January 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Research camps on dolphins and sea turtles in the Aeolian Archipelago (Italy)
by Monica F. Blasi 19 Jan '16

19 Jan '16

Dear MARMAM Filicudi WildLife Conservation is a non-profit association aimed at the study and conservation of cetaceans and sea turtles in the Aeolian Archipelago (Southern Italy). Become a volunteer for dolphins and sea turtles inthe Aeolian Archipelago! You can spend an enthusiastic week living in atypical Aeolian house in the wonderful Island of Filicudi. During the research weeksthe volunteers will be involved in making daily boat excursions for monitoring cetaceansand sea turtles and assisting the research personnel to collect data. Asregards the cetaceans the research activities are mainly focused on thepopulation of common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiopstruncatus) and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), but in some periodsof the year it is possible to sight fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus).The monitoring sessions will be also dedicated to identifying and mapping the foragingareas for the loggerhead sea turtle Carettacaretta and to rescue individuals with different problems,such as longlines ingestion and boat collision. As a volunteer you will also participate at the firstaid and care of the sea turtles in the Rescue Centre of Filicudi and consequentlyto the release of turtles at sea. For information: Monica F. Blasi, PhD Ass. FILICUDI WildLife Conservation Località Stimpagnato Filicudi 98055 Lipari (ME)Italy cel: +39 3494402021 email: blasimf(a)yahoo.com www.filicudiconservation.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Filicudi-Wildlife-Conservation-235413569876227/ Publications 2015 –Mattei D., Veschetti E., D’Ilio S.,Blasi M. F.Mapping elements distribution in carapace of Carettacaretta: a pilot study, Marine Pollution Bulletin 06/2015; 98(1-2). 2015 - Blasi M.F., Giuliani A. and BoitaniL. Influence oftrammel nets on the behaviour and spatial distribution of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiopstruncatus) in the Aeolian Archipelago, Southern Italy. Aquatic Mammals06/2015; 41(3):295-310. 2015- Leone A. B. and BlasiM. F. Skin lesions occurring on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)in the Aeolian Archipelago (Southern Italy). ECS 2015 Malta. 2014 - BlasiM.F. and Boitani L. Complex social structure of an endangered population ofbottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the Aeolian Archipelago(Southern Italy), PLoS ONE 9(12): e114849. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0114849. 2012- M.F. Blasi andLuigi Boitani, Modeling distribution of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiopstruncatus) with physiographic parameters in Filicudi island (Italy);Endangered Species Research, Vol 17:269-288. 2011 -S. D'Ilio, D. Mattei, M.F. Blasi, A. Alimonti, S. Bogialli. The occurrenceof chemical elements and POPs in loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta): Anoverview. Marine Pollution Bulletin 62(8):1606-1615, 2011. 2011-M.F. Blasi, G. Insacco, V. Casciello, G. Benzi, M. Paraboschi. Status andconservation of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in the shallowwater of the Aeolian Archipelago (Sicily, Italy). 4th Mediterranean Conferenceon Marine Turtles - Napoli, 7 - 10 November 2011. 2010 -V. Casciello, M. Paraboschi, G. Benzi, G. Insacco and M.F. Blasi. Conservation ofthe loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in the shallow water ofAeolian Archipelago (Sicily, Italy). 31st Annual Symposium on Sea TurtleBiology and Conservation, San Diego, California, USA, 12 - 15 April 2011. 2009 - Roscioni F.and Blasi M. F. "Preliminary analysis of distribution and foragingbehaviour of loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in the shallowwater of Filicudi Island". 2st European Congress of Conservation Biology.Prague (1- 5 Settembre), Czech Republic. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Monica F. Blasi, PhD Ass. FILICUDI WildLife Conservation Località Stimpagnato Filicudi 98055 Lipari (ME)Italy cel: +39 3494402021 email: blasimf(a)yahoo.com www.filicudiconservation.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Filicudi-Wildlife-Conservation-235413569876227/

1 0

NORTHCOAST MARINE MAMMAL CENTER INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT - 2016
by Jessie Weldon 18 Jan '16

18 Jan '16

NORTHCOAST MARINE MAMMAL CENTER INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT - 2016 The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for internships working with stranded Marine Mammals. These positions are unpaid and no housing is provided. We have up to two openings for internships starting in March 2016 which we are hoping to fill as soon as possible. Applicants will be living and working in Crescent City, CA. Program Description: The Northcoast Marne Mammal Center is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammal behavior. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues, releases and other field responses as available. In addition, interns will be required to assist in other departments and with animal care duties (intake duties, feed preparations, medical charting, medicine administration, pen cleaning and other animal husbandry duties as needed) for on-site patients. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants 21 years of age or older, with a devoted interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 2 months, 5 days a week, at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and will include weekends and holidays. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for obtaining housing and transportation. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a résumé that includes the names of three references, and a cover letter detailing interests, experience,housing accommodations, start date and availability. Please forward all application materials electronically to volunteer(a)northcoastmmc.org There is some flexibility on the start date of the position, however please indicate your desired start date in the cover letter.

1 0

EAAM second announcement
by Arlete Sogorb EAAM 18 Jan '16

18 Jan '16

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to invite you to upcoming 44th Annual Symposium of the European Association for Aquatic Mammals, in Mundomar, Benidorm, Spain, March 11 to 14, 2016. Registration is now open. You will find specials fees for early bird registration, 1st Feb2016. Also, members and students will find additional discounts The outline of the Conference is given at <http://www.eaam2016.com/> http://www.eaam2016.com/ Looking forward to seeing you in Benidorm 2016! Arlete Sogorb, EAAM Board --- Este e-mail foi verificado em termos de vírus pelo software antivírus Avast. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

1 0

Looking for publications based on citizen science data
by Stelle, Lei Lani 17 Jan '16

17 Jan '16

I am preparing a chapter on the use of citizen science in marine mammal research and am looking for publications (ideally peer-reviewed journal articles) that are based primarily on data contributed by citizen scientists. I have searched through Google Scholar for papers that discuss marine mammals (with various synonyms used) and citizen science but few show up. I am aware though of many organizations that utilize citizen scientists in their research so assume that the articles may be using different terms. Any species of marine mammal or research topic is fine. If you have published such work I would really like to be able to include it in my chapter. Please send me a PDF of the article (if possible), or the citation if a PDF is not available, to Leilani_stelle(a)redlands.edu<mailto:Leilani_stelle@redlands.edu> Also, if you are interested in discussing this topic further I'd love to include a variety of perspectives. Thank you! Lei Lani Stelle Lei Lani Stelle, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology University of Redlands 1200 E Colton Avenue Redlands, CA 92373 (909) 748-8628

1 0

Workshop on "Platforms of opportunity as research vehicles: benefits and limitations"
by Filipe Alves 17 Jan '16

17 Jan '16

Dear MARMAM list members, The following workshop, organized by the CIIMAR-Madeira/OOM will be held at the forthcoming ECS Conference in Funchal - Madeira, on Saturday, 12th March (half day, afternoon): "Platforms of opportunity as researchvehicles: benefits and limitations" AbstractNowadays, the access to platforms ofopportunity can allow researchers to collect scientific data in a regular basisat a low cost. It can include ferries with established regular routes or whale-watchingboats, which have increased along coastlines globally. Despite its limitations,such platforms can offer ‘free’ trips on a daily basis, constituting a highlycost-effective tool and a valuable vehicle that can help answering to numerousquestions regarding the conservation of marine mammals. Yet, existentinformation and protocols supporting the establishments of collaborationbetween local researchers and stakeholders such as tourist operators (e.g.,whale-watching companies working with biologists) are still scarce. The presentworkshop aims to promote a discussion between stakeholders with access toplatforms of opportunity and researchers, either with experience or planning toestablish such type of collaborations. Researchers that have used/publishedinformation from this kind of data, and tourist operators that have developedsuch collaborations, were invited for lectures. It is expected forparticipants to share experiences, as well as to highlight the limitations andbenefits of using such platforms to collect scientific data (e.g., sighting,photographic). It is expected to discuss possible types of outcomes that canarise from such collaboration, from both scientific/conservation and touristoperator viewpoint.The workshop has a maximum of 25 participants and a participation fee of €15. There are only 10 places available. Anyone interested in participating please contact: filipe.alves@ciimarmadeira.org,ana.dinis@ciimarmadeira.org or ventura(a)venturadomar.com.Further details with a programme will be sent closer to the date of the workshop to those who have registered to attend. Best regards,Filipe AlvesMarine biologist, PhDCIIMAR-Madeira, and Ventura | nature emotions

1 0

New publications about breeding trips of South American sea lions
by Gisela Giardino 17 Jan '16

17 Jan '16

Dear Colleagues: On behalf of myself and my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our research article about breeding trips of South American sea lions: TRAVEL FOR SEX: LONG RANGE BREEDING DISPERSAL AND WINTER HAULOUT FIDELITY IN SOUTHERN SEA LION MALES Giardino, Gisela V.; Mandiola, M. Agustina; Bastida, Julián; Denuncio, Pablo E.; Bastida, Ricardo O. and Diego Rodriguez (2016) *Mammalian Biology - Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde* vol. 81 (1) p. 89-95 Abstract Southern sea lions (*Otaria flavescens*; SSLs) have a polygynous mating system and a prolonged social-sexual maturation period for males. Male haulouts are common in this species, with some very distant from central breeding rookeries, although the functions of these aggregations are not clearly understood. To estimate the potential connectivity between northern Argentina male colonies and breeding rookeries in Patagonia and Uruguay, we monitored the summer breeding activities and winter presence of 559 individually identified SSL males from haulouts in Mar del Plata and Quequén harbors. Our results confirm that male groups are formed by sexually active sea lions that show a strong annual connection with distant (up to 700 km) breeding colonies. Circa 70% of the marked males made long-distance round-trips (72 ± 26.7 days; *n* = 325) from northern Argentina to Patagonia and Uruguay, indicating a high degree of winter site fidelity. Mating activity was confirmed for 53% of the sea lions re-sighted in breeding colonies, with approximately 80% of them having central positions on the beach and holding harems of up to nine females. The chronology of this cycle is finely tuned with the onset of the breeding season, which may result in comparative advantages such as anticipating female arrival or a prolonged participation in mating activities. Our results suggest a model of male haulouts spatially segregated from the central breeding areas, but with a summer recurrent flow of animals that contributes a significant proportion of the male population of northern Patagonia and Uruguay. Keywords - *Otaria flavescens*; - Pinnipeds; - Sea lions; - Connectivity; - Mating system; - Male hauling grounds; - Argentina; - Marking; - Spatial segregation Articles available at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1616504714001293 or by email: oflavescens(a)gmail.com Cheers and good 2006! Gisela -- Dra. Gisela Giardino Lab. Biol., Ecología y Conserv. de Mamíferos Marinos Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP) Deán Funes 3350, (7600) Mar del Plata, Argentina. Tel: +54 223 4752426 (int. 456) Casilla de Correo 1260-Correo Central-MdP http://travesiasdelobos.blogspot.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/136323163081610/ https://twitter.com/travesiasdelobo

1 0

Beluga Acoustics Research Opportunity at Oceanografic Aquarium, Valencia
by Valeria Vergara 17 Jan '16

17 Jan '16

The research team at Oceanografic Aquarium is looking for a motivated student that would like to conduct a minimum of one acoustic research project on the beluga whales at this facility. Priority research areas have been identified and will be discussed with the candidates. Eligible individuals would have to be self-funded, and have some experience in bioacoustics. Interest in developing this research project as a master or doctoral thesis chapter is preferred, but honours theses will be considered. A calibrated, broadband recording system can be provided. Please contact Dr.Valeria Vergara at valeria.vergara(a)vanaqua.org for more information Valeria Vergara Research Scientist Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre Marine Mammal Research Program w. 604-659-3452 c. 604-220-7593 Valeria.Vergara(a)vanaqua.org<mailto:Valeria.Vergara@vanaqua.org> The Vancouver Aquarium is a non-profit society dedicated to the conservation of aquatic life. www.vanaqua.org<http://www.vanaqua.org> ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY WARNING - THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE ADDRESSEE, IT MAY CONTAIN PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. ANY UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY SO THAT WE MAY CORRECT OUR INTERNAL RECORDS. PLEASE THEN DELETE THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE. THANK YOU ________________________________ We enjoy talking to you - If you do not wish to receive further information from us (where applicable), please email PRIVACY(a)VANAQUA.ORG or write to our policy officer at Vancouver Aquarium, PO Box 3232 Vancouver, BC V6B 3X8

1 0

2016 Marine Wildlife Summer Internship with NECWA
by Carol Carson 17 Jan '16

17 Jan '16

Marine Wildlife Internship Program - Summer 2016 Season Sponsored by the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) is seeking qualified upper level high school, college, and graduate students for our Marine Wildlife Internship Program. NECWA interns work alongside staff members to conduct a variety of educational programs, research projects, and conservation activities. Our internship program provides a comprehensive experience in the field of marine biology that is meaningful and essential for those interested in the field of marine science. Summer Internships can begin at any time in the spring or early summer, and typically require a 3 to 4-month commitment. Interns work a 30 to 40-hour workweek. Internship positions are non-paid and can be coordinated privately or through a school or university program. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from work areas, and housing is not provided. Internship activities include: The collection of sighting, environmental, and behavioral data aboard a commercial whale-watching company out of Plymouth Harbor (Plymouth and Provincetown Whale Watch) operating May through October. When offshore, interns act as research assistants and are engaged in educational outreach and data collection. Data input and analysis including sighting and environmental data into Microsoft Excel and FileMaker Pro. Learning photo-identification techniques that utilize Adobe Photoshop to process photographic images of individual humpback whales and other marine wildlife. Attendance at weekly summer seminars sponsored by NECWA. Participating at summer festivals and other community events in the New England area. Experience with public speaking at various community programs. Assistance with educational development and program presentations. Educational outreach and interaction with the public at various venues. And when applicable, assistance at strandings and necropsies of ocean sunfish and sea turtles on the shores of southeast MA, including the beaches of Cape Cod. NECWA also has positions available for those who are more interested in land-based activities related to: Program development and fundraising activities that support our community education and outreach planning. Graphic design projects that support our educational outreach activities and conservation programs. Computer programing and software manipulation, including that of Autodesk Maya, a 3-D computer graphics program. The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) is a non-profit organization based in southeastern MA. We are dedicated to the protection and conservation of the unique coastal marine wildlife off New England. We conduct field research on a number of species of marine animals in an effort to advance our understandings of their biology and ecology, as well as support conservation efforts on their behalf. Information collected through our research activities is also used to form the basis of our educational outreach activities within the New England community. To learn more about our internship program, go to our Marine Wildlife Internship webpage at http://necwa.org/internships.html <applewebdata://D18E56BF-7E58-46FF-BD8F-ABAE7AE1984C/%22ht>. To apply: Go to the NECWA website, print and fill out the formal application. Mail this form to NECWA at the address below. NECWA 11 Clarence Soule Drive Middleboro, MA 02346 Also, mail or email the material below to our Intern Coordinator, Dr. Mary Nash: resume, letter of intent, and 1 letter of recommendation from a teacher or person that has worked with you. Intern Coordinator, Dr. Mary Nash at mcnash(a)capecod.net <mailto:mcnash@capecod.net>. To learn more about NECWA, visit us at: necwa.or necwanews.blogspot.com nebshark.org Thank you, Dr. Mary C. Nash NECWA Intern Coordinator mcnash(a)capecod.net <mailto:mcnash@capecod.net> NECWA www.necwa.org 11 Clarence Soule Drive Middleboro, MA 02346 posted by Carol "Krill" Carson President, NECWA krillcarson(a)mac.com 508-566-0009

1 0

humpback whale stranding data request
by Julie Cossavella 16 Jan '16

16 Jan '16

Hi all, I am a research assistant working with the Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center (MCERC) in Puerto Rico under Dr. Mithriel MacKay, investigating humpback whale behavioral ecology. We are currently doing a project with photogrammetry this season and possibly the next winter, and are in search of some measurements from strandings (or otherwise) of humpback whales. In particular, we need total body length, distance from rostrum to blowhole, blow hole to dorsal fin, dorsal fin to end of tail stock, and tip to tip on the flukes (as well as any other body length measurements). We also need the age (calf, juvenile, adult, or known age) and sex of each individual, as available. If drone measurements are taken, we would love to give them a try as well. We would highly appreciate any relevant data or contacts for further conversation. Of course, if anything advances into any kind of presentation or publication, we will notify and acknowledge the source of contributions. Thank you in advance, Julie Cossavella (On behalf of the research assistants, 2016)

1 0

New publication about lacaziosis-like disease in Tursiops truncatus from Brazil
by Carlos Sacristan 16 Jan '16

16 Jan '16

Dear Colleagues: I am pleased to announce the publication of our research article about Lacaziosis-like disease: Sacristán C, Réssio RA, Castilho P, Fernandes NCCA, Costa-Silva S, Esperón F, Daura-Jorge FG, Groch KR, Kolesnikovas CKM, Marigo J, Ott PH, Oliveira LR, Sánchez-Sarmiento AM, Simões-Lopes PC, Catão-Dias JL (2015). *Lacaziosis-like disease in Tursiops truncatus from Brazil: a histopathological and immunohistochemical approach*. Dis Aquat Org 117:229-235 ABSTRACT: Cetacean lacaziosis-like disease or lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) is a chronic skin condition caused by a non-cultivable yeast of the order Onygenales, which also includes *Lacazia loboi*, as well as *Paracoccidioides brasiliensis*and *P. lutzii*, respectively responsible for lacaziosis and paracoccidioidomycosis in humans. Complete identification and phylogenetic classification of the LLD etiological agent still needs to be elucidated, but preliminary phylogenetic analyses have shown a closer relationship of the LLD agent to *Paracoccidioides* spp. than to *L. loboi*. Cases of LLD in South American cetaceans based on photographic identification have been reported; however, to date, only 3 histologically confirmed cases of LLD have been described. We evaluated multiple tissue samples from 4 *Tursiops truncatus* stranded in the states of Santa Catarina (n = 3) and Rio Grande do Sul (n = 1), southern Brazil. Macroscopically, all animals presented lesions consistent with LLD. Hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, Grocott’s methenamine silver, and Mayer’s mucicarmin stains were used for histological evaluation. Microscopically, numerous refractile yeasts (4-9 µm in diameter) were observed in skin samples (4/4), and for the first time in dolphins, also in a skeletal muscle abscess (1/4). Immunohistochemistry using anti-*P. brasiliensis* glycoprotein gp43 as a primary antibody, which is known to cross-react with *L. loboi* and the LLD agent, was performed and results were positive in all 4 cases. We describe 3 new cases of LLD in cetaceans based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. This is the first report of LLD in the muscle of cetaceans. http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v117/n3/p229-235/ Articles available at link above or email: carlosvet.sac(a)gmail.com Best regards Carlos Sacristán -- *Carlos Sacristán Yagüe* DVM, MSc, PhD Candidate of Department of Pathology - VPT Laboratory of Comparative Wildlife Pathology - LAPCOM School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences - FMVZ University of São Paulo (Brazil) https://www.linkedin.com/pub/carlos-sacristan-yague/50/266/854

1 0