August 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Namibian Dolphin Project
by Barry McGovern 11 Aug '15

11 Aug '15

The Namibian Dolphin Project (NDP) is looking for volunteers from September to November/December 2015 to help conduct cetacean research in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Walvis Bay is home to two resident populations of dolphin; Heaviside’s and bottlenose, other cetacean species regularly occur in the bay but the majority of data collected concerns these two species. Volunteers are expected to work ~ 30 hours per week and will help conduct vessel-based cetacean surveys (1 per week), strandings surveys and land based bird surveys. The option to conduct surveys on dolphin watching tour boats also occurs on occasion. The majority of time will also be spent in the office processing/analysing photo-ID and acoustic data while manning the public education centre. Requirements: Applicants should be enrolled in, or hold, a bachelor’s degree, or have sufficient work experience in a related field (biology, zoology, oceanography, marine biology, environmental sciences, animal sciences, veterinary medicine, etc.). Volunteers must be experienced in MS Office, be self-motivated and responsible, able to work independently, have good organizational and communication skills and perform as part of a team. The position is a great opportunity for students or recent graduates to join dedicated scientists who are conducting cetacean research in a dynamic and poorly studied area. As part of this program, volunteers are extremely important members of the team and will be immersed in all aspects of the project. They will gain experience in a range of field and analytical techniques relevant to marine mammal research. To cover accommodation, food and training costs, there is a monthly cost associated with this position. To apply, or for further information, please send a CV and a cover letter outlining why you are interested, your relevant experience and your dates of availability to Barry McGovern on nam.dolphin.edu(a)gmail.com. <https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam> Please include “NDP Volunteer” in the subject heading. Places are limited so preference will be given to volunteers who can commit to longer time periods. Thanks, Barry McGovern -- Barry McGovern Namibian Dolphin Project, PO Box 5209, Walvis Bay, Namibia Phone: +264 81 236 0858 (Mob Namibia) +353 85 826 8786 (Mob Ireland) www.namibiandolphinproject.com

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Reminder: UF - Fall Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues Course
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 10 Aug '15

10 Aug '15

Hi All, Just a reminder that the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Aquatic Animal Health Program is offering an exciting online course in the upcoming Fall semester that is specifically geared towards those interested in Aquatic Animal Health. This course has registration options for undergraduate students, graduate students and as continuing education for the professional or practitioner. Fall class (2015) Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues is an online course (3 credits) that runs August 24 - December 9, 2015 and is designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the controversial issues surrounding aquatic animal species ranging from invertebrates to marine mammals, with an emphasis on marine mammals, but also including sea turtles, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. More information can be found here: (http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/education/courses/distance-learning-courses/a… ) For questions about the class or enrollment, contact Jeffrey Hendel (hendelj(a)ufl.edu<mailto:hendelj@ufl.edu>) or Dr Iske Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu> ) if you are interested in taking one of the classes, registration is now open for the Fall term (2015). Best, Jeffrey Hendel Distance Education Program Assistant University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 For packages 32608 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/ ________________________________ Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from University of Florida employees via email may be subject to disclosure.

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new article on stranding interpretation
by Hélène Peltier 10 Aug '15

10 Aug '15

Dear colleagues, We are glad to inform you that following article was recently published in Environmental Science and Policy. Peltier & Ridoux, 2015. MARINE MEGAVERTEBRATES ADRIFT: A FRAMEWORK FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF STRANDING DATA IN PERSPECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN MARINE STRATEGY FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE AND OTHER REGIONAL AGREEMENTS. Abstract: For many species of marine megafauna, strandings remain the most important source of biological samples. Because of their opportunistic nature however, strandings data have long been under- or misused in the assessment of population conservation status. Even if many national and international regulations promote the use of strandings in monitoring strategies, the interpretation of strandings remains controversial. The aim of this study is to provide a context for the interpretation of marine megafauna stranding data, in order to assess the achievement of specific objectives against Good Environmental Status criteria in the context of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive or other regional agreements. The first step is to construct an a priori spatial distribution under a null hypothesis H0. The a priori spatial distribution of theoretical dead animals can either be set uniformly, consistent with current knowledge on abundance of marine vertebrates, or based on management objectives. The drift prediction of these theoretical carcasses would provide a time series of strandings expected under the null hypothesis. The reverse drift of observed strandings would highlight mortality areas of stranded animals. The correction of these areas by the probability of getting stranded according to drift conditions would provide an estimated distribution of dead animals inferred from strandings. The differences between expected and observed situations constitute anomalies and highlight cases where inferred distribution departs from the a priori spatial distribution. This work proposes several population indicators that can be used anywhere in the world and can be applied for all large marine vertebrates found stranded. The integration of these indicators in MSFD and various regional agreements could provide cost-effective and relevant information on protected species. In the context of impaired ecological situations, the complementary use of several population indicators could strengthen the diagnosis made regarding conservation status and hence conservation strategies. King regards, Helene Peltier Marine megavertebrates adrift: A framework for the interpretation of stranding data in perspective of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive and other regional agreements -- Helene PELTIER, phD Observatoire PELAGIS, UMS 3462 CNRS/Université La Rochelle 5 allées de l'océan 17000 LA ROCHELLE, FRANCE office: +33 5 16 49 67 82 cell phone: +33 6 82 74 08 41

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Registration for the international Workshop on Bottlenose dolphin in the NW Mediterranean Sea
by Hélène Labach 10 Aug '15

10 Aug '15

Dear all, Registration is now opened for the international workshop on "Bottlenose dolphin conservation and monitoring in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea" that 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. Cost for the two days workshop : 50€ *To register* go to http://www.gdegem.org/registration Remember *abstracts *submission deadline is the* 31st of August 2015*. 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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New NRW report on guidance for marine mammal surveying requirements at wave and tidal stream energy sites in Wales
by Smith, Kate 10 Aug '15

10 Aug '15

Sent on behalf of Ceri Morris, Marine Mammal Specialist, Natural Resources Wales Dear Colleagues, We would like to announce the recent publication: Sparling C, Smith K, Benjamins S, Wilson B, Gordon J, Stringell T, Morris C, Hastie G, Thompson D & Pomeroy P 2015: Guidance to inform marine mammal site characterisation requirements at wave and tidal stream energy sites in Wales NRW Evidence Report Series Report No: 82, 87pp, Natural Resources Wales, Bangor. Natural Resources Wales working with SMRU Consulting, Sea Mammal Research Unit and the Scottish Association of Marine Sciences have recently published a new set of guidance on marine mammal surveying requirements at wave and tidal stream energy sites in Wales. This report now provides a framework for assessing risk to marine mammals from wave and tidal stream developments and provides guidance on how to tailor surveys to provide better information for impact assessments. The report can be downloaded free here: http://www.naturalresources.wales/our-evidence-and-reports/guidance-to-info… Best wishes, Kate ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Dr Kate Smith Ymgynghorydd Ynni Adnewyddadwy Morol / Marine Renewable Energy Advisor Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales Tel: 0300 065 4894 Mob: 07990 571 433 kate.smith(a)cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk<mailto:kate.smith@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk> / kate.smith(a)naturalresourceswales.gov.uk<mailto:kate.smith@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk> www.cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk<http://www.cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk/> / www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk<http://www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/> Ein debin yw sicrhau bod adnoddau naturiol Cymru yn cael eu cynnal, eu gwella a'u defnyddio yn gynaliadwy, yn awr ac yn y dyfodol Our purpose is to ensure that the natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained, enhanced and used, now and in the future

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Upcoming Training Course: QGIS For Biologists, September 2015
by Colin D. MacLeod 09 Aug '15

09 Aug '15

Training Course - A Introduction To Using QGIS In Biological Research GIS In Ecology will be holding an introductory training course for those who wish to learn how to use the free, open-source GIS software QGIS (also known as Quantum GIS) in all aspects of biological research. The course will be held in Glasgow on the 28th and 29th of Sepember 2015, and it will be taught by Dr. Colin D. MacLeod, who has more than 15 years experience in using GIS for a wide variety of biological purposes. This course is aimed at those just starting to use GIS in their research and who have little or no existing knowledge of this subject area, those who are looking for a free, open source GIS solution for their biological research, and at existing users of commercial GIS software, such as ArcGIS, who wish to learn how to do GIS using QGIS software. Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 15 people, and the course will cost £295 per person (£200 for students, the unwaged and those working for registered charities). To book a place, or for more information, contact info(a)GISinEcology.com. To attend this course, you must bring your own laptop computer and have a working copy of QGIS 2.6 pre-installed on it. You can find information about how to get this software package by searching QGIS in any web browser. At the end of the course, all attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and completion. Glasgow has great transport links and is within half a days travel by car or by fast train links from most cities in the UK. For example, it can be reached in as little as 4h 30mins from London by train. It can also be reached by direct flights from many European cities and the flight time is generally under four hours. The course will be held in central Glasgow at the IET Glasgow Teacher Building (14 St Enoch Square, Glasgow, G1 4DB, UK). Attendees will be responsible for their own accommodation. However, Glasgow provides a wide range of accommodation options to fit most budgets. ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook Two - Working With Raster Data Layers; RRP: £19.99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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New paper on Mercury and Selenium in Commerson's dolphins
by Iris Cáceres-Saez 07 Aug '15

07 Aug '15

Dear Colleagues, We finally be able to share our new paper with you (published in *Chemosphere*): *The skin of Commerson's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersonii**) as a biomonitor of mercury and selenium in Subantarctic waters.* CÁCERES-SAEZ I, GOODALL RNP, DELLABIANCA NA, CAPPOZZO HL, RIBEIRO GUEVARA S. 2015. *Chemosphere* 138: 735-743. *Abstract:* The skin of bycaught Commerson’s dolphins was tested for mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) biomonitoring in Subantarctic environments. The correlation of levels detected in the skin with those found in internal tissues – lung, liver, kidney and muscle – was assessed to evaluate how skin represents internal Hg and Se distribution for monitoring purposes. Mercury in skin had a concentration range of 0.68–3.11 μg g−1 dry weight (DW), while Se had a higher concentration range of 74.3–124.5 μg g−1 DW. There was no significant correlation between selenium levels in any of the analyzed tissues. Thus, the skin selenium concentration did not reflect the tissular Se levels and did not provide information for biomonitoring. The lack of correlation is explained by the biological role of Se, provided that each tissue regulates Se levels according to physiological needs. However, the skin Hg level had significant positive correlation with the levels in internal tissues (ANOVA p < 0.05), particularly with that of muscle (R2 = 0.79; ANOVA p = 0.0008). Thus, this correlation permits the estimation of Hg content in muscle based on the multiplication of skin biopsy levels by a factor of 1.85. Mercury bioindication using skin biopsies is a non-lethal approach that allows screening of a large number of specimens with little disturbance and makes possible an adequate sampling strategy that produces statistically valid results in populations and study areas. The correlation between Hg levels in the skin and internal tissues supports the use of the epidermis of Commerson’s dolphins for Hg biomonitoring in the waters of the Subantarctic, which is a poorly studied region regarding Hg levels, sources and processes. Please, contact with us if you like further information and/or a pdf copy. *I would like to dedicate this work to the memory of my advisor RNP Goodall, for her valuable contribution to my studies, and even more to our lives.* Best wishes, Iris -- Dra. Cáceres-Saez Iris Laboratorio de Ecología, Comportamiento y Mamíferos Marinos División Mastozoología, Área Zoología de Vertebrados Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" - CONICET Av. Ángel Gallardo 470 C1405DJR Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA TEL: +54-11-4982-9410 / 6670 (Int. 211) FAX: +54-11-4982-5243 / 4494 *caceres-saez(a)macn.gov.ar <caceres-saez(a)macn.gov.ar>* Museo Acatushún de Aves y Mamíferos Australes Ea. Harberton, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, ARGENTINA

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New Publication: Support for the beam focusing hypothesis in the false killer whale
by Laura Kloepper 07 Aug '15

07 Aug '15

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following in The Journal of Experimental Biology: "Support for the beam focusing hypothesis in the false killer whale" by Laura N. Kloepper, John R. Buck, Adam B. Smith, Alexander Ya. Supin, Jason E. Gaudette and Paul E. Nachtigall, J Exp Biol, 218, 2455-2462. This publication is a follow-up to our 2012 JEB paper in which we demonstrated active focusing in the false killer whale, and provides further support to the focusing hypothesis we proposed in that paper. In our 2012 paper we demonstrated the false killer whale narrowed its sonar beam when the target was further away, and we are pleased to see that many of our colleagues have recently documented this in other odontocete species. This new paper in JEB provides further insight into this focusing hypothesis, demonstrating that the sonar beam has a narrower beamwidth and higher intensity at distance that what would be predicted by spreading losses alone. The abstract is listed below, but for pdf requests please contact lkloepper(a)saintmarys.edu. Abstract: The odontocete sound production system is complex and composed of tissues, air sacs and a fatty melon. Previous studies suggested that the emitted sonar beam might be actively focused, narrowing depending on target distance. In this study, we further tested this beam focusing hypothesis in a false killer whale. Using three linear arrays of hydrophones, we recorded the same emitted click at 2, 4 and 7 m distance and calculated the beamwidth, intensity, center frequency and bandwidth as recorded on each array at every distance. If the whale did not focus her beam, acoustics predicts the intensity would decay with range as a function of spherical spreading and the angular beamwidth would remain constant. On the contrary, our results show that as the distance from the whale to the array increases, the beamwidth is narrower and the received click intensity is higher than that predicted by a spherical spreading function. Each of these measurements is consistent with the animal focusing her beam on a target at a given range. These results support the hypothesis that the false killer whale is ‘focusing’ its sonar beam, producing a narrower and more intense signal than that predicted by spherical spreading. -- Dr. Laura Kloepper Assistant Professor Department of Biology Saint Mary's College Notre Dame, IN 46556 lkloepper(a)saintmarys.edu

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Places still remaining on our Sep field teams with the CRRU in Scotland
by Dr Kevin Robinson 07 Aug '15

07 Aug '15

"Whales and dolphins of the Moray Firth" field training programme We still have several unfilled places available on the following September field teams this summer: · Team IX: 7 Sep - 17 Sep · Team X: 21 Sep - 1 Oct The CRRU courses are run in the form of a training / educational internship in cetacean research and conservation, with formal lectures, seminars and presentations by the research team and practical training in field methodologies and data collection at sea and tools used in the analysis of long-term field datasets. To find out more about our courses, please visit www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp for further details (scroll to the foot of this page for video links about volunteering). To view/download our publications and reports, please visit www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp The cost for an 11 day internship in 2015 is 895 GBP, and this will cover you for full board (all your accommodation and food costs), your full equipment needs and ALL associated field costs during your stay with us in the heritage fishing village of Gardenstown in Banff. You'll simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to us in Banffshire, northeast Scotland (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money. To receive our full project briefing and application/booking form or if you have any questions or inquiries, please email us at info(a)crru.org.uk with the subject CRRU Summer Internship Enquiry" and we will get back to you at our very soonest convenience We look forward to hearing from you On behalf of the CRRU team, with all best wishes Dr. Kevin Robinson Director, CRRU <mailto:kev.robinson@crru.org.uk> kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, PO Box 11307, Banff, AB45 3WB, Scotland, UK | ( +44 (0)1261 851696 | <http://www.crru.org.uk/> www.crru.org.uk Whale and Dolphin Research | Environmental Educational Outreach | Marine Wildlife Rescue | Consultancy | MMO Services <http://www.facebook.com/crru.org.uk> WDC on Facebook <http://www.twitter.com/crru> WDC on Twitter <https://www.linkedin.com/company/cetacean-research-&-rescue-unit-crru-> http://static.wixstatic.com/media/f81288cef4de8223015ce3dabe23a0c4.png_srz_p _50_50_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_png_srz Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC 035473 _________________________________________________________________________ Homepage www.jiscmail.ac.uk/ECS-TALK How to join/leave the ECS-TALK list, how to obtain a Listserv Password, how to post a message to the list, what to do when going on Holiday? http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/help/using/quickuser.htm gives the answers to these and more questions!

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New publication: beluga population dynamics and Bayesian integrated model
by Mosnier, Arnaud 07 Aug '15

07 Aug '15

Dear MARMAM members, My co-authors and I would like to announce the publication of a paper describing population dynamics of St Lawrence beluga using a Bayesian integrated model. A. Mosnier, T. Doniol-Valcroze, J.-F. Gosselin, V. Lesage, L.N. Measures, M.O. Hammill. 2015. Insights into processes of population decline using an integrated population model: The case of the St. Lawrence Estuary beluga (Delphinapterus leucas). Ecological Modelling 314, 15-31. Abstract: Integrated population models combine data from several sources into a single model to allow the simultaneous estimation of demographic parameters and the prediction of population trajectories. They are especially useful when survey data alone are insufficient to estimate precise vital rates and abundance, and to understand mechanisms of population growth and decline. The St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE) beluga population was depleted by intensive hunting over the past century, and had declined to 1000 individuals or less when it was afforded protection in 1979. Despite protective measures, the SLE population has shown no signs of recovery. Low abundance estimates and high calf mortalities observed in recent years have raised concerns as to its current status. An age-structured Bayesian model was used to describe population dynamics by integrating information from two different monitoring programs. The model included information on population size and proportion of young (<2 years-old) obtained from seven photographic aerial surveys flown between 1990 and 2009, and mortalities documented annually by a carcass monitoring program maintained from 1983 to 2012. Results suggest that the population was stable or slightly increasing from the end of the 1960s until the early 2000s when it numbered approximately 1000 belugas. The population then declined to 889 individuals (95%CI 672−1167) in 2012. Although neither dataset on its own could explain this decline, the integrated model was able to shed light on the internal processes involved. Results suggest substantial changes in population dynamics and age structure, moving from a stable period (1984−1998) characterized by a 3-year calving cycle and a population composed of 7.5% newborns and 42% immature individuals, to an unstable state (1999−2012) characterized by a 2-year calving cycle, high newborn mortality and a declining proportion of newborns and immatures (respectively, 6 and 33% in 2012). Independent indices of abundance, population age structure and calf production match model predictions, thus increasing our confidence in its conclusions. The lack of recovery, high adult mortality (6%) and highly variable newborn survival further increase concerns about this population. The article is available in Open Access at: http://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0304380015003129 Best regards, ------------------------- Arnaud Mosnier Biologiste / Biologist, Ph.D. Biologie et conservation des mammifères marins / Marine mammal biology and conservation Tél : (418) 775-0651 arnaud.mosnier(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca Pêches et Océans Canada / Fisheries and Oceans Canada Institut Maurice Lamontagne / Maurice Lamontagne Institute C.P. 1000 / P.O. Box 1000 850 Route de la mer Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3Z4

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