July 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Found common dolphin marked in the Grand Banks off of Newfoundland
by Ana Eguiguren 07 Jul '15

07 Jul '15

During a survey around the Grand Banks of Newfoundland in late June, we saw a common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis) *with the number 73 painted on the peduncle at the base of the fluke (probably the left side). The number was made with white paint.The dolphin looked healthy and was in a group of around 5 other dolphins. Hopefully some of you may know where the marking came from! Ana Eguiguren anaeguibur(a)gmail.com Dalhousie University-Whitehead Lab

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New paper on Nutrigenomic & Steller sea lion
by Jérôme Spitz 06 Jul '15

06 Jul '15

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of our study: *A nutrigenomic approach to detect nutritional stress from gene expression in blood samples drawn from Steller sea lions.* Spitz J., Becquet V., Rosen D.A.S. & Trites A.W., 2015. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology: part A, 187:214-223 *Abstract* Gene expression profiles are increasingly being used as biomarkers to detect the physiological responses of a number of species to disease, nutrition, and other stressors. However, little attention has been given to using gene expression to assess the stressors and physiological status of marine mammals. We sought to develop and validate a nutrigenomic approach to quantify nutritional stress in Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus). We subjected 4 female Steller sea lions to 3 feeding regimes over 70-day trials (unrestricted food intake, acute nutritional stress, and chronic nutritional stress), and drew blood samples from each animal at the end of each feeding regime. We then extracted the RNA of white blood cells and measured the response of 8 genes known to react to diet restriction in terrestrial mammals. Overall, we found that the genomic response of Steller sea lions experiencing nutritional stress was consistent with how terrestrial mammals respond to dietary restrictions. Our nutritionally stressed sea lions down-regulated some cellular processes involved in immune response and oxidative stress, and up-regulated pro-inflammatory responses and metabolic processes. Nutrigenomics appears to be a promising means to monitor nutritional status and contribute to mitigation measures needed to assist in the recovery of Steller sea lions and other at-risk species of marine mammals. The final version is available on Sciendirect for free until August 15, 2015. http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1RGMd_OwNl3o80 Jérôme Spitz Marine Mammal Research Unit - UBC - http://mmru.ubc.ca/ Observatoire PELAGIS - ULR/CNRS - http://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/

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New books on using GIS In Marine Biology
by Colin D. MacLeod 06 Jul '15

06 Jul '15

Dear Marmammers, The following books which I have authored about using GIS in marine biological research are now available (they were released between January and June 2015), and which I hope will be of interest to the marine mammal research community: 1. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology Supplementary Workbook Six - Introduction To Creating Custom GIS Toos - RRP £19.99//U$29.99:: This book provides five practical exercises based around creating custom tools for automating tasks in GIS using the ModelBlder module of ESRI’s ArcGIS software package. ISBN: 978-1-909832-04-6. 2. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology Supplementary Workbook Seven – An Introduction To Using QGIS (Quantum GIS) - RRP £19.99/U$29.99: This book provides five practical exercises which introduces marine biologists to using the leading open source (and so freely available) GIS software in their research. ISBN: 978-1-909832-14-5. These books (along with the other books in this series) can be purchased from Amazon or directly from GIS In Ecology. All the best, Colin --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2015
by Megan Evans 06 Jul '15

06 Jul '15

This years' National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2015 begins in around a month's time. If you'd like to contribute to our flagship event then please get in touch. We're looking for people to run watches from the land and sea. You can read more about it here: http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw-2015/ [1]. Last year we received reports of 1150 sightings all around the UK and people conducted watches from over 100 sites. Please help us continue to build the event by reporting your sightings and by organising your own watch. The National Whale and Dolphin Watch not only provides us with very important data, but it also enables us to spread awareness of cetaceans around the UK. If you'd like advice on setting up watches or to provide details of watches you intend to conduct please email outreach(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk. NATIONAL WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCH 2015 25TH JULY - 2ND AUGUST Thank you! Megan Evans Education & Awareness Assistant Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House Wellington Place New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk [2] Links: ------ [1] http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw-2015/ [2] http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk

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Opportunity: IUCN call for applications to serve on independent whale panel, due 20th Aug 2015
by BERZINA Anete 06 Jul '15

06 Jul '15

Dear Marine Mammals Research and Conservation community, I am writing to share IUCN's Call for Applications from independent experts to serve on the IUCN's Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel (WGWAP). The Panel has provided independent scientific and technical advice and recommendations on ways to minimize impacts on western gray whales from oil and gas development offshore Russia's Sakhalin Island, just north of Japan, for the last 10 years. IUCN is now seeking to recruit between 6-10 experts to serve on the Panel for a 15-month period from 1 October 2015 to 31 December 2016. The expertise required ranges from general cetacean biology, population assessment and modelling to bio-acoustics and environmental monitoring. IUCN is also looking for expertise related to marine mammal response to disturbance and mitigation measures, especially but not exclusively with respect to oil and gas activities, as well as experience interpreting relevant Performance Standards of the International Finance Corporation / World Bank Group on environmental and social sustainability. The application form, along with some background information, details concerning the open positions, specific expertise requirements and the general TORs are available online via http://iucn.org/wgwap/?21582 or https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.showOpenList (see at the bottom of the list). Applications and requests for further information should be sent by email to anete.berzina(a)iucn.org<mailto:anete.berzina@iucn.org> no later than 20th August 2015. For more details on the WGWAP process, please see: http://www.iucn.orrg/wgwap. Please do feel free to share the Call for Applications further within your networks, as appropriate. Kind regards, Anete Anete Berzina Manager - Western Gray Whale / SEIC Project Global Marine & Polar Programme & Global Business & Biodiversity Programme IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) 28 rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland Tel. +41 22 999 0703; Fax +41 22 999 0002; www.iucn.org<http://www.iucn.org/> [cid:image001.jpg@01CDB8EB.7E9742C0]<http://www.iucn.org/> [cid:image002.jpg@01CDB8EB.7E9742C0]<http://twitter.com/iucn> [cid:image003.jpg@01CDB8EB.7E9742C0] <http://www.facebook.com/iucn.org> [cid:image009.jpg@01D00AF8.4C6E5250]<http://50.iucnredlist.org/> SUPPORT THE IUCN RED LIST 50 CAMPAIGN [cid:image010.jpg@01D00AF8.4C6E5250]<https://50.iucnredlist.org/donate> 50.iucnredlist.org <http://50.iucnredlist.org/> ________________________________ This communication, together with any attachment, may contain confidential information and/or copyright material and is intended only for the person(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, you received it by error and you are asked to please delete it and promptly notify us. Any review, copying, use, disclosure or distribution of any part of this communication, unless duly authorized by or on behalf of IUCN, is strictly forbidden.

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Call for volunteers on cetacean abundance and behaviour study in the Antalya Bay, Turkey
by aylin akkaya 06 Jul '15

06 Jul '15

There are new volunteer positions available on cetacean abundance and behaviour study in the Antalya Bay, TurkeyTHE PROJECT Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) founded for the purpose of contributing to the scientific knowledge on marine mammals for the conservation of marine biodiversity and increasing the public awareness in the area. Despite the large cetacean biodiversity, there haven't been any long term studies in the Turkish part of the Levantine Sea. Therefore, the project aims to fulfill the gaps of missing long term studies in the area by conducting consisting and systematic research on cetacean abundance, distribution, behaviour 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 POSITION We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and hard-working individuals to join our team. We have places starting from August for the whole year of 2015. Min commitment is two months. Volunteers will be responsible on collecting and entering sighting and behaviour data during boat and land surveys as well as organising pictures for photo-ID. Volunteers will be trained on setting up the theodolite and how to use it, taking dolphin pictures, identifying dolphin individuals and using various softwares as in Pythagoras, Logger and Imatch. If volunteers stay more than three months, they will be trained on GIS and SPSS as well. The working hours vary from 6-12 hours per day and the day starts early. The typical week is divided in 3 days of fieldwork, 1-2 days of office work. This position is unpaid and requires a contribution fee (August=850 Euro and rest of the months are 700 Euro) which covers your accommodation, transportation during the project and project activities. Food cost will be at each responsibility (which is around 75 euro per month or less). Please send a cover letter and a CV to info(a)dmad.org.tr. For more information, visit www.dmad.org.tr or email us. Cheers, Dr. Aylin Akkaya BaşProject DirectorDeniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD)Marine Mammals Research Association+90 5337739867info(a)dmad.org.trtDMAD | DENİZ MEMELİLERİ ARAŞTIRMA DERNEĞİ | | | | | | | | | DMAD | DENİZ MEMELİLERİ ARAŞTIRMA DERNEĞİDestek Olun Çalışmalarımızı kendi belirleyeceğiniz tutar ile destekleyebilirsiniz. Read More | | | | View on www.dmad.org.tr | Preview by Yahoo | | | | |

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New publication on balaenopterid whales off Mauritania in winter
by Mick Baines 05 Jul '15

05 Jul '15

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Mick Baines & Maren Reichelt*. Upwellings, canyons and whales: An important winter habitat for balaenopterid whales off Mauritania, northwest Africa.* Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, 14: 57–67, 2014. ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to identify critical habitats for baleen whales in the Mauritanian upwelling zone using data collected from a platform of opportunity: a 60 day geophysical survey approximately 100km southwest of Cap Blanc, Mauritania in winter (2012/13). The bathymetry of the 5,500km2 study area was complex, including parts of the Cap Timiris Canyon system. Large whales, including sei and blue whales, accounted for 70% of the 238 cetacean sightings. Species identification was often problematic, especially in the case of balaenopterid whales, so data for all whales of this genus were pooled for the estimation of abundance and distribution. Spatial modelling was applied to estimate abundance and to plot a predicted density map of balaenopterid whales. Depth and the chlorophyll-a concentration when at its peak (in the previous September) were significant predictors of whale density. Point abundance in the study area was estimated at 272 whales (95% CI 265–279) and density was highest in the depth range 500–2,250m near to the canyon system (6.18 whales/100km2 , 95% CI 6.03–6.51). Steep seabed topography created by canyons running off the shelf edge, together with the strong upwelling system, probably create optimal habitats for the euphausiid prey of sei and blue whales. Sei whales were observed skim-feeding at dawn or dusk on seven occasions; in one sighting an aggregation of 18 skim-feeding sei whales were observed. The high density of these baleen whale species in such a highly productive area and direct observation of feeding behaviour in sei whales, provides evidence of feeding during the winter breeding season, when they have previously been presumed to feed less. This study demonstrates the potential value of collecting further data on seismic survey vessels and would improve understanding of cetacean ecology in remote and under-explored regions. JCRM is a free access online journal and papers may be downloaded from the following link: https://iwc.int/jcrm-documents. Alternatively, a pdf of the paper and the supplementary data file may be downloaded from the authors' website at: http://wildscope.com/publications/. -- Mick Baines & Maren Reichelt www.wildscope.com

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Volunteers needed for bottlenose dolphin project, New Zealand
by Blair Outhwaite 05 Jul '15

05 Jul '15

Bottlenose Dolphin Behavioural Volunteer Position at Great Barrier Island, New Zealand A volunteer is required to assist with a MSc study investigating the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) at Great Barrier Island (GBI) and the Auckland coastline, New Zealand. This MSc project is part of the ongoing research of the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. (http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz <https://owa.massey.ac.nz/owa/redir.aspx?C=QIoA5pdRuUCToTWBw5X7lA6HAVO4K9EIs…> ). The primary aim of this study is to assess the behaviour and acoustic repertoire of nationally endangered bottlenose dolphins in an area of zero tourism pressure. DATES: While the field season runs year round, currently volunteers are needed from August – November 2015. A minimum commitment of three months is required and priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods. LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand FIELDWORK: The volunteer position entails assisting during field surveys and analysis of bottlenose dolphin behavioural videos and photo-identification (photo-id). The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individuals based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of databases for archiving field data. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-id, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills. Fieldwork can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants therefore need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. During GBI trips, we will be based on the island for an average of 4 days, once a month. Coastal surveys will be conducted over 4 non-consecutive days of each month. Both GBI trips and coastal surveys are weather dependent. All surveys will be conducted from a 4.8m Stabicraft vessel. RESPONSIBILITIES: . Assisting with; boat-based photo-id surveys from a small vessel and collecting environmental/video based behavioural data (25% of the time). DISCLAIMER: while the best efforts will be made to ensure that the participant gains field work experience, due to the nature of the project, time in the field cannot be guaranteed. . Analysis of photo-id and behavioural video data in the lab; including assistance with photo sorting, grading, and matching of photos, maintenance of a long-term photo-id catalogue, identifying behavioural events on video, and data entry. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days in the office analysing of photographs and matching them with the photo-identification catalogue (75% of the time). As this is a volunteer position, there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Auckland, living expenses, travel costs and visa. Accommodation and travel expenses to/from GBI will be covered. PREREQUISITES: . Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent . Have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research . Speak fluent English . Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude . Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation . Participants must be able to swim and should be comfortable working on small boats . Participants must be comfortable living out of a small backpack (with the exception of food) for several days (during GBI trips) QUALIFICATIONS: . The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent grads and graduate students who have some background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related fields . Basic computer proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel) Preferred qualifications but not required: . Prior experience working on small vessels . Field research including photo-id experience . Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research . First AID/CPR certification APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to brouthwaite(a)gmail.com, using “volunteer position” as the subject line. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, the dates when you are available to assist on the project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant experience. Early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. All the best, Blair ---------------------------------- *Blair Outhwaite* *MSc Candidate* *Coastal-Marine Research Group* *Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences* *Massey University* *Private Bag 102 904* *Auckland, New Zealand* *Tel: +64 (0)9 414 0800* *Ext: 43791(office)* *Cell: +64 (0)21 062 2794* *Email: **brouthwaite(a)gmail.com* <brouthwaite(a)gmail.com> *Web: **http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/* <https://owa.massey.ac.nz/owa/redir.aspx?C=QIoA5pdRuUCToTWBw5X7lA6HAVO4K9EIs…> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Blair Outhwaite* *MSc Candidate* *Coastal-Marine Research Group* *Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences* *Massey University* *Private Bag 102 904* *Auckland, New Zealand* *Tel: +64 (0)9 414 0800* *Ext: 43791(office)* *Cell: +64 (0)21 062 2794* *Email: **brouthwaite(a)gmail.com* <brouthwaite(a)gmail.com> *Web: **http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/* <https://owa.massey.ac.nz/owa/redir.aspx?C=QIoA5pdRuUCToTWBw5X7lA6HAVO4K9EIs…>

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2-Day PAM Training Course in Mexico City
by PAMOS 04 Jul '15

04 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 Tools/ Materials: 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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Marine Internships Portugal
by Ana Catarina Henriques 03 Jul '15

03 Jul '15

*--> **INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2015 SEASON** <-- * *AIMM-Portugal **BACKGROUND* The Marine Environment Research Association – AIMM – is a non-for profit, non-governmental organization focussed on the research and conservation of marine species that inhabit the Atlantic Ocean, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in the South of Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behaviour and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and adequate policies to marine management. The main species observed are short beaked common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*), common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus)* and harbour porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*), although other species such as minke whale (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata*) and fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*) can also be sighted. The participants in our internships are young hard working individuals, who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learn data collection and processing methodologies and be part of AIMM team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* Field season starts in the 1st May and ends in 31st October 2015, the minimum internship attendance is 7 days starting preferably on Mondays. *FIELDWORK *(at sea in opportunity & dedicated platforms) is dependent on weather and seat availability in the dolphin watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of Summer but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be train to: · On-board surveys of marine species occurrence. · Record track on GPS · Collect data on behaviour, group size, species, etc. · Photo-identification. *DATA ANALYSIS *(in the accommodation and marina) will be in a daily basis and related to: · Entry data on databases and spread cheats. · Photo-identification processing. · Preliminary data interpretation. Interns are *EXPECTED* to: · Be above the age of 18. · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment. · Be autonomous and quickly operational. · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea. · Speak English. · Participate for minimum 7 days. *CANDIDATE PREFERENCE CRITERIA* *for internship dates availability and Research Assistant position: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Working experience on research vessels · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification · Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION* Applicants should fill up the online application form in our website at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/#!join-us/cw7b After the confirmation e-mail, send your CV with updated photo and personal statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org with the subject “Internship 2015”. Applicants will be contacted to arrange internship dates and details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. *RESEARCH ASSISTANT** APPLICATION* For those who fulfill the candidate preference criteria* and are willing to stay for the period of 2 months, the accommodation expense will be covered by AIMM. Applicants should send an email to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org, subject "Research Assistant 2015" with an updated CV and photo, motivation letter and indicate which period will be preferable (1. May-June, 2. July-August or 3. September-October). The selected ones will be contacted for a S*kype* interview. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | *f* AIMM <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/>

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