July 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Publication: Cetaceans of Guinea-Bissau
by Ruth Leeney 22 Jul '15

22 Jul '15

Hello MARMAMers, The following paper has recently been published: Leeney RH, Weir CR, Campredon P, Regalla A, Foster J. Occurrence of Atlantic humpback (*Sousa teuszii*) and bottlenose (*Tursiops truncatus*) dolphins in the coastal waters of Guinea-Bissau, with an updated cetacean species checklist. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK. doi:10.1017/S0025315415000661 ABSTRACT There is a paucity of information on the cetacean fauna of Guinea-Bissau in West Africa. We compiled records published in the literature and novel unpublished sighting data (2008–2014) to examine the occurrence and distribution of cetacean species. At least 10 species were verified to occur in Guinea-Bissau waters, of which eight were documented from a small number of sightings, whaling captures or skeletal remains. By far the most frequently recorded species were the common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatu*s) (N = 146) and the Atlantic humpback dolphin (*Sousa teuszii*) (N = 110). These two species were sympatric in distribution, both being found throughout coastal waters from the northern regions of Canal de Jeta and Rio Mansoa south to the Rio Cacine and around the Arquipelago dos Bijagos. However, differences were apparent in their finer-scale distribution and in the distance of sightings from shore, with bottlenose dolphin sightings generally occurring further from shore (and especially in the region of the Canal do Geba) than Atlantic humpback dolphins. Sightings indicate that both species likely inhabit Guinea-Bissau waters throughout the year. Dedicated systematic cetacean survey work is urgently needed in coastal Bissau-Guinean waters in order to ascertain the abundance, spatio-temporal distribution, population structure and causes of mortality of bottlenose and Atlantic humpback dolphins, particularly given the Vulnerable conservation status of the latter species. Clarification of the status of cetaceans in offshore waters requires survey effort throughout the Guinea-Bissau EEZ. Please contact me if you would like further information or a pdf. Best wishes, Ruth -- Ruth H. Leeney, PhD Benguela Research & Training Walvis Bay, Namibia T: (+264)-81-809-8214 *http://publicationslist.org/ruth.leeney <http://publicationslist.org/ruth.leeney>* *www.westafricacetaceans.blogspot.com <http://www.westafricacetaceans.blogspot.com>* *The Protect Africa's Sawfishes project* https://www.facebook.com/ProtectAfricasSawfishes

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New paper on N Pacific right whales
by Phillip Clapham - NOAA Federal 21 Jul '15

21 Jul '15

The following was just published: Zerbini, A.N., Baumgartner, M.F., Kennedy, A.S., Rone, B.K., Wade, P.R. & Clapham, P.J. 2015. Space use patterns of the endangered North Pacific right whale *Eubalaena japonica *in the Bering Sea. Marine Ecology Progress Series doi: 10.3554/meps11366. ABSTRACT: Understanding habitat use of critically endangered North Pacific right whales (NPRWs, Eubalaena japonica) is important to better evaluate the potential effects of anthropogenic activities and climate change on this species. Satellite transmitters were deployed on individual right whales in 2004, 2008 and 2009 to investigate whether their space-use patterns in the Southeastern Bering Sea (SEBS) were influenced by environmental conditions and to assess habitat use in areas of human interest. Whales were monitored for an average of 40 d (range 29−58 d) between July and October, a period in which they inhabited the SEBS shelf. Individuals tagged in 2008−2009 (cold years) remained in the middle shelf domain, travelled at a slower rate and showed a spatially more restricted habitat use than a whale tagged in 2004 (a warm year). Monte Carlo tests suggested that NPRWs associated with the cold pool (remnant winter water in the bottom layer of the middle shelf domain) during cold years, which is likely due to higher copepod abundance and reduced competition with other copepod predators within the cold pool. Telemetry data indicated that a Critical Habitat designated by the US National Marine Fisheries Service encompasses the main feeding range of NPRWs in the Bering Sea. Two whales briefly visited the North Aleutian Basin, an area previously considered for oil and gas development. Small sample sizes precluded conclusive comparisons of space-use patterns among years with significantly different temperature regimes, but we hypothesize that habitat use in the SEBS varies with these regimes because of concomitant changes in the abundance of the whales primary copepod prey. Long-term evaluation of space-use patterns of NPRWs is required to further understand their habits in the feeding grounds in light of global warming and the potential for increased anthropogenic activities. This paper is available free through Open Access at this website: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v532/p269-281/ -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Leader, Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program National Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115, USA tel 206 526 4037 fax 206 526 6615 email phillip.clapham(a)noaa.gov

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Pro-MMO NZ Training Course
by Maja Nimak-Wood 21 Jul '15

21 Jul '15

[cid:image001.jpg@01D0C3C1.7920EDD0] Pro-MMO NZ Training Course Gardline Environmental Ltd is a MMO training course provider for New Zealand approved by New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC). The Pro-MMO NZ entirely meets the requirements of the curriculum outlined in the '2013 Code of Conduct for Minimising Acoustic Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Survey Operations'. This dedicated training programme is devoted to producing competent, professional marine mammal observers, capable of implementing the requirements of the Code, in terms of mitigation as well as scientific data collection, during seismic operations within New Zealand waters. MMO training for New Zealand is the most comprehensive and stringent in the world with extensive theoretical and practical requirements. The course consists of a series of extensive modules which are available through interactive distance learning prior to the practical component. Candidates will need to be able to complete the theory modules during the time frame outlined below and be available for the practical field days in New Zealand. The course is designed to be of benefit to both experienced and inexperienced MMOs. Candidates who successfully complete this course will be certified as 'trained' observers as per standards in the Code. After gaining a minimum of 12 weeks of experience working on seismic surveys in New Zealand, trained observers will then advance to the status of 'qualified' observers. The course dates and place: a) Distance learning 1st- 27th September 2015 b) Field based 28th - 30th September 2015 Auckland, New Zealand The course cost: NZD $2810 The course fee includes both distance learning and field based component, lecture and handout material and ID book. Application: Application forms and more information about the course can be obtained by contacting Maja Nimak-Wood maja.nimak-wood(a)gardline.com<mailto:maja.nimak-wood@gardline.com> Deadline for applications: 3rd August 2015 Due to high interest in this course and limited number of places, we encourage you to apply early. Maja Nimak-Wood Senior Marine Mammal Scientist Gardline Environmental Limited Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG Tel: +44 (0)1493 845600 Fax: +44 (0)1493 852106 www.gardlinemarinesciences.com<http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/> [cid:image002.jpg@01D0C3C1.7920EDD0] Gardline Environmental Limited is part of the Gardline Group of Companies Registered in England No.04589816 | VAT Registration No. 640 4800 66 Registered office: Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG [cid:image003.jpg@01D0C3C1.7920EDD0] ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Conservation Metrics, Inc. is hiring in Santa Cruz, CA!
by alexis＠conservationmetrics.com 20 Jul '15

20 Jul '15

We seek a person to manage our small team of ecologists/computer scientists/statisticians and improve our tools for monitoring rare and elusive species around the world. Conservation Metrics specializes in automated wildlife surveys, an approach that allows our clients to increase the scale of wildlife surveys, improve the rigor of monitoring projects, and reduce costs and logistical constraints. Projects include Before/After Control/Impact studies to quantify and compare the effectiveness of conservation actions, monitoring projects to estimate long-term population trends, surveys to quantify impacts to wildlife, and expeditions to search for data deficient species. The Science Team Manager will report to the President of CMI, and will manage a growing multidisciplinary team. The position marries cutting edge technology (sensor hardware, Big Data analytics, machine learning, and outcomes based conservation) with important research questions about fascinating species and ecosystems. Scope 1. Manages the Science team to detect species of interest on data-streams, analyze results, manage quality control and quality assurance process, produce summary reports, and draft and edit final reports. 2. Assists clients with designing, planning and implementing CMI's monitoring projects. 3. Refines and develops statistical approaches to best address project goals and leverage new technology. 4. Provides expert interpretation of analysis results in relation to the ecological questions for each project. 5. Represents CMI to customers, foundations, government and the public. 6. Tracks project expenses in coordination with CMI's VP of Business Operations utilizing Liquid Planner Management Software. 7. Oversees data management procedures including meta-data management, data storage and back-up, and hardware maintenance. 8. Participates in recruitment and hiring process for projects requiring additional staff. 9. Coordinates with staff and outside consultants on Research and Development projects to develop new analysis techniques, statistical approaches, and sensor technology. Qualifications . 3-5 years of experience in ecological research, wildlife survey design, restoration, and/or wildlife monitoring projects. . Extensive background with script-based languages and statistical programs for reproducible research [R (required), Matlab (desired), Python (desired)]. . PhD in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Science, or Computer Scientist with biological interests/experience preferred. Candidates with a Masters Degree and solid record of relevant work experience also considered. . Strong background in quantitative analysis. Bayesian approaches a plus. . Experience working with data-streams from passive sensors (acoustic, visual, or other), including sensor deployment, processing, and data management. . Ability to/Interest in learning new analysis techniques, and curiosity and skills to refine and improve evolving workflow and software projects. . Excellent written and spoken English language skills. Fluency in other languages a plus (we have projects around the world). . Excellent management and organizational skill, ability to work independently, ability to solve problems with limited supervision, and the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. . Valid Driver's License. . U. S. Passport. Job Category Full time Positions website http://conservationmetrics.com/ Salary CMI offers a salary that is competitive in our sector. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and includes an employee benefits package. Start Date 09/08/2015 Contact Person Matthew McKown Contact Phone 831-427-7969 Contact eMail <mailto:ScienceTeamManager@conservationmetrics.com> ScienceTeamManager(a)conservationmetrics.com Cheers, Alexis Diana Earl Analyst Conservation Metrics, Inc. 100 Shaffer Rd Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Tel: 831-427-7969 Mobile: 213-448-0708 <mailto:alexis@conservationmetrics.com> alexis(a)conservationmetrics.com <http://www.conservationmetrics.com> www.conservationmetrics.com

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Rethinking Lagenorhynchus Workshop Update
by Vollmer, Nicole (Nikki) 20 Jul '15

20 Jul '15

Hello, There has been a date change for the "Rethinking Lagenorhynchus" workshop. The workshop will now be held on Sunday, December 13th. Please see below for more information on available travel funds to attend and/or if you would like to present at the workshop. ---------- We are happy to announce we will be running a full-day workshop entitled "Rethinking Lagenorhynchus: advancing our knowledge on taxonomy, genetics, acoustics, morphology, and population structure to make conservation gains" at the Biennial in San Francisco on Sunday, December 13th. We would like to encourage anyone working on any of the species within this genus, and close relatives (Lissodelphis, Cephalorhynchus), to attend. See full description of the workshop below or on the SMM conference website<https://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference/workshops/#Lagenorhynchus>. Speakers will be invited, however if anyone has particular interest in presenting their work at this workshop please let us know. Registration Registration for the workshop should be done through the conference website:https://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference/conference-registrat…. The registration fee is US $80.00 if registered prior to September 15, 2015. If you register after the 15th the registration fee increases to US $90.00, so make sure to sign up early. Travel Funding Thanks to a successful grant application, we are thrilled to be able to offer some funding to help cover costs of travel for undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students that are planning on attending, and possibly presenting their work at the workshop (presenting at the workshop is not required to be eligible to receive the funding). Preference will be given to students involved in molecular genetics work, although all interested in attending the workshop will be considered. If you are interested in receiving travel funds to attend the workshop, please respond to the following: 1) Provide name of institution, level of education, current advisor. 2) What is your most relevant experience related to this workshop? 3) What is your main interest in attending this workshop? 4) How will attending this workshop contribute to your current work and/or career? * Incomplete responses will not be considered. Please limit submissions to no more than 1 page, 12pt font, single-spaced. Responses should be emailed to Erin Ashe (ea84(a)st-andrews.ac.uk) and Nikki Vollmer (vollmern(a)si.edu) no later than August 7th, 2015 to be considered for funding. Please let us know if you have any questions, and see you in December! Thank you, Nikki and Erin Rethinking Lagenorhynchus: advancing our knowledge on taxonomy, genetics, acoustics, morphology, and population structure to make conservation gains Research and management efforts in marine mammal conservation often hinge on a definition of the biological unit to conserve, whether that is a population, subspecies, or species. However, for some groups, such as the diverse genusLagenorhynchus, information on demographics, general biology, and intra-/inter-specific relationships is often lacking, and our statistical power to detect declines in these species is generally poor. In recent years, acousticians and geneticists have been developing independent lines of evidence suggesting it may be time to consider reclassification of Lagenorhynchusspecies, and the relationships among Lagenorhynchus, Cephalorhynchus and Lissodelphis are currently under debate. To better understand the current state of the field regarding the complex classification of species within these groups, there is a need to bring together researchers investigating taxonomy, genetics, acoustics, morphology, and conservation status of Lagenorhynchus and close relatives. The Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial Meeting in San Francisco provides an invaluable opportunity for a workshop focused on integrating Lagenorhynchus scientists for this purpose. This workshop will provide a platform for researchers to compare lessons learned and to build new collaborations with international colleagues who have experience studying Lagenorhynchus. Our target audience includes researchers working at all academic levels (principle investigators, postdocs, graduate students, etc.) on Lagenorhynchus, Cephalorhynchus, andLissodelphis, and specifically scientists with expertise in taxonomy, molecular genetics, conservation, demography, and acoustics. Main goals of this endeavor are to identify partnerships and expertise, where genetic samples are held, and potential funding sources to conduct analyses where needed. We also aim to submit a review paper formulated from workshop discussions to a peer-reviewed journal (potential journals: Conservation Biology, Biological Reviews, Marine Mammal Science) that will summarize the current knowledge of Lagenorhynchus species and suggest avenues for future funding and research. This workshop will initiate and promote correspondence among people working on these species, build productive collaborations at a global scale, and combine resources and lessons learned to allow us to study, collectively, these dolphins at ecologically meaningful spatial scales. Finally, if consensus is reached through workshop activities, the workshop chairs will make a taxonomic recommendation to the SMM Taxonomy Committee for reclassification of the species currently within the genus Lagenorhynchus. The format for this workshop is a full day (8 hrs.) meeting. The morning will be allocated to approximately 5 speakers who will each give a brief (15-20 min.) presentation to share the current state of knowledge on the key themes (genetics, acoustics, morphology, taxonomy, stock structure, and conservation) and include time for questions from participants. The afternoon will be dedicated to discussion identifying research questions, next steps, partnerships/collaborations, and assess topics worthy of publication that have emerged from the workshop. We will also identify regional experts who could benefit from guidance from international colleagues in these disciplines, and ultimately aim to conceptualize and develop a global research plan to reevaluate Lagenorhynchus using multiple lines of evidence. Nicole Vollmer, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow NOAA/NMFS/National Systematics Laboratory Smithsonian Institution Natural History Museum PO Box 37012, MRC 0153 Washington, DC 20013-7012 202-633-2137 vollmern(a)si.edu

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Last Chance to Join Research Expedition in Belize!
by Caryn Sullivan 20 Jul '15

20 Jul '15

We have extended the deadline for registration until August 3rd! Please note that you must have a valid passport to join us in Belize for this unique research expedition. Call Dr. Caryn at (540) 287-8207 for details or check out our FB Event online at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155791086960048&set=o.15201371049…. 2015: 7 or 14 Day Summer Research Expedition or Field Course - August 10-23 Expedition 1: August 10-16 $1995 + Airfare Expedition 2: August 17-23 $1995 + Airfare Full Expedition or Field Course: August 10-23 $3495 + Airfare + Credit Hours Your share of the cost covers all expenses from the time you land at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) until departure from the same airport and includes housing, meals, ground & water transportation fees, research costs, and course materials fees. Here's your last chance to join our research team for one or two intense weeks of total immersion into the world of animal behavior, ecology & conservation, Antillean manatees, bottlenose dolphins, coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds in Belize! Expedition: For the first time, we are offering 1 or 2 week learning expeditions in conjunction with our 2-week learning expedition or field course. Join us for an adventure without the stress of course work. Field Course: Want to get the most out of this opportunity? Enroll in our experiential learning field course and you can earn study abroad or independent study credits at your home university. In either case, you will live, work, and study from a marine science field station on a pristine, private island off the coast of Belize. Data collected during the course will contribute to our long-term manatee and dolphin research projects. You will learn through a variety of learning activities, literature review and discussion, independent research projects, and actual field research. Be prepared to rise with the sun and work/study up to 12 hours per day: up to 12 hours outdoors; up to 6 hours on the water each day learning about the tropical Caribbean environment as we explore a maze of mangrove islands, seagrass beds, and coral patches searching for elusive manatees and charismatic dolphins. Location: Spanish Bay Conservation & Research Center at Hugh Parkey's Belize Adventure Lodge, http://belizeadventurelodge.com/<http://belizeadventurelodge.com/>. Passport required, immunizations as recommended by CDC, http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/extended_student/belize?s… Your Share of the Costs 1-week expedition: US$1995 2-week expedition: US$3495 Both options include housing, meals, ground & water transfer fees, research & materials fees; DOES NOT include airfare, books, tips, incidentals, or credit hours. Optional Credit Hours: The 2-week field course provides a minimum of 100 experiential learning and lecture hours in the field, plus approximately 35 hours of pre-field reading, research, and preparation; at least 50 of the 135 total hours include direct instruction by faculty. This is comparable to a 3 credit hour university course and meets the US DOE criteria in 34 CFR, SS600.2. You must make arrangements IN ADVANCE with BOTH your advising faculty and Dr. Self-Sullivan for credit to be earned through your home university. Credit hour fees must be paid directly to your school and you must fulfill any study abroad requirements of your school. This course is divided into 6 components: lectures and learning activities (~1 hour per day), independent reading and assignments (~1-2 hour per day), data collection in the field (~3-6 hours per day), project development & implementation (~1-2 hours per day), presentation of pre-field research (~1 hour per day), and debate/group discussion of reading materials (~1 hour per day). Deadlines: Registration Deadline Extended to Monday, August 3rd at Midnight EDT. Caryn Self-Sullivan, Ph.D. Nova Southeastern University NSU Email: cs1733(a)nova.edu<mailto:cs1733@nova.edu> http://www.nova.edu/ocean/ http://www.fischlerschool.nova.edu/ Sirenian International INC http://sirenian.org Ask Dr. Caryn LLC http://AskDrCaryn.com Mailing Address: 2010 Beach Avenue, Colonial Beach VA 22443-1519 Mobile: 540.287.8207 | Fax: 888.504.4309

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Seeking Volunteers for Cetacean Surveys in the Hebrides (West Scotland)
by Volunteer Coordinator 20 Jul '15

20 Jul '15

*SEEKING VOLUNTEERS* Dear All, The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) conducts cetacean surveys throughout our field season 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 follow the link (http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-on-silurian.asp) We have produced a short a short video about joining us aboard, please follow the link to watch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_3r-GKfh8o) 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 Hebridean 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 in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, where HWDT is based. 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: * 4th 15th August; £875! (REDUCED TO FILL REMAINING BERTH) * 18th - 29th August; £1,075 * 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> ** 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) 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 aboard 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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New publication: Trends of harbour porpoise density, southern North Sea
by Verena Peschko 19 Jul '15

19 Jul '15

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following paper: Peschko, V., Ronnenberg, K., Siebert, U., Gilles, A. (2016). Trends of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) density in the southern North Sea. Ecological Indicators 60: 174-183, DOI 10.1016/j.ecolind.2015.06.030 Abstract: In the southern North Sea, harbour porpoise occurrence increased in recent years after a phase of low abundances during earlier decades. Only very few studies on porpoise presence in the southern German North Sea exist so far. As anthropogenic activities will strongly increase in this part of the North Sea during the next years it is most important to assess population level effects. This study focuses on the analysis of temporal and spatial trends in porpoise density in this area of recent change. Dedicated aerial line-transect distance sampling surveys were conducted in the southern German North Sea between May 2002 and June 2013 to assess porpoise density and distribution. Statistical inferences on porpoise population trends were made using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) technique. Two approaches were chosen to test for a trend in porpoise density and an additional model focused on the change in density of calves. During 55,820 km of survey effort 4377 porpoises including 140 calves were recorded. A significant effect of increasing spatial aggregation from the lower density areas in the south-eastern German Bight to hot spot areas in the western parts was detected. For the western part of the study area a significant increase in porpoise density between 2002 and 2013 was detected. Seasons were significantly different with highest porpoise density in spring and successively decreasing densities in summer and autumn. From 2008 onwards high densities were also observed in summer. Calf density increased during the study period and was significantly higher in the west. On the basis of this extensive and unique data set on porpoise occurrence in the southern German North Sea the findings clearly show that especially the south-western German North Sea serves as habitat of increasing importance for porpoises throughout the last decade. Definite reasons still remain unresolved. Changes in prey abundance or less favourable conditions in other areas could be important factors, which may also have caused a southward shift from high density areas in northern waters. On this baseline, further integrative approaches might lead to a sound understanding of the effect of anthropogenic activities on the future development of porpoise populations. It can be downloaded for free until 05.09.2015: <http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1RNf9,XRNLMR-p> http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1RNf9,XRNLMR-p You can also contact me peschko(a)ftz-west.uni-kiel.de <mailto:peschko@ftz-west.uni-kiel.de> for a pdf. Best regards, Verena Peschko ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Verena Peschko Research and Technology Centre Westcoast University of Kiel Hafentoern 1 D-25761 Buesum Tel: +49(0)4834 604-250 Fax: +49(0)4834 604-119 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Final Call: Introductory GIS and Species Distribution Modelling courses for Marine Biologists, August 2015
by Colin D. MacLeod 19 Jul '15

19 Jul '15

There are a few places left on the following introductory courses for marine biologists in the use of GIS and Species Distribution Modelling in which will be run by GIS In Ecology in August 2015: 1. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology, 17th – 19th August 2015, Glasgow, Scotland: This three day course covers the basics of how to use GIS in marine biological research and is aimed at those who have little or no experience in using GIS, but who wish to learn. The course is taught by Dr Colin D. MacLeod, author of the ‘An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology’ series of books, and is taught in the type of language marine biologists will be familiar with. It consists of a series of background and practical sessions which will provide all the information needed to start successfully using GIS in marine biology. Cost: £395 (£300 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). More information on this course can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Glasgow_August_2015.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place email: cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com 2. An Introduction To Species Distribution Modelling In The Marine Environment, 20th – 21st August 2015, Glasgow, Scotland: This two day course follows on from the introductory GIS course and provides all the information required to start using Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) in the marine environment in a practical and biologically meaningful way. In a series of background sessions, case studies and practical exercises, it covers how to create data layers of species distribution, how to select and create raster data layers of environmental variables, such as water depth, how to join information on species distribution to environmental information, how to export data from a GIS project for analysis in a statistical package, such as R, how to create spatial visualisations based on a statistical model and how to validate the spatial predictions of a model. The practical sessions work through a species distribution modelling project based on real marine survey data from start to finish. Cost: £295 (£200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). More information on this course can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_SDM_August_2015.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place email: cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com. Note: This course requires a basic knowledge of GIS and how to use ArcGIS GIS software (as covered in the above introductory GIS course). We will also be running a course for those interested in learning to use the freely available, open source GIS software package QGIS. This is: An Introduction To Using QGIS In Biological Research, 28th – 29th September 2015, Glasgow Scotland. Duration 2 days. Cost: £295 (£200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). More information on this course will be available next month, but if you are interested in finding out more about it, or in booking a place, email cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com. All the best, Colin ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook Two - Working With Raster Data Layers; RRP: £19.99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Latest killer whale life history paper
by Naomi Rose 17 Jul '15

17 Jul '15

Dear MARMAMERs: The Journal of Mammalogy has published an early-view paper by Robeck et al. entitled "Comparisons of life-history parameters between free-ranging and captive killer whale (Orcinus orca) populations for application toward species management" (http://jmammal.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/07/09/jmammal.gyv113) Based on the paper's analyses, the authors suggest that it is likely that "the estimated ages assigned to [northern and southern resident killer whales] at the start of the study period (1973 - Bigg et al. 1987; Olesiuk et al. 1990) were inaccurate." They go on to say "Our analysis supports a proposed longevity of between 60 and 70 years for females and 50 and 60 years for males, with the vast majority (>97%) of animals dying by age 50. This is substantially less than the longevity of 80-90 years for females and 60-70 years for males that have [sic] been previously suggested." The authors also state that "Reproductive senescence in killer whales, often erroneously termed menopause, has been proposed as a relatively unique strategy for the transmission of information related to population fitness (Foster et al. 2012; Brent et al. 2015; Whitehead 2015) or reproductive success (Ward et al. 2009b). However, reproductive and actuarial senescence is common in mammalian species studied to date (for review, see Nussey et al. 2013) and it therefore should not be considered an unexpected finding in killer whales." Finally, they note "While life tables would provide a more accurate age-specific estimation of longevity, they are inappropriate for the 3 populations analyzed in this study [that is, southern and northern resident killer whales and SeaWorld killer whales] since no known-age animals have died in the older age groups...Thus, for the time being, [mean life expectancy] and [average life expectancy] based on overall population [annual survivorship rate] may be the most accurate measure [sic] of longevity." Given that this paper concludes that concepts long-accepted in the marine mammal science community for killer whales are or are likely incorrect, those who have examined killer whale life history traits and social structure in the past might wish to know of and read/review this paper. Naomi ____________________________ [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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