June 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on bowhead whales and airgun pulses
by Susanna Blackwell 24 Jun '15

24 Jun '15

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I would like to announce the recent publication of a paper examining the effects of sounds from airgun pulses on the calling behavior of bowhead whales. Blackwell SB, Nations CS, McDonald TL, Thode AM, Mathias D, Kim KH, Greene CR, and Macrander AM (2015) Effects of Airgun Sounds on Bowhead Whale Calling Rates: Evidence for Two Behavioral Thresholds. PLoS ONE 10(6): e0125720. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0125720 Link: http://www.plosone.org/article/fetchObject.action?uri=info:doi/10.1371/jour… Please contact me if you have any questions. Best, Susanna susanna(a)greeneridge.com %%%%%%%%%%%%%% Susanna B. Blackwell, Ph.D. Senior Scientist Greeneridge Sciences, Inc. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%

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Pls Post-Sirenian Symposium
by nicole adimey 24 Jun '15

24 Jun '15

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce The Seventh International Sirenian Symposium held in conjunction with the Biennial in San Francisco on Sunday, December 13th from 8:30-5:30. The purpose of this symposium is to foster communication between Sirenian researchers, managers, and policy makers. Individuals are invited to present new information on Sirenian conservation and management, stranding response and medical assessment, monitoring applications, and general biology and research. The symposium will include presentations, with time for questions and a poster session. Sirenian items will be available for purchase to raise funds for future travel grants. Those interested in presenting should submit an abstract (300 word limit) by email to Nicole Adimey (adimey22(a)gmail.com) by August 15, 2015. Preference will be given to speakers conducting research or addressing conservation issues outside the United States of America. The Symposium schedule will include 20, 15 and 10 minute talks, so please indicate in your abstract submission which time slot you prefer. We encourage early registration, as this symposium has limited seating. Due to generous contributions from our Sirenian conservation partners, *the cost will be $20 USD *for those participants that register early. After Sept. 15, 2015 fees will increase to *$30 USD*. To sign up for the symposium, visit the conference registration site at: https://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference/conference-registration/. Small grants will be available for those individuals traveling from outside the United States that *are not *already receiving financial assistance from the Society for attendance at the Biennial. Interested individuals should contact Nicole Adimey (adimey22(a)gmail.com) for more information. Thank you, Nicole

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Dissertation on Conversations About Sonar Issue
by Eleni Gesch-Karamanlidis 24 Jun '15

24 Jun '15

Hello, I am a PhD Candidate in Communication at Texas A&M University, seeking participants for my dissertation study. My study is exploring conversational dynamics among key organizations involved in the issue of marine mammals and U.S. Navy sonar use. If you are (1) affiliated with a key organization involved in the sonar issue, and (2) have prior/current experience interacting with members of other key organizations involved in this issue, I would like to interview you about your thoughts and ideas on these sorts of conversations. All information obtained in the interview will remain confidential. Interviews are being conducted through July 2015. If you would like more information or would like to participate, please contact Eleni Gesch-Karamanlidis at geschwho007(a)tamu.edu or 401-378-6159. Sincerely, Eleni Gesch-Karamanlidis Vision 2020 Fellow Department of Communication Texas A&M University https://www.linkedin.com/in/geschwho geschwho007(a)tamu.edu 401-378-6159

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EXCITING OPPORTUNITY: MARINElife SW England survey ESAS surveyors
by Rachel Davies 24 Jun '15

24 Jun '15

*EXCITING OPPORTUNITY: MARINElife SW England survey ESAS surveyors* MARINElife are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for certified ESAS Seabird surveyor to take part in a one-day, small-boat survey of the South West (Western English Channel and into Bristol Channel), For Bottlenose dolphins and Balearic Shearwaters. On 18th August 2015, in partnership with the RSPB, we are conducting this regional survey for Balearic Shearwaters, to help establish a UK waters population estimate and build on evidence for identifying area hotspots for this species. On board, we will also be conducting a survey for Bottlenose dolphins in this region. If you are an experienced ESAS surveyor and would like more information about this survey please contact: rachel.davies(a)marine-life.org.uk with the subject “ML ESAS survey” Thank you very much, -- Dr. Rachel Davies Conservation Science Manager Coordinator: European Cetacean Monitoring Coalition (ECMC) [image: MARINElife logo] <http://www.marine-life.org.uk/> rachel.davies(a)marine-life.org.uk T. 01460419043 M. 07969804996 Send Sightings To: sightings(a)marine-life.org.uk Website: www.marine-life.org.uk Find us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/pages/MARINElife#!/pages/MARINElife/213377818675948> and Twitter <http://twitter.com/MARINElife_UK> Registered Charity No. 1110884

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PORPOISE SYMPOSIUM
by Sea Trust 24 Jun '15

24 Jun '15

Hi there, We'd be really grateful if you could circulate info on an event we are holding next week: *On the 2nd of July this year, we will be holding our very first Pembrokeshire Porpoise Symposium!We have one of the world's leading porpoise experts coming to Pembrokeshire, Dr Anna Hall. Anna has been studying wild harbour porpoises in the waters around British Columbia for almost two decades, during this time she has learned much about their ecology, biology, life history, abundance, distribution and habitat use patterns. Anna will be speaking at the event, along with several other local experts. The event will start at 7pm in the Merlin Theatre, Haverfordwest on the 2nd of July, 2015. To book tickets (£5 per person) go to our website (www.seatrust.org.uk <http://www.seatrust.org.uk>) and pay through Paypal, or get in touch for alternative arrangements. You will be able to pay on the door, but we'd appreciate it if you could let us know you're planning to come just so we have an idea of numbers. This is a great opportunity to hear from some of the leading experts in porpoise research and contribute to protecting these animals! For more info don't hesitate to get in touch.* Poster attached with all the info. Cheers, Hannah Sea Trust CIC *"Local people taking care of their marine wildlife"* Ocean Lab, Fishguard Harbour, Goodwick, Pembrokeshire SA64 0DE *Telephone: *01348874737 / 01348875639 *Email:* seatrustwales(a)gmail.com *Follow us* on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sea-Trust/532791560088466>, Twitter <https://twitter.com/SeaTrustWales> and *whaleswales.blogspot.co.uk <http://whaleswales.blogspot.co.uk>* *Supported by* Natural Resources Wales <http://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/splash?orig=/>, Environment Wales <http://www.environment-wales.org/> and the Welsh Assembly Government <http://wales.gov.uk/splash?orig=/>

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HWDT Recruiting a Deputy Director
by Volunteer Coordinator 24 Jun '15

24 Jun '15

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust wishes to appoint a Deputy Director. Working with HWDTs Director, the successful candidate will help to steer the Trust towards a more financially resilient future and explore exciting and innovative opportunities for its development. With proven experience in project management, fundraising and leadership, there will be opportunities for personal and career development in this challenging yet rewarding role. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT Salary: circa £10,000 per annum gross. Length of contract: 36 months (in the first instance). Annual Leave: FT annual holiday entitlement is 25 days (which will be accrued on a monthly basis) and 9 public holidays. Pension: You are given the option to enrol into HWDTs work-placed pension scheme. Hours of work: 14.5 hours a week flexible. Evening and weekend work may be required in which case time off in lieu is given. Place of work: Tobermory, Isle of Mull. Some off island work and meetings will be required. Application procedure: Please email gemma.paterson(a)hwdt.org for the Job Description and Person Specification for more information about this post. Send CV and Covering Letter with the names of two referees by e-mail to: Gemma Paterson at gemma.paterson(a)hwdt.org or post to HWDT, Clydesdale Bank Buildings, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, PA75 6NU. Closing Date: Friday 17th July 2015 Interviews (expected): w/c 27 July 2015 This post is generously funded by The John Ellerman Foundation. 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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Post-doctoral fellow in comparative physiology
by Fahlman, Andreas 23 Jun '15

23 Jun '15

The Department of Life Sciences at Texas A&M University –Corpus Christi invites applications for a full-time Post-doctoral fellowship in Comparative Respiratory Physiology in Marine Mammals. The successful candidate will have a PhD in Comparative Physiology, Kinesiology or a related field, or a doctorate level veterinary degree (D.V.M. / V.M.D. or equivalent) with specialized training in mathematics or epidemiology (i.e. M.S. or PhD in mathematics, epidemiology, or MPH). Applicants should have a solid foundation in mathematics and physiology, with considerable experience in respiratory physiology research and/or diving physiology. Excellent organizational, time management, and writing skills are essential. Experience working with marine mammals, and conducting field studies are strongly preferred. The primary responsibilities of the Post-doctoral fellow will include operational oversight of the Comparative Physiology Laboratory, supervision of students in the lab, and active participation in organizing and teaching undergraduate courses. The fellow will have the opportunity to participate in lung function research trials, to help with data analysis, and to participate in grant writing. The position is grant supported for one year with the possibility of an extension contingent on continued grant funding. Applicants should apply through the University web site (https://islanderjobs.tamucc.edu) Deadline for receipt of applications is July 31st, 2015, although review will continue until a qualified candidate is identified. Expected start date is September 1st, 2015. Andreas Fahlman Department of Life Sciences Texas A&M- Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Dr Unit 5892 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 Ph. +1-361-825-3489 Fax +1-361-825-2025 mail: andreas.fahlman(a)tamucc.edu<mailto:andreas.fahlman@tamucc.edu> web: http://www.comparative-physiology.tamucc.edu/

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NEW ARTICLE: Echolocation parameters of Australian humpback dolphins and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins
by Mafalda de Freitas 23 Jun '15

23 Jun '15

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. de Freitas, M., Jensen, F.H., Tyne, J., Bejder, L., and Madsen, P.T. (2015) ”Echolocation parameters of Australian humpback dolphins (*Sousa sahulensis*) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops aduncus*) in the wild”. J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 137:3033-3041. ABSTRACT: Echolocation is a key sensory modality for toothed whale orientation, navigation, and foraging. However, a more comparative understanding of the biosonar properties of toothed whales is necessary to understand behavioral and evolutionary adaptions. To address this, two free-ranging sympatric delphinid species, Australian humpback dolphins (*Sousa sahulensis*) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops aduncus*), were studied. Biosonar clicks from both species were recorded within the same stretch of coastal habitat in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, using a vertical seven element hydrophone array. *S. sahulensis* used biosonar clicks with a mean source level of 199 6 3 dB re 1 lPa peak-peak (pp), mean centroid frequency of 106 6 11 kHz, and emitted at interclick intervals (ICIs) of 79 6 33 ms. These parameters were similar to click parameters of sympatric *T. aduncus*, characterized by mean source levels of 204 6 4 dB re 1 lPa pp, centroid frequency of 112 6 9 kHz, and ICIs of 73 6 29 ms. These properties are comparable to those of other similar sized delphinids and suggest that biosonar parameters are independent of sympatric delphinids and possibly driven by body size. The dynamic biosonar behavior of these delphinids may have, consequently, allowed for adaptations to local environments through high levels of control over sonar beam properties. The article can be found at: http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/137/6/10.1121/1.4921277?a… PDFs can be requested at mafalda.df(a)gmail.com Best, Mafalda de Freitas

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{Disarmed} New publication on recognition abilities and aggressive behaviour in grey seals
by Kelly Robinson 23 Jun '15

23 Jun '15

Dear MARMAM subscribers, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce a new publication on the social recognition abilities of grey seals and their aggressive behaviour towards familiar and novel individuals: Robinson, K.J., Twiss, S.D., Hazon, N., Moss, S., Lonergan, M. & Pomeroy, P.P. (2015). *Conspecific recognition and aggression reduction to familiars in newly weaned, socially plastic mammals * Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology DOI: 10.1007/s00265-015-1952-7 Abstract: Recognising conspecifics and behaving appropriately towards them is a crucial ability for many species. Grey seals (*Halichoerus grypus*) show varying capabilities in this regard: mother-pup recognition has been demonstrated in some geographical populations but is absent in others, yet there is evidence that individuals aggregate with prior associates. The recognition capabilities of newly weaned grey seal pups were investigated using class recognition trials within the habituation/dishabituation paradigm. Trials took place in pens, using pairs of individuals that either had previously cohabited (familiar) or that had never met before (stranger). Frequencies of olfactory and visual investigative behaviours (‘checks’) and aggressive interactions were recorded during trials. Familiar individuals recognised each other: paired strangers showed significantly more checks and aggressive interactions than were seen in trials pairing familiars. Oxytocin concentrations in post-trial plasma samples were analysed to investigate the underlying physiology modulating recognition abilities; however, no significant differences were detected between familiar or stranger trials. This study demonstrates that at a young age, grey seals can recognise individuals they have previously encountered. Recognition abilities in this species have adaptive value by allowing the reduction of costly aggressive interactions between familiar conspecifics, which is often cited as the first step towards the evolution of sociality in a species. This study is the first with wild subjects to find conspecific recognition abilities in a pinniped species outside of reproductive contexts. It demonstrates that even largely solitary species can be capable of recognition and pro-social behaviours that benefit them during times when they must aggregate. The article can be found at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00265-015-1952-7 <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347214004199> The article is open access; so anyone who is interested in the manuscript should be able to download a pdf of it. However if you have any problems getting a copy please email kjr33(a)st-andrews.ac.uk. Kind regards, Kelly Robinson Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St Andrews

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Harbour porpoises respond to low levels of high frequency vessel noise
by Monika Dyndo 22 Jun '15

22 Jun '15

Dear All, For those of you interested in the issue of marine mammals and noise, we have a paper out in Scientific Reports showing that harbor porpoises respond to low levels of high frequency vessel noise. The abstract can be found here: Cetaceans rely critically on sound for navigation, foraging and communication and are therefore potentially affected by increasing noise levels from human activities at sea. Shipping is the main contributor of anthropogenic noise underwater, but studies of shipping noise effects have primarily considered baleen whales due to their good hearing at low frequencies, where ships produce most noise power. Conversely, the possible effects of vessel noise on small toothed whales have been largely ignored due to their poor low-frequency hearing. Prompted by recent findings of energy at medium- to high-frequencies in vessel noise, we conducted an exposure study where the behaviour of four porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in a net-pen was logged while they were exposed to 133 vessel passages. Using a multivariate generalised linear mixed-effects model, we show that low levels of high frequency components in vessel noise elicit strong, stereotyped behavioural responses in porpoises. Such low levels will routinely be experienced by porpoises in the wild at ranges of more than 1000 meters from vessels, suggesting that vessel noise is a, so far, largely overlooked, but substantial source of disturbance in shallow water areas with high density of both porpoises and vessels. The paper is freely available online at http://www.nature.com/srep/2015/150622/srep11083/full/srep11083.html. All the best, Monika Dyndo

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