmental drivers and threats to marine mammal populations. Experience applying quantitative methods is highly desirable. Teaching expectations include upper level undergraduate or graduate courses in the candidate’s area of expertise, a large entry-level undergraduate course for marine sciences students and other majors, and advising Ph.D., M.S. and undergraduate research students. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in zoology, biology or a related field, ideally some postdoctoral experience, and a strong publication record appropriate to the candidate’s experience. Application materials should include: 1) a cover letter explaining professional education, experience, and suitability for the position; 2) a full curriculum vitae; 3) a selection of up to five reprints; 4) statements of research goals (past and future) and teaching interests, philosophy, and experiences; and 5) the names, addresses (including titles and institutions), email addresses, and telephone numbers of four references. All materials must be submitted electronically in PDF format through https://umaine.hiretouch.com <https://umaine.hiretouch.com/>, where more information on the position is posted, and a copy emailed to Sue Thibodeau at Susanne_Thibodeau(a)umit.maine.edu. For further questions, please contact Dr. Mark Wells (Chair, Search Committee; mlwells(a)maine.edu) Review of applications will begin on July 15, 2015, and will continue until the position is filled. The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Many thanks for your help in getting this word out. My best, Mark Dr. Mark L. Wells Professor School of Marine Sciences University of Maine Orono, ME 04469 Ph: 207 581-4322 Fax: 207 581-4388 www.umaine.edu/marine/people/sites/mwells/index.htm

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New publication
by machiel oudejans 07 May '15

07 May '15

Dear all, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm pleased to announce of a new publication: Oudejans Machiel G, Visser Fleur, Englund Anneli, Rogan Emer and Ingram Simon N, (2015)* Evidence for Distinct Coastal and Offshore Communities of Bottlenose Dolphins in the North East Atlantic* PLoS ONE 10(4): e0122668. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0122668 Online open access: http://www.plosone.org/article/metrics/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.… Kind regards, Machiel Oudejans Kelp Marine Research www.kelpmarineresearch.com Machiel.oudejans(a)gmail.com *Abstract*: Bottlenose dolphin stock structure in the northeast Atlantic remains poorly understood. However, fine scale photo-id data have shown that populations can comprise multiple overlapping social communities. These social communities form structural elements of bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) populations, reflecting specific ecological and behavioural adaptations to local habitats. We investigated the social structure of bottlenose dolphins in the waters of northwest Ireland and present evidence for distinct inshore and offshore social communities. Individuals of the inshore community had a coastal distribution restricted to waters within 3 km from shore. These animals exhibited a cohesive, fission-fusion social organisation, with repeated resightings within the research area, within a larger coastal home range. The offshore community comprised one or more distinct groups, found significantly further offshore (>4 km) than the inshore animals. In addition, dorsal fin scarring patterns differed significantly between inshore and offshore communities with individuals of the offshore community having more distinctly marked dorsal fins. Specifically, almost half of the individuals in the offshore community (48%) had characteristic stereotyped damage to the tip of the dorsal fin, rarely recorded in the inshore community (7%). We propose that this characteristic is likely due to interactions with pelagic fisheries. Social segregation and scarring differences found here indicate that the distinct communities are likely to be spatially and behaviourally segregated. Together with recent genetic evidence of distinct offshore and coastal population structures, this provides evidence for bottlenose dolphin inshore/offshore community differentiation in the northeast Atlantic. We recommend that social communities should be considered as fundamental units for the management and conservation of bottlenose dolphins and their habitat specialisations. <http://www.kelpmarineresearch.com>

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