August 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

ANNOUNCEMENT: Initiative launched to create Whale Heritage Sites around the World
by Dylan Walker 23 Aug '15

23 Aug '15

Dear Marmamers, The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative – Whale Heritage Sites – to recognise those destinations worldwide which champion responsible whale and dolphin watching and celebrate the cultural importance of the cetaceans living in the waters around them. Due to be launched on 28-29 October 2015, Whale Heritage Sites will be a globally recognised way to identify destinations that implement and celebrate responsible and sustainable whale and dolphin watching. Whale Heritage Site accreditation will be awarded to destinations leading the way in sustainability and responsible management of whale and dolphin watching, and generating an appreciation of the culture and heritage surrounding cetaceans and their habitats. They will provide the travel industry with a clear marker to identify and support sustainable practice, and create a platform for destinations to promote their whale related culture, heritage and biodiversity. Whale Heritage Sites will give tourists a clear way to select responsible whale and dolphin watching holiday destinations, encouraging them to experience these incredible animals in their natural habitat in a sustainable and responsible way. Whale Heritage Site status will be designated to destinations that: 1. Maintain the highest standards of responsible whale and dolphin watching; 2. Celebrate the cultural importance of whales and dolphins by engaging communities and tourists with the arts, science, music, education and events Designation of a destination as a Whale Heritage Site will facilitate marketing and promotion, boost visitor numbers and the incomes of tourism providers, enable sustainable management of marine resources and celebrate history, the environment, and cultural identity. Twelve destinations are currently being analysed to understand how their frameworks could be adapted as 'best practice models' for Whale Heritage Sites. These are: Azores, Portugal; Silver Bank, Dominican Republic; El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, Mexico; Hervey Bay, Australia; Iceland; Kaikoura, New Zealand; Massachusetts, USA; Outer Barrier Reef, Australia; Washington State / British Columbia (USA/Canada); Peninsula Valdez, Argentina; South Africa; and Tonga. NEXT STEPS The first Whale Heritage Sites Summit will be held 28-30 October in the Azores Islands, reflecting the islands’ long standing position as a mecca for whale and dolphin enthusiasts, for its contribution to cetacean research, and its close cultural links with cetaceans. For more information about Whale Heritage Sites: http://whaleheritagesites.org/ For more information about the Whale Heritage Sites Summit to be held on Faial in the Azores on 28 – 30 October 2015: http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/conference-programme/ Please contact me if you require further information about Whale Heritage Sites or the Summit. Regards, Dylan Walker *WCA Secretariat* *Without collaboration we will achieve nothing more than a drop in the ocean. ~ Jean-Michel Cousteau, Honorary President, WCA* *WCA, Studio 3, Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK * *Office: +44(0)1273 355011 <%2B44%280%291273%20355011>. Mob: +44(0)7900 471490 <%2B44%280%297900%20471490> * *www.worldcetaceanalliance.org <http://www.worldcetaceanalliance.org>*

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New paper: Sex-specific home ranges of bottlenose dolphins
by Kate Sprogis 23 Aug '15

23 Aug '15

Dear MARMAM Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following publication in Marine Mammal Science: Kate R. Sprogis, Holly C. Raudino (nee Smith), Robert Rankin, Colin D. MacLeod and Lars Bejder. Home range size of adult Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in a coastal and estuarine system is habitat and sex-specific. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12260 Abstract: This study examined sex-specific differences in home range size of adult Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins off Bunbury, Western Australia. We applied a new kernel density estimation approach that accounted for physical barriers to movements. A Bayesian mixture model was developed to estimate a sex effect in home range size with latent group partitioning constrained by association data. A post hoc analysis investigated group partitioning relating to the proportion of time spent in open vs. sheltered waters. From 2007-2013, photographic-identification data were collected along boat-based systematic transect lines (n= 586). Analyses focused on adult dolphins of known sex (sighted ≥ 30; n= 22 males and 34 females). The 95% utilization distributions of males varied between 27-187 km2 (x̄ ± SD; 94.8 ± 48.15) and for females between 20-133 km2 (65.6 ± 30.9). The mixture model indicated a 99% probability that males had larger home ranges than females. Dolphins mostly sighted in open waters had larger home ranges than those in sheltered waters. Home ranges of dolphins sighted in sheltered waters overlapped with areas of highest human activity. We suggest that sex differences in home ranges are driven by male mating strategies, and home range size differences between habitats may be influenced by prey availability and predation risk. The article can be downloaded from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12260/abstract Alternatively, if you are unable to download the article please email me for a pdf at k.sprogis(a)murdoch.edu.au<mailto:k.sprogis@murdoch.edu.au>. Kind regards, Kate Sprogis PhD Cetacean Research Unit | School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia k.sprogis(a)murdoch.edu.au<mailto:k.sprogis@murdoch.edu.au> | MUCRU Kate Sprogis<http://mucru.org/group-members/kate-sprogis> | Kate Sprogis Photography<http://katesprogisphotography.com/> [cid:10ACA7D6-201E-4C35-B63C-552D5764DF27]

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Joesph Geraci, VMD, PhD
by Laurie Allen 22 Aug '15

22 Aug '15

In case any of you in the marine mammal world of Joe's friends and colleagues have not already heard, Joe Geraci has been very ill since July of 2014. I have set up a website that you can visit to hear some thoughts from Joe and post your own comments or pictures. Emails and phone calls are hard to keep up with as you can imagine. Visit www.caringbridge.org, sign up and then search Joseph Geraci. -- Laurie K. Allen & Co. Environmental Science and Policy Applications 38166 Hunts End Place Leesburg, VA 20175 Office 540-338-2071 Mobile 860-271-1662

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Job Opportunity - Right Whale Aerial Survey Observers
by Cynthia Taylor 21 Aug '15

21 Aug '15

Sea to Shore Alliance Right Whale Aerial Survey Observers Job Announcement Sea to Shore Alliance, a non-profit international research and conservation organization, is seeking temporary, seasonal aerial observers for marine mammal surveys from December 2015 through March 2016. These positions are in anticipation of research activities to be conducted in the southeastern United States, contingent upon funding. Responsibilities will include participating in aerial flights up to four days per week, data processing, and photo analysis. Observers are required to complete an aviation and marine safety/survival training course. Housing is provided and will be located in St. Simon's Island, Georgia. Qualifications: Previous aerial or marine mammal survey experience, as well as experience in photo-identification of large cetaceans, is strongly desired. Applicants should be skilled in database entry and other computer applications including photo processing software. The ability to live and work well in a team environment and work in a small aircraft up to eight hours per day is required. We are currently accepting applications from U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to <mailto:ctaylor@sea2shore.org> ctaylor(a)sea2shore.org by September 4, 2015. Cynthia R. Taylor Assistant Director/Research Scientist <http://www.sea2shore.org/> HI RES S2S LOGO 4411 Bee Ridge Rd. #490 Sarasota, FL 34233 USA 941.232.4587; ctaylor(a)sea2shore.org www.sea2shore.org <http://www.sea2shore.org/>

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Large Marine Vertebrate Session at the 2016 GoMRI Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference, February 1-4, 2016
by Vicki Cornish 20 Aug '15

20 Aug '15

Abstracts are now being accepted for the 2016 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference. The 2016 conference theme, "One Gulf: healthy ecosystems, healthy communities," will focus on opportunities to promote and sustain a healthy Gulf environment, communities, and economy, including new discoveries, innovations, technologies and policies. Building on the success of the special session on large marine vertebrates at the 2015 conference, the 2016 conference will include a session on "Gulf of Mexico's Large Marine Vertebrates as Indicators of Ecosystem Recovery, Resilience and Restoration." Please consider submitting an abstract for this session, as it will be an excellent opportunity to highlight research involving Gulf of Mexico marine mammals at this multi-disciplinary forum. Details regarding this and other sessions can be found at the conference Session Details<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Prb5BzLmPR_UW0zWbzAbMo2lAmqD5dqTu-qlruRZ26XL…> website (scroll down to Session 006 for information about the large marine vertebrate session). The deadline for submittal of abstracts is 18 September 2015. To submit an abstract, please go to abstract submittals<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Prb5BzLmPR_UW0zWbzAbMo2lAmqD5dqTu-qlruRZ26XL…>. The 2016 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference will take place from 1-4 February 2016, at the Marriott Tampa Waterside in Tampa, Fla. For more information about the conference, please visit http://www.cvent.com/events/2016-oil-spill-and-ecosystem-science-conference…<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Prb5BzLmPR_UW0zWbzAbMo2lAmqD5dqTu-qlruRZ26XL…>. Best, Vicki Cornish [mmc_logo - USE THIS FOR WORD DOCS OR WEB_reduced to 15 percent] Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20814-4498 301-504-0087 main 301-504-0300 direct www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov> The Marine Mammal Commission is an independent agency of the U.S. Government. Follow us on Twitter: @MarineMammalCom. Click here<http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001z7sliqmIZeC5pxPfBo…> to sign up for our newsletter!

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Anouncement: SMM Workshop - Unmanned Aerial Systems: Powerful and Cost-Effective Tools for Marine Science and Conservation
by Lawson, Jack 20 Aug '15

20 Aug '15

Good morning everyone, we are organizing a workshop on hardware, applications, and issues associated with using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at the Biennial conference in San Francisco. UAS offer a very capable and dynamic platform to study a growing variety of marine issues, and marine mammal researchers have been quick to seize new opportunities to utilize autonomous or remotely-controlled platforms in their research. While opening up new avenues for our studies, this hardware is evolving quickly, and faces varied (and at times unpredictable) regulatory regimes. This workshop will offer attendees the opportunity to learn what others have been doing with UAS systems, where UAS development is headed in the (near) future, and what regulations we are do, or might, face in different countries and contexts. Not to mention we will see some amazing marine mammal and sea turtle imagery from vantage points heretofore unavailable to researchers! If you are attending the conference please consider participating in this workshop (which is filling up fast!): Title: Unmanned Aerial Systems: Powerful and Cost-Effective Tools for Marine Science and Conservation Overview: The intent of this workshop is to review the state-of-the-art for regulations, hardware, software, and data management in studies of marine species using various types of remotely-controlled or autonomous aerial platforms. Date/Time: Sunday, December 13, 2015; 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Organizers and contact emails: Jack Lawson (jack.lawson(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca) Dave Johnston (david.johnston(a)duke.edu) Eric A. Ramos (eramos(a)gradcenter.cuny.edu) Laura May-Collado (lmaycollado(a)gmail.com) Diana Reiss (dlr28(a)columbia.edu) Marcelo O. Magnasco (mgnsclb(a)mail.rockefeller.edu) General Description and Agenda: The intent of this workshop is to review the state-of-the-art for regulations, hardware, software, and data management in studies of marine mammals using various types of remotely-controlled platforms. In this full-day meeting we will present and discuss four main topics: (1) regulatory updates (U.S., Canada, Europe, Others) - an overview of existing and proposed operating regulations, legal initiatives, and outstanding issues - including permitting. No-fly zones and software/hardware solutions to automate Class A and B airspace protection. "Common sense" operational guidelines. (2) Brief presentations on emerging applications; perhaps coupled with discussions on sensors. (3) platform features, uses, costs, and limits - a discussion, highlighted by specific examples, of each type of platform detailing its demonstrated applications, advantages, limits, and future. We would include fixed-wing and rotary-winged UAVs. (4) workflow, data management, and operational best practices - a discussion, highlighted by specific examples, of how best to utilize these platforms and integrate multiple data flows (e.g., video, imagery, GPS, topographic information) for post-operation analyses. In addition to a number of presentations, a product from this workshop will be a "best practices guide" manuscript to submit to Marine Mammal Science. We are currently creating a more detailed agenda, and will forward this to participants in the near future. Cost: $80 (Early Bird); $90 (After September 15, 2015) You can follow a link to register for this, and other, workshops: https://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference/workshops/ On behalf of this workshop's organizers, we look forward to seeing participants at the Biennial! Dr. Jack Lawson Research Scientist / Chercheur scientifique Marine Mammals Section / Section de mammiféres marins Fisheries and Oceans Canada / Pêches et Océans Canada NAFC, 80 East White Hills Rd. St. John's, NL / Terre-Neuve et Labrador Canada A1C 5X1 (709) 772-2285 (709) 772-4105 (FAX) jack.lawson(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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Cetacean Photo-ID & Logistics Coordinator, Honolulu, HI
by Daniel Grosse 20 Aug '15

20 Aug '15

Cetacean Photo-ID & Logistics Coordinator (Apologies for the short turn-around time: The deadline for responses is Friday, Aug 21 @ 9 AM EDT) Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a Cetacean Photo-ID & Logistics Coordinator to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources at the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center in Honolulu, HI. The coordinator will assist NMFS with: Logistic Coordination: 1. Assist Project Leader with field project planning and preparation, including, but not limited to: identification of appropriate field staff, drafting research permit applications or reports, drafting Project Instructions and Reports, preparing survey gear for field missions. 2. Maintain equipment inventory and alert Project Leader when supplies are required for upcoming field projects 3. Assist with preparation of field manuals 4. Participate as necessary in meetings or training activities concerning projects assigned. Photo-Identification: 5. Evaluate distinctiveness and quality of each photograph and provide standardized ratings for use in data quality control for future studies employing the catalogs 6. Match all photographs within and between encounters and build species-specific catalogs of unique individuals based on fin markings 7. Maintain photo metadata as appropriate 8. Participate in reporting and authoring manuscripts or presenting results in public forums as requested 9. Participate in monthly Program meetings 10. Participate in field work as photographer for collection of identification photographs, as needed Selected individual must have the following qualifications: Bachelor's degree and three (3) years’ experience or Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology or field of study relating and two (2) years’ experience relating to specific task order. Additional minimum qualifications and requirements: 1. Demonstrated experience working with a team on a complex project, including a coordinated approach to outline and accomplish required tasks, meet project deadlines, and successfully conclude the project. 2. Demonstrated experience managing photographic or similar datasets to allow for coordinated work between staff. 3. Working knowledge of photo management software standard photo processing protocols, modification of photo metadata, and photographic quality grading. 4. One year of experience participating in field projects on marine mammals, including collection of occurrence, group size, and behavior data, and identification photographs. Additional preferred qualifications: 1. Exceptional organizational capabilities and comfort with managing paperwork, projects, and team members Salary DOE Please contact me at DanGrosse(a)oceanassoc.com Regards, Daniel Grosse, Ph.D. Senior Associate Ocean Associates, Incorporated 4007 N. Abingdon Street Arlington, Virginia USA 22207 DanGrosse(a)oceanassoc.com http://www.OceanAssoc.com

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Protected Species Aerial Survey Openings
by Brenda Lewis - NOAA Affiliate 20 Aug '15

20 Aug '15

IAP Worldwide services is recruiting for Aerial Surveyors for a short term (Sept 13 - 26, 2015) survey based out of Destin, FL. Contractors will perform duties of marine mammal and sea turtle observer during aerial surveys to be conducted aboard a NOAA aircraft. Responsibilities include rotation through observer and data recorder positions, assisting with photographic and video data collection and data entry. HUET training is required. Previous aerial experience preferred. Travel and lodging furnished. Apply at www.iapws.com/careers Job requisition number 16702. -- Brenda Lewis Site Manager IAP World Services Contractor NOAA/NMFS Project 228-549-1659

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MMO and PSO training courses, Inverness, UK
by Carolyn Barton 20 Aug '15

20 Aug '15

A few spaces left on MMO and PSO training courses in Inverness, Scotland, 5-6 September 2015 JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters, 5 September 2015, GBP 125 PSO course for the Gulf of Mexico, meets BOEM/ BSEE requirements, 6 September 2015, GBP 55 (when taken in conjunction with the MMO course). For details of course content and to download a booking form, see www.carolynbarton.co.uk or e-mail info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk . Carolyn Barton info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk www.carolynbarton.co.uk

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New Human-Wildlife Conflict Book
by Rachel Sprague - NOAA Federal 19 Aug '15

19 Aug '15

Aloha colleagues, I wanted to let you know about a new book on human-wildlife conflict in marine ecosystems that has just been published by Oxford University Press. You can find it on OUP's website: http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199687152.do and it will eventually be available on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Human-Wildlife-Conflict-Complexity-Marine-Environment… This is the full table of contents: *Human-Wildlife Conflict**: Complexity in the Marine Environment* Megan M. Draheim, Francine Madden, Julie-Beth McCarthy, and E.C.M. Parsons: *Introduction* * Section 1: Introduction to the Levels of Conflict* 1. Francine Madden and Brian McQuinn: *Understanding Social Conflict and Complexity in the Marine Environment* *Section 2: Policy and Human-Wildlife Conflict* 2. Catherine Booker and d'Shan Maycock: *Conservation on island time: Stakeholder participation and conflict in marine resource management* 3. Jill Lewandowski: *Transforming wicked environmental problems in the government arena: A case study of the effects of marine sound on marine mammals* 4. Christine Gleason: *Conservation in conflict: An overview of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) management in Samaná, Dominican Republic* 5. E.C.M. Parsons: *Levels of marine human-wildlife conflict: A whaling case study* 6. Sarah Wise: *Conflict and collaboration in marine conservation work: Transcending boundaries and encountering flamingos* *Section 3: Narratives and Human-Wildlife Conflict* 7. Rachel S. Sprague and Megan M. Draheim: *Hawaiian monk seals: Labels, names, and stories in conflict* 8. Carlie Wiener: *Flipper fallout: Dolphins as cultural workers and the human conflicts that ensue* 9. Julie-Beth McCarthy: *Examining identity-level conflict: The role of religion* Megan M. Draheim, Julie-Beth McCarthy, E.C.M. Parsons: *Conclusion* Thanks! Warm regards, Rachel -- Rachel S. Sprague, Ph.D. Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Coordinator Pacific Islands Regional Office NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service 808.725.5163 rachel.sprague(a)noaa.gov http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/PRD/prd_hms_index.html

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