September 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

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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Information on hemochromatosis in dolphins
by Stephanie Venn-Watson 17 Sep '15

17 Sep '15

Greetings MARMAM, Hemochromatosis (also called iron overload) is a condition in humans and other animals involving high iron in the body. It often goes undetected with no clinical signs for decades, but can become clinically relevant when a person is 30 to 50 years old. Because managed dolphins are increasingly living to this age, investigating hemochromatosis has been part of our geriatric dolphin health research program. In our most recent study, more than 1 in 4 dolphins in the wild had hemochromatosis. After studying this condition in both populations for some time, however, we think we have a solution - a trace saturated fatty acid called C17:0 present in varying levels in fish - that may protect against and reverse hemochromatosis in dolphins. We are assessing this potential solution with the help of zoological parks and aquariums. Our scientists are now working with leaders in metabolism at Salk University for Biological Studies, Medical University of South Carolina, University of California San Diego, and Rady Children's Hospital San Diego to learn more about dolphin metabolism, dietary C17:0, and how we may improve the health of dolphins, inform conservation efforts to protect wild dolphin nutrition sources, and improve the health of children with this same condition. Best regards, Stephanie Venn-Watson, DVM, MPH Director, Translational Medicine and Research Program National Marine Mammal Foundation

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New publication: A single-station method for the detection, classification, and location of fin whale calls using ocean-bottom seismic stations
by Luis Matias 17 Sep '15

17 Sep '15

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following publication in JASA: Matias, L. and Harris, D. (2015).*A single-station method for the detection, classification,and location of fin whale calls using ocean-bottom seismic stations*.J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 138, 504 Abstract: Passive seismic monitoring in the oceans uses long-term deployments of Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBSs). An OBS usually records the three components of ground motion and pressure, typically at 100 Hz. This makes the OBS an ideal tool to investigate fin and blue whales that vocalize at frequencies below 45 Hz. Previous applications of OBS data to locate whale calls have relied on single channel analyses that disregard the information that is conveyed by the horizontal seismic channels. Recently, Harris, Matias, Thomas, Harwood, and Geissler [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 134, 3522–3535 (2013)] presented a method that used all four channels recorded by one OBS to derive the range and azimuth of fin whale calls. In this work, the detection, classification, and ranging of calls using this four-channel method were further investigated, focusing on methods to increase the accuracy of range estimates to direct path arrivals. Corrections to account for the influences of the sound speed in the water layer and the velocity structure in the top strata of the seabed were considered. The single station method discussed here is best implemented when OBSs have been deployed in deep water on top of seabed strata with low P-wave velocity. These conditions maximize the ability to detect and estimate ranges to fin whale calls. The article can be downloaded from: http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/138/1/10.1121/1.4922706 Alternatively, if you are unable to download the article please email me for a pdf at: lmatias(a)fc.ul.pt Kind regards, Luis Matias ------------------------------------ Luis Manuel Matias Instituto D. Luiz Campo Grande, Ed. C8, piso 3 1749-016 Lisboa Portugal Tel. +351.217500812 Fax. +351.217500119 E-mail. lmatias(a)fc.ul.pt http://idl.ul.pt/

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Ocean Sciences 2016 Session on Dynamic Ocean Management (abstracts due in a week!)
by Daniel Dunn 16 Sep '15

16 Sep '15

Dear Colleagues, There is one week left to put in abstracts for the 2016 Ocean Sciences meeting (New Orleans, Louisiana; February 21-26, 2016). My co-chairs and I welcome submissions to our session on the burgeoning issue of dynamic, or real-time, management of marine resources. Dynamic ocean management attempts to align the temporal and spatial scales of management with that of the resource and resource users to improve the efficiency and efficacy of management measures. We look forward to an interesting discussion on scale in resource management and hope to see you there! Dynamic Ocean Management: Managing at Finer Scales for Mobile Ocean Resources (link to session webpage <https://agu.confex.com/agu/os16/preliminaryview.cgi/Session9332> ) Session ID: 9332 Session Description: Dynamic ocean management aims to respond to the movement of managed species, ocean users, and underlying ocean features. Higher temporal resolution of management measures can create efficiency gains and allows managers to address problems that were previously intractable. Understanding patterns in space and time for both target and non-target species can allow management to explicitly respond to the dynamic movements of marine animals and people that rely on them. Dynamic approaches are particularly important for highly mobile species as well as resource users that follow features such as fronts and eddies that evolve rapidly in space and time. Advances in remote sensing, archival tagging, hand-held technology, and species-distribution models have improved our ability to predict areas of low to high risk of unwanted species interactions in near-real time. That information can be disseminated to alert users to changing dynamic management areas via website and mobile applications. This session will explore (1) life history traits and ecosystems that may benefit from dynamic ocean management approaches; (2) how both human and marine resources respond to dynamic oceanography; (3) empirical examples to help quantify the efficacy and efficiency of dynamic management; and (4) ultimately data frameworks that can improve responsiveness of ocean management. Chairs: Elliott L. Hazen, NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Environmental Research Division, Monterey, CA Daniel Dunn, Duke University Marine Lab, Nicholas School of the Environment, Beaufort, NC Sara Maxwell, Old Dominion University, Department of Biology, Norfolk, VA Rebecca Lewison, San Diego State University, Biology, San Diego, CA The abstract submission site <http://osm.agu.org/2016/abstract-submissions/> is now open and abstracts are due by 23 September, 11:59 p.m. EDT. We look forward to your abstracts and an exciting session! Sincerely, Daniel (daniel.dunn at duke.edu) Daniel C. Dunn, Ph.D. Research Scientist Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab Duke University Beaufort, NC

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URGENT - October Positions for Cetacean Research
by Elizabeth Atchoi 16 Sep '15

16 Sep '15

***Urgent October and November Positions - DMAD Seeking Volunteers*** There are new positions available on marine mammal research in the Antalya Bay, Turkey URGENT placement needed for October and November, special offer: only 500 Euros per month. *The Project: Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) founded for the purpose of contributing to the scientific knowledge on marine mammals for the conservation and sustainable management of marine biodiversity. Despite the large cetacean biodiversity, there haven’t been any long-term studies on this region. Therefore, the project aims to fulfil the gaps of missing long-term studies in the area by collecting data on cetacean abundance, distribution, behaviour and site fidelity. This project provides an excellent opportunity for post-grads, students and individuals interested in getting more experience and knowledge in the field of marine mammal research. *Requirements: We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and hard-working individuals to join our team. Minimum commitment is one month, although for a fuller experience we recommend two or more. A biology background is not mandatory but advantageous, as well as an ability to dedicate yourselves to the study. We will be on the field early in the morning or until late in the afternoon, boat trips can be day long (12 hours), and there is much data to process and enter. A good level of endurance is necessary as well as the ability to live and work in a multicultural team, sharing the same home. *Your Duties include: Collecting sighting and behavioural data (using binoculars, theodolite and different software’s) both during land and boat surveys Organizing photo-ID catalogue Entering data House cleaning and up keeping duties *Conditions: This position is unpaid and requires a contribution from the volunteers which covers the accommodation and project related activities. Food will be at each one’s responsibility, although in Turkey food isn´t expensive and should be around 75 Euro per month or less. We have positions available all year round that require a contribution of 700 Euros per month, for people staying longer than 3 months there is a discount price. Expect long working days in the field, and to wake up very early (around 4:30 a.m.). The work will be carried under adverse weather conditions, in the summer: under the sun with very high temperatures (up to 45 Celcius), in the winter: windy and cold days. The typical week is divided in 3 days of fieldwork 1-2 days of office work and 1-2 days for you to enjoy the lovely Turkish Riviera and the city of Antalya. You will learn about different software’s used in cetacean research, techniques and tools for spotting dolphins/whales, identify individuals, amongst other things. There will also be space and opportunity for you to suggest and create your own project, as well as contribute to publications we might be working on. There may be opportunities to join into offshore surveys or other projects while you are here. *How to apply Please send a cover letter and CV to info(a)dmad.org.tr. For more information please visit www.dmad.org.tr or email us. Have a good day, Aylin Akkaya Bas -- Elizabeth Atchoi Project Supervisor at DMAD Website <http://dmad.org.tr/> // Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/pages/DMAD-Marine-Mammals-Research-Association/157…>

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New publication: JNCC guidelines for minimising the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals from seismic surveys: We can do better
by A. Mel Cosentino 15 Sep '15

15 Sep '15

Dear Marmamers We are pleased to announce the following publication in Marine Pollution Bulletin JNCC guidelines for minimising the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals from seismic surveys: We can do better Abstract The U.K.’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee 1998 guidelines for minimising acoustic impacts from seismic surveys on marine mammals were the first of their kind. Covering both planning and operations, they included various measures for reducing the potential for damaging hearing – an appropriate focus at the time. Since introduction, the guidelines have been criticised for, among other things: the arbitrarily-sized safety zones; the lack of shut-down provisions; the use of mitigation measures that introduce more noise into the environment (e.g., soft-starts); inadequate observer training; and the lack of standardised data collection protocols. Despite the concerns, the guidelines have remained largely unchanged. Moreover, increasing scientific recognition of the scope and magnitude of non-injurious impacts of sound on marine life has become much more widespread since the last revisions in 2010. Accordingly, here we present feasible and realistic recommendations for such improvements, in light of the current state of knowledge. The article can be downloaded from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X15300096 Alternatively, you are welcome to send us a pdf request. A. Mel Cosentino

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Humpback Whale Field Intensive in Puerto Rico USA
by Mithriel MacKay 15 Sep '15

15 Sep '15

*Humpback Whale Field Intensive in Puerto Rico, USA* *Join our team in 2016!* We have opened the week long internship programs for the Humpback Whale Field Intensive Program. You will be a critical part of our research team collecting data on humpback whales from land and boat surveys. You will learn data sampling, theodolite tracking, fluke and fin identification, and related software programs for managing data during each week-long session. This is a skill builder for field techniques in marine biology and marine mammal research. For more details: Navigate to www.Marine-Eco.org/mcerc-moodle, MCERC's Education Hub web site. Go to the block on the right side of the Home Page and click on "Humpback Whale Field Intensive" to see a description and categories. To find out more about the Marine and Coastal Ecology research Center navigate to: www.Marine-Eco.org website www.Marine-Eco.Jimdo.com photo gallery www.Facebook/research center Facebook page MCERC is a 501c3 non-profit organization. all program fees support research and education. *Who*: any person over 18. ideal for university students with an interest in marine biology, ecology , or related field NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! *What:* a week-long program designed to give field experience *Where*: San German, Puerto Rico, USA *When*: January through April 2016 (weeks posted on the Education Hub) *How*: send us an email saying you are interested in the "HWFI" and we will send you access to the Education Hub to register. email MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com *Why*: to build field research skills for marine biologists Places in the sessions for whale research with MCERC fill very quickly. If you are in need of a particular weekend, please consider signing up as soon as possible. The program fee is $1300.00USD for each week long session and includes a bunk at the field house, all meals, transportation to and from all field excursions, instruction by the MCERC faculty. The program fee does not include transportation to and from San German, Puerto Rico, USA. Join us for our 6th season of humpback whale research in the beautiful Caribbean Sea! Questions? email MCERC.nmail(a)gmail.com *}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> * *}-wh^ale>* Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center San German, Puerto Rico, USA and Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 Website www.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.marine-eco.org/> E-mail Mithriel(a)Marine-Eco.org <MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com> Education HUb www.Marine-Eco.org/mcerc-moodle Photo Gallery www.Marine-Eco.Jimdo.com Facebook www.Facebook.com/researchcenter

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New paper: anatomy, feeding ecology, and relationships of new transitional baleen whale Waharoa ruehwnua, Oligocene of New Zealand
by Boessenecker, Bobby 15 Sep '15

15 Sep '15

Hi all, here's another new paper on fossil baleen whales from New Zealand: Boessenecker, R.W. and R.E. Fordyce. 2015. Anatomy, feeding ecology, and ontogeny of a transitional baleen whale: a new genus and species of Eomysticetidae (Mammalia: Cetacea) from the Oligocene of New Zealand. PeerJ 3:e1129. Abstract: The Eocene history of cetacean evolution is now represented by the expansive fossil record of archaeocetes elucidating major morphofunctional shifts relating to the land to sea transition, but the change from archaeocetes to modern cetaceans is poorly established. New fossil material of the recently recognized family Eomysticetidae from the upper Oligocene Otekaike Limestone includes a new genus and species, Waharoa ruwhenua, represented by skulls and partial skeletons of an adult, juvenile, and a smaller juvenile. Ontogenetic status is confirmed by osteohistology of ribs. Waharoa ruwhenua is characterized by an elongate and narrow rostrum which retains vestigial alveoli and alveolar grooves. Palatal foramina and sulci are present only on the posterior half of the palate. The nasals are elongate, and the bony nares are positioned far anteriorly. Enormous temporal fossae are present adjacent to an elongate and narrow intertemporal region with a sharp sagittal crest. The earbones are characterized by retaining inner and outer posterior pedicles, lacking fused posterior processes, and retaining a separate accessory ossicle. Phylogenetic analysis supports inclusion of Waharoa ruwhenua within a monophyletic Eomysticetidae as the earliest diverging clade of toothless mysticetes. This eomysticetid clade also included Eomysticetus whitmorei, Micromysticetus rothauseni, Tohoraata raekohao, Tokarahia kauaeroa, Tokarahia lophocephalus, and Yamatocetus canaliculatus. Detailed study of ontogenetic change demonstrates postnatal elaboration of the sagittal and nuchal crests, elongation of the intertemporal region, inflation of the zygomatic processes, and an extreme proportional increase in rostral length. Tympanic bullae are nearly full sized during early postnatal ontogeny indicating precocial development of auditory structures, but do increase slightly in size. Positive allometry of the rostrum suggests an ontogenetic change in feeding ecology, from neonatal suckling to a more specialized adult feeding behaviour. Possible absence of baleen anteriorly, a delicate temporomandibular joint with probable synovial capsule, non-laterally deflected coronoid process, and anteroposteriorly expanded palate suggests skim feeding as likely mode of adult feeding for zooplankton. Isotopic data in concert with preservation of young juveniles suggests the continental shelf of Zealandia was an important calving ground for latitudinally migrating Oligocene baleen whales. Pdf freely available here: https://peerj.com/articles/1129/ Kind regards, Robert W. Boessenecker & R. Ewan Fordyce

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Marine Mammal Research Internship
by Victoria Howard 15 Sep '15

15 Sep '15

*Winter/Spring 2016 Marine Mammal Research Internship* The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will participate with multiple projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research, sea turtle satellite tracking, and other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Interns must: - Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. - Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. - Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. - Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. - *Principle Duties include*: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21’ and 31’ boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS - *Secondary Duties involve*: Assisting with animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting with educational tours. - *Field days: *Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this Internship Program. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations. *Deadline to Apply for the Winter/Spring Session (1/4/16 - 3/25/16 and 3/7/16 - 5/27/16) is November 1, 2015* *Please visit **http://imms.org/internship.php* <http://imms.org/internship.php>* for application and full details*

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New paper: The Effect of Climate Variability on Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus) within Their Wintering Areas
by christian salvadeo 14 Sep '15

14 Sep '15

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following publication in PLoS ONE: The Effect of Climate Variability on Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus) within Their Wintering Areas AbstractThe environmental conditions of the breeding and feeding grounds of the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) fluctuates at inter-annual scales in response to regional and basin climate patterns. Thus, the goals of this study were to assess if there are any relationships between summer sea ice on their feeding ground and counts of gray whale mother-calf (MC) pairs at Ojo de Liebre Lagoon (OLL); and if El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influences the winter distribution of gray whales MC pairs in the three primary breeding lagoons of OLL, San Ignacio Lagoon (SIL) and Santo Domingo Channel north of Bahia Magdalena (SDCh). Maximum February counts of MC pairs were compared with the length of the openwater season at the Bering Sea during the previous year. Then, an ENSO index and sea surface temperature anomalies outside the primary lagoons was compared with the maximum February counts of MC pairs at these lagoons. Results showed that maximum counts of MC pairs in OLL correlates with sea ice conditions in their feeding grounds from the previous feeding season, and this relationship can be attributed to changes in nutritive condition of females. ENSO-related variability influences distribution of MC pairs in the southern area of SDCh during the warm 1998 El Niño and cold 1999 La Niña. This supports the hypothesis that changes in the whales’ distribution related to sea temperature occurs to reduce thermal- stress and optimize energy utilization for newborn whales. Although this last conclusion should be considered in view of the limited data available from all the whales’ wintering locations in all the years considered. The article can be downloaded from: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0134655 Kind regards, Christian Salvadeo CIBNOR-UABCSLa Paz, BCSMéxico

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