October 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New fossil rorqual from Peru
by Felix Marx 05 Oct '16

05 Oct '16

Dear colleagues, please find below the abstract and link to our recently published, open access paper on a new fossil species of rorqual from the Miocene of Peru: Marx, F.G. and Kohno, N. 2016. A new Miocene baleen whale from the Peruvian desert. Royal Society Open Science 3: 160542 Link: http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/3/10/160542 Abstract: The Pisco-Ica and Sacaco basins of southern Peru are renowned for their abundance of exceptionally preserved fossil cetaceans, several of which retain traces of soft tissue and occasionally even stomach contents. Previous work has mostly focused on odontocetes, with baleen whales currently being restricted to just three described taxa. Here, we report a new Late Miocene rorqual (family Balaenopteridae), *Incakujira anillodefuego* gen. et sp. nov., based on two exceptionally preserved specimens from the Pisco Formation exposed at Aguada de Lomas, Sacaco Basin, southern Peru. *Incakujira* overall closely resembles modern balaenopterids, but stands out for its unusually gracile ascending process of the maxilla, as well as a markedly twisted postglenoid process of the squamosal. The latter likely impeded lateral (omega) rotation of the mandible, in stark contrast with the highly flexible craniomandibular joint of extant lunge-feeding rorquals. Overall, *Incakujira *expands the still meagre Miocene record of balaenopterids and reveals a previously underappreciated degree of complexity in the evolution of their iconic lunge-feeding strategy. Kind regards, Felix Marx _____________________________ *Felix G. Marx* PhD Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow *Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium *Monash University, Melbourne, Australia *Museum Victoria, Melbourne, Australia Address: School of Biological Sciences, Monash University 25 Rainforest Walk, VIC 3800, Australia Tel. +61 (0)3 9905 1190 (Monash University) or +61 (0)3 8341 7733 (Museum Victoria)

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New study measuring the body condition of humpback whales using drones
by Fredrik 05 Oct '16

05 Oct '16

Dear MARMAM colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Ecosphere: Christiansen, F., A. M. Dujon, K. R. Sprogis, J. P. Y. Arnould, and L. Bejder. 2016. Noninvasive unmanned aerial vehicle provides estimates of the energetic cost of reproduction in humpback whales. Ecosphere 7(10):e01468. 10.1002/ecs2.1468 Abstract: An animal's body condition will affect its survival and reproductive success, which influences population dynamics. Despite its importance, relatively little is known about the body condition of large whales and its relationship to reproduction. We assessed the body condition of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) at a breeding/resting ground from aerial photographs recorded using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Photogrammetry methods were used to measure the surface area of individual whales, which was used as an index for body condition. Repeated measurements of the same individuals were not possible; hence, this study represents a cross-sectional sample of the population. Intraseasonal changes in the body condition of four reproductive classes (calves, immature, mature, and lactating) were investigated to infer the relative energetic cost that each class faces during the breeding season. To better understand the costs of reproduction, we investigated the relationship between female body condition (FBC) and the linear growth and body condition of their dependent calves (CBC). We documented a linear decline in the body condition of mature whales (0.027 m2/d; n = 20) and lactating females (0.032 m2/d; n = 31) throughout the breeding season, while there was no change in body condition of immature whales (n = 51) and calves (n = 32). The significant decline in mature and lactating female's body condition implies substantial energetic costs for these reproductive classes. In support of this, we found a positive linear relationship between FBC and CBC. This suggests that females in poorer body condition may not have sufficient energy stores to invest as much energy into their offspring as better conditioned females without jeopardizing their own body condition and survival probability. Measurement precision was investigated from repeated measurements of the same animals both from the same and different photographs, and by looking at residual errors in relation to the positioning of the whales in the photographs. The resulting errors were included in a sensitivity analysis to demonstrate that model parameters were robust to measurement errors. Our findings provide strong support for the use of UAVs as a noninvasive tool to measure the body condition of whales and other mammals. A copy of the paper can be downloaded for free from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.1468/full<http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.1468/ful> For more information about the project, please visit our project webpage: http://mucru.org/our-research/research-projects/baleen-whale-body-condition/<http://mucru.org/our-research/research-projects/baleen-whale-body-condition> http://mucru.org/our-research/research-projects/humpback-condition-on-breed…<http://mucru.org/our-research/research-projects/humpback-condition-on-breed…> Also check out our blog: http://mucru.org/new-publication-estimating-cost-of-reproduction-in-humpbac…<http://mucru.org/new-publication-estimating-cost-of-reproduction-in-humpbac…> Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Postdoctoral Research Fellow Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia +61 417 502 098, f.christiansen(a)murdoch.edu.au http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf

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PSO / MMO Training in Galveston, TX Nov 18-19 at Moody Gardens Aquarium
by abostwick 05 Oct '16

05 Oct '16

MPSC is holding Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) training on November 18-19 in Galveston, TX at the Moody Gardens Aquarium. This class will also be visiting the NOAA Sea Turtle Facility. This BOEM/BSEE-compliant PSO certification course covers the regulations for reducing seismic survey impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, documenting animal behavior, and how to visually locate and identify the animals. Course comprehension is measured with examinations on regulations and animal identification. Successful completion of this course provides professional Protected Species Observer Certification. Lunch is provided and included in the course fee (college/graduate/government discounts available), along with various identification guides and regulatory documents (which will be yours to keep), admission to Moody Gardens, the tour, and advice on applying to PSO positions. MPSC is also holding PSO training in Florida in Spring of 2017. For more information, please contact Angela at ABostwick(a)PSOCertifications.com, by phone at 832-523-2402 <tel:832-523-2402> , or visit the website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/. Thank you, Angela Bostwick / Founder Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com <http://www.ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com> https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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New publication: genetic population structure of spinner dolphins in the SW Indian Ocean
by Jeremy KISZKA 05 Oct '16

05 Oct '16

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication: Viricel, A., Simon-Bouhet, B., Ceyrac, L., Dulau-Drouot, V., Berggren, P., Amir, O.A., Jiddawi, N., Mongin, P. & Kiszka, J. Habitat availability and geographic isolation as potential drivers of the population structure in an oceanic dolphin in the Southwest Indian Ocean. Marine Biology 163:219 http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-016-2999-3 Abstract Delphinid populations show highly variable patterns of genetic diversity and population structure. Previous studies indicate that habitat discontinuities and geographic isolation are major drivers of population division in cetaceans. Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) are distributed in all tropical oceans, but they are particularly common around islands and atolls. This species occurs in shallow waters at daytime to rest and socialise, and feeds on offshore mesopelagic prey overnight. Here, we investigated the genetic population structure of spinner dolphins in the Southwest Indian Ocean along a west–east geographic gradient, from eastern Africa to the Mascarene archipelago. We combined analyses of 12 microsatellite loci, mtDNA control region sequences, and sighting data to assess genetic differentiation and characterise habitat preferences of these populations. Significant genetic structure among the three sampled sites (Zanzibar, Mayotte and La Réunion) was observed using both types of molecular markers. Overall, our results indicate that geographic isolation and potentially other factors, such as shallow-water habitats to rest and socialise, may be important drivers of the genetic population structure of insular spinner dolphins in this region. Please contact me (jeremy.kiszka(a)gmail.com) if you have any question. Cheers, Jeremy -------------------------------------------- Jeremy Kiszka (PhD) Research Assistant Professor Florida International University Department of Biological Sciences Tel. (305) 919 4104 (office) Mobile. (786) 717 9797 (cell) Visit Global FinPrint Project https://globalfinprint.org --------------------------------------------

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New publication: "Mediterranean Sperm Whales, Physeter macrocephalus: The Precarious State of a Lost Tribe"
by Luke Rendell 04 Oct '16

04 Oct '16

Colleagues, The following article has been published online: Rendell, L. & Frantzis, A. 2016. Mediterranean Sperm Whales, Physeter macrocephalus: The Precarious State of a Lost Tribe. Advances in Marine Biology Volume 75. Editors: Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Michela Podestà, Barbara E. Curry. DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2016.08.001 Abstract First observed in the classical era, a population of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) persists to this day in the deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Genetic and observational evidence support the notion that this is an isolated population, separated from its Atlantic neighbours. These whales depend on mesopelagic squid for food, and appear to occupy a very similar ecological niche to sperm whales in the open oceans. Recent evidence proving that individuals can pass between the eastern and western deep water basins confirms that this is a single population, not isolated into western and eastern stocks. We lack robust information on their population status, but they could number in the hundreds rather than thousands, and current densities appear to be much lower than those reported in the 1950s, suggesting that we should be very concerned about the conservation status of this population. This makes it vitally important to address the serious threats posed by ship strikes and entanglement in fishing nets, especially driftnets, and to carefully monitor other potential sources of anthropogenic impact. A step change in funding to collect better data and a clear shift in policy priorities are needed if we are to be serious about conserving this population. It is available here: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0065288116300128 Alternatively, email ler4(a)st-andrews.ac.uk for a PDF. Best wishes, Luke & Alexandros -- Dr. Luke Rendell MASTS (masts.ac.uk) Reader in Biology Tel: (44)(0)1334 463499 E-mail: ler4(a)st-andrews.ac.uk WWW: http://bio.st-andrews.ac.uk/staff/ler4.htm School of Biology, University of St. Andrews Sir Harold Mitchell Building, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9TH U.K. The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (SC013532)

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Rescue & Response Apprenticeship - The Marine Mammal Center
by Laura Chapman 03 Oct '16

03 Oct '16

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Rescue & Response Apprenticeship Mission The Marine Mammal Center's mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals-their health and that of their ocean environment-and to inspire their global conservation. Our core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community. About the Organization The Marine Mammal Center is the largest facility of its kind in the world. Founded in 1975, The Center has grown into an internationally renowned and state-of-the art marine mammal hospital, research center and educational organization. Each year, The Center treats 600 - 800 sick, injured and orphaned marine mammals, with the goal of rehabilitation and release. Its professional staff collaborates with over 30 different scientific, educational, federal, state and non-profit organizations from around the world. Marine mammal scientists and veterinarians from across the globe visit The Center and shadow its staff and volunteers to learn from the hundreds of animals treated each year, and from its acclaimed veterinary, scientific, and research staff. By collaborating with leading scientists and researchers to learn from the patients in their care, The Center expands and advances science to increase understanding of the health of the ocean and highlights implications for human health. In addition to its work within the scientific community, The Center's formal and informal education programs reach 100,000 children and adults ever year. Ultimately, The Center's work inspires action and fosters stewardship toward the care of our environment. Overlooking the ocean in the Marin Headlands, in Sausalito, CA, The Center operates three field stations in its 600-mile rescue range on the California coastline from San Luis Obispo through Mendocino County. Simultaneous to the construction of its new Kona, Hawaii facility, The Center's rescue range has increased to include the entire Hawaiian archipelago. With an annual operating budget of almost $9M, 60 to 70 staff depending on the time of year, and 1,200 actively engaged volunteers, The Center operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. About the Opportunity The Rescue & Response Apprenticeship is a temporary (12 month), full time, non-exempt paid position based out of the Sausalito Hospital. The position is designed to afford candidates new to the marine mammal field, the opportunity to work full-time alongside experienced marine mammal stranding responders. The apprentice will train directly with TMMC's marine mammal rescue and veterinary science staff, reporting directly to the Northern Range Operations Manager as a part of the Rescue & Response Team. Through practical experience, the apprentice will develop skills in the marine mammal stranding profession, including stranding preparedness, hotline coverage, volunteer coordination, marine mammal handling, assessment, transport, release, data collection, data entry, report writing, and other related responsibilities. This position serves the following primary functions: * Assist in the day to day operations of rescue and response central dispatch * Answer the Stranded Animal Hotline, communicating with concerned members of the public with empathy and understanding, and educating the public about marine mammals * Act as a mentor to Rescue & Response Interns and Volunteer Dispatchers, providing support and instruction as needed * Assist in a variety of tasks, including equipment maintenance, supply inventory and data entry * Adhere to and promote safety standards and protocols * Rotate after hours on-call, evening, weekend and holiday coverage Qualifications * 21 years of age or older * Four year college degree in the study of biology, zoology, ecology, marine or environmental studies (or a related field) * Legally eligible to work in the U.S. * Maintain a valid California Driver's License, with a clean driving record, and provide valid proof of insurance * Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with individuals, various sized groups and the general public * Enthusiastic, energetic, self-motivated individual, able to work in office as well as field environments * Computer proficient with basic Microsoft programs * Comfortable lifting 40+ pounds Preferred * New to the marine mammal field, looking to gain further experience in stranding response coordination * Customer service background, or hotline coverage experience All applications due by October 14th , 2016 Click Here to Apply<https://tmmc.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk064ig>

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Winter/Spring 2017 Marine Mammal Research Internship
by Victoria Howard 03 Oct '16

03 Oct '16

*Winter/Spring 2017 Marine Mammal Research Internship* The IMMS Research Internship Program located in Gulfport, MS 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 (1/2/17 - 3/24/17 and 3/6/17 - 5/26/17) is November 1, 2016* *Please visit **http://imms.org/internship.php* <http://imms.org/internship.php>* for application and full details*

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NIGERIAN MMO/PAM
by info＠geo-mar.com 03 Oct '16

03 Oct '16

Dear All, GMC is looking for two qualified Marine Mammal Observes (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators of Nigerian nationality, for an upcoming seismic project offshore Nigeria, Q4 2016. Please send your updated CV with relevant certificates asap. to info(a)geo-mar.com Thank you The GMC Recruiting Team

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IMMS Animal Training Internship (Spring)
by Katherine Burton 02 Oct '16

02 Oct '16

IMMS Animal Training Internship Spring: February - April 2017 Deadline: December 1, 2016 The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies ("IMMS") is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 for the purposes of public education, conservation, and research on marine mammals in the wild and under human care. Located in Gulfport, Mississippi, IMMS has been an active participant of the National Stranding Network since its inception. IMMS is the premier stranding organization in the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama region of the Gulf Coast with the capability and expertise to care for sick and injured marine mammals. IMMS serves as an important educational outlet for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, incorporating programs for conservation, education and research of marine mammals and their environment. Program Description The IMMS Animal Training Internship Program is designed as a way for students/individuals interested in a career in animal care and training to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. Interns will primarily be trained in aspects of animal care, but will also participate in other activities at IMMS. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Duties The IMMS animal care and training staff is in charge of caring for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, and large parrots. Interns will work directly with animal care staff and be exposed to all aspects of the daily routine. Heavy emphasis is placed on basic tasks such as food preparation, and daily cleaning and facility maintenance. Interns will learn how to train animals with operant conditioning through observation and may assist during sessions. Enrichment is very important to the well-being of our animals and interns will be asked to design and implement an enrichment device for our dolphins and/or birds. Interns will also give educational presentation to guests before they interact with our animals, as well as help staff with daily water quality. Because we want interns to have a well-rounded experience, they will also be asked to assist in other departments. Interns may participate as 1) environmental educators and assist in giving presentations to the public, 2) research assistants that help with our many wild dolphin based research studies, or 3) emergency responders as IMMS is part of the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network and responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Eligibility Requirements Interns must be: * 18 years or older. * A recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences. * Willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position. * Able to commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. * Available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. * Able to lift 50 lbs, work long hours on your feet, and work outside in extreme conditions. * Able to maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. * Financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, though IMMS staff will do their best to assist you in making arrangements. * Able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations. To Apply Please send the following documents to: kburton(a)imms.org<mailto:kburton@imms.org> with "Animal Training Internship" in the subject line. * IMMS Animal Training Internship Application<http://www.imms.org/downloads/applications/AnimalTrainingInternApplication.…> * Resume with cover letter. * Two letters of recommendation - Provide at least one academic, and one work/volunteer- related reference if applicable. Letters may be emailed from the applicant or the person providing the recommendation letter. * A copy of your current official college transcript. Applicants may submit an unofficial copy. * Full photograph Documents must be in one of the following formats - PDF, .doc, .docx, and must be submitted together with your first and last name and the date in the file name. Ex) 2013Aug_Jane_Doe_Resume, 2013Aug_Jane_Doe_Application, 2013Aug_Jane_Doe_Transcript. Katherine Burton Marine Mammal Trainer Rescue and Rehab Specialist Animal Training Internship Coordinator Institute for Marine Mammal Studies 10801 Dolphin Lane Gulfport, MS 39503

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Advice concerning "swim with marine mammals"
by Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara 02 Oct '16

02 Oct '16

Dear Marmam-ers, I am writing in the hope that someone will be able to help me with advice as I am addressing the conservation implications of swimming with aquatic mammals. This is an issue which raises increasing concerns for the potential or actual disturbance that tourist swimming schemes infer on cetaceans in many locations around the world, which can have conservation implications. Having been tasked within the CMS Scientific Council to come up with a briefing background paper on the issue and possibly with a draft resolution to be tabled at the next Conference of Parties, and being only familiar with cases involving dolphins or whales, I am writing with the hope of obtaining information on cases involving "swimming with pinnipeds”, “swimming with sirenians”, or swimming with any other non-cetacean marine mammal, anywhere in the world. The above considered, here are my questions: a) are you aware of “swim with pinnipeds” or “swimming with sirenians” schemes being organised for tourists anywhere in the world, and if yes where and with which species? b) if the answer to a) is yes, would you kindly send me the name and address of one or more persons who could serve as referents for particular cases? Thanking you in advance for any information and your advice you might have on this issue. Best wishes, Giuseppe Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara CoP-appointed Councillor for Aquatic Mammals Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals disciara(a)gmail.com <mailto:disciara@gmail.com>

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