July 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Three volunteers are needed for cetacean research surveys in the NW Mediterranean Sea
by massimiliano rosso 03 Jul '15

03 Jul '15

Three volunteers are needed for cetacean research surveys in the NW Mediterranean Sea (NW Italy). Period July and August 2015. Institution: CIMA Research Foundation (based in Savona, Italy). First come, first serve. In particular open positions refer to three different projects: ·FERRIES: this project is held in collaboration with a national ferry company. Interns will be on-board of ferries operating between Italy and Corsica / Sardinia at least twice a week and they will be part of the Marine Mammal Observer team working on the ferries. ·ZIPHIUS : this project is focused on the local Cuvier's beaked whale population and it foresees surveys in the Ligurian Sea onboard of a 13 m long dedicated research sailing vessel. Each survey usually last 2-4 consecutive days. Interns will assist researchers with data collection, photo-id as well as actively participating in life on-board. ·Whale watching: this project is held in collaboration with the regional consortium of research institutions aiming to collect data aboard whale watching vessels. Surveys are usually 4-6 hours a day. Successful applicants will be assigned to _the three projects_. These are full-time positions requiring a 2-months commitment from July to August. Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit to the fulltime project: all interns will be trained in cetacean observation and identification, in line-transect survey protocols and photo-identification. Qualifications - Applicants must be reliable, motivated and team oriented, have a positive attitude as well as a genuine interest in marine mammal sciences; - Applicants must be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. This means a lot of data-entry work during bad weather and long consecutive days in the field when weather permits; - Previous field experience is not required (but preferred). These are unpaid positions and successful applicants are responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from Italy and for accommodation in Savona during the entire staying. All costs related to at sea surveys will be covered by CIMA RF. If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV and a cover letter via email to all the following email addresses: massimiliano.rosso(a)cimafoundation.org <mailto:massimiliano.rosso@cimafoundation.org>, aurelie.moulins(a)cimafoundation.org <mailto:aurelie.moulins@cimafoundation.org> info(a)cimafoundation.org <mailto:aurelie.moulins@cimafoundation.org> CIMA Research Foundation is a private non-profit research organization aimed at the advancement of science and engineering in environmentally related fields, focusing on public health and safety, civil protection and the preservation of terrestrial and water-related ecosystems. General details about this program can be found here: http://www.cimafoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=… <http://www.cimafoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=…>

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Call for papers on European marine megafauna
by Jérôme Spitz 03 Jul '15

03 Jul '15

/Call for Papers from Observatoire PELAGIS (University of La Rochelle / CNRS) and French Agency for Marine Protected Areas (AAMP)/ *Abundance, distribution and habitats of Atlantic and Mediterranean marine megafauna* /Special Issue in Deep-Sea Part II (Topical Studies in Oceanography)/ Dear Colleagues, We cordially invite you to submit manuscripts to a Deep Sea Research–II topical issue on European marine megafauna. Marine megafauna, here defined as sea mammals, birds, reptiles and large fishes, share common conservation challenges and can be considered as indicators of the state of the marine environment. In recent years there has been a considerable increase in research effort devoted to marine megafauna in ecosystemic and management-oriented approaches. The societal demand for such an outlook was dramatically reinforced by the recent implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive aimed at maintaining or restoring Good Environmental Status of European waters, of which marine megafauna is a key element. We therefore found it extremely timely to gather recent research on marine megafauna in a topical issue of Deep Sea Research, part II (DSR-II). The goal of this topical issue is (1) to document seasonal variations in abundance, distribution and habitats of marine megafauna, and to (2) understand underlying oceanographic and anthropogenic processes, in order to (3) inform management and conservation decisions. Relevance to understanding structures and processes, and potential to inform management will be key considerations in selecting successful papers. A focus will be given to the Atlantic and Mediterranean marine strategy framework directive (MSFD) sub-regions. Methodological papers (study design or analysis) may be considered as well, but please contact guest editors first. Our goal is to have this issue published by autumn 2016. To meet this target date, manuscripts, must be submitted to the Guest Editors (listed below) before December 1, 2015. Articles will be reviewed following the normal procedures of DSR-II, so that all accepted and revised manuscripts can be sent to Deep-Sea Research-II Chief Editor in late July 2016 at the latest. Papers accepted well before this deadline will be made available online prior to this deadline and could be cited through their DOI. If you are interested in contributing within the mentioned time schedule, please contact one of the Guest Editors for further details. There are no page charges for papers published within the topical issue. Colour illustrations are free of charge for the electronic version, but inclusion of colour illustrations in the printed version will be charged. Black and white figures are free of charges in all cases. Authors can provide a set of colour figures for the electronic version and a set of black and white figures for the printed version. All submitted papers must be clearly written in standard scientific English and contain only original work, which has not been published or submitted elsewhere. Papers must not exceed 10,000 words including figures, tables and references. Shorter manuscripts are welcome as well. A detailed submission guideline is available as “Guide to Authors” at Deep-Sea Research II homepage. All manuscripts and any supplementary material should be submitted through the Elsevier Editorial System (ees.elsevier.com/dsr2/) Once logged in, please select “SI: European Marine Megafauna” when prompted to choose article type. Guest Editors Vincent Ridoux (vincent.ridoux(a)univ-lr.fr) Jérôme Spitz (jerome.spitz(a)univ-lr.fr) Matthieu Authier (matthieu.authier(a)univ-lr.fr) Aurélie Blanck (aurelie.blanck(a)aires-marines.fr)

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BPM NZ MMO Training Course - please post this message on MARMAM
by Lesley Douglas 02 Jul '15

02 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 early to avoid disappointment.

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Pinniped whisker flexural stiffness
by Chris Marshall 02 Jul '15

02 Jul '15

Dear Colleagues, I'd like to bring our latest work, "Comparative Analysis of the Flexural Stiffness of Pinniped Vibrissae" by Carly C. Ginter Summarell<http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0127941#>, Sudeep Ingole<http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0127941#>, Frank E. Fish<http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0127941#>, and Christopher D. Marshall<http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0127941#> to your attention. The article is now available at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0127941 Follow the lab on Twitter @EcoMorphLab Thanks, Christopher Marshall Sent from my iPhone

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Fall Dolphin Research Internship in Savannah, GA
by Perrtree, Robin 02 Jul '15

02 Jul '15

The Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Laboratory (SSUDS lab) is accepting applications for Fall 2015 interns. There are 2 positions available. Application deadline is July 20th. The SSUDS lab is located adjacent to the marsh on the campus of Savannah State University in coastal Georgia. The SSUDS lab and Dr. Tara Cox study spatial ecology and conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, marine and coastal policy and management, and human interactions with marine mammals. Current projects include: Human-interaction behaviors (particularly begging), stock structure and abundance estimates, and diet of common bottlenose dolphins. Interns will support graduate research on common bottlenose dolphins living in the local waterways. In addition, there may be opportunities to help other marine science graduate students with diverse fieldwork. Dates: Aug 24th - Dec 11th (Start and end dates are flexible) Location: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia Time: Interns are expected to commit to 20-30 hours per week and their time will be split between lab and field work. Dolphin surveys will be conducted 2 days per month. Lab duties include: photo-identification, data entry and double checking Field duties: assisting with small boat-based photo-identification surveys including sighting dolphins, data recording, photography, and environmental measurements Class: Interns are welcome to sit in on the Marine Mammalogy course taught by Dr. Cox in the fall. Qualifications: * Minimum age of 18 years old * Currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field * Strong interest in marine mammals, the environment, and conservation * Computer proficiency, especially MS Office * Enthusiastic, attentive to detail, responsible, and dedicated * Works well in a team environment as well as individually * Ability to work long days in the sun/cold on a small boat To apply please submit the following via email with the subject "SSUDS Internship" to perrtreer(a)savannahstate.edu<mailto:perrtreer@savannahstate.edu> : * A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, how the experience will help you meet your long-term goals, and your dates of availability. * A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. * Current academic transcripts (unofficial are sufficient). * Names and contact information for two references. This position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transport to Savannah, GA. If accepted, we can provide contact information for possible shared housing opportunities with SSU students. This is a great opportunity to work with scientists and graduate students in the field and lab while gaining experience with photo-identification and boat-based marine mammal surveys. Savannah State University offers a Master of Science in Marine Sciences; thus, successful interns may have future opportunities for graduate study in the SSUDS lab. For more information about Marine Sciences at SSU please visit: http://www.savannahstate.edu/cost/nat-science/marine-sci.shtml Robin Perrtree SSUDS Lab Manager Marine Sciences Technician Savannah State University

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Manatee Field Course in Puerto Rico, USA
by Mithriel MacKay 01 Jul '15

01 Jul '15

Manatee in Puerto Rico, USA July 30-August 10, 2015 The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center (MCERC) is offering a 12 day field intensive program; Experimental Design in Feeding Ecology of Marine Mammals. No experience necessary. Undergrads, newly graduated, grad students, and anybody seeking field experience are welcome to participate. Manatee are an endangered marine species endemic to coastal areas, including Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean Sea. Participants will design and test a field experiment aimed at understanding the challenges of studying marine mammals, while taking advantage of the close proximity of West Indian Manatee for observations from land as a starting point. Participants will formulate hypotheses based on a literature review, construct methods designed to predict where manatee can be observed around the island, learn to use equipment aimed at measuring environmental data, and methods of measuring and recording observations of manatee foraging behaviors, identify and quantify resources associated with manatee habitats, construct tools for the field as needed, and test their hypotheses by traveling to sites around the island setting up observation platforms where manatee are predicted to be foraging. This 12 day field intensive program includes round table, instructor-led discussions each evening with a review of relevant publications. We will also discuss and compare the challenges of designing experiments to answer questions about the feeding ecology of several marine mammal species. Applications of passive acoustic monitoring, and the use of drones in the study of feeding ecology will also be included in round table discussions. Cost of each session is $1600USD. The program fee includes a bed, meals, and snacks at the field house in San German, PR., program curriculum, travel to and from all field sites, and equipment or supplies needed for observations. We will be sure to make time for snorkeling in some of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico (snorkel gear provided, if needed). Travel to and from Puerto Rico is not included in the program fee. Ask about free transportation to and from the Ponce airport. To register for this program go to MCERC’s Education Hub at www.Marine-Eco.org/mcerc-moodle and fill out the Simple Application Form. Follow the detailed instructions and e-mail the form for access to enrollment on a first come, first served basis. Registration is easy and quick! Questions? Use our “contact for on the MCERC website at www.Marine-Eco.org or write to Mithriel(a)Marine-Eco.org or Cathyebacon(a)Marine-Eco.org. You can preview our field sites by viewing our photo gallery at https://Marine-Eco.Jimdo.com -- *}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> * *}-wh^ale>* Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Marine Mammal Behavioral Ecology Group Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University, Galveston (830) 688-9878 Mithriel(a)Marine-Eco.org <mithriel.mackay(a)gmail.com> and Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center San German, Puerto Rico, USA and Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 Website www.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.marine-eco.org/> E-mail Mithriel(a)Marine-Eco.org <MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com> Education HUb www.Marine-Eco.org/mcerc-moodle Photo Gallery www.Marine-Eco.Jimdo.com

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International Save the Vaquita Day – Saturday, July 11, 2015
by Thomas Jefferson 01 Jul '15

01 Jul '15

International Save the Vaquita Day – Saturday, July11, 2015 This year,Saturday, July 11, 2015 has been designated as the Third International Save theVaquita Day!! This is intended to be anannual event similar to Earth Day, but with a specific focus on raisingawareness and appreciation of the world’s most endangered marine mammal, thevaquita (Phocoena sinus). Eventsaround the globe will direct the attention of people to the plight of this tinyporpoise species, and what needs to be done to save it from extinction. There will be booths, games, music, free prizes, educational brochures, talks,face painting, and several life-size models of vaquitas on hand to drawattention to and appreciation of the vaquita, Mexico’s “Panda of the Sea”. The primarygoal is to make as many people as possible aware of the vaquita and its plight,and spur them to act. The species is nearly extinct, with only about 50-80individuals left, and is declining at about 20-30% per year! We will havea simple message for folks about what they can do to help (support for theMexican Government’s gillnet ban, but pressure that the ban needs to bepermanent). The event is designed to be fun, as well as educational, andkid-friendly! This year,there will be over 21 venues, in the United States, Mexico, Austria, and HongKong. We also hope to attract media attention, so that the vaquita iscovered on national and local news, thereby greatly expanding the number ofpeople exposed. Please checkour website regularly<http://www.vivavaquita.org/international-save-the-vaquita-day.html> tolearn the latest on the activities planned and venue details. We hope you will attend (or better yet,volunteer at) an event in your area. Please support efforts to save the vaquita from extinction! Tom Jefferson/ VIVA Vaquita

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2nd Biennial Student Chapter Announcement
by ANZSCSMM ANZSCSMM 30 Jun '15

30 Jun '15

Hello, We were hoping to make an announcement for the upcoming meeting for the Australia/New Zealand Student Chapter for the Society of Marine Mammalogy (ANZSCSMM). "Hello Australian and New Zealand Students! We are very excited to announce that the 2nd Biennial Meeting of the ANZ Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammology will be held from the *5th-7th November 2015* at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. This conference will provide ANZ students with the opportunity to present and discuss their research in a relaxed environment while meeting and networking with other marine mammalogy students and researchers. The two day conference will consist of student oral and poster presentations along with several guest speakers. If you are interested in attending please send an abstract (300 words max) to anzscsmm(a)gmail.com by the *31st August 2015. * In your email please indicate: · if you would like to give an oral presentation or present a poster, · for non-Sydney students please indicate if you will require accommodation (we have limited funding for out-of-state students to stay on campus at Macquarie), · and for Sydney students please indicate whether or not you would like to volunteer. Additionally, if you are not yet a member of the student chapter please fill out a membership registration from ( https://www.marinemammalscience.org/for-students/chapters/australianew-zeal…) and return the form with your abstract submission. For any questions regarding the chapter meeting please contact Anita Murray at a.murray5(a)uq.edu.au, and for questions about volunteering please contact Monique Ladds at anzscsmm(a)gmail.com." Please let me know if you need any more information. Regards, -- David Hocking, Monique Ladds, Anita Murray and Krista Rankmore Australia/New Zealand Student Chapter for the Society of Marine Mammalogy (ANZSCSMM) anzscsmm(a)gmail.com ANZSCSMM Facebook Page <https://www.facebook.com/groups/216733571703949/> ANZSCSMM Website <http://www.marinemammalscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl…>

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Brazil PSO & PAM training courses: 3rd -7th August 2015
by Sam Nichols 30 Jun '15

30 Jun '15

CSA and Seiche are running PSO & PAM level 1 courses in Caravelas, Brazil, 3-7 August 2015. Seiche Training and CSA are market leaders in the provision of Marine Mammal Monitoring training in the USA, UK and around the world. Two and three day courses provide delegates with the tools needed to work offshore as Protected Species Observers and Passive Acoustic Monitoring operators. A combination of classroom and vessel sessions ensure the highest level of training. *PSO course* Protected Species Observer Training This 2 day interactive course is intended for people who wish to pursue a career in marine mammal observation and mitigation for the offshore seismic industry. The course has been designed to equip the delegates with a thorough background knowledge of all aspects of working offshore. Day 1 (classroom) Introduction to Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles Legislation within the Gulf of Mexico & Global Oceans Introduction to Seismic Surveys Permitting Requirements Role of the PSO Data Collection and Reporting Day 2 (classroom) Clues & Search Methods for Marine Mammals & Sea Turtles Species Identification Testing & Certification *PAM course* Passive Acoustic Monitoring Training 3 days of comprehensive ‘hands-on’ PAM training for delegates with a scientific background in biology and marine sciences who have successfully completed a certified PSO or MMO course. Day 3 (classroom) Sound In Water Marine Mammals Anthropogenic Noise in the Sea Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on Marine Mammals Local Mitigation Guidelines PAM Principles and the Role of the PAM Operator Day 4 (classroom) PAM Hardware & Operations PAM Software PAMGuard Workshop Day 5 (on a vessel) Set-up and deployment of PAM systems and visual observer stations Troubleshooting Real-time mitigation and reporting See http://www.seiche.com/topics/96-pso-pam-combined-course for more details, registration and booking. Or contact s.hancock(a)seiche.com. Courses also running in South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique in September/October.

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