June 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Washington DC Mexican Embassy Vaquita Rally, July 9 2015
by Desray Reeb 28 Jun '15

28 Jun '15

Dear MARMAM subscribers, In 2015, the vaquita are facing extinction as by-catch. Just a 4-hour drive from San Diego. *79* *individuals remain*. The only time they have left, is now. The marine mammal community needs to raise it's voice against this pointless extirpation of the vaquita and be part of ensuring the vaquita's conservation. *International Save the Vaquita Day 2015 - **Washington DC Event, July 9 2015* *For more locations please see: http://www.vivavaquita.org/international-save-the-vaquita-day.html <http://www.vivavaquita.org/international-save-the-vaquita-day.html>* The vaquita is the world’s smallest and most endangered porpoise, found only in Mexico’s northern Gulf of California. *79 individuals* are believed to remain and in an effort to save them a rally will take place outside the Mexican Embassy in Washington, DC, to bring attention to their plight as part of the *International Save the Vaquita Day 2015. *The purpose of the rally is to thank the Mexican government for imposing a two-year gill net fishing ban and improving enforcement in the vaquita’s habitat, and urging the country make the ban permanent and increase enforcement measures. *Where – *Mexican Embassy, 1911 Pennsylvania Ave NW *When – *July 9, 2015, 8-10am *Nearest Metro station *– Farragut West (blue, orange, silver lines) *What to wear *– all participants will receive a free *¡Viva La Vaquita **Marina! *T-shirt (while supplies last) *What to bring *– water, sunscreen, enthusiasm! *RSVP *–info(a)awionline.org *Background* Fishing gear is the biggest threat to vaquitas. They often drown after becoming entangled in shrimp nets or in illegal gillnets set for totoaba, an endangered fish that is also only found only in the Gulf of California. The totoaba’s swim bladder is illegally exported to Asia to make soup and for unproven traditional medicine treatments. Demand for totoaba bladders has recently spiked, with a single bladder fetching up to US$14,000. After years of international pressure, particularly from the scientific community, Mexico announced a two-year ban on most gillnets in the norther Gulf of California in April, and promised to increase enforcement action against the growing illegal totoaba fishery. While Mexico's actions are commendable, experts assert that a *permanent* ban on nets in the Gulf and rigorous enforcement of that ban are necessary to save the vaquita. Groups have recently urged that the Gulf of California World Heritage site—designated as such largely to protect the vaquita and the totoaba—be officially declared “in danger” by the United Nations. There has also been an appeal to the Obama administration to impose trade sanctions against Mexico to stop the country’s illegal totoaba fishery. That could include a prohibition on the import of shrimp from Mexico. A new population survey for vaquita by US and Mexican scientists is scheduled to start in September, around the time that fishing activity, and consequently vaquita mortality, will be peaking. In all likelihood, the survey will produce disappointing news.

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New Publication: Foraging behavior and mercury accumulation in northern elephant seals
by Sarah Peterson 27 Jun '15

27 Jun '15

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce publication of the following article: Peterson SP, Ackerman JT, Costa DP (2015) Marine foraging ecology influences mercury bioaccumulation in deep-diving northern elephant seals. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 282: 20150710 *Abstract* Mercury contamination of oceans is prevalent worldwide and Methylmercury concentrations in the mesopelagic zone (200–1000 m) are increasing more rapidly than in surface waters. Yet mercury bioaccumulation in mesopelagic predators has been understudied. Northern elephant seals (*Mirounga angustirostris*) biannually travel thousands of kilometres to forage within coastal and open-ocean regions of the northeast Pacific Ocean.We coupled satellite telemetry, diving behaviour and stable isotopes (carbon and nitrogen) from 77 adult females, and showed that variability among individuals in foraging location, diving depth and δ13C values were correlated with mercury concentrations in blood and muscle. We identified three clusters of foraging strategies, and these resulted in substantially different mercury concentrations: (i) deeper-diving and offshore-foraging seals had the greatest mercury concentrations, (ii) shallower-diving and offshore-foraging seals had intermediate levels, and (iii) coastal and more northerly foraging seals had the lowest mercury concentrations. Additionally, mercury concentrations were lower at the end of the seven-month-long foraging trip (*n* = 31) than after the two-month-long post-breeding trip (*n* = 46). Our results indicate that foraging behaviour influences mercury exposure and mesopelagic predators foraging in the northeast Pacific Ocean may be at high risk for mercury bioaccumulation. http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/282/1810/20150710 Please contact me if you do not have access to this article and you would like a pdf (sarahpeterson23(a)gmail.com) Best regards, Sarah -- Sarah Peterson, Ph.D. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department University of California Santa Cruz - Long Marine Lab 100 Shaffer Road Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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Final announcement for "Passive Acoustic Monitoring: A practical Introduction" course by PAMTech
by PAMTech 27 Jun '15

27 Jun '15

*PASSIVE ACOUSTIC MONITORING: A PRACTICAL INTRODUCTION* PAMTech (pamtech.eu) is offering a unique Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) introduction course providing the essentials you need to get going with PAMGuard and start working in the field. PASSIVE ACOUSTIC MONITORING: A PRACTICAL INTRODUCTION is a two day course which gives participants a strong grounding in key aspects of cetacean passive acoustic monitoring, including the capabilities and uses of PAMGuard (pamguard.org) the leading research and industry software. The latest release of the software will be taught in the course. The course includes how to configure PAM hardware and troubleshoot problems. Participants will have the opportunity to record and process real-time data. Different types of PAM surveys including some of the latest research methodologies are also discussed. PAMTech is a small UK-based company made up of PAMGuard developers and experienced field acousticians who can enable you to get the most out of PAM applications. A high tutor-to-student ratio on our courses ensures participants can get individual assistance with their training requirements. Passive Acoustic Monitoring: A Practical Introduction is running on: *24/07/2015 and 25/07/2015* Venue: The course will be run in Edinburgh (UK) on a vessel moored in Leith Docks (www.vinetrust.org/about/barge) Cost: GBP 350 To book go to: http://pamtechintropractical.eventzilla.net (50% non-refundable deposit required) Participants need to bring their own laptops running Windows 7, 8.1 or Ubuntu (see pamtech.eu for more information on specifications). Course costs do not include accommodation, travel or food. To find out more, contact: pamtech.acoustics(a)gmail.com

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Job Announcement: MERI Science Communications Internship
by Michelle Berger 26 Jun '15

26 Jun '15

The Science Communications internship at the Marine & Environmental Research Institute (MERI) is a 3 to 6 month position reporting to both the Director and Operations Manager. The goal of the internship is to help the candidate build requisite skills and experience for developing and implementing science-based communication projects for internal, external and professional use. This is an excellent opportunity for a college graduate, Junior or Senior to gain hands-on experience in communicating environmental and marine science to a lay public. The individual who fills this position will be a highly organized, dependable, ambitious self-starter who takes pride in doing good work. The successful candidate will be an excellent writer and researcher, with exceptional attention to detail and a high level of computer literacy. The intern must be able to work well under pressure with a wide range of people and management styles. This opportunity is well suited for an individual working toward a career in nonprofit management, business administration, environmental journalism or the science communications field. *Job Responsibilities* With the Communications staff: · Organize, enhance and manage the MERI Image Library, working closely with staff to ensure up-to-date images are acquired, consistently labeled and made accessible to all users; assist with photo documentation. · Develop social media outreach for the organization; photography, GIS and A/V skills a definite plus. · Provide graphics and technical support for all MERI departments for electronic and printed materials, including emails, flyers, advertisements and brochures. · Perform media monitoring and information research for marine mammal, ocean, and toxics issues. · Help produce internal and external communications materials to educate the staff and the MERI constituency on breaking news. · Participate in MERI Center lectures, programs and events; assist with event logistics and operate the MERI audiovisual system as necessary. · Perform other duties as assigned by the MERI Director, Communications Director and Operations Manager. *Qualifications* Applicant should possess or be actively pursuing a BA or BS degree (Juniors and Seniors may also apply) in journalism, communications, marketing, environmental health sciences, business administration, policy or a related major. A strong background in environmental sciences, ocean conservation, marine mammals, public health policy, or related field is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will be capable of translating scientific and policy information to a diverse audience through different media and be able to adapt to a changing work environment, at times being available to work occasional nights and weekends. A high level of computer literacy required. At minimum, Applicant must be proficient in computer technologies, including the Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, graphic skills and database management. Prior workplace experience is preferred and excellent organizational, interpersonal, communications and writing skills are required. Applicant must also possess a valid driving license and a good driving record. *Time Requirements* This position requires a 3 to 6 month commitment beginning in May/June 2015, although start and end dates are flexible. Full-time hours (40 hours/week); additional hours may be required at times to complete projects or meet deadlines. Upon a satisfactory review, the internship may be extended up to one year; preference will be given to candidates who can commit to a longer time frame. Housing and a stipend will be provided. *To Apply* If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit by email a letter of interest with resume, writing sample, and contact information for three (3) references by e-mail to: MERI Search Committee/Communications Internship cashmore(a)meriresearch.org Marine & Environmental Research Institute (MERI) PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04616 Tel: (207) 374-2135 Fax: (207) 374-2931 Website: www.meriresearch.org MERI is an Equal Opportunity Employer -- *Seni**or Research **Assistant* Marine & Environmental Research Institute P.O. Box 1652 55 Main Street Blue Hill, ME 04614 207-374-2135 ph 207-374-2931 fax

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National Whale & Dolphin Watch 2015
by Kathy James 26 Jun '15

26 Jun '15

This years' National Whale and Dolphin Watch begins in around a month's time. If you'd like to contribute to our flagship event then please get in touch. We're looking for people to run watches from the land and sea. You can read more about it here: http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw-2015/. Last year we received reports of 1150 sightings all around the UK and people conducted watches from over 100 sites. Please help us continue to build the event by reporting your sightings and by organising your own watch. The National Whale and Dolphin Watch not only provides us with very important data, but it also enables us to spread awareness of cetaceans around the UK. If you'd like advice on setting up watches or to provide details of watches you intend to conduct please email outreach(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk. Thank you! Kathy James Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House Wellington Place New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk

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Lecturer in Quantitative Ecology - Durham University, UK
by TWISS S.D. 26 Jun '15

26 Jun '15

Durham University (UK) is looking to appoint a Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Quantitative Ecology within its School of Biological & Biomedical Sciences (SBBS). To apply - go to link below: http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/ALJ140/lecturer-senior-lecturer-in-quantitative-e… Job Description Durham University is looking to appoint a Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Quantitative Ecology within its School of Biological & Biomedical Sciences (SBBS). Durham University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to broadening participation in UK science; we therefore encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Requirements For appointment at Lecturer, the postholder will have strong potential for developing an independent and internationally competitive programme of research within a collaborative and supportive School. For appointment at Senior Lecturer, the postholder will have a strong track record in internationally competitive research, with relevant teaching experience. We are particularly seeking applications from individuals who have current research interests and expertise within the areas of Quantitative Ecology and/or Ecosystems Modelling, and whose research interests are complementary to current ecological research activities within the School of Biological & Biomedical Sciences (SBBS). Activities in SBBS include population and behavioural ecology, conservation biology, the impacts of environmental change and the valuation of nature. Appointees will be expected to make a substantial contribution to the research activities of the SBBS, and to undertake teaching and administrative duties as assigned by the Board of Studies of SBBS. Full support and mentoring will be given by the School and University to help less experienced appointees excel in the post.

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New Publication and Animated Video Abstract: Diving Related Changes in the Blood Oxygen Stores of Rehabilitating Harbor Seal Pups
by Amber Thomas 25 Jun '15

25 Jun '15

Dear colleagues, My co-author, Dr. Kathryn Ono, and I are pleased to announce the recent publication of our manuscript: Diving Related Changes in the Blood Oxygen Stores of Rehabilitating Harbor Seal Pups (Phoca vitulina). In an effort to make this information as easily accessible to scientists and the general public as possible, I have also created a brief animated video abstract to describe our main findings. Since this is a new form of science communication, I'd love any feedback you may have (either email me at athomas6(a)une.edu or reach out to me on Twitter @ProQuesAsker). To watch the video: https://youtu.be/CjQW-6D68kw To read the paper: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0128930 To see our raw data: <http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.1309301> http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.1309301 Abstract: Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups begin diving within hours of birth, stimulating the development of the blood oxygen (O2) stores necessary to sustain underwater aerobic metabolism. Since harbor seals experience a brief nursing period, the early-life development of these blood O2stores is necessary for successful post-weaning foraging. If mothers and pups become prematurely separated, the pup may be transported to a wildlife rehabilitation center for care. Previous studies suggest that the shallow pools and lack of diving in rehabilitation facilities may lead to under-developed blood O2 stores, but diving behavior during rehabilitation has not been investigated. This study aimed to simultaneously study the diving behaviors and blood O2 store development of rehabilitating harbor seal pups. Standard hematology measurements (Hct, Hb, RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC) were taken to investigate O2 storage capacity and pups were equipped with time-depth recorders to investigate natural diving behavior while in rehabilitation. Linear mixed models of the data indicate that all measured blood parameters changed with age; however, when compared to literature values for wild harbor seal pups, rehabilitating pups have smaller red blood cells (RBCs) that can store less hemoglobin (Hb) and subsequently, less O2, potentially limiting their diving capabilities. Wild pups completed longer dives at younger ages (maximum reported <25 days of age: 9 min) in previous studies than the captive pups in this study (maximum <25 days of age: 2.86 min). However, captivity may only affect the rate of development, as long duration dives were observed (maximum during rehabilitation: 13.6 min at 89 days of age). Further, this study suggests that there may be a positive relationship between RBC size and the frequency of long duration dives. Thus, rehabilitating harbor seal pups should be encouraged to make frequent, long duration dives to prepare themselves for post-release foraging. Thank you! Best, Amber This e-mail may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If you suspect that you were not intended to receive it please delete it and notify the sender as soon as possible.

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Seeking information on low visibility real-time monitoring techniques
by Ursula Verfuss 25 Jun '15

25 Jun '15

Dear MARMAMers, We are currently working on a project entitled "Comparison of low visibility real-time monitoring techniques and identification of potential areas of further development for the detection of marine mammals at sea during E&P activities offshore" funded by the Joint Industry Programme on E&P Sound and Marine Life - Phase III (IOGP-JIP). We are looking for developers, suppliers and users of real-time low visibility monitoring equipment that is or might currently or in future be suitable for detecting marine mammals and other large marine animals for mitigation purposes. If you are amongst (at least) one of those, we would be extremely interested and grateful if you would be willing to dedicate some of your time to answering some of the questionnaires we set up on this website: http://www.smruconsulting.com/locations/europe/low-visibility-real-time-mon… If you would rather answer these questions on a phone call or by sending us leaflets containing such information please go ahead and let us know! We are happy to phone you or pull information out of material you send us. If you wish to send us anything please email me on ukv(at)smruconsulting.com. Your answers will enable us to review and evaluate the capabilities and viabilities of existing and developing low visibility mitigation monitoring methods and systems. The results of this review including an overview over the systems will be published in a report to the IOGP-JIP. Thanks a lot for your efforts! Sincere greetings, Ursula Dr Ursula Verfuß Senior Scientist [SMRU_Consulting_Horizontal_(rgb)] SMRU Consulting|New Technology Centre|North Haugh|ST ANDREWS|Fife KY16 9SR|Scotland email: ukv(a)smruconsulting.com<mailto:ukv@smruconsulting.com> |Tel: +44 (0)1334 479100 websites: www.smruconsulting.com<http://www.smruconsulting.com/> | Twitter: @SMRU_Consulting | LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/company/smru-marine<http://www.linkedin.com/company/smru-> P Please consider whether you really need a hard copy of this email before printing it - thank you NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: This message, and any attachments, are intended solely for the addressee and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy this email. Although we have taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are free from any virus, we advise that, in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. SMRU Consulting Limited is a trading name of SMRU Limited, which is a limited company registered in Scotland, Registered Number: SC296937. Registered Office: 5 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8EJ.

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Job Filled - PSO's for Gulf of Mexico
by Kathi Rogers-Fjelstad 25 Jun '15

25 Jun '15

The following positions have been filled. Thank you to all who applied. Rogers Environmental & Safety Services, Inc. is seeking Protected Species Observers for a survey in the Gulf of Mexico for a major oil company. The expected duration of the project is between 10-20 days starting in late June to early July 2015. Specific responsibilities will include: * Conduct marine mammal and sea turtle surveys and monitoring from vessels at sea, often for long days and consecutive weeks * Follow visual surveying protocols and search methods for locating and tracking different types of species. * Accurately record data using standard forms and reports; determine range, distance, direction, and bearing of protected species and vessels; record GPS location coordinates, weather, and sea conditions. * Provide field communication/support with appropriate personnel using devices including two-way radios, satellite phones, Internet, email, and facsimile. Requirements are as follows: * BOSIET or equivalent training * PSO Training for working in the Gulf of Mexico (BOEM/BSEE approved course) * Medical Fitness for Offshore Work If interested, please respond with CV, copies of appropriate certifications and availability to <mailto:kathi_rogers@comcast.net>kathi_rogers(a)comcast.net.

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MARINE MAMMAL JOURNALS AVAILABLE
by Thomas Jefferson 24 Jun '15

24 Jun '15

MARINE MAMMALJOURNALS AVAILABLE The following is a partial list of items available. All funds go to ¡VIVA Vaquita! (a collaboration of five 501(3)c non-profits), forresearch and conservation of the World’s most endangered marine mammal species,the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Go to www.vivavaquita.orgfor more details. We are currentlytrying to fund our autumn 2015 vaquita expedition. Prices listed are suggested minimumdonations. All items are in good-excellent condition, unless otherwisestated; HC=hardcover, PB=paperback. Preference will be given to domestic USAorders. Donations can be made in cash orwith checks in US dollars. Email Tom Jefferson<sclymene(a)aol.com> the list of items you want and your postal address forthe items to be sent to (please type your name and address exactly as theywould appear on a mailing label). Shipping is included. Orders willbe sent out only after payment and ‘mailing label’ are received. American Cetacean Society. Whalewatcher Journal. Misc. volumes. $3/issue. European Assoc. for Aquatic Animal Medicine. AquaticMammals. Misc. volumes. $8/issue. Hvalradets Skrifter. Misc. volumes. $6-8/volume. International Whaling Commission. Reportsof the International Whaling Commission, misc. volumes. $18/volume. International Whaling Commission. Journalof Cetacean Research and Management, misc. volumes. $4/volume. Pilleri, G.E., editor. (1969-1994) Investigations onCetacea, 2 Complete sets, vols.1-25, plus 5 supplements. $1,050/set. Society for Marine Mammalogy. (1985-2013). Marine Mammal Science, 2 Complete sets, vols. 1-29. $150/set. Whales Research Institute (1971-1981) 11-year run(complete). Scientific Reports of theWhales Research Institute, vols. 23-33 (all bound in green buckram). $160. Whales Research Institute (1948-1984) 44-year run (incomplete).Scientific Reports of the Whales ResearchInstitute, vols. 1-38 (incomplete, with only 24 of 38 volumes, unbound). $400.

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