June 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Fall internship available at the Puerto Rico Manatee Conservation Center
by Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni 03 Jun '15

03 Jun '15

Fall internship available at the Puerto Rico Manatee Conservation Center The Puerto Rico Manatee Conservation Center (PRMCC) and the Caribbean Stranding Network at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico announces the availability of four 2-month volunteer (unpaid) internship positions for the period of 1 September to 31 October. The PRMMC conducts conservation efforts on behalf of endangered Antillean manatees in four modalities: (1) Rescue and Stranding Response, (2) Rehabilitation and Veterinary Care, (3) Population Research, and (4) Community Outreach and Education. Requirements: Applicants must be students enrolled in a natural sciences bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree (biology, zoology, oceanography, marine biology, environmental sciences, animal sciences, veterinary medicine or similar), or recent graduates of these disciplines seeking experience on endangered marine species conservation. Work at the PRMCC is conducted in Spanish and English, thus, interns must at least be able to converse and write in one of these languages. Interns must be self-motivated and responsible, able to work independently, have computer experience, good organizational and communication skills, and perform as a team. Candidates must be in good physical fitness, swim well, lift and carry 25 kg, walk long distances in difficult terrain, and follow written and oral staff directions and protocols effectively. In addition, interns should be prepared to perform in a variety of settings on any given day including; beach, in-water, and laboratory. Work hours are 40-60 hours per week. The 2-month internship may be extended an extra month at the discretion of the PRMCC and a positive 2-month evaluation. USA citizen interns do not need a visa to attend the internship; International applicants need to apply for a USA visa to attend. If interns intend to receive academic credit, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. The PRMCC internship is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students and recent graduates to join dedicated scientists who are conducting manatee conservation in the beautiful environmental setting of the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico. As part of this program, interns are extremely important members of a focused and dedicated team and will be immersed in pioneering hands-on work with manatees. This is an excellent chance to contribute meaningfully to an exciting marine conservation effort to save an endangered species from extinction. Interns who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate acknowledging training in manatee conservation initiatives of stranding response and necropsies, rescue, rehabilitation and veterinary care, population research, and community outreach and education. Applications for the Fall 2015 internship must be received by 1 July 2015. To apply, submit a complete application at our website http://manatipr.org/voluntarios/internship/. For more information, please contact volunt(a)manatipr.org. Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni, PhD Director & Catedrático Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico 787-279-1912 x2070 mignucci(a)manatipr.org amignucci(a)bayamon.inter.edu

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New publication: Copulation rate declines with mating group size in dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus)
by Dara Orbach 02 Jun '15

02 Jun '15

> > Dear colleagues, > > My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper: > > Orbach, D.N., Rosenthal, G.G., and Würsig, B. 2015. Copulation rate > declines with mating group size in dusky dolphins (*Lagenorhynchus > obscurus*). *Canadian Journal of Zoology* 93: 503-507. doi: > 10.1139/cjz-2015-0081 > > ABSTRACT > Males in polygamous species often engage in intrasexual competition for > mates. If females actively evade mating attempts, it may benefit males to > cooperate to restrict female movement, as has been found in some mammals. > We tested if male dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus (Gray, 1828)) > cooperate or compete during group mating chases. If they cooperate, then the > per-male probability of copulating should increase with group size; if they > compete, then the probability should decrease. We followed mating groups > by boat during the breeding season (October 2013 – January 2014) off > Kaikoura, New Zealand. The copulation rate per male decreased with > increasing group size and with the number of noncopulating males in > proximity to a copulating female. Male dusky dolphins have multiple mates > and appear to use sperm and exploitative scramble competition. Males may > remain in mating groups despite competition because there are alliances > within the groups, they are unable to exclude rivals from joining a > group, the time and energy costs of searching for unescorted females exceed > the costs of reduced mating opportunities in a group, they receive other > direct or indirect benefits that offset the costs of reduced mating > opportunities, or they are in the group largely for social learning > rather than procreation > > A PDF version of the paper is available online at: > http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/cjz-2015-0081 > > or via e-mail request to: dnorbach(a)gmail.com > > Cheers, > Dara Orbach > > Ph.D. candidate > Marine Mammal Behavioral Ecology Group > Department of Marine Biology- IDP > Texas A&M University at Galveston > http://www.tamug.edu/mmbeg > <https://mail.tamug.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=w7_17uzzE0Wzl12-LslBsbpT6EkNV9III3t…> >

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Marine Mammal Commission Request for Proposals (RFP): eastern North Pacific right whale movements, distribution, and mitigation of human risk factors
by Dee Allen 02 Jun '15

02 Jun '15

The Marine Mammal Commission (MMC) is seeking research proposals that will improve knowledge of the distribution and movements of the eastern population of North Pacific right whales, and/or contribute to the understanding of human-based risk factors that can be mitigated. The National Marine Fisheries Service's recovery plan for North Pacific right whales identified assessment of the current distribution as the highest research priority for this species. Proposals submitted to the MMC's RFP should address this research priority by addressing one or both of the following research foci: * Providing new evidence of occurrence outside the Bering Sea, especially evidence of migratory or other movements and the location(s) of wintering/calving grounds or important feeding grounds south of the Aleutians or in the Gulf of Alaska. * Contributing to the understanding of human-based risk factors that can be mitigated, especially when and where the whales are likely at high risk of ship strike (e.g., crossing the northern Great Circle shipping route and in Unimak Pass) or entanglement (e.g., southeastern Bering Sea). Applicants may propose to analyze data from, or conduct research in, any part of the North Pacific as long as there is clear relevance to at least one of the above research foci. Applicants may propose field-research, analysis of existing data sets, modeling, technological developments, processes to leverage larger funding amounts from other organizations, or any other approach that has the potential to meet the research goal and foci defined above. Grant proposals will be accepted with requests for funding from the Commission in any amount (inclusive of overhead costs) up to the total amount available, $100,000. Detailed information regarding this funding opportunity, proposal requirements, and eligibility can be found at: http://www.mmc.gov/MMC_NPRW_RFP_060215.pdf The deadline for submitting proposals to this RFP is MONDAY, 29 JUNE 2015. For questions about the purpose or intent, research goal and foci, review criteria, or the suitability of a project to the RFP, please feel free to contact Dennis Heinemann, Director of Science, by email (dheinemann(a)mmc.gov<mailto:dheinemann@mmc.gov>) or telephone (301-504-0087). For questions regarding proposal requirements or submission guidelines, please contact Dee Allen, Research Program Officer, by email (rpo(a)mmc.gov<mailto:rpo@mmc.gov>) or telephone (301-504-0087). Dee Allen Research Program Officer Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20814-4498 301-504-0087 Follow us on Twitter: @MarineMammalCom Visit us online: www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov/> The Marine Mammal Commission is an independent agency of the U.S. Government.

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Research Assistant and Volunteer positions are available for land and boat based cetacean monitoring in Antalya, Turkey
by aylin akkaya 02 Jun '15

02 Jun '15

There are new positions available on cetacean monitoring in the Antalya Bay, TurkeyTHE PROJECTMarine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) founded for the purpose of contributing to the scientific knowledge on marine mammals for the conservation and sustainable management of marine biodiversity and increasing the public awareness in the area. Despite the large cetacean biodiversity, there have not been any long-term studies on this region. Therefore, the project aims to fulfill the gaps of missing long-term studies in the area by collecting data on cetacean abundance, distribution, behavior and site fidelity. This project provides an excellent opportunity for cetologists, students and individuals interested in getting more experience and knowledge in the field of marine mammal research.OPEN POSITIONSRESEARCH ASSISTANT (R.A.)We are looking for one research assistant starting from the end of July for 5 months, and you must have some experience with marine mammals or animal ecology. As a R.A., you will have access to intensive training on; GIS, Basic statistics and SPSS, DISTANCE and other softwares (Pythagoras, Logger, Imatch).There will also be space and opportunity for you to suggest and create your own project, as well as contribute to publications we might be working on. There may be opportunities to join into the offshore surveys.The project contribution is 500Euro per month, which covers the accommodation (food cost will be at each responsibility, although this is a low expense and should be around 75Euro month or less).VOLUNTEERWe are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and hard-working individuals to join our team. Minimum commitment is one month, although for a fuller experience we recommend two.This position is unpaid and requires a contribution which covers the accommodation and side activities. Food cost will be at each responsibility, although this is a low expense and should be around 75Euro month or less.The available months are: August (850Euro One position left!!), September (850Euro One position left!!), October (700Euro Open), November (700Euro Open), December (700Euro Open) FOR BOTH POSITIONSREQUIRED ABILITIESEnthusiasm to learn, Good motivation, Endurance, Being able to live and work in a multicultural team sharing the same home.DUTIESCollecting sighting and behavioral data (using binoculars, theodolite and different softwares) both during land and boat surveys, organising photo-ID catalogue, entering dataWORKING CONDITIONSExpect long working days in the field (from 6 to 12 hours per day), and to wake up very early (around 4:30 a.m.). The work will be carried under adverse weather conditions, particularly under the sun with very high temperatures (up to 45 degrees Celsius). The typical week is divided in 4 days of fieldwork 1-2 days of office work and 1-2 days for you to enjoy the lovely Turkish Riviera and the city of Antalya.HOW TO APPLYPlease send a cover letter and CV to info(a)dmad.org.tr. For more information please visit www.dmad.org.tr or email us.Have a good day,Aylin Akkaya Bas

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New publication: Foraging movement behavior of humpback whales in Antarctica
by Corrie Curtice 02 Jun '15

02 Jun '15

On behalf of my co-authors, I'm please to announce a new open access publication on foraging movements of humpback whales in Antarctica. Curtice, C., Johnston, D. W., Ducklow, H., Gales, N., Halpin, P. H., Friedlaender, A. S. (2015) Modeling the spatial and temporal dynamics of foraging movements of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Western Antarctic Peninsula. Movement Ecology 3:13. doi: 10.1186/s40462-015-0041-x Abstract Background: A population of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) spends the austral summer feeding on Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) along the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP). These whales acquire their annual energetic needs during an episodic feeding season in high latitude waters that must sustain long-distance migration and fasting on low-latitude breeding grounds. Antarctic krill are broadly distributed along the continental shelf and nearshore waters during the spring and early summer, and move closer to land during late summer and fall, where they overwinter under the protective and nutritional cover of sea ice. We apply a novel space-time utilization distribution method to test the hypothesis that humpback whale distribution reflects that of krill: spread broadly during summer with increasing proximity to shore and associated embayments during fall. Results: Humpback whales instrumented with satellite-linked positional telemetry tags (n=5), show decreased home range size, amount of area used, and increased proximity to shore over the foraging season. Conclusions: This study applies a new method to model the movements of humpback whales in the WAP region throughout the feeding season, and presents a baseline for future observations of the seasonal changes in the movement patterns and foraging behavior of humpback whales (one of several krill-predators affected by climate-driven changes) in the WAP marine ecosystem. As the WAP continues to warm, it is prudent to understand the ecological relationships between sea-ice dependent krill and krill predators, as well as the interactions among recovering populations of krill predators that may be forced into competition for a shared food resource. The publication can be accessed online for free at http://www.movementecologyjournal.com/content/3/1/13. Questions and comments may be directed to Corrie Curtice: corrie.curtice(a)duke.edu<mailto:corrie.curtice@duke.edu>. Thank you, Corrie --- Corrie Curtice Research Analyst Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University http://mgel.env.duke.edu em: corrie.curtice(a)duke.edu<mailto:corrie.curtice@duke.edu>

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Vaquita Campaign
by Sean Bogle 02 Jun '15

02 Jun '15

Dear Colleagues, Wild Lens is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing biologists and filmmakers together to better communicate to the public the various risks to habitat and wildlife species, particularly in understudied populations. We are excited to announce the production of a new documentary film about the struggle to save the Vaquita from extinction called, Souls of the Vermilion Sea. The Vaquita is the most endangered marine mammal on the planet with less than 100 individuals remaining. We are collaborating with biologists and other organizations that are involved in vaquita conservation to be able to document this matter. In order for the vaquita to avoid extinction in the next three years, we need the support of everyone to share this issue. We have just launched our Kickstarter Campaign to raise funds for this film, but everyones support is necessary so we can share the story of the vaquita and save this species from extinction. Please help by donating or sharing our campaign. For more additions information visit links below: Wild Lens: http://wildlensinc.org <http://wildlensinc.org/> Vaquita Film Website: http://vaquitafilm.com <http://vaquitafilm.com/> Kickstarter Campaign link : https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/157422504/souls-of-the-vermilion-sea <https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/157422504/souls-of-the-vermilion-sea> Viva Vaquita! Sincerely, Sean Bogle, Project Director Eyes on Conservation Wild Lens, Inc. Cell: 435.790.9593 Office:208.297.6536 ext.502 wildlensinc.org <http://www.wildlensinc.org/> <http://www.wildlensinc.org/eyes-on-conservation.html> <http://www.wildlensinc.org/eyes-on-conservation.html> <http://www.wildlensinc.org/eyes-on-conservation.html> <http://wildlensinc.org/> <http://wildlensinc.org/> <https://www.facebook.com/WildLensInc> <https://twitter.com/WildLensInc> <https://www.youtube.com/user/WildLensInc> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens>

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FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN FIELD EXPERIENCE
by Volunteer Coordinator 02 Jun '15

02 Jun '15

*SEEKING VOLUNTEERS* Dear All, The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) conducts cetacean surveys throughout our field season (May - October) from aboard our research yacht <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-Silurian.asp> Silurian. 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> . 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. Rendezvous location is either in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, where HWDT is based or in Kyle of Lochalsh. More information on specific surveys will be provided on request. There is a monetary value attached to participating which includes accommodation (aboard) and food throughout the duration. The income generated allows HWDT to continue this well established research programme, you can be assured that without your contribution the research couldn't be undertaken. 2015 Survey Dates: * 15th - 26th June*; £900 (REDUCED TO FILL REMAINING BERTH) * 30th June - 11th July; £1,125 * 4th - 15th August; £1,500 * 18th - 29th August; £1,450 * 1st - 12th September; £1,350 * 22nd - 30th September; £1,050 * 15th - 23rd October; £950 · 5th - 13th October**; £950 <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/stand_alone.asp?page=militarysurvey.asp> *Kyle of Lochalsh rendezvous ** Joint Warrior <http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2013/april/10/130 410-joint-warrior> Military Exercise Monitoring Survey <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/stand_alone.asp?page=militarysurvey.asp> Joint Warrior military exercise off western Scotland) 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 Or contact HWDTs volunteer coordinator Morven Russell Email: volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org <https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam> Telephone: 01688 302620 Thank you, and hope to see you onboard this season! 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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Registration Closing 5th June for Underwater Acoustics in the Marine Environment 3 day course - June 22-24, Houston, USA
by Sam Nichols 01 Jun '15

01 Jun '15

*REGISTRATION IS CLOSING 5TH JUNE* for Seiche International Underwater Acoustics in the Marine Environment 3 day course June 22-24 Houston, USA This 3 day course equips delegates with a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of underwater acoustics. It then focuses on developing clear, quantitative understanding of the issues involved in the impact of acoustics on marine wildlife. *Course Modules* Introduction to Acoustics & Underwater Acoustics Key Quantities, Units & Dimensions Decibels Reflection & Transmission at Boundaries Ocean Environments – The Seas Man-Made Noise in the Ocean Hearing Response of Marine Wildlife Biological Sources of Sound Impacts of Noise on Marine Life Sound Field Modelling Methods of Assessment of Impacts Environmental Stream Tutorial Environmental Regulation & Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Explosive & Impulsive Sources Mitigation of the Effects of Sound of Marine Wildlife Emerging Studies Introduction to Environmental & Man Made Noise in the Ocean Marine Seismic Sources Introduction to Marine Seismic Imaging Seismic Data Processing & Modelling Vessel Radiated Noise Noise Measurement – Shallow Water The Fundamentals of Sonar Dr Paul Lepper will lead this Underwater Acoustics in the Marine Environment course. Paul specializes in underwater acoustics, bioacoustics and underwater technologies, including acoustic and optical underwater systems, sound field measurement, modelling and simulation. He has been working on assessing hearing abilities of marine mammals, the acoustic impact of noise on marine fauna, assessing noise from small leisure craft, offshore windfarm developments and petroleum platforms, the use of deterrents, systems for long-term noise field assessment and passive detection of marine species and the use of various propagation models for sound field assessment. *Who is it for?* Regulators, environmental consultants and policy/environmental professionals within industry. The course will be particularly useful in providing a better understanding of reports that delegates either have to deliver or receive from clients. *IMarEST* This course has been granted official CPD recognition by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). For more information and details, contact Sarah Hancock, Seiche Training, using s.hancock(a)seiche.co <s.hancock(a)seiche.com>m.

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New paper on bottlenose dolphin behavior and associations...
by Eduardo Morteo 31 May '15

31 May '15

Dear All, On behalf of my former MSc student and my coauthors, I’m pleased to announce our latest paper: García-Vital M., Morteo E., Martínez-Serrano I., Delgado-Estrella A., Bazúa-Durán C. 2015. Inter-individual association levels correlate to behavioral diversity in coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Therya, 6(2):337-350. ISSN: 2007-3364, doi: 10.12933/therya-15-270 The PDF can be downloaded from: http://www.uv.mx/personal/emorteo/publicaciones/ <http://www.uv.mx/personal/emorteo/publicaciones/> https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277474738_Inter-individual_associa… <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277474738_Inter-individual_associa…> http://132.248.10.25/therya/index.php/THERYA/article/view/270/pdf_57 <http://132.248.10.25/therya/index.php/THERYA/article/view/270/pdf_57> If you have any questions, please contact me at: eduardo.morteo(a)gmail.com <mailto:eduardo.morteo@gmail.com> Kind regards, Eduardo Morteo, Dr. Head Researcher Marine Mammal Laboratory Institute of Biological Research Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries Universidad Veracruzana 617 Calle Hidalgo, Col. Río Jamapa, Boca del Río, Veracruz, Mexico. CP 94290 Ph: +52 (229) 956 72 27 Ext. 114 Fax: +52 (229) 956 70 70 E-mail: emorteo(a)uv.mx http://www.uv.mx/personal/emorteo/ http://uv-mx.academia.edu/EMorteo https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eduardo_Morteo/?ev=hdr_xprf http://scholar.google.com.mx/citations?user=fDUl-IIAAAAJ

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