August 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Announcement of the Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, 26-29 March 2015
by Laela Sayigh 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Dear colleagues, This message is to announce the upcoming Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, to be held 26-29 March 2015 in Massachusetts (location TBA). This symposium will consist of a combination of invited and contributed presentations on all aspects of marine mammal bioacoustics, including communication, echolocation, hearing, methods in marine mammal bioacoustics, effects of noise on marine mammals, and bioacoustics as a tool in marine mammal conservation. There will also be a session on Bill Watkins' legacy to marine mammal bioacoustics. Further announcements will follow with more specifics, but registration and abstract submissions are expected to commence in the fall of 2014. For more information, contact Laela Sayigh, lsayigh(a)whoi.edu.

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JOB(S) POSTING involving Marine Mammals: Marine Acoustic Technician and Marine Wildlife Observer vacancies
by Nick Robinson 07 Jun '16

07 Jun '16

Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences Limited Group of Companies and is a successful Environmental contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects for major clients in the UK and overseas. As GEL’s Marine Wildlife Department continues its expansion we are seeking to add to the diverse team and expertise in the following roles; MARINE ACOUSTIC TECHNICIAN(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to conduct acoustic surveys through the use of passive acoustic monitoring systems (PAMS) and noise measurement systems during offshore activities both nationally and internationally. The candidate will play a key role in the development of in-house systems and be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all Marine Wildlife Departmental acoustic equipment, in accordance with HSSE and QA standards. Compilation and preparation of PAMS and noise monitoring reports including the processing of acoustic data is required. Projects may include marine mammal mitigation or monitoring, ambient noise measurements and operational noise monitoring. The candidate will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend up to 120 days at sea at locations worldwide, during a 12-month period. Applicants will be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine acoustics, including both hardware and need to have field experience. Additionally, familiarity with the use of PAMS, CPODs or other underwater noise monitoring equipment is desirable. MARINE WILDLIFE OBSERVER(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to undertake a wide variety of marine wildlife surveys, including marine mammal observations, passive acoustic monitoring, seabird and environmental impact activities in the field, as well as providing general assistance to the project managers, lead scientists and report writer with the production of marine wildlife reports. You will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend approximately 120 - 180 days at sea, at locations worldwide, dependent on project requirements, during a 12-month period. Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine mammals, their biology and identification and need to have a minimum of two years field experience. Familiarity with the use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) or previous marine survey experience would certainly be advantageous. To apply for your choice of role, please send your CV and a Cover Letter to Nick Robinson at nick.robinson(a)gardline.com<mailto:nick.robinson@gardline.com>. Incomplete Applications will not be considered. Closing date: 21st April 2013 ________________________________ 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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ESA & MMPA Policy Analyst open position
by Jobs.Ocean.Associates 17 Sep '15

17 Sep '15

Ocean Associates, Inc. is seeking a candidate to support the National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Regional Office in Honolulu with efforts associated with ESA and MMPA rule-makings and listings. Please follow the link to our application webpage to read more details. https://home2.eease.adp.com/recruit2/?id=17406242&t=1

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Extended deadline for abstract submission to the international Workshop on Bottlenose dolphin in the NW Mediterranean Sea
by Hélène Labach 31 Aug '15

31 Aug '15

Dear all, *Deadline for abstract submission* to the international workshop on "Bottlenose dolphin conservation and monitoring in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea" is *extended to the 13th of september.* This workshop will be held on the 01 & 02 December 2015 at the Villa Méditerranée, in Marseille(France). Experts, scientists, managers, institutional bodies are welcomed to share and discuss expertise, knowledge, issues, and challenges on: Ecology and monitoring ; Strategies of conservation ; Measures of conservation and Networking. *To submit* an abstract, please follow instructions in www.gdegem.org/abstract-submission *To register* go to http://www.gdegem.org/registration Cost for the two days workshop : 50€ For more information please visit http://www.gdegem.org/international- workshop or contact us at workshop(a)gis3m.org We look forward to seeing you in Marseille! -- Hélène LABACH Coordinatrice, Chargée de projets / Coordinator, Project manager GIS3M - Groupement d'Intérêt Scientifique pour les Mammifères Marins de Méditerranée et leur environnement www.gis3m.org / www.facebook.com/GISMMM Le Kalliste Bât B4, 1 avenue Clément Monnier, 13960 Sausset-les-pins, France Tel : +33(0)953929263, Mob :+33 (0)6.36.50.03.03 Email : *hlgis3m(a)gmail.com* <hlgis3m(a)gmail.com>, Skype : labhel13

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Aerial Observer Position - Right Whale Research Program, Provincetown, MA - USA
by Stephanie Richardson 31 Aug '15

31 Aug '15

Aerial Observer Position - Right Whale Research Program Provincetown, MA - USA The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking right whale aerial survey observers for the upcoming 2016 winter/spring season (approximately January 1st to May 15th, 2016). Observers will work with the aerial team documenting the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters. Responsibilities include: participation in marine mammal aerial surveys including photography and data collection, photo analysis, data entry, and associated work; as part of an ongoing long term study of North Atlantic right whales. The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: prior experience as a marine mammal aerial survey observer (highly desired), experience in matching right whales (or other species of cetaceans), familiarity with digital SLR cameras, proficient and accurate data entry skills, at least a B.S. with courses in biology, personal transportation, enthusiasm and willingness to enhance field and lab based research skills, and the ability to work and live successfully in a team environment. This is a full-time temporary/seasonal position. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale, information about the CCS Right Whale Research Program is available at: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/population-monitoring/ Please submit cover letter and resume highlighting relevant aerial experience along with contact information for three professional references together in one PDF document by September 30, 2015 to: Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Email: srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657 -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113 f. (508) 487-4495

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Abstracts - latest issue of J Cet Res Mgmt (volume 14, 2014)
by Dagmar Fertl 30 Aug '15

30 Aug '15

The following are abstracts from the most recent issue (Volume 14, issue 1, 2014) of the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) publishes The Journal of Cetacean Research and Management thrice yearly (Spring, Autumn, and Winter), with at least one supplement that will contain the full report of the IWC Scientific Committee. The following is posted on behalf of the IWC and the journal editor. Further information can be found at: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/JCRM.htm. A guide for authors is included in the first volume of each issue and on the IWC website: http://www.iwcoffice.org/publications/authorsguide.htm. All articles are available as open access at: https://archive.iwc.int/pages/themes.php?theme1=Journal+of+Cetacean+Researc… Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. Please do not queries about the journal or articles to me. With regards, Dagmar Fertl ************* Hamilton LJ, Lindsay K, 2014. Beaked whale strandings on the coast of Australia in comparison to those of other cetaceans. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14:1-14. Beaked whale (Ziphiidae) strandings on the coast of Australia are examined in comparison to five other odontocete (toothed whale) species and two mysticetes (baleen whales) representative of non-Ziphiids found stranded in Australian waters. Ninety percent of reported beaked whale strandings involve a single animal. Seven beaked whale stranding events of three or more individuals have been recorded from 1871 to 2010, with a maximum in any event of 6. The five non-Ziphiid odontocetes had maximum numbers in a stranding of 13, 51, 65, 200, and 250, and a combined total of 66 events with 10+ in a stranding. The mysticetes had almost exclusively single strandings. Similar trends for the Ziphiids and other cetaceans are generally observed worldwide, although larger numbers of Ziphiids have stranded elsewhere. Continental scale geographical stranding patterns are similar for the Ziphiids, the five non-Ziphiid odontocetes, and the two mysticetes, although not for the same reasons. Reported strandings predominantly occurred around the southern half of Australia south of 20°S. On average around three times as many beaked whale stranding events per month occurred for the period January to April than for July to December. The monthly trend for beaked whale strandings follows the seasonal cycle of sea temperatures, indicating a relation to oceanic phenomena, rather than to the often invoked effect of increased observer effort in months with warmer air temperatures. Some single and dual beaked whale strandings which include a female may be related to use of shallow sheltered waters for calving and subsequent resting. ************ Morita JG, George JC, 2014. Age classification of bowhead whales using recursive partitioning. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14:15-21. An algorithm was derived for using morphometric data to classify bowhead whales into three age brackets: over 90 years (‘very old’); 60–90 years (‘old’); and under 60 (‘younger’). Recursive partitioning was applied to a subset of the data from post mortem examinations. This subset consisted of whales with higher quality data scores and with either estimated ages or characteristics of very old animals such as: near-maximum body length and baleen length; heavy scarring; and ancient weapons embedded in them. Statistical analysis suggested that for males, body length and peduncle girth provide the most useful information for this age classification. For females, anterior flipper length and body length were the key variables for classifying age. If anterior flipper length is not available for females, then body length, baleen length and peduncle girth may be used to classify age. ********** Read AJ, Barco S, Bell J, Borchers DL, Burt ML, Cummings EW, Dunn J, Meagher Fougeres E, Hazen L, Williams Hodge LE, Laura AM, McAlarney RJ, Nilsson P, Pabst DA, Paxton CGM, Schneider SZ, Urian KW, Waples DM, McLellan WA, 2014. Occurrence, distribution and abundance of cetaceans in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, USA. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14:23-35. In this paper the occurrence, distribution and abundance of cetaceans in offshore waters of Onslow Bay, North Carolina, USA is described. Between June 2007 and June 2010 monthly aerial and shipboard line-transect surveys were conducted along ten 74km transects placed perpendicular to the shelf break. In total 42,676km of aerial trackline (218 sightings) and 5,209km of vessel trackline (100 sightings) were observed. Seven species of cetaceans were observed, but the fauna was dominated strongly by common bottlenose and Atlantic spotted dolphins. Both species were present year-round in the study area. Using photo identification techniques, five bottlenose dolphins and one spotted dolphin were resighted during the three-year period. In general, the abundance of cetaceans in Onslow Bay was low and too few sightings were made to estimate monthly abundances for species other than bottlenose and spotted dolphins. Maximum monthly abundances of bottlenose and spotted dolphins were 4,100 (95% CI: 1,300–9,400) in May 2010 and 6,000 (95% CI: 2,500–17,400) in March 2009, respectively. Bottlenose dolphins were found throughout the study area, although they were encountered most frequently just off the shelf break. In contrast, spotted dolphins exhibited a strong preference for waters over the continental shelf and were not encountered beyond the shelf break. *********** Bouveroux T, Tyson RB, Nowacek DP, 2014. Abundance and site fidelity of bottlenose dolphins in coastal waters near Panama City, Florida. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14:37-42. Dolphin watching and swim-with programmes are popular tourist attractions in Panama City, Florida, USA. Despite this, little is known about the population of dolphins that utilise this area, specifically St. Andrew Bay. To learn more about this population, photo-identification mark-recapture surveys were conducted between March 2004 and July 2007. The main objectives were to estimate the abundance of bottlenose dolphins inhabiting this region during this time period and to examine their patterns of site fidelity. Robust design population models were used to calculate seasonal abundance estimates, which ranged from 89 (CI 95% = 71–161) to 183 (CI 95% = 169–208) dolphins, even though 263 distinctive dolphins were identified during the study. Only 7% of dolphins (n = 18) observed were seen regularly in the study region. In addition, only 12% of dolphins (n =30) observed had high site fidelity for the study region, while 58% (n = 153) were considered to be transient to the area. This study provides baseline information regarding dolphin abundance and site fidelity in and around St. Andrew Bay that may be used for the conservation and management of this dolphin population. ********* Randage SM, Alling A, Currier K, Heywood E, 2014. Review of the Sri Lanka blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) with observations on its distribution in the shipping lane. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14:43-49. A population of blue whales is resident off the southern coast of Sri Lanka and has been observed year-round by the crew of a whalewatching vessel, Raja & the Whales, a few miles south of Mirissa Harbour. Over the course of three years (1 December 2009 to 30 November 2012), a total of 485 blue whale sightings were reported with an average of 4.56 individuals observed per sighting. This number does not represent the total number of individuals seen because repeat sightings were highly probable. Calves were observed during the northeast monsoon. Sightings were confined to an area of about 200 n. miles that is bisected by a heavily trafficked shipping lane. Much of this area is characterised by submarine canyons and sloping bathymetry, which contributes to monsoonal seasons of high productivity and upwelling suitable for feeding whales. While the numbers of injuries and fatalities due to ship strikes are not known, four dead blue whales were observed along the southern coast over the course of five months (1 January to 31 May 2014). It is of great urgency to understand the identity and size of this population, reduce ship strikes and address all issues threatening this population in order to arrive at possible mitigation measures for its protection. *********************** Boye TK, Simon M, Witting L, 2014. How may an annual removal of humpback whales from Godthaabsfjord, West Greenland, affect the within-fjord sighting rate? Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14:51-56. Photo-identifications of humpback whales in the Godthaabsfjord area were collected from 2007 to 2012 and divided into individuals and number of sightings per individual. Monte Carlo simulations were performed on the sighting distributions of individual humpback whales to investigate the potential impact that local removals (e.g. ship strikes, subsistence hunt) could have on the sighting rate of humpback whales in Godthaabsfjord. Half of the sightings were based on the same six individuals during the six year period. Sighting rate was likely to drop regardless of when (spring, summer or autumn) an individual was removed due to the large degree of site fidelity of several humpback whales in Godthaabsfjord. Removals could affect the whalewatching industry in Godthaabsfjord where humpback whales constitute a key species. The least impact may be achieved by conducting the hunt outside the fjord system or minimising summer or autumn hunts within the fjord, as spring removals tend to have the least effect on summer sighting rates. ********* Baines ME, Reichelt M, 2014. Upwellings, canyons and whales: An important winter habitat for balaenopterid whales off Mauritania, northwest Africa. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14:57-67. 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. ***************** Greenman JT, McFee WE, 2014. A characterisation of common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) interactions with the commercial shrimp trawl fishery of South Carolina, USA. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14:69-79. In the United States, interactions between the shrimp trawl fishery and bottlenose dolphins are known to exist; however, the level of mortality is largely unknown, and has not been studied in South Carolina, USA. The current study attempted to determine if interactions between bottlenose dolphins and the South Carolina commercial shrimp trawl fishery pose a significant threat to dolphin populations and if fishery related mortality is underreported. Onboard observations were made during a 25 day (August–December 2010) field study. No dolphin takes occurred during the observational period. These observations focused on direct physical interactions with the gear and depredation behaviours. Additionally, a subsample of the shrimp fishery in South Carolina was asked to participate in a mailed survey. The survey included questions related to gear, dolphin observations, and the status of the shrimp database for signs of shrimp fishery interactions. A three-tiered flow diagram was developed to characterise each stranding case according to the likelihood that mortality resulted from trawler interaction. Field results point to significant dolphin presence around commercial trawlers (x2 = 23.406, p < 0.001). Survey results showed 12 unreported incidents of shrimp trawl fishery mortality of dolphins. Finally, stranding records revealed several more cases with signs of possible trawler interaction. The current US National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA) designation of the fishery as a Category II fishery is correct. Increased observer coverage and improved communication with the fishery on the importance of reporting takes is warranted. ******************** Punt, AE, 2014. A summary history of the application of statistical catch-at-age analysis (SCAA) to Antarctic minke whales. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14: 81-92. Various forms of SCAA methods have been applied to data for Antarctic minke whales since this method was first presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission by Punt and Polacheck (2005). A brief overview is provided of the historical use of methods which use catch-at-age data to draw inferences regarding trends in abundance for Antarctic minke whales. The original version of the SCAA and how this method has been modified over time to more adequately mimic the available data on length, conditional age-at-length and indices of abundance from IDCR/SOWER and JARPA/JARPAII is described. The paper also lists the specifications for the reference case analyses in each paper presented to the Scientific Committee. The focus is on methodology, with only limited comment on the results from each subsequent analysis. ******************** Punt, AE, Hakamada T, Bando T, Kitakado T. 2014. Assessment of Antarctic minke whales using statistical catch-at-age analysis (SCAA). Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14: 93-116. Statistical catch-at-age analysis (SCAA) is applied to data for Antarctic minke whales. The SCAA model is spatially-structured, can model multiple stocks of minke whales, and can utilise several data types for parameter estimation. The application to Antarctic minke whales considers two stocks (I and P) in five areas which cover Antarctic Areas III–E to VI–W. The parameters of the model (annual deviations about the stock-recruitment relationship, changes over time in carrying capacity, density-dependence parameters related to productivity and carrying capacity, and the parameters which determine growth by stock, age-specific natural mortality by stock, and vulnerability by area and ‘fleet’) are estimated by fitting the model to data on catches, catch-at-length, conditional age-at length, and estimates of absolute and relative abundance. A reference case analysis is selected, and sensitivity explored using retrospective analyses and by varying the assumptions on which the reference case analysis is based. The reference case analysis is able to mimic all of the data sources adequately. Most of the analyses (reference and sensitivity) indicates that Antarctic minke whales in the assessed area increased from 1930 until the mid-1970s and have declined thereafter, with the extent of the decline greater for minke whales in Antarctic Areas III–E to V–W than for those further east. Natural mortality is consistently estimated to be higher for younger and older individuals than for individuals of intermediate age. Estimates of MSYR1+ (the exploitation rate on animals 1 and older at which sustainable yield is maximised) are presented, but are unreliable owing to the lack of contrast. ******************** Hampton JO, Mawson PR, Coughran DK, Vital SD, 2014. Validation of the use of firearms for euthanising stranded cetaceans. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14:117-123. Efforts to euthanise stranded cetaceans remain highly variable in their outcomes, with few field tested operational procedures available. This study sought to validate the efficacy of using modern firearms technology to euthanise small (<6m length) stranded cetaceans. Post-mortem evidence was gathered from the standardised shooting of cetacean cadavers (n = 10), representing six species, using .30 caliber (7.62mm) firearms and blunt solid copper-alloy non-deforming projectiles, in southwestern Australia. The six species studied were Risso’s dolphin, common dolphin, bottlenosed dolphin, pygmy sperm whale, Cuvier’s beaked whale, and humpback whale. Post-mortem data revealed that 100% of bullet wound tracts fully penetrated the skulls of shot animals, with associated indirect skull fracturing, secondary bone missiles and brain parenchyma laceration. The results suggest that appropriate firearms technology is fully capable of inducing instantaneous fatal pathology to the central nervous system of these species. In comparison to alternative methods for the euthanasia of stranded cetaceans, the use of firearms is associated with superior animal welfare outcomes, public safety levels and accessibility. This paper provides a template for the safe, humane and repeatable use of this technique to euthanize <6m length stranded cetaceans. ********** Van Der Zee JP, Punt AE, 2014. Evaluating critical dispersal rates for whale management under the IWCs Revised Management Procedure: An application for North Atlantic common minke whales. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14:125-132. A key consideration for any Revised Management Procedure (RMP) and Aboriginal Whaling Management Procedure (AMWP) Implementation is the choice of stock structure hypotheses, and the weighting of alternative stock structure hypotheses using available data. The RMP/AWMP-lite framework is applied to the North Atlantic common minke whales for three stock structure hypotheses and two RMP ‘variants’. The stock structure hypotheses differ in terms of how many stocks are found in the North Atlantic and how they mix on the feeding grounds. Focusing on the eastern North Atlantic, simulations are undertaken to assess when management performance for two RMP variants is inadequate and how much effective dispersal between adjacent stocks is needed so that the performance of these variants becomes adequate. ********** Franklin W, Franklin T, Gibbs N, Childerhouse S, Garrigue C, Constantine R, Brooks L, Burns D, Paton D, Poole M, Hauser N, Donoghue M, Russell K, Mattila DK, Robbins J, Anderson M, Olavarria C, Jackson J, Noad M, Harrison P, Baverstock P, Leaper R, Baker S, Clapham P, 2014. Photo-identification confirms that humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from eastern Australia migrate past New Zealand but indicates low levels of interchange with breeding grounds of Oceania. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14:133-140. Recent photo-identification and genetic studies have identified at least five discrete breeding populations in Australia and Oceania: western Australia (D), eastern Australia (E (i)), New Caledonia (E (ii)), Tonga (E (iii)), French Polynesia and the Cook Islands (F). Also evident are low levels of intermingling among breeding populations consistent with the degree of genetic differentiation. Photo-identification has confirmed linkages between Area V feeding areas and eastern Australia breeding grounds and one genotype match has been reported between Area V feeding areas and Oceania breeding grounds. Recent abundance estimates show strong increases in the eastern Australian population, and some recovery in the New Caledonia and Tonga populations, but with little evidence of recovery at other known Oceania breeding grounds or New Zealand. Studies to date have provided no conclusive evidence of the migratory destination of humpback whales passing through New Zealand waters en route between Antarctic feeding areas and tropical breeding grounds. Photo-identification comparisons were undertaken between humpback whale fluke catalogues from eastern Australia (EA, 1315), Oceania east (OE, 513), Oceania west (OW, 166) and New Zealand (NZ, 13). Five matches were found between OE/OW, four matches between OW/EA and three matches between NZ/EA. The data are used to investigate and discuss the migratory destination and breeding ground migratory interchange of humpback whales travelling through New Zealand waters. The data confirm that humpback whales with site fidelity to eastern Australia migrate past New Zealand including through the Cook Strait and Foveaux Strait. ******** Schmitt NT, Double MC, Baker S, Gales N, Childerhouse S, Polanowski AM, Steel D, Albertson R, Olavarria C, Garrigue C, Poole M, Hauser N, Constantine R, Paton D, Jenner CS, Jarman SN, Peakall R, 2014. Mixed-stock analysis of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on Antarctic feeding grounds. Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 14:141-157. In understanding the impact of commercial whaling, it is important to estimate the mixing of low latitude breeding populations on Antarctic feeding grounds, particularly the endangered humpback whale populations of Oceania. This paper estimates the degree of genetic differentiation among the putative populations of Oceania (New Caledonia, Tonga, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia) and Australia (western Australia and eastern Australia) using ten microsatellite loci and mtDNA, assesses the power of the data for a mixed-stock analysis, determines ways to improve statistical power for future studies and estimates the population composition of Antarctic samples collected in 2010 south of New Zealand and eastern Australia. A large proportion of individuals could not be assigned to a population of origin (> 52%) using a posterior probability threshold of > 0.90. The mixed-stock analysis simulations however, produced accurate results with humpback whales reapportioned to their population of origin above the 90% threshold for western Australia, New Caledonia and Oceania grouped using a combined mtDNA and microsatellite dataset. Removing the Cook Islands, considered a transient region for humpback whales, from the simulation analysis increased the ability to reapportion Tonga from 86% to 89% and French Polynesia from 89% to 92%. Breeding ground sample size was found to be a factor influencing the accuracy of population reapportionment whereas increasing the mixture or feeding ground sample size improved the precision of results. The mixed-stock analysis of our Antarctic samples revealed substantial contributions from both eastern Australia (53.2%, 6.8% SE) and New Caledonia (43.7%, 5.5% SE) [with Oceania contributing 46.8% (5.9% SE)] but not western Australia. Despite the need for more samples to improve estimates of population allocation, our study strengthens the emerging genetic and non-genetic evidence that Antarctic waters south of New Zealand and eastern Australia are used by humpback whales from both eastern Australia and the more vulnerable breeding population of New Caledonia, representing Oceania.

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New Publication Diagnosing Domoic Acid Toxicosis in the California Sea Lion (Zalophus Californianus) Using Behavioral Criteria: A Novel Approach, in the Journal of Zoo Biology
by Wittmaack, Christiana 30 Aug '15

30 Aug '15

On behalf of my coauthors I would like to announce the the publication of Diagnosing Domoic Acid Toxicosis in the California Sea Lion (Zalophus Californianus) Using Behavioral Criteria: A Novel Approach in the Journal of Zoo Biology. Wittmaack, C., Lahvis, G. P., Keith, E. O. and Self-Sullivan, C. (2015), Diagnosing domoic acid toxicosis in the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) using behavioral criteria: A novel approach. Zoo Biol., 34: 314–320. doi: 10.1002/zoo.21217 Domoic acid toxicosis in the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) is difficult to diagnose using presence of toxin alone because the duration of domoic acid presence in blood and urine is generally less than 48 hr following exposure. Because domoic acid toxicosis is often suggested by presentation of behavioral abnormalities, we asked whether assessment of behavior might be useful for diagnostic purposes. We developed an ethogram to categorize behavioral data collected via continuous focal animal sampling. In total, 169 subjects were observed at a rehabilitation center. Sea lions with domoic acid toxicosis displayed head weaving (P < 0.0001) and muscle fasciculations (P < 0.01) significantly more often than animals in a comparison group. Dragging hind flippers and swift scanning were observed exclusively in animals from the domoic acid toxicosis group. The data show that behavioral diagnostic criteria can be effective in the diagnosis of domoic acid toxicosis in the California sea lion. Zoo Biol. 34:314–320, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals Inc. You can access the article online at the following web address: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/zoo.21217/abstracthttp://onlinel… PDF reprints are available upon request. To receive them, please contact Christiana Wittmaack at cw990(a)nova.edu. Cheers, Please note updated contact information since publication: Christiana Wittmaack M.S. Ph.D. Student/Research Assistant Texas Tech University The Institute of Environmental and Human Health Department of Environmental Toxicology 1207 Gilbert Drive Box 41163 Lubbock, Texas, 79409

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Do bottlenose dolphin females fight and sometimes kill infants?
by Naomi Rose 30 Aug '15

30 Aug '15

Dear MARMAMers: A weeks-old calf has died at Planète Sauvage, a dolphinarium in France. Here is the short press item on this death: http://www.presseocean.fr/actualite/port-saint-pere-un-jeune-dauphin-meurt-… For those who don't speak French, the article says: A dolphin calf died following a fight between two adult females Friday in Port-Saint-Père. She was born on August 16. "When a female gives birth, it is always a risky life stage," warned Martin Boye, scientific director of Wild Planet (Planète Sauvage). "We placed the mother Tarel and her female calf in the nursery pool with another female. The whole team was mobilized to monitor this first-time birth. Friday, before the afternoon performance, there was an altercation between the two females," reported Boye. "The little one was struck. It was immediately fatal to her. The veterinary examination confirmed this," he added, clearly upset. According to my sources, Boye also claimed that the death of this calf was "totally normal" and that females killing calves (accidentally or deliberately, is not clear) occurs in free-ranging populations. He also said that a video from a free-ranging population recording this kind of calf death exists, but hasn't been seen outside the scientific community. I am aware that bottlenose dolphins kill harbor porpoises and that male bottlenose dolphins kill calves; however, I have never heard of females killing calves, accidentally or deliberately, during fights. Is this something that has been observed in free-ranging populations and if so, does video exist of it? Thank you to the community for any information relevant to this situation. ____________________________ [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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Aquatic Mammals Issue 41.3 available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 29 Aug '15

29 Aug '15

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 41, issue 3, 2015) of Aquatic Mammals. The online issue is now available at this link: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=cate… For individuals with a print subscription, the joint hard copy of 41.3/41.4 will be mailed in December. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume:http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ Please do not contact the listserve editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Links to a purchase page for each article are also included below. Please see list below for Volume 41, issue 3 contents. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals aquaticmammals(a)gmail.com ******* K. Melillo-Sweeting, D. Yeater, and K. M. Dudzinski. 2015. Short Note: Dolphin Sightings Near the Coast of Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2013. Aquatic Mammals 41.3, 245-251. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.245 A. D. Whitt, M. A. Baran, M. Bryson, and L. E. Rendell. 2015. Short Note: First Report of Killer Whales Harassing Sperm Whales in the Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 41.3, 252-255. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.252 M. H. Rasmussen, J. C. Koblitz, and K. L. Laidre. 2015. Buzzes and High-Frequency Clicks Recorded from Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) at Their Wintering Ground. Aquatic Mammals 41.3, 256-264. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.256 G. L. Gemmell, J. D. McInnes, S. J. Heinrichs, and G. de Silva Wijeyeratne. 2015. Short Note: Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Predation on Whales in Sri Lankan Waters. Aquatic Mammals 41.3, 265-271. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.265 E. Vermeulen, L. Holsbeek, and K. Das2015. Diurnal and Seasonal Variation in the Behaviour of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Bahía San Antonio, Patagonia, Argentina. Aquatic Mammals 41.3, 272-283. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.272 L. Fiorucci, D. Garcia-Parraga, R. Macrelli, F. Grande, C. Flanagan, F. Rueca, S. Busechian, B. Bianchi, M. Arbelo, and P. Saviano. 2015. Determination of the Main Reference Values in Ultrasound Examination of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Clinically Healthy Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals 41.3, 284-294. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.284 M. F. Blasi, A. Giuliani, and L. Boitani. 2015. Influence of Trammel Nets on the Behaviour and Spatial Distribution of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Aeolian Archipelago, Southern Italy. Aquatic Mammals 41.3, 295-310. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.295 R. A. Kastelein, I. van den Belt, L. Helder-Hoek, R. Gransier, and T. Johansson. 2015. Behavioral Responses of a Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) to 25-kHz FM Sonar Signals. Aquatic Mammals 41.3, 311-326. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.311 W. Xianyan, X. Min, Wu Fuxing, D. W. Weller, M. Xing, A. R. Lang, and Z. Qian. 2015. Short Note: Insights from a Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) Bycaught in the Taiwan Strait Off China in 2011. Aquatic Mammals 41.3, 327-332. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.327 E. J. Ferrari, Z. A. Schakner, C. A. Villafana, L. S. Enriquez, and D. D. Lawson. 2015. Short Note: Pilot Study of Underwater Observations of Interactions Between Harbor Seals, California Sea Lions, and Cormorants with Halibut Trawl Fisheries in Southern California. Aquatic Mammals 41.3, 333-340. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.333 E. Saulitis, L. A. Holmes, C. Matkin, K. Wynne, D. Ellifrit, and C. St-Amand. 2015. Short Note: Biggs Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Predation on Subadult Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Lower Cook Inlet and Kodiak, Alaska. Aquatic Mammals 41.3, 341-344. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.341 L. Fiorucci, F. Grande, C. Flanagan, J. Silva, N. Urbani, J. Sampayo, and R. Macrelli. 2015. Reference Baseline Data for Gastric Cytology in Healthy Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) Under Human Care. Aquatic Mammals 41.3, 345-350. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.345 J. Haelters, F. Kerckhof, A. van Neer, and M. Leopold. 2015. Letter to the Editor. Aquatic Mammals 41.3, 351-353. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.351

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Whales of Guerrero (Humpback whales in Mexico) Winter 2016 Internship Opening
by Katherina Audley 28 Aug '15

28 Aug '15

Hello there - The deadline to apply for a winter 2016 internship with the Whales of Guerrero Research Project is fast approaching! The job description can be found in Spanish in the link below. Thank you! *** Whales of Guerrero Research Project Internship Winter 2016 - Deadline September 1st, 2015 (Find the full job description and announcement in Spanish and English HERE: http://www.whalesinmexico.com/internships-2016.htm) Background The Whales of Guerrero Research Project (WGRP) is a field research and community outreach project located in the southwestern state of Guerrero, Mexico, near the twin cities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo on the Pacific Ocean coast. This project is the first to investigate humpback whales and other marine mammals in depth in the state of Guerrero. There is an absence of information and awareness about whales and other cetaceans among boat operators, tour guides, residents and visitors to the region. Project Goals The two primary goals of the Whales of Guerrero Research Project¹s are: Contribute to a better understanding of the structure, abundance, distribution and dynamics of the migratory humpback whales and other marine mammals which visit and inhabit the region. Raise awareness about responsible whale watching and ecotourism practices and humpback whale behavior and biology among boat operators, tour guides, educators, residents and visitors. We will accomplish our research goals by conducting on-water and land-based field studies in the area from January through March annually for the next 4 years (winters 2015-2018). The 2016 study will include two concurrent on-water efforts to locate, photo-identify and record the songs of humpback whales and collect occurrence data on other marine mammals including four dolphin species (Tursiops truncatus, Stenella attenuata, Steno bredanensis and Delphinus delphis). The research boats will be 6-meter long fiberglass fishing pangas, driven by local fishermen, who will be participating in the project as regional experts, citizen scientists and ecotour guides in training. In addition, one land-based field study will record marine mammal occurrence and activity relative to all boats in the area. Fluke identification photos will contribute to our local fluke identification catalog as well as larger existing fluke identification catalogs maintained by research colleagues elsewhere in Mexico and the US. We will record humpback whale vocalizations to note presence/absence and also share these data with researchers elsewhere in Mexico and the US. Data we collect will (1) help the region to become a SEMARNAT-acknowledged marine mammal site, which will garner further resources to study and protect the whales, (2) identify potentially sensitive regions for humpback whales relative to shrimp boat activity, gillnet fishing and other potentially harmful anthropogenic activities, and (3) contribute to the larger scientific community¹s understanding of the Northeastern Pacific Humpback Whale stock. We will raise awareness regarding whale watching practices and humpback whale behavior by hosting and facilitating workshops and training sessions geared toward boat operators, fishermen, tourist-oriented business owners, residents and visitors. These efforts will be led by early career and established scientists and educators from Mexico and the United States. A number of marine mammalogists and marine biology educators will spend short periods of time on the study with us throughout the season to participate in our outreach efforts, provide expertise and support to our research efforts, and strengthen the scientific community¹s understanding of marine mammals in the state of Guerrero as they relate to the larger stocks. Website For more information about the Whales of Guerrero Research Project, please visit: Our project website at: http://www.whalesinmexico.com <http://www.whalesinmexico.com/> and on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/whalesinmexico Volunteer Intern Positions The WGRP is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for our Winter 2016 internship program. A minimum of 10 weeks of participation is required during 4 January - 20 March. Applications are due by September 1st. Please note that we are only seeking 4-6 interns this session and that we receive many more applications than we have openings. Successful candidates will participate in the following research projects: 1) Humpback whale field monitoring and photo-identification. This study will continue monitoring the migratory community of humpback whales in Barra de Potosi, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and the surrounding waters. Duties in the field will consist of assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for humpback whales five days per week, six hours per day. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each marine mammal group. Interns can expect to rotate between land-based field studies and on-water studies for the duration of the season and spend an average of 30% of their field data collection time on-land (in a lighthouse) and 70% on-water (in a 6-meter fishing panga). 2) Data organization and analysis. In addition to field duties, intern responsibilities will include office-based photo-identification of humpback whales and rough-toothed dolphin fins, computer data entry, video logging, fluke identification catalog maintenance, equipment repair, upkeep and maintenance and other duties. In addition to spending 3-4 days per week on water, interns should be prepared to spend an average of 1-2 days per week organizing, matching and maintaining the fluke and fin identification catalogs, importing and compressing recorded sound, maintaining and repairing equipment and attending to other field duties as needed. 3) Safe boat operation workshops and community events. Interns will be expected to serve as continuous ambassadors for the project and be available to field questions on humpback whale behavior and biology whenever they are in the public. In addition, they will be expected to serve as educators and naturalists to project supporters and local guides who join us on the boat to work with us as citizen scientists on our project. Interns will also be expected to participate in and conduct humpback whale and marine mammal workshops in schools, libraries, hotels and other venues, as needed, a minimum of one time per week. Interns should expect to spend about 60% of their time in the field (a minimum of five days per week, at least 6 hours per day), and about 40% of their time working with data, performing equipment maintenance and participating in community outreach and education efforts. There is no compensation for these internship positions. However, the project will provide for living accommodations (homestays with local hosts in the village) during the time of the internship, and a $250 travel stipend will be provided to support transportation to and from the region. Interns must cover the expense of their own food, local transportation, internet, telephone and miscellaneous personal expenses during the course of their internship. Intern Qualifications Applicants will ideally have the following qualifications: * Minimum of 24 years of age and engaged in or recently completed graduate studies or comparable marine biology field experience * A demonstrated commitment to and passion for marine mammals, education and community outreach and the development of responsible marine ecotourism * Bilingual (Spanish 90-100%/English 75-100%) * Proven ability to work within a range of cultures including: rural Mexican fishing village culture, North American tourists and foreign residents and educated Mexican bureaucrats * A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field or comparable experience * Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel) * Knowledge of Lightroom and Mysticetus are a plus; photo and video editing skills also a plus * Proficient photo ID skills with a DSLR camera * Some field research experience * Must be able to swim * Not prone to seasickness * Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based research methods * Demonstrated teamwork, rigor, strong organizational and problem solving skills, attention to detail, stamina, self-motivated * Independence, as in able to perform operations without supervision and ability to anticipate a problem and formulate a solution on one¹s own and the ability to work independently * A willingness to spend a minimum of 10-12 weeks working full-time (5-6 days/week) as a volunteer with our program. * Flexible and resourceful; adaptable to changes in study plans, cultural sensitivity Intern Application Instructions To apply for a Whales of Guerrero Research Project internship, interested persons should complete and provide to WGRP the following application materials: 1. Your name, birthdate, gender, permanent mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, the college or university you are currently attending or most recently attended, your year of study at the time of the internship, your major field of study, the highest degree you have received, the year you expect to graduate, other colleges or universities you have attended and the dates you are available to participate in the internship. 2. A one- to two-page Statement of Interest that describes: a) your interests in the program(s) you choose and your career goals, b) your reasons for applying for a WGRP internship, and c) why you should be selected for a WGRP internship. (This can be sent as a Word document or a PDF.) 3. An unofficial copy of your most recent college transcript that lists all college-level courses you have taken to-date and the grades you have received. Both unofficial and official copies are accepted. If your school's grading scale differs from the 4.0 scale, please include an explanation of that scale. (Sent as a PDF file, saved from your school's website as a jpg or png image or an html file, copy-and-pasted into a Word document.) 4. Two letters of recommendation from individuals capable of commenting on your research skills and qualifications. 5. A resume or curriculum vitae describing any relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, scholarships and/or other activities that you have held or participated in and other skills or accomplishments that you wish to identify. (This can be sent as a Word document or PDF file.) 6. Send an email to WGRP Project Director (Katherina Audley, k(a)kpetunia.com stating your name, contact information, exact dates and duration of availability, where you learned about the internship opportunity (e.g., SOMEMMA, MarMam, Facebook (and if so which page), Whalefish, colleague, advisor, etc.), and that you have provided all application materials to us, as detailed above. All applications will be reviewed; those received by the application deadline of September 1st will be given first priority. Successful applications will be contacted by November 1, 2015.

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