December 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper: Intermediate-duration whale dive behavior tag
by Irvine, Ladd 22 Dec '16

22 Dec '16

Hello Everyone We are pleased to announce the following paper that has been published in the journal Ecology and Evolution (online early view at the moment): Mate, B. R., Irvine, L. M. and Palacios, D. M. (2016), The development of an intermediate-duration tag to characterize the diving behavior of large whales. Ecology and Evolution, 00: 1-11. doi: 10.1002/ece3.2649<http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.2649> Abstract: The development of high-resolution archival tag technologies has revolutionized our understanding of diving behavior in marine taxa such as sharks, turtles, and seals during their wide-ranging movements. However, similar applications for large whales have lagged behind due to the difficulty of keeping tags on the animals for extended periods of time. Here, we present a novel configuration of a transdermally attached biologging device called the Advanced Dive Behavior (ADB) tag. The ADB tag contains sensors that record hydrostatic pressure, three-axis accelerometers, magnetometers, water temperature, and light level, all sampled at 1 Hz. The ADB tag also collects Fastloc GPS locations and can send dive summary data through Service Argos, while staying attached to a whale for typical periods of 3-7 weeks before releasing for recovery and subsequent data download. ADB tags were deployed on sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus; N = 46), blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus; N = 8), and fin whales (B. physalus; N = 5) from 2007 to 2015, resulting in attachment durations from 0 to 49.6 days, and recording 31 to 2,539 GPS locations and 27 to 2,918 dives per deployment. Archived dive profiles matched well with published dive shapes of each species from short-term records. For blue and fin whales, feeding lunges were detected using peaks in accelerometer data and matched corresponding vertical excursions in the depth record. In sperm whales, rapid orientation changes in the accelerometer data, often during the bottom phase of dives, were likely related to prey pursuit, representing a relative measure of foraging effort. Sperm whales were documented repeatedly diving to, and likely foraging along, the seafloor. Data from the temperature sensor described the vertical structure of the water column in all three species, extending from the surface to depths >1,600 m. In addition to providing information needed to construct multiweek time budgets, the ADB tag is well suited to studying the effects of anthropogenic sound on whales by allowing for pre- and post-exposure monitoring of the whale's dive behavior. This tag begins to bridge the gap between existing long-duration but low-data throughput tags, and short-duration, high-resolution data loggers. Link to the article: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.2649/full Please contact me with any questions (ladd.irvine(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:ladd.irvine@oregonstate.edu>). Cheers! Ladd Ladd Irvine Sr. Faculty Research Assistant Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute Hatfield Marine Science Center 2030 S Marine Science Dr. Newport, OR 97365 Phone: 541-867-0394 www.mmi.oregonstate.edu

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Humpback Whales in Turks and Caicos
by Shana VanGilder 22 Dec '16

22 Dec '16

Hello Everyone, This winter I am working as a research assistant in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) studying humpback whales. To prepare for the field work, I have been searching for publications related to humpback whale research that has been done in TCI. We will be conducting a study related to snorkeling tourism, and I hope to find publications related to earlier seasons in Turks and Caicos. It seems that there have been a couple of groups that have collected data, but I am unable to find any related publications. I would appreciate any information that might lead me to potential authors or other resources before we work with guests and interns. Thank you in advance, Shana VanGilderResearch AssistantMarine and Coastal Ecology Research Center

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New study linking food provisioning to injuries in bottlenose dolphins
by Fredrik 22 Dec '16

22 Dec '16

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Royal Society Open Science: Christiansen F, McHugh KA, Bejder L, Siegal EM, Lusseau D, McCabe EB, Lovewell G,Wells RS. 2016 Food provisioning increases the risk of injury in a long-lived marine top predator. R. Soc. open sci. 3: 160560. doi: 10.1098/rsos.160560 Abstract: Food provisioning of wildlife is a major concern for management and conservation agencies worldwide because it encourages unnatural behaviours in wild animals and increases each individual's risk for injury and death. Here we investigate the contributing factors and potential fitness consequences of a recent increase in the frequency of human interactions with common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Sarasota Bay, Florida. A rising proportion of the local long-term resident dolphin community is becoming conditioned to human interactions through direct and indirect food provisioning. We investigate variables that are affecting conditioning and if the presence of human-induced injuries is higher for conditioned versus unconditioned dolphins. Using the most comprehensive long-term dataset available for a free-ranging bottlenose dolphin population (more than 45 years; more than 32 000 dolphin group sightings; more than 1100 individuals), we found that the association with already conditioned animals strongly affected the probability of dolphins becoming conditioned to human interactions, confirming earlier findings that conditioning is partly a learned behaviour. More importantly, we found that conditioned dolphins were more likely to be injured by human interactions when compared with unconditioned animals. This is alarming, as conditioning could lead to a decrease in survival, which could have population-level consequences. We did not find a significant relationship between human exposure or natural prey availability and the probability of dolphins becoming conditioned. This could be due to low sample size or insufficient spatio-temporal resolution in the available data. Our findings show that wildlife provisioning may lead to a decrease in survival, which could ultimately affect population dynamics. A copy of the paper can be downloaded for free from: <http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/3/12/16056>http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/3/12/160560 [http://d3hu9binmobce5.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/highwire/royopensc…]<http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/3/12/160560> Food provisioning increases the risk of injury in a long-lived marine top predator<http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/3/12/160560> rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org Food provisioning of wildlife is a major concern for management and conservation agencies worldwide because it encourages unnatural behaviours in wild animals and increases each individual's risk for injury and death. Here we investigate the contributing factors and potential fitness consequences of a recent increase in the frequency of human interactions with common bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) in Sarasota Bay, Florida. A rising proportion of the local long-term resident dolphin community is becoming conditioned to human interactions through direct and indirect food provisioning. We investigate variables that are affecting conditioning and if the presence of human-induced injuries is higher for conditioned versus unconditioned dolphins. Using the most comprehensive long-term dataset available for a free-ranging bottlenose dolphin population (more than 45 years; more than 32?000 dolphin group sightings; more than 1100 individuals), we found that the association with already conditioned animals 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<mailto:f.christiansen@murdoch.edu.au>, twitter: @FChristiansen83 http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf<http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xpr>

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New paper: trace metals in fin whale bone
by Morgana Vighi 22 Dec '16

22 Dec '16

Dear MARMAMers, We are pleased to announce that the following paper has been published online: Morgana Vighi, A. Borrell, A. Aguilar Bone as a surrogate tissue to monitor metals in baleen whales ABSTRACT Metals are massively deposited in the marine environment through direct emissions or atmospheric dry and wet depositions, a process since long enhanced by human activities. Metal contamination in the marine organisms has been increasingly investigated, but most research focuses on few tissues, elements and species considered indicative. Baleen whales have been scarcely studied in this respect. Here we contribute to the fragmented knowledge on this field examining the concentrations of zinc, copper, lead, titanium and strontium in the bone of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) from NW Spain and W Iceland. Bone was selected because it is a tissue commonly available in archival historic collections, and it is therefore useful to examine long-term trends in metal pollution. We tested differences between populations and we investigated age- and sex-related accumulation trends, as well as the occurrence of placental transfer. Sr concentrations and Pb accumulation rates with age were significantly higher in individuals from NW Spain than in those from W Iceland. Placental transfer occurred, at different levels, for all metals: as a result fetuses showed significantly higher Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations than adults. After birth, only Zn and Pb concentrations significantly increased with age. Through this study we contributed to fill some gaps in the knowledge regarding metal contamination in marine mammals, and we concluded that bone can be a suitable surrogate tissue to monitor a number of trace elements, provided that dissimilarities in tissue-specific deposition are taken into account when comparing concentrations from different tissues. free access to the article will be available until February 09, 2017, from the following link: *http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653516317489 <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653516317489>* For any questions do not hesitate to contact me at: morgana.vighi(a)gmail.com A merry Christmas and a great beginning of 2017 to you all, Best regards, Morgana Vighi -- Morgana Vighi, PhD Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals University of Barcelona Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona +34 633656763 +39 3388269806

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Job Announcement - Cetacean Ecologist, New Zealand - correction on Close date
by Kim Goetz 21 Dec '16

21 Dec '16

Cetacean Biologist/Ecologist - NIWA The Marine Ecology group at NIWA is seeking a Cetacean Biologist / Ecologist who has a broad understanding of cetacean ecology and knowledge about natural and anthropogenic threats facing cetaceans. You will work with other NIWA experts to address key questions about cetaceans and their environment and assist stakeholders and policymakers to develop suitable mitigation plans. You should have a PhD degree and experience in the field ecology or biology related to cetaceans. Duties will include but are not limited to (1) working with the Department of Conservation to design and implement a CPOD project to determine the acoustic abundance and spatial distribution of Maui dolphins, (2) developing a project and seeking funding to measure cortisol levels in cetacean skin samples to examine stress in relation to anthropogenic stressors, (3) working with members of the NIWA cetacean team to develop funding proposals, (4) drafting scientific papers and publications, and (5) provide policy advice to central and local government agencies. As such, a breadth of knowledge on cetacean biology / ecology is essential . You will have a proven track record showing your ability to conduct independent research and produce high quality scientific papers and making oral presentations to a range of audiences. The position requires a proven ability to work in a team environment. NIWA offers competitive remuneration and benefits and an attractive waterfront location with free parking. Please click on the following link for more information: https://careers.sciencenewzealand.org/jobdetails/ajid/Zva58/Cetacean-Biolog… Job closes January 16, 2017 Dr Kim Goetz Marine Ecologist +64-4-382-1623 | 301 Evans Bay Parade, Greta Point, Wellington | www.niwa.co.nz<http://www.niwa.co.nz> [NIWA]<http://www.niwa.co.nz> To ensure compliance with legal requirements and to maintain cyber security standards, NIWA's IT systems are subject to ongoing monitoring, activity logging and auditing. This monitoring and auditing service may be provided by third parties. Such third parties can access information transmitted to, processed by and stored on NIWA's IT systems.

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Holocene changes in the trophic ecology of an apex marine predator in the South Atlantic Ocean
by Damian Vales 21 Dec '16

21 Dec '16

Dear MARMAM members, We are pleased to announce that the following paper has been published: Vales DG, Cardona L, Zangrando AF, Borella F, Saporiti F, Goodall RNP, Oliveira LR, Crespo EA (2016) Holocene changes in the trophic ecology of an apex marine predator in the South Atlantic Ocean. Oecología DOI: 10.1007/s00442-016-3781-4 Abstract is available on English, Spanish and Portuguese (see below). The full paper and electronic supplementary material are available online at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00442-016-3781-4 or can be requested by email to: vales(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar Best regards!, Damián ABSTRACT Predators may modify their diets as a result of both anthropogenic and natural environmental changes. Stable isotope ratios of nitrogen and carbon in bone collagen have been used to reconstruct the foraging ecology of South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) in the southwestern South Atlantic Ocean since the Middle Holocene, a region inhabited by hunter-gatherers by millennia and modified by two centuries of whaling, sealing and fishing. Results suggest that the isotopic niche of fur seals from Patagonia has not changed over the last two millennia (average for the period: d13C2200-0BP = -13.4 ± 0.5‰, d15N2200-0BP = 20.6 ± 1.1‰). Conversely, Middle Holocene fur seals fed more pelagically than their modern conspecifics in the Río de la Plata region (d13C7000BP = -15.9 ± 0.6‰ vs. d13CPRESENT = -13.5 ± 0.8‰) and Tierra del Fuego (d13C6400-4300BP = -15.4 ± 0.5‰ vs. d13CPRESENT = -13.2 ± 0.7‰). In the latter region, Middle Holocene fur seals also fed at a higher trophic level than their modern counterparts (d15N6400-4300BP = 20.5 ± 0.5‰ vs. d15NPRESENT = 19.0 ± 1.6‰). Nevertheless, a major dietary shift was observed in fur seals from Tierra del Fuego during the nineteenth century (d13C100BP = -17.2 ± 0.3‰, d15N100BP = 18.6 ± 0.7‰), when marine primary productivity plummeted and the fur seal population was decimated by sealing. Disentangling the relative roles of natural and anthropogenic factors in explaining this dietary shift is difficult, but certainly the trophic position of fur seals has changed through the Holocene in some South Atlantic regions. RESUMEN Los depredadores pueden modificar sus dietas como resultado de cambios ambientales tanto antropogénicos como naturales. Se utilizaron las proporciones de isótopos estables de nitrógeno y carbono en el colágeno de hueso para reconstruir la ecología trófica del lobo fino (Arctocephalus australis) en el Océano Atlántico Sur Sudoccidental desde el Holoceno Medio, región habitada por cazadores-recolectores durante milenios y modificada por dos siglos de caza de ballenas y lobos marinos, y pesquerías. Los resultados sugieren que el nicho isotópico de los lobos finos de la Patagonia no ha cambiado en los últimos dos milenios (promedio del período: d13C2200-0AP = -13,4 ± 0,5 ‰, d15N2200-0AP = 20,6 ± 1,1 ‰). Por el contrario, los lobos marinos del Holoceno Medio se alimentaron más pelágicamente que sus congéneres modernos en la región del Río de la Plata (d13C7000AP = -15,9 ± 0,6 ‰ vs. d13CPRESENTE = -13,5 ± 0,8 ‰) y en Tierra del Fuego (d13C6400-4300AP = -15,4 ± 0,5 vs. d13CPRESENTE = -13.2 ± 0.7‰). En esta última región, los lobos finos del Holoceno Medio también se alimentaron a mayor nivel trófico que sus homólogos modernos (d15N6400-4300AP = 20.5 ± 0.5 ‰ vs. d15NPRESENTE = 19.0 ± 1.6 ‰). Sin embargo, se observó un importante cambio en la dieta de los lobos finos de Tierra del Fuego durante el siglo XIX (d13C100AP = -17,2 ± 0,3 ‰, d15N100AP = 18,6 ± 0,7 ‰), cuando la productividad primaria marina se desplomó y la población de lobos finos fue diezmada por la caza. Desenmarañar los papelel relativos de los factores naturales y antropogénicos para explicar este cambio en la dieta es difícil, pero ciertamente la posición trófica de los lobos finos ha cambiado a través del Holoceno en algunas regiones del Atlántico Sur. RESUMO Predadores podem modificar suas dietas como resultado de mudanças antropogênicas e/ou naturais no ambiente. As proporções de isótopos estáveis de nitrogênio e carbono no colágeno ósseo foram usadas para reconstruir a ecologia trófica dos lobos-marinhos-sul-americanos (Arctocephalus australis) no Oceano Atlântico Sul Ocidental desde o Holoceno Médio, uma região habitada por caçadores-coletores por milênios e modificada por dois séculos de caça comercial à baleia e aos lobos-marinhos, além de intensa atividade de pesca. Os resultados sugerem que o nicho isotópico dos lobos-marinhos na Patagônia não mudou nos últimos dois milênios (média do período: d13C2200-0BP = -13,4 ± 0,5 ‰, d15N2200-0BP = 20,6 ± 1,1 ‰). Contudo, os lobos-marinhos do Holoceno Médio se alimentaram de forma mais pelágica que os espécimes modernos na região do Rio da Prata (d13C7000BP = -15,9 ± 0,6 ‰ vs. d13CPRESENT = -13,5 ± 0,8 ‰) e na Terra do Fuego (d13C6400-4300BP = -15,4 ± 0,5 ‰ vs. d13CPRESENT = -13,2 ± 0,7 ‰). Nessa última região, os lobos-marinhos do Holoceno Médio também se alimentaram em um nível trófico mais elevado do que os espécimes modernos (d15N6400-4300BP = 20.5 ± 0.5 ‰ vs. d15NPRESENT = 19.0 ± 1.6 ‰). No entanto, observou-se uma grande mudança na dieta dos lobos-marinhos da Terra do Fogo durante o século XIX (d13C100BP = -17,2 ± 0,3 ‰, d15N100BP = 18,6 ± 0,7 ‰), período que coincide com uma grande queda na produtividade primária marinha e com o declínio quase que total da população de lobos-marinhos devido a caça comercial. O esclarecimento da influência relativa dos fatores naturais e antropogênicos na explicação desta mudança na dieta dos lobos-marinhos é difícil, mas certamente a posição trófica destes animais tem mudado ao longo do Holocene em algumas regiões do Atlântico sul. Damián G. Vales, Ph.D. Postdoctoral fellow CONICET Centro Para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR - CCT CONICET-CENPAT) Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos (LAMAMA) Boulevard Brown 2915, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Argentina vales(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar http://www.conicet.gov.ar/new_scp/detalle.php?id=29848&datos_academicos=yes

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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: RESPONSIBLE WHALE WATCH RESEARCHER
by Dylan Walker 21 Dec '16

21 Dec '16

Dear Marmamers, The following opportunity is now available: RESPONSIBLE WHALE WATCH RESEARCHER EMPLOYER: World Cetacean Alliance PROJECT TITLE: Best Practice Guidance for Responsible Whale Watching and Swimming with Dolphins LOCATION: Based at World Cetacean Alliance Secretariat, Brighton, UK CONTRACT: Initial three month contract. Potential for extension if funds allow. Full time position, 37.5 hours per week. PAY: Equivalent to £19,000 pro rata DUTIES: 1. Conduct a literature review, interview key stakeholders, and review all identifiable research to compile ‘Global Best Practice Guidance for swim-with-dolphin tours’ in the wild. Additionally, provide summary information on best practice guidance for responsible whale watching. 2. Work with WCA Whale Watching Partners and prospective partners to deliver an online resource of responsible whale watching case studies. 3. Encourage whale watching companies that share the WCA’s vision to join the network and contribute through collaboration and expertise sharing. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Masters Degree in Biology or related science with emphasis in oceanography, natural science, or tourism, and a sound knowledge of statistics essential. A Bachelors Degree and at least five years of experience related directly to whale watching may substitute for the Masters Degree requirement. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also essential for the role. The successful candidate will serve as the lead for compiling databases, reviewing literature and report writing and will work with partners and collaborators across the world, sometimes requiring communication during unsociable working hours. Specific deliverables are required to be accomplished by due dates specified in work assignments and submitted to the WCA Project Leader for approval and acceptance. The successful candidate will work as a member of a small team, but will have the lead for undertaking the data processing, analyses, and report writing as agreed in consultation with the team. This work will involve evaluating scientific literature and compiling data from a wide variety of sources. *ABOUT THE WCA: *The World Cetacean Alliance is a registered charity in the UK and the world’s largest Partnership working to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans). Through cooperation, the Partners of the World Cetacean Alliance aim to conserve and protect cetaceans and their habitats in the world’s oceans, seas and rivers, to ensure their continued health and survival. We believe that local communities hold the key to protecting cetaceans and their habitats, supported by grass-roots organisations, knowledgeable individuals, and ecotourism experts (our Partners). TO APPLY: Please email your CV and a one page covering letter to Dylan Walker at: dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org by 28 December. Interviews will likely take place on the 5th and 6th January. Dylan Walker Chief Executive Officer *World Cetacean Alliance * *T *+44 (0)1273 355011 <+44%201273%20355011>* M *+44 (0)7900 471490 <+44%207900%20471490>* S *dylan.wca *E *dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org* W *worldcetaceanalliance.org *W2 *whaleheritagesites.org *A *Studio 3, Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK The WCA is proud to be a finalist at the 2016 World Responsible Tourism Awards *The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 70 non-profit organisations, whale and dolphin watching tour operators and individuals in 35 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity no. 1160484. * *Please consider the environment before printing this email or it's attachments. *

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Behaviour 2017 meeting | Estoril, from July 30th to August 4th 2017
by Patrícia Rachinas Lopes 20 Dec '16

20 Dec '16

Behaviour a joint meeting of the 35th International Ethological Conference (IEC) and the 2017 Summer Meeting of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB), that will bring together researchers and students from all fields of behaviour science. This exciting multidisciplinary meeting will be held in the Lisbon area, close to important international research centres, between July 30th and August 4th 2017. The venue, the Estoril Congress Centre, boasts a privileged location on the Cascais coast, 25 km away from the Lisbon airport, with plenty of accommodation in a relaxed environment, and it is right next to the famous Casino with its surrounding gardens. Besides the prestigious invited speakers and a full scientific program, participants will be able to enjoy numerous cultural and leisure options We are now accepting symposia proposals for the meeting until January 6th ( http://behaviour2017.org/call-for-symposia/ <http://webmail.ispa.pt/owa/redir.aspx?C=8ET1q5VbwUO-Ecak3S3-wr7ZSs5_LtQIT7m…>). Early-bird registrations for the meeting are now open and will go until February 28th. Abstract submission will open on January 15th and will go until April 28th. For more information visit the website: http://behaviour2017.org/ <http://webmail.ispa.pt/owa/redir.aspx?C=8ET1q5VbwUO-Ecak3S3-wr7ZSs5_LtQIT7m…> We are looking forward to receive your submissions and hope to see many MARMAMers in Lisbon next year! If you are interested in sponsorship, exhibiting or advertising, please contact us at behaviour2017(a)ispa.pt We wish all colleagues a Happy Holiday Season! On behalf of the organising committee, Patricia Rachinas-Lopes

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Final Call: Introductory GIS and Species Distribution Modelling courses for Marine Biologists, January 2017
by Colin D. MacLeod 20 Dec '16

20 Dec '16

This is the final call for GIS In Ecology’s upcoming introductory courses for marine biologists on the use of GIS and Species Distribution Modelling in January 2017. These courses will be of paricular use to marine mammal biologists as they will specifically cover the typical GIS-based tasks, such as creating maps, processing survey data and creating species distribution models, that MMOs, environmental consultants, NGOs, and students are likely to need to be able to do on a regular basis. These courses are: 1. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology, 16th – 18th January 2017, Glasgow, Scotland: This three day course covers the basics of how to use GIS in marine biological research and is aimed at those who have little or no experience in using GIS, but who wish to learn. The course is taught by Dr Colin D. MacLeod, author of the ‘An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology’ series of books, and is taught in the type of language marine biologists will be familiar with. It consists of a series of background and practical sessions which will provide all the information needed to start successfully using GIS in marine biology. This course can be done with either ArcGIS or the freely available open source GIS software package QGIS. Cost: £395 (£300 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). More information on this course, including an online booking form, can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Glasgow_January_2017.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place by email, email: cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com 2. An Introduction To Species Distribution Modelling In The Marine Environment, 19th – 20th January 2017, Glasgow, Scotland: This two day course follows on from the introductory GIS course and provides all the information required to start using Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) in the marine environment in a practical and biologically meaningful way. In a series of background sessions, case studies and practical exercises, it covers how to create data layers of species distribution, how to select and create raster data layers of environmental variables, such as water depth, how to join information on species distribution to environmental information, how to export data from a GIS project for analysis in a statistical package, such as R, how to create spatial visualisations based on a statistical model and how to validate the spatial predictions of a model. The practical sessions work through a species distribution modelling project based on real marine survey data from start to finish. Cost: £295 (£200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). This course can be done with either ArcGIS or the freely available open source GIS software package QGIS. More information on this course, including an online booking form, can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_SDM_January_2017.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place by email, email: cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com. Note: This course requires a basic knowledge of GIS (as covered in the above introductory GIS course) and how to use ArcGIS or QGIS GIS software. For more information on other upcoming courses from GIS In Ecology, visit: http://www.GISinEcology.com/training_courses.htm. All the best, Colin ================================================================================== 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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Study Dolphins in Greece This Witner
by Heidi Malizia 20 Dec '16

20 Dec '16

Marine Mammal Research Internship in the Eastern Aegean, Greece Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation Team is pleased to announce that the recruitment process for our *Winter/Spring 2017 Marine Mammal Research Internships* has just begun. Students and recent graduates are invited to *join our research and conservation efforts in the Aegean Sea* islands in Greece. As part of our team, you can expect to gain skills and experience in: *· Conducting boat and land based marine mammal surveys* *· Dolphin photo identification* *· Monitoring of a Mediterranean monk seal* *· Sea turtle identification* *· Μarine mammal first aid and necropsy* *· Preparing for the development of The Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary* *· Promoting citizen science through our* *Εco-navigation project* *· Marine bird surveys* *· Data analysis* *· Scientific discussions* *· Contribution to scientific publications* The work of Archipelagos; Institute of Marine Conservation, is built upon a strong and enthusiastic team of volunteer researchers and young scientists. We are therefore seeking applicants that are motivated and have a strong desire to protect and conserve the natural environment. You must be conscientious and highly motivated, able to work both individually and as part of a dynamic, multi-cultural team of people from around the world. You will be working on a variety of projects related to your placement type and so must have good time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines, along with excellent organizational and self-management skills. Candidates must have a good eye for detail and have a high standard of work presentation. An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the English language and grammar system, being able to speak, read and write confidently is crucial. Further essential requirements include computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Programs. Previous experience relating to your placement is preferable, but not required. *As a non-profit organization Archipelagos cannot cover the living and working cost of the interns. Therefore, all interns will need to cover the monthly placement fees of 650 euros. This covers accommodation, full board, use of equipment, use of the research boats, transport for working purposes, Greek language lessons etc. Travelling costs are NOT included in this price and are covered by the participant. Students and recent graduates are advised to explore possible funding through their universities, by getting in touch with the Finance / International Relations / Placement/ Erasmus+ Offices at their Universities or other relevant grant providing organizations in their region. For all the essential information about our internship programs visit our site: http://archipelago.gr/en/get-involved/placements-and-internships/ Please send us your* CV* and a *cover letter* to admissions(a)archipelago.gr

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