September 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Spring Dolphin Research Internship in Savannah, GA
by Perrtree, Robin 04 Sep '15

04 Sep '15

The Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Laboratory (SSUDS lab) is accepting applications for Spring 2016 interns. There are 2 positions available. Application deadline is October 15th. The SSUDS lab is located adjacent to the marsh on the campus of Savannah State University in coastal Georgia. The SSUDS lab and Dr. Tara Cox study spatial ecology and conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, marine and coastal policy and management, and human interactions with marine mammals. Current projects include: Human-interaction behaviors (particularly begging), stock structure and abundance estimates, and diet of common bottlenose dolphins. Interns will support graduate research on common bottlenose dolphins living in the local waterways. In addition, there may be opportunities to help other marine science graduate students with diverse fieldwork. Dates: Jan 11 - May 27 (Start and end dates are flexible) Location: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia Time: Interns are expected to commit to ~30 hours per week and their time will be split between lab and field work. Dolphin surveys will be conducted 2 days per month. Lab duties include: photo-identification, data entry and double checking Conference duties: The SSUDS lab will be hosting SEAMAMMS (regional conference) in spring 2016, interns will assist with conference preparation and hosting. Field duties: assisting with small boat-based photo-identification surveys including sighting dolphins, data recording, photography, and environmental measurements Qualifications: * Minimum age of 18 years old * Currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field * Strong interest in marine mammals, the environment, and conservation * Computer proficiency, especially MS Office * Enthusiastic, attentive to detail, responsible, and dedicated * Works well in a team environment as well as individually * Ability to work long days in the sun/cold on a small boat To apply please submit the following via email with the subject "SSUDS Internship" to perrtreer(a)savannahstate.edu<mailto:perrtreer@savannahstate.edu>. All attached files must be named starting with your last name (i.e. Perrtree-SSUDS_coverLetter_spring_2016.doc). * A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, how the experience will help you meet your long-term goals, and your dates of availability. * A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. * Current academic transcripts (unofficial are sufficient). * Names and contact information for two references. This position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transport to Savannah, GA. If accepted, we can provide contact information for possible shared housing opportunities with SSU students. This is a great opportunity to work with scientists and graduate students in the field and lab while gaining experience with photo-identification and boat-based marine mammal surveys. Savannah State University offers a Master of Science in Marine Sciences; thus, successful interns may have future opportunities for graduate study in the SSUDS lab. For more information about Marine Sciences at SSU please visit: http://www.savannahstate.edu/cost/nat-science/marine-sci.shtml Robin Perrtree SSUDS Lab Manager Robin Perrtree SSUDS Lab Manager Marine Sciences Technician Savannah State University Office: Harris Hall 103 912-358-3301 (office)

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Protected Species Observer Training - Galveston, TX
by Angela Bostwick 03 Sep '15

03 Sep '15

Marine Protected Species Consulting is offering BSEE-compliant Protected Species Observer training on Saturday, September 26, in Galveston, TX. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive certification to act as a PSO for seismic projects in the Gulf of Mexico. Included in the $800 course fee: continental breakfast, snacks, lunch, regulatory documents, and various identification guides. Additional information is available at www.ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com. Interested students, please contact Angela by email at PSOCertifications(a)gmail.com, or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder, Marine Protected Species Consulting ------------------------------------------------- www.ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://www.facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers

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Navy Living Marine Resource Program Environmental Need Topics - call for pre-proposals
by Shoemaker, Mandy L CIV NAVFAC EXWC, EV13 03 Sep '15

03 Sep '15

The Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals in two topic areas related to underwater sound produced by human activities and its effects on marine life. Topics include: 1) behavioral response research to study the effects of sound on marine mammals and 2) marine species hearing research related to the acoustic effects criteria. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the LMR website, http://www.lmr.navy.mil/Preproposals.aspx, for more information about the LMR program and the solicitation. Federal government applicants are not eligible to submit pre-proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), but will be able to submit pre-proposals directly to the relevant Navy statement of need by selecting Federal Government when submitting. Academic, non-federal government, nonprofit, and private sector submitters should select Private/Academia, when submitting their pre-proposal. The need topics can be viewed within the BAA at www.neco.navy.mil, www.fbo.gov, or at www.lmr.navy.mil/Preproposals.aspx. All submissions must be made via the LMR website. The solicitation period will close at 5:00 pm, Pacific Daylight Time on 23 OCTOBER, 2015 (see website or BAA for official dates and other guidance). Anu Kumar Program Manager Living Marine Resources Program Mandy Shoemaker Senior Marine Resources Specialist Living Marine Resources Program

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A New Miocene Family, Tranatocetidae, Brings Perspective on Baleen Whale Evolution
by Pavel Gol'din 03 Sep '15

03 Sep '15

Dear colleagues, We are happy to announce the following open access paper on the evolution of baleen whales: Gol’din P, Steeman ME (2015) From Problem Taxa to Problem Solver: A New Miocene Family, Tranatocetidae, Brings Perspective on Baleen Whale Evolution. PLoS ONE 10(9): e0135500. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0135500 Miocene baleen whales were highly diverse and included tens of genera. However, their taxonomy and phylogeny, as well as relationships with living whales, are still a subject of controversy. Here, “Mesocetus” argillarius, a poorly known specimen from Denmark, is redescribed with a focus on the cranial anatomy. It was found to represent not only a new genus, Tranatocetus gen. nov., but also a new family; Tranatocetidae. The whales of this family have the rostral bones either overriding or dividing the frontals; the rostral bones are contacting the parietals and nasals dividing the maxillae on the vertex; the occipital shield is dorsoventrally bent. The tympanic bulla is particularly characteristic of this family featuring a short, narrow anterior portion with a rounded or squared anterior end and a wider and higher posterior portion that is swollen in the posteroventral area. A phylogenetic analysis including 51 taxa supports a monophyletic group comprising most Neogene and modern whales, with Tranatocetidae being possibly closer related to Balaenopteridae (rorquals) than to Cetotheriidae. Tranatocetidae exhibit a charahteristic bulla shape. In fact, all Neogene and modern mysticete families examined have a unique shape of the tympanic bulla that is diagnostic at family-level. Inclusion of problematic taxa like Tranatocetus argillarius in phylogenies brings new understanding of the distribution and diagnostic value of character traits. This underlines the need for re-examination of earlier described specimens in the light of the wealth of new information published in later years. The paper can be read and downloaded at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0135500 Regards, Pavel Gol'din

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Open-access paper and 3D models of new fossil river dolphin from Panama
by Pyenson, Nicholas 03 Sep '15

03 Sep '15

Open-access paper and 3D models of new fossil river dolphin from Panama Hi MARMAM list, On behalf of my coauthors, we wish to share the announcement, published on Tuesday 9/1, of a new species of fossil river dolphin, Isthminia panamensis, published in the open-access online journal PeerJ (https://peerj.com/articles/1227/) Pyenson ND, Vélez-Juarbe J, Gutstein CS, Little H, Vigil D, O’Dea A. (2015) Isthminia panamensis, a new fossil inioid (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the Chagres Formation of Panama and the evolution of ‘river dolphins’ in the Americas. PeerJ 3:e1227 https://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1227 ABSTRACT: In contrast to dominant mode of ecological transition in the evolution of marine mammals, different lineages of toothed whales (Odontoceti) have repeatedly invaded freshwater ecosystems during the Cenozoic era. The so-called ‘river dolphins’ are now recognized as independent lineages that converged on similar morphological specializations (e.g., longirostry). In South America, the two endemic ‘river dolphin’ lineages form a clade (Inioidea), with closely related fossil inioids from marine rock units in the South Pacific and North Atlantic oceans. Here we describe a new genus and species of fossil inioid, Isthminia panamensis, gen. et sp. nov. from the late Miocene of Panama. The type and only known specimen consists of a partial skull, mandibles, isolated teeth, a right scapula, and carpal elements recovered from the Piña Facies of the Chagres Formation, along the Caribbean coast of Panama. Sedimentological and associated fauna from the Piña Facies point to fully marine conditions with high planktonic productivity about 6.1–5.8 million years ago (Messinian), pre-dating the final closure of the Isthmus of Panama. Along with ecomorphological data, we propose that Isthminia was primarily a marine inhabitant, similar to modern oceanic delphinoids. Phylogenetic analysis of fossil and living inioids, including new codings for Ischyrorhynchus, an enigmatic taxon from the late Miocene of Argentina, places Isthminia as the sister taxon to Inia, in a broader clade that includes Ischyrorhynchus and Meherrinia, a North American fossil inioid. This phylogenetic hypothesis complicates the possible scenarios for the freshwater invasion of the Amazon River system by stem relatives of Inia, but it remains consistent with a broader marine ancestry for Inioidea. Based on the fossil record of this group, along with Isthminia, we propose that a marine ancestor of Inia invaded Amazonia during late Miocene eustatic sea-level highs. NOTE: A 3D print of the skull and jaws is currently on display at the BioMuseo in Panama City, Panama. Also, 3D models are available for visualization, measurement, download and 3D printing at the Smithsonian X 3D browser: http://3d.si.edu Nicholas D. Pyenson, Ph.D. Curator of Fossil Marine Mammals Department of Paleobiology National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution NHB, MRC 121, PO Box 37012 10th & Constitution NW Washington, DC 20013-7012 USA For FedEx, UPS, or other couriers, please use: Nicholas Pyenson Smithsonian Institution MRC 121, Natural History Building, West Loading Dock 10th & Constitution NW Washington, DC 20560 USA Tel: 202-633-1366 Fax: 202-786-2832 Email: PyensonN(a)si.edu<mailto:PyensonN@si.edu> Twitter: @PyensonLab Lab blog: http://nmnh.typepad.com/pyenson_lab/ Staff page: http://paleobiology.si.edu/staff/individuals/pyenson.cfm

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Final Call: Training Course: QGIS For Biologists, September 2015
by Colin D. MacLeod 03 Sep '15

03 Sep '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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IWC whale-watching sub-committee survey
by cgleaso2＠masonlive.gmu.edu 02 Sep '15

02 Sep '15

Greetings, The International Whaling Commission whale-watching (WW) sub-committee is conducting a survey to gather data regarding whale-watching guidelines/regulations. It takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and the information regarding how the WW sub-committee can improve outreach and communication with the whale-watching community will also be gathered. To complete the survey please follow this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WMJ9F22 <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WMJ9F22> Please forward this link to any appropriate organizations or individuals! Inquiries can be directed to: Christine Gleason @ cgleaso2(a)gmu.edu<mailto:cgleaso2@gmu.edu> Thank-you for taking the time to complete the survey. <mailto:cgleaso2@gmu.edu>

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Call for Abstracts: Animal telemetry session at Ocean Sciences meeting Feb 2016, New Orleans, LA. USA.
by Samantha Simmons 02 Sep '15

02 Sep '15

Calling all marine mammal biologgers, (Apologies for cross-postings) We are seeking abstracts for an Ocean Sciences (New Orleans, Feb 2016) session, Our Session ID#: 9647- Integrating Ocean Observing and Animal Telemetry - the US Animal Telemetry Observing Network (ATN). Further details are given below. We aim to make this an engaging session with an interdisciplinary, cross-taxon focus and opportunities for discussion with experts from across the fields of Animal Telemetry Community and Ocean Observing community. Abstracts can be submitted at: https://agu.confex.com/agu/os16/preliminaryview.cgi/Session9647 The submission deadline is 23 September 2015, 23:59EDT. Session topics and description : * Integration between ocean observing and animal tracking platforms- We welcome submissions of case studies that show the benefits of integration of animal telemetry instruments with ocean platforms (buoys, moorings, gliders etc. * Animal oceanographers - We welcome submissions relevant to advances in aquatic animal borne sensors (ABS) and how oceanographic data collected by ABS is improving ocean model prediction skill and reducing uncertainty. * ATN data use cases for management/decision making- We welcome submissions of case studies that show animal telemetry data used in fisheries management, protected and endangered species management, Invasive species and application to restoration efforts (oil spills, renewable energy etc.) * Aquatic animal telemetry data management - We welcome submissions relevant to the complete life cycle of marine animal telemetry data stewardship, from proposal design and data management plans, through data handling, managing, storing, retrieving, interoperability with international animal telemetry systems, the development and implementation of open data/open science principles within the animal telemetry community, publication (including provision to WMO GTS) and preservation of animal telemetry data and how to eventually feed them to analyses tools publication and preservation. * New technologies - We welcome submissions on new aquatic animal telemetry technology including sensors. * The potential of networking to transform aquatic animal telemetry science- We welcome submissions of case studies that show the benefits of collaborative efforts (i.e. Network approach) to facilitate sharing of existing animal telemetry equipment, facilities, expertise and data to address local, regional and global scientific and management questions. Many thanks on behalf of the session organizers: Hassan Moustahfid (IOOS) Michael Weise (ONR) Molly McCammon (AOOS) Samantha Simmons (MMC) _______________________________________________________________ Samantha Simmons, PhD. Assistant Scientific Program Director Marine Mammal Commission, 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 700 Bethesda, MD 20814 (w) 301-504-0087 web: www.mmc.gov The Marine Mammal Commission is an independent agency of the U.S. Government Follow us on Twitter: @MarineMammalCom

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New paper on Oceania humpback whales
by Emma Carroll 01 Sep '15

01 Sep '15

Dear Colleagues, we are please to announce a new open-access publication on the IUCN-listed Oceania humpback whale population: Assessing the design and power of capture−recapture studies to estimate demographic parameters for the Endangered Oceania humpback whale population E. L. Carroll, L. Brooks, C. S. Baker3, D. Burns, C. Garrigue, N. Hauser, J. A. Jackson, M. M. Poole, R. M. Fewster ABSTRACT: Capture−recapture studies offer a powerful tool to assess abundance, survival and population rate of change (λ). A previous capture−recapture study, based on DNA profiles, esti- mated that the IUCN-listed Endangered Oceania population of humpback whales had a super- population size of 4329 whales (95% confidence limits, CL: 3345, 5315) and λ = 1.03 (95% CL: 0.90−1.18) for the period 1999−2005. This low estimate of λ contrasts with the high estimated λ for the neighbouring east Australia population (1.11; 95% CL: 1.105−1.113). A future assessment of Oceania humpbacks through capture−recapture methodology has been proposed to meet 3 objec- tives: (1) estimate population size with a coefficient of variation of <20%, and detect if λ is signif- icantly different from (2) 1.00 or (3) λ of east Australia. The proposed survey design involves using DNA profiles to identify whales on principal breeding grounds within Oceania in proportion to the abundance of whales on these grounds over the 10 to 12 wk wintering period, to minimise capture heterogeneity between individuals and to maximise capture probabilities. Simulations of the idealised survey design incorporating data from the previous surveys (1999−2005) with 3 new survey years were conducted under a range of scenarios for the ‘true’ demographic status of the population. Simulations of the entire Oceania region showed that the proposed design will give sufficient power to meet objectives (1) under all scenarios, (2) if the true λ ≥ 1.05 and (3) if the true λ ≤ 1.05. Region-specific simulations suggested there was scope to test for differences in recovery between principal breeding sites within Oceania. It is available for free download at: http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2015/28/n028p147.pdf Thank you! -- Emma Carroll PhD Newton International Fellow Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews

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Paper on early evolution of baleen whales
by Ewan Fordyce 01 Sep '15

01 Sep '15

Reporting a new article on the early evolution of baleen whales - Boessenecker RW, Fordyce RE 2015. A new genus and species of eomysticetid (Cetacea: Mysticeti) and a reinterpretation of ‘Mauicetus’ lophocephalus Marples, 1956: Transitional baleen whales from the upper Oligocene of New Zealand. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society: DOI: 10.1111/zoj.12297. Abstract: The early evolution of toothless baleen whales (Chaeomysticeti) remains elusive, despite a robust record of Eocene–Oligocene archaeocetes and toothed mysticetes. Eomysticetids, a group of archaic longirostrine and putatively toothless baleen whales, fill in a crucial morphological gap between well-known toothed mysticetes and more crownward Neogene Mysticeti. A historically important but perplexing cetacean is ‘Mauicetus’ lophocephalus (upper Oligocene South Island, New Zealand). The discovery of new skulls and skeletons of eomysticetids from the Oligocene Kokoamu Greensand and Otekaike Limestone permit a redescription and modern reinterpretation of ‘Mauicetus’ lophocephalus, and indicating that this species may have retained adult teeth. Tokarahia kauaeroa gen. et sp. nov. is erected on the basis of a well-preserved subadult to adult skull with mandibles, tympanoperiotics, and cervical and thoracic vertebrae, ribs, sternum, and forelimbs from the Otekaike Limestone (> 25.2 Mya). ‘Mauicetus’ lophocephalus is relatively similar and recombined as Tokarahia lophocephalus. Phylogenetic analysis supports the inclusion of Tokarahia within the Eomysticetidae, alongside Eomysticetus, Micromysticetus, Yamatocetus, and Tohoraata, and strongly supports the monophyly of Eomysticetidae. Tokarahia lacked extreme rostral kinesis of extant Mysticeti, and primitively retained a delicate archaeocete-like posterior mandible and synovial temporomandibular joint, suggesting that Tokarahia was capable of, at most, limited lunge feeding in contrast to extant Balaenopteridae, and used an alternative as-yet unspecified feeding strategy. Pdf is available from Robert Boessenecker robert.boessenecker(a)otago.ac.nz<mailto:robert.boessenecker@otago.ac.nz> or R Ewan Fordyce ewan.fordyce(a)otago.ac.nz<mailto:ewan.fordyce@otago.ac.nz> R Ewan Fordyce FRSNZ Professor, Department of Geology University of Otago, Box 56, Dunedin 9054, NZ tel 3-4797510, paleo lab 3-4794575, cell 021-0373964, fax 3-4797527 Research Associate in Paleobiology and Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution; Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa; Fukui Dinosaur Museum; Michigan State University Museum.

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