July 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: genomewide genetic markers in Lagenorhynchus spp.
by Ruth Fernandez 14 Jul '15

14 Jul '15

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce publication of the following paper: *Fernández, R*., Schubert, M., Vargas-Velázquez, A.M., Brownlow, A., Vikingsson, G.A., Siebert, U., Jensen, L.F., Øien, N., Wall, D., Rogan, E., Mikkelsen, B., Dabin, W., Alfarhan, A.H., Alquraishi, S.A., Al-Rasheid, A.S., Guillot, G., Orlando, L., 2015. A genomewide catalogue of single nucleotide polymorphisms in white-beaked and Atlantic white-sided dolphins. Molecular Ecology Resources, doi: 10.1111/1755-0998.12427. *Abstract* The field of population genetics is rapidly moving into population genomics as the quantity of data generated by high-throughput sequencing platforms increases. In this study, we used restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (RADSeq) to recover genomewide genotypes from 70 white-beaked (*Lagenorhynchus albirostris*) and 43 Atlantic white-sided dolphins (*L. acutus*) gathered throughout their north-east Atlantic distribution range. Both species are at a high risk of being negatively affected by climate change. Here, we provide a resource of 38 240 RAD-tags and 52 981 nuclear SNPs shared between both species. We have estimated overall higher levels of nucleotide diversity in white-sided (*π* = 0.0492 ± 0.0006%) than in white-beaked dolphins (*π* = 0.0300 ± 0.0004%). White-sided dolphins sampled in the Faroe Islands, belonging to two pods (*N* = 7 and *N* = 11), showed similar levels of diversity (*π* = 0.0317 ± 0.0007% and 0.0267 ± 0.0006%, respectively) compared to unrelated individuals of the same species sampled elsewhere (e.g. *π* = 0.0285 ± 0.0007% for 11 Scottish individuals). No evidence of higher levels of kinship within pods can be derived from our analyses. When identifying the most likely number of genetic clusters among our sample set, we obtained an estimate of two to four clusters, corresponding to both species and possibly, two further clusters within each species. A higher diversity and lower population structuring was encountered in white-sided dolphins from the north-east Atlantic, in line with their preference for pelagic waters, as opposed to white-beaked dolphins that have a more patchy distribution, mainly across continental shelves. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1755-0998.12427/abstract You can also contact me at ruth.fernandez(a)ices.dk <susan.chivers(a)noaa.gov> for a pdf. Best, Ruth Dr. Ruth Fernández García Advisory Programme Professional Officer International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Email: ruth.fernandez(a)ices.dk <https://ices-webmail.ices.dk/OWA/redir.aspx?C=gogVG9RzBkyjn-sXB3yWVqbwd4TCl…> Skype: ruth-fernandez-garcia H.C. Andersens Boulevard 44-46 DK 1553 Copenhagen V Denmark

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European Cetacean Society Copyright Statement
by Andrew Wright 13 Jul '15

13 Jul '15

Dear all, Over the last few years, the ECS has been exploring ways to put content online for membership to access. One of the challenges, aside from the need for website space, has been the issue of copyright. Given the sheer number of authors involved in abstract books and proceedings since the inception of the ECS (including several that have since passes away), there is no truly sufficient way to address this issue. However, at the last AGM in Malta, the membership approved a copyright statement and following process: 1) All future submissions will require corresponding authors to check a box saying that they, on behalf of all authors, accept the copyright agreement that give the ECS unlimited rights to reproduce the material intact in any format, while leaving all rights of use and re-use in any form to the authors. This will allow the ECS to produce hard copies and/or put the material onto their website in pdf format. 2) All future Special Publication submissions will require organisers to submit copies of signed agreements from the corresponding authors of each authored chapter, to allow the ECS to produce hard copies and/or put the material onto their website in pdf format. 3) In addition to notification to the assembled ECS membership at the Malta AGM, additional notification of the intent to apply the same statement retroactively to all previously submitted material (abstracts, proceedings, and special publication material) will be made on ECS Talk, Marmam and the Society for Conservation Biology Marine Section lists. This represents an attempt to reach as many authors as possible. If any author does not accept this retroactive agreement, they are asked to contact the ECS editor (currently myself) to request that their specified contribution(s) be excluded. The ECS will then find a means to accommodate this. 4) In further addition to this notification, details of this process will be placed onto the ECS website so that any author can at any time henceforth contact the ECS Editor to express their wish to opt out of the retroactive agreement. The ECS will then find a means to accommodate this. Accordingly, I am writing to notify the past and present membership of the ECS about the copyright statement, the intent to retroactively apply it to all previously submitted material and the opportunity to opt out of the agreement. The agreement can currently be found at: http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/sites/default/files/ECS_Copyright.pdf Please send me an email if you have any questions. Many thanks and best regards, Andrew -- Andrew Wright, Ph.D. ECS Editor 2011-2015

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New paper on possible stock structure of Pacific coast bottlenose dolphins
by Richard Defran 13 Jul '15

13 Jul '15

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper on possible stock structure of coastal bottlenose dolphins off California and Baja California, Mexico. “Defran, R.H., Marthajane Caldwell, Eduardo Morteo, Aimée Lang, Megan Rice and David W. Weller. 2015. Possible stock structure of coastal bottlenose dolphins off Baja California and California revealed by photo-identification research. *Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences*: Vol. 114 (1).” Abstract Boat-based photo-identification research has been carried out on bottlenose dolphins in eastern North Pacific coastal waters off northern Baja California, Mexico and southern and central California, USA from 1981 to 2001. Within these waters, bottlenose dolphins routinely travel back and forth between coastal locations while generally staying within a narrow corridor extending only 1–2 km from the shore. Inter-area match rates for 616 dolphins photo-identified between 1981–2000 in four California coastal study areas (CCSAs) of Ensenada, San Diego, Orange County and Santa Barbara averaged 76%. To explore possible southern range limits for these dolphins, photo-identification surveys were carried out in the coastal waters off San Quintín, Baja California, Mexico between April-August 1990 (*n*=8 surveys) and July 1999 to June 2000 (*n*=12 surveys). The 207 individual dolphins identified off San Quintín were compared to the 616 dolphins identified in the CCSAs. The inter-area match rate between San Quintín and the CCSAs was 3.4% (*n*=7 dolphins). This low rate contrasts sharply with the much higher average match rate of 76% observed between the CCSAs. These differences in match rates suggest that both a California coastal stock and coastal Northern Baja California stock may exist, with only a limited degree of mixing between them. A PDF copy of this paper is available for free download at: http://scholar.oxy.edu/scas/vol114/iss1/1 or by request from rh.defran(a)gmail.com Regards, R.H. Defran and co-authors

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Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Fall Internships
by Erin R. Bates 13 Jul '15

13 Jul '15

VAQ Stranding Response Intern The Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division is now accepting Stranding Response Intern applications for fall 2015. There are two positions available. One of the positions will assist with an on-going marine mammal stomach content analysis project and the other position with assist with team outreach opportunities. The application deadline is August 15, 2015. Please note that all internships are non-compensatory and intern housing is not provided by the Virginia Aquarium. Duties: Assist with dead and live stranding response of marine mammals and sea turtles. This includes, but is not limited to, necropsies, data and sample collection, animal disposal, cleaning, office organization, data entry and management, live animal husbandry, working with volunteer team members and staff and other activities as assigned. Review a full list of duties included below: · Assist in stranding response for dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field and at the Stranding Center. Work may be done under adverse weather conditions. * Assist in the collection of Level A data for the National Marine Fisheries Service. * Participate in post mortem data collection and necropsies. * Assist in care for animals during rehabilitation including, but not limited to, food prep, feeding, cleaning (mopping floor, washing dirty laundry, vacuuming tanks, washing dishes, etc.), tank repairs, and other husbandry duties. * Assist with public outreach and education events. * Assist with volunteer and cooperator trainings. * Assist staff with daily administrative tasks including answering phones, taking messages, preparing volunteers for response, and data entry. * Other duties as assigned by Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response staff. * Specific to stomach content analysis project: Assist the project lead with on-going bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) stomach content analysis project which includes: extraction of otoliths from fish, measurement of fish and otoliths and delivery of a 15 minute presentation for the stranding staff and volunteers. * Specific to outreach: Assist the outreach coordinator with team outreach opportunities which includes: researching new opportunities, recruiting and scheduling volunteers for events, maintaining display materials, participating at events and delivery of a 15 minute presentation for stranding staff and volunteers. Qualifications: Applicants must: 1) be at least 18 years of age; 2) be able to and comfortable with driving full-sized pick-up trucks; 3) be in good physical condition and able to lift over 40 pounds; 4) be able to work in adverse conditions; 5) be completing this internship for college credit. Applicants must commit to 10 weeks and work well both independently and as part of a team. Candidates should be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, responsible and able to take, as well as give direction. Internships are open to undergraduate and graduate students. Preference is given to students who have completed their sophomore year and are working towards credit for a degree in science. A background in biology and familiarity with stranding response is preferred but not required. Applicants who are interested in applying but will not be seeking college credit may be considered for an apprenticeship position. Requirements: Interns are expected to work 24 hours a week (three eight-hour days) for 10 consecutive weeks without exception. Housing and transportation cannot be provided. Most of the animals the Stranding Center works with are dead (approximately 95%) and most are decomposing. The center may get multiple strandings per day in the peak season. This is a position that requires a strong nose, stomach and mental state. IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE! Please consider this before applying. A complete Stranding Response Intern application packet must include the following required components: * Cover Letter * Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Internship application form (http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/join/Documents/Intern-Application-Form.pdf) * (2) Letters of Recommendation (one must be from an academic instructor) * Statement of Intent: (1) page describing how the intern applicant intends to use the internship experience to assist in career or academic goals. * Resume * Official College Transcript(s) Forward your completed application packet to: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center 717 General Booth Boulevard Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 Attn: Volunteer Resources Office - Intern Applicant OR email complete application packet to aquavols(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:aquavols@virginiaaquarium.com> Erin Bates Stranding Technician & Volunteer/Intern Coordinator Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program 757-385-6481 (desk) 757-437-4933 (fax) 757-385-7575 (stranding hotline) ebates(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:ebates@virginiaaquarium.com>

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New publication on minke whale stranding from Turkey
by Arda M. Tonay 13 Jul '15

13 Jul '15

Dear All, Apologies for cross posting. We would like to inform you that the new article on minke whale stranding has been published in Journal of the Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment. They are available online via the following link. * Öztürk, A.A., Dede, A., Tonay, A.M., Danyer, E., Aytemiz, I. 2015. Stranding of a minke whale on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, April 2015. J. Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment 21 (2):232-237. http://www.blackmeditjournal.org/index.php/component/k2/item/521 Abstract Minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata Lacépède, 1804, is known as a visitor species in the Mediterranean Sea. On 10 April 2015, a female minke whale stranded in Yumurtalık on the eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The body length and body weight were measured as 3.55 m and 400 kg, respectively. The carcass was necropsied, however the reason of the stranding was not evident due the advanced stage of decomposition. This is the second case of minke whale stranding in Turkey. Regards. Arda Arda M. TONAY Ph.D Faculty of Fisheries, İstanbul University Marine Biology Dep. Ordu Cad. No:200 Laleli, 34480 İstanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 212 455 5700/16459 Fax: +90 212 514 0379 <mailto:atonay@istanbul.edu.tr> atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr <http://suurunleri.istanbul.edu.tr/> http://suurunleri.istanbul.edu.tr/ Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) P.O. Box 10 Beykoz, İstanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 216 424 0772 Fax: +90 216 424 0771 Bu elektronik posta ve beraberinde iletilen butun dosyalar sadece gondericisi tarafindan alinmasi amaclanan yetkili gercek ya da tuzel kisinin kullanimi icindir.Eger soz konusu yetkili alici degilseniz bu elektronik postanin icerigini aciklamaniz, kopyalamaniz, yonlendirmeniz ve kullanmaniz kesinlikle yasaktir ve bu elektronik postayi derhal silmeniz gerekmektedir. ISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI bu mesajin icerdigi bilgilerin dogrulugu veya eksiksiz oldugu konusunda herhangi bir garanti vermemektedir. Bu nedenle bu bilgilerin ne sekilde olursa olsun iceriginden, iletilmesinden, alinmasindan ve saklanmasindan sorumlu degildir. Bu mesajdaki gorusler yalnizca gonderen kisiye aittir ve ISTANBUL UNIVERSITESI'nin goruslerini yansitmayabilir. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, forwarding, copying or use of any of the information is strictly prohibited, and the e-mail should immediately be deleted. ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in this message and hereby excludes any liability of any kind for the information contained therein or for the information transmission, reception, storage or use of such in any way whatsoever.The opinions expressed in this message may belong to sender alone and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY.

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Update Information SMM2015 workshop: RIEMMCCA: Network of Aquatic Mammal Specialists of Central America and the Caribbean
by Laura J. May-Collado 13 Jul '15

13 Jul '15

*Symposium Agenda: *RIEMMCCA: Network of Aquatic Mammal Specialists of Central America and the Caribbean *Agenda del Simposio: *RIEMMCCA: Red de Investigadores para el Estudio de los Mamíferos Acuáticos de Centroamérica y el Caribe. *Convenors/Organizadores*: Laura J May-Collado (lmacollado(a)gmail.com) (Costa Rica/Panama), Ester Quintana-Rizzo (tetequintana(a)comcast.net) (Guatemala), Monica Gamboa-Poveda (monicagamboapo(a)gmail.com) (Costa Rica), Antonio Mignucci-Gionnoni (mignucci(a)manatipr.org) (Puerto Rico), Anmari Alvarez Aleman (anmari(a)cim.uh.cu) (Cuba), Betzi Perez (betziperez(a)yahoo.com) (Panama). *Date: DECEMBER 12, 2015 -2**1st Biennial Conference **on the Biology of Marine Mammals** at San Francisco.* *Duration/Duracion*: full day/todo el dia *Cost/Costo*: $45 *Overview*: The intent of this symposium is to review the state-of-knowledge of the aquatic mammals of *Central America* and the *Caribbean* and to enhance collaboration and communication between scientists in the region. The symposium will consist of presentations (oral and poster), special talks on distance sampling methods, importance of communicating our science (public and in peer reviewed journals), revision of previous work in the region, and will conclude with a discussion session to identify gaps in knowledge and conservation issues future research directions for the region. We invite national and international scientists working in the region to present their work by submitting a 300 word abstract (English and Spanish abstracts are welcome) to the following email address riemmcca.smm2015(a)gmail.com. Abstract submission will close on August 15, 2015. *Resumen*: El objetivo de este simposio es revisar el estado del conocimiento sobre los mamíferos marinos de *Centroamérica y el Caribe* y el promover la colaboración y comunicación entre científicos de la región. El simposio consistirá de presentaciones en la forma de charlas y posters sobre trabajo de investigación realizados en la región. También habrán charlas invitadas que hablar de temas sobre el estado del conocimiento de varias especies, una tutoría corta sobre el método de muestreo ‘distance sampling’ y sobre como comunicar nuestra ciencia (publico y revistas científicas). El simposio finalizara con una ‘mesa’ redonda para identificar las áreas de importancia en investigación y conservación en la región. Les invitamos a todos los científicos nacionales e internacionales a enviar un resumen (se aceptan en ingles o español) de 300 palabras a riemmcca.smm2015(a)gmail.com. La recepción de resúmenes estará abierta hasta el 15 de Agosto del 2015. Laura J. May-Collado, Ph.D. *Research Associate & LecturerDepartment of Biology* *University of Vermont* *Email*: lmaycoll(a)uvm.edu <https://webmail.uvm.edu/imp/#> *Personal Home Page*: LAURAMAY-COLLADO.COM *Google Scholar:* https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=HUUPac4AAAAJ&hl=en *Research Gate*:http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Laura_May-Collado *Project Website*: http://www.panacetacea.org/

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2-Day PAM Training Course in Mexico City
by PAMOS 13 Jul '15

13 Jul '15

PAMOS will be holding an intensive 2-Day PAM Training Course in Mexico City (August 3 & 4, 2015) By the completion of the course you will fully comprehend the importance of having a PAM Operator on board a vessel and the responsibilities associated with such a position. We will equip you with the knowledge of how sound travels underwater, how to measure and understand the intensity of sound underwater, and how to identify the difference between Marine Mammal sounds and other Anthropogenic noises. It is also vital that by the end of the training you fully understand all the Mitigation guidelines and can use the PAMGuard software and PAM hardware with confidence. The instructor is a specialist in the field of Underwater Acoustics and gained his PhD in Edinburgh, UK. Groups will be kept small to ensure that enough attention is given to each student. Course Name: PAM Training Course Date: August 3 & 4, 2015 Times: 8:00 to 17:00 Location: Mexico City Language: English Tools/ Material: Bring your own laptops and make sure you have any of the following operating systems: Windows 7 or 8, Linux, or Mac OS X (with limited support). Please have Java Virtual Machine (JVM) previously installed; Scientific calculator (Physical or tablet application); and Headphones. Option #1 – $500USD PAM Training Course, with lunch Included Option #2 - $650USD PAM Training Course, with shared accommodation (according to availability), Breakfast & Lunch, and Travel (to and from Airport, Hotel & Classroom) Option #3 - $770USD PAM Training Course, individual accommodation, Breakfast & Lunch, and Travel (to and from Airport, Hotel, and Classroom) If you have any further questions, please contact us at info(a)pamos.ca Please visit us at pamos.ca or email us at: reserve(a)pamos.ca to reserve your place and from there we will send you more information. -- Jessica Fisher, PAMOS Business Manager | Underwater Acoustics Consultancy

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LAST CALL: Seeking information on low visibility real-time monitoring techniques
by Ursula Verfuss 13 Jul '15

13 Jul '15

Dear MARMAM-list editors, I was assuming that the below email would have been sent out to the list last Friday or Saturday. As the deadline referred to the end of last week, I changed that sentence from "end of this week" to "end of last week" in the text below and would kindly ask you to forward this current email to the list instead of the one I sent 10 July 2015 13:41. Thanks so much! Ursula Dear MARMAMers, Thank you to everyone who responded to our first call, and to those who forwarded the call to potential responders! We were approached with a few questions that came up regularly which we would like to clarify in this last call. VENDERS, DEVELOPERS AND SUPPLIER OF (POTENTIAL) LOW VISIBILITY MARINE MAMMAL MONITORING EQUIPMENT PLEASE READ This project is reviewing and evaluating monitoring methods that can readily or in the near future be used in conditions where marine mammal observers (MMOs) cannot visually detect marine mammals for mitigation purposes. The purpose of this study is to identify specific technologies that are currently available and may be used for future field trials sponsored by either the IOGP-JIP or individual companies and to identify potential areas as well as (future) technologies that require further development in order to provide or improve effectiveness of new low-visibility monitoring technology for use during marine seismic surveys. The project report will provide a listing of venders, developers and suppliers of these equipment and services which will be made available to a wide variety of Oil & Gas companies. If you would not like to be named then your information can be anonymised. We would be grateful to anyone filling in our questionnaires<http://www.smruconsulting.com/locations/europe/low-visibility-real-time-mon…> within the next days - deadline was end of last week, but we will leave the questionnaires open for a few more days. Please let me know if you would like your equipment or company to be included but cannot fill in the questionnaires in time - we will find a solution. Thank you! Ursula FIRST CALL: 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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BPM NZ MMO Training Course - July/August 2015
by Lesley Douglas 10 Jul '15

10 Jul '15

BPM NZ MMO Training Course MMOs wishing to work on marine seismic surveys in New Zealand waters must successfully complete a training course consistent with the standards outlined in the 2013 Code of Conduct for Minimising Acoustic Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Survey Operations. Blue Planet Marine's NZ MMO Course is one of only a few courses approved by the New Zealand Government as meeting these standards. It is suitable for candidates new to MMO work right through to experienced MMOs or industry/government personnel keen to better understand this role. The BPM NZ MMO Course consists of 13 modules of online distance learning and a three-day practical component. The three-day practical component includes classroom, shore- and sea-based activities designed to consolidate online distance learning, and introduce and then practice techniques essential to the role of MMO. Candidates for the course would need to be able to complete the online distance learning within the timeframe specified below and be available to attend the practical component in Auckland, New Zealand. Candidates whom successfully complete the BPM NZ MMO Course will be capable and confident in undertaking the duties of a MMO under the Code of Conduct, and will be recognised by the New Zealand Government as 'trained' MMOs, able to work on marine seismic surveys in New Zealand waters. * Online distance learning: 21 July to 4 August 2015 * Practical component: 17-19 August 2015, Auckland, New Zealand * Cost: NZ$2,100 (ex GST) - covering online distance learning, practical component, lectures and course handouts. To apply for this course or for more information, please contact Lesley Douglas (info(a)blueplanetmarine.com<mailto:info@blueplanetmarine.com>). Places are limited and applications close Friday 17 July 2015. Apply now to secure one of the remaining places.

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Rethinking Lagenorhynchus Workshop at SMM 2015
by Vollmer, Nicole (Nikki) 10 Jul '15

10 Jul '15

Dear colleagues, 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 Saturday, December 12th. 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-registration/. 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 genus Lagenorhynchus, 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 Lagenorhynchus species, 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, and Lissodelphis, 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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