February 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Two new publications on baleen structure and function
by Alex Werth 28 Feb '16

28 Feb '16

Dear Marmam colleagues, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of two articles on baleen function and biomechanics, especially its role in mysticete filter feeding and the ways baleen structure indicates its use. Werth Alexander J, and Jean Potvin. Baleen hydrodynamics and morphology of cross-flow filtration in balaenid whale suspension feeding. PLoS One, DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0150106 Abstract: The traditional view of mysticete feeding involves static baleen directly sieving particles from seawater using a simple, dead-end flow-through filtration mechanism. Flow tank experiments on bowhead (Balaena mysticetus) baleen indicate the long-standing model of dead-end filtration, at least in balaenid (bowhead and right) whales, is not merely simplistic but wrong. To recreate continuous intraoral flow, sections of baleen were tested in a flume through which water and buoyant particles circulated with variable flow velocity. Kinematic sequences were analyzed to investigate movement and capture of particles by baleen plates and fringes. Results indicate that very few particles flow directly through the baleen rack; instead much water flows anteroposteriorly along the interior (lingual) side of the rack, allowing items to be carried posteriorly and accumulate at the posterior of the mouth where they might readily be swallowed. Since water flows mainly parallel to rather than directly through the filter, the cross-flow mechanism significantly reduces entrapment and tangling of minute items in baleen fringes, obviating the need to clean the filter. The absence of copepods or other prey found trapped in the baleen of necropsied right and bowhead whales supports this hypothesis. Reduced through-baleen flow was observed with and without boundaries modeling the tongue and lips, indicating that baleen itself is the main if not sole agent of crossflow. Preliminary investigation of baleen from balaenopterid whales that use intermittent filter feeding suggests that although the biomechanics and hydrodynamics of oral flow differ, cross-flow filtration may occur to some degree in all mysticetes. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0150106 Werth Alexander J, Janice M Straley, and Robert E Shadwick. Baleen wear reveals intraoral water flow patterns of mysticete filter feeding. Journal of Morphology, DOI:10.1002/jmor.20510 Abstract: A survey of macroscopic and microscopic wear patterns in the baleen of eight whale species (Cetacea: Mysticeti) discloses structural, functional, and life history properties of this neomorphic keratinous tissue, including evidence of intraoral water flow patterns involved in filter feeding. All baleen demonstrates wear, particularly on its medial and ventral edges, as flat outer layers of cortical keratin erode to reveal horn tubes, also of keratin, which emerge as hair-like fringes. This study quantified five additional categories of specific wear: pitting of plates, scratching of plates, scuffing of fringes, shortening of fringes, and reorientation of fringes (including fringes directed between plates to the exterior of the mouth). Blue whale baleen showed the most pitting and sei whale baleen the most scratching; gray whale baleen had the most fringe wear. The location of worn baleen within the mouth suggests that direct contact with the tongue is not responsible for most wear, and that flowing water as well as abrasive prey or sediment carried by the flowing water likely causes pitting and scratching of plates as well as fringe fraying, scuffing, shortening, and reorientation. Baleen also has elevated vertical and horizontal ridges that are unrelated to wear; these are probably related to growth and may allow for age determination. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmor.20510/abstract Best regards, Alex Werth _______________________________ Alexander J. Werth, Ph.D. Venable Professor & Biology Department Chair Hampden-Sydney College Box 162, Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943 434-223-6326, fax 434-223-6374 http://www.hsc.edu/Academics/Academic-Majors/Biology/Professors/Alex-Werth.…

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2016 field teams dates with the CRRU in Scotland
by Dr Kevin Robinson 28 Feb '16

28 Feb '16

Whales and dolphins of the Moray Firth field training internship programme Each year we offer a number of unique opportunities for a seasonal corps of trainees to join us in Gardenstown, Scotland, as contributing members of the CRRU team. This resident Internship Programme is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. In 2016, places are available on the following field teams: * Team I: 16 May - 26 May * Team II: 30 May - 9Jun * Team III: 13 Jun - 23 Jun * Team IV: 27 Jun - 7 Jul * Team V: 11Jul - 21Jul * Team VI: 25 Jul - 4 Aug * Team VII: 8 Aug - 18 Aug * Team VIII: 22 Aug - 1 Sep * Team IX: 5 Sep - 15 Sep * Team X: 19 Sep - 29 Sep * Team XI: 3 Oct - 13 Oct The residential courses are run in the form of a training internship in cetacean research and conservation, with formal lectures, seminars and presentations by the research team and practical training in field methodologies and data collection at sea and tools used in the analysis of long-term field datasets. The cost for an 11 day internship in 2016 is 895 GBP, and this will cover you for full board (all your accommodation and food costs), your full equipment needs and ALL associated field costs during your stay with us in the heritage fishing village of Gardenstown in Banff. You'll simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to us in Banffshire, northeast Scotland (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money. To find out more about these courses, please visit www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp <http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp> (scroll to the foot of this page for video links about volunteering). To view/download our publications and reports, please visit www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp <http://www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp> . To receive our full project briefing and application/booking form or if you have any questions or inquiries, please email us at info(a)crru.org.uk <mailto:info@crru.org.uk> with the subject CRRU Summer Internship Enquiry" and we will get back to you at our very soonest convenience We look forward to hearing from you With all best wishes Dr. Kevin Robinson Director, CRRU <mailto:kev.robinson@crru.org.uk> kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, PO Box 11307, Banff, AB45 3WB, Scotland, UK | * +44 (0)1261 851696 | <http://www.crru.org.uk/> www.crru.org.uk Whale and Dolphin Research | Environmental Educational Outreach | Marine Wildlife Rescue | Consultancy | MMO Services <http://www.facebook.com/crru.org.uk> <http://www.twitter.com/crru> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/cetacean-research-&-rescue-unit-crru-> Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC 035473

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Aquatic Mammals 42.1 is available online
by Kathleen - Aquatic Mammals 27 Feb '16

27 Feb '16

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 42, issue 1, 2016) of Aquatic Mammals. The online issue is now available at this link: For individuals with a print subscription, the joint print copy of 42.1/42.2 will be mailed in early July. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions <http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions> To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php <http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php> If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/>/ Please do not contact the listserv editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe <http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe> or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Links to a purchase page for each article are also included below. Please see list below for Volume 42, issue 1 contents. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org ******* Kavanagh, A.S., Goldizen, A.W., Blomberg, S.P., Noad, M.J., & Dunlop, R.A. (2016). Factors Affecting the Reliability and Validity of Behavioural Datasets: Assessing the Impact of Observers’ Experience and Native Language on Studies of Wild Animals. Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 1-11. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.1 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.1> Giovos, I. Ganias, K., Garagouni, M., & Gonzalvo, J. (2016). Social Media in the Service of Conservation: A Case Study of Dolphins in the Hellenic Seas. Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 12-19. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.12 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.12> Elorriaga-Verplancken, F.R., Rosales-Nanduca, H., Paniagua-Mendoza, A., Martínez-Aguilar, S., Nader-Valencia, A.K., Robles-Hernández, R., Gómez-Díaz, F., & Urbán R, J. (2016). First Record of Pygmy Killer Whales (Feresa attenuata) in the Gulf of California, Mexico: Diet Inferences and Probable Relation with Warm Conditions During 2014. Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 20-26. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.20 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.20> Victor Huertas and Cynthia J. Lagueux (2016). First Recorded Mass Stranding of the Short-Finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 27-34. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.27 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.27> Hansen, M.S., Alstrup, A.K.O., Hansen, J.H., Al-Sabi, M.N.S., Nonnemann, B., Jensen, L.F., Hedayat, A., & Jensen, T.H. (2016). Stranding of Two Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the “North Sea Trap” at Henne Strand, Denmark. Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 35-41. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.35 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.35> Villegas-Zurita, F., Elorriaga-Verplancken, F.R., & Castillejos-Moguel, F. (2016). First Report of a South American Fur Seal (Arctocephalus australis) in Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 42-46. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.42 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.42> Toro, F., Vilina, Y.A., Capella, J.J., & Gibbon, J. (2016). Novel Coastal Feeding Area for Eastern South Pacific Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in Mid-Latitude Humboldt Current Waters off Chile. Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 47-55. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.47 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.47> Poonian, C.N.S., Lopez, D.D. (2016). Small-Scale Mariculture: A Potentially Significant Threat to Dugongs (Dugong dugon) Through Incidental Entanglement. Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 56-59. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.56 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.56> Song, K-J. (2016). First Stranding of Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) in Korean Waters. Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 60-62. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.60 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.60> Bräger, Z., Gonzalvo, J., Agazzi, S., & Bearzi, G. (2016). Identification of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Prey Using Fish Scale Analysis. Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 63-73. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.63 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.63> Caldwell, M. (2016). Historical Seasonal Density and Distribution Patterns of Tursiops truncatus in Northeast Florida. Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 74-88. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.74 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.74> Caldwell, M. (2016). Historical Evidence of Tursiops truncatus Exhibiting Habitat Preference and Seasonal Fidelity in Northeast Florida, Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 89-103. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.89 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.89> Argüelles, M.B., Fazio, A., Fiorito, C., Pérez-Martínez, D., Coscarella, M., & Bertellotti, M. (2016). Diving Behavior of Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) in a Maritime Traffic Area in Patagonia, Argentina. Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 104-108. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.104 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.104> Brusa, J.L., Young, R.F., & Swanson, T. (2016). Abundance, Ranging Patterns, and Social Behavior of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in an Estuarine Terminus. Aquatic Mammals 42(1), 109-121. DOI: 10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.109 <https://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.109>

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Soundwatch Boater Education Program - Seasonal Vessel Driver
by Elizabeth Seely 26 Feb '16

26 Feb '16

The Whale Museum’s Soundwatch Boater Education Program: 2016 Summer Boat Driver Positions Available The Whale Museum, Friday Harbor, WA Soundwatch is a successful and internationally acclaimed education and monitoring program working to reduce vessel disturbance to orcas and other marine wildlife in the Salish Sea region of Washington State (USA) and British Columbia (Canada). Soundwatch needs drivers to conduct seasonal vessel patrols, educate boaters on regional guidelines and regulations and collect data while monitoring vessel activities around whales. Data from this critical program characterizes vessel activity trends around endangered orcas and other marine wildlife. The Soundwatch program is operated by The Whale Museum (TWM), a not-for-profit organization located in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island in Washington state. Driver responsibilities: Conduct daily on-the-water public education and monitoring of vessel activities from May thru September within the San Juan Country Marine Stewardship Area (including National Wildlife Refuge areas and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Biological Preserve Areas). Maintain daily boat protocols and data collection procedures on vessels, marine wildlife viewing trends, guideline/federal law compliance measurements, and educational materials distribution. Prevent wildlife disturbance by intercepting boaters before they reach wildlife areas. Maintain equipment (including routine boat maintenance and minor boat/engine repairs) Work with Soundwatch volunteers and interns. Maintain communications with whale research and commercial whale-watch community. Report marine mammal strandings to the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Driver Benefits: Gain valuable experience working with an endangered population of killer whales under a NOAA research permit Paid position for 30-40 hours a week, Mon-Sunday, May - September Shared affordable housing is likely. Live and work in one of the best places in the United States Applicant requirements: Physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs), must be able to swim, familiar with field data collection. Drivers will need a valid US passport or an enhanced driver's license, CPR/First Aid certification, a state boater license/or equivalent safe boating card and previous boat driving experience. Knowledge of the area is preferred but not required. HOW TO APPLY FOR DRIVER POSITION Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references. Be sure to include what dates you can start/end. Preference will be given to applicants able to work from May 16th thru September 16th. Applications accepted until May 1st, 2015. PLEASE SEND APPLICATION MATERIALS TO: Elizabeth Seely Soundwatch Coordinator P.O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 Or email (preferred) to: [ soundwatch(a)whalemuseum.org ]( mailto:soundwatch@whalemuseum.org ) Please visit The Whale Museum’s Web site for more information on Soundwatch: http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html

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Soundwatch Boater Education Program Internship
by Elizabeth Seely 26 Feb '16

26 Feb '16

The Whale Museum’s Soundwatch Boater Education Program: 2016 Summer Internship Soundwatch, The Whale Museum is a successful and internationally acclaimed education and monitoring program working to reduce vessel disturbance to orcas and other marine wildlife in the Salish Sea region of Washington State (USA) and British Columbia (Canada). Data from this critical program characterizes vessel activity trends around endangered orcas and other marine wildlife. Internship is based in Friday Harbor, Washington: minimum of 12 weeks between May 15th and September 30th, 20 – 30 hours a week, Monday – Sunday. Interns will receive a small monthly stipend and shared affordable housing is likely. Key Tasks and Responsibilities: Assist with seasonal vessel patrols Assist with boater education on and off the water on regional/federal guidelines and regulations Assist with data collection while monitoring vessel activities around whales Assist with data entry and volunteer organization and training Field days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water sometimes in extreme seasonal conditions for typically eight hours and 2-4 days a week Applicant requirements: At least 18 years of age, physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs), must be able to swim, not easily susceptible to seasickness. Interns will need a valid US passport or an enhanced driver's license and CPR/First Aid certification. HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION: Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references. Be sure to include what dates you can start/end. Applications accepted until March 30th, 2016. Decisions will be made by April 15th, 2016. PLEASE SEND APPLICATION MATERIALS TO: Elizabeth Seely Soundwatch Coordinator P.O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 Or email (preferred) to: [ soundwatch(a)whalemuseum.org ]( mailto:soundwatch@whalemuseum.org ) Please visit The Whale Museum’s Web site for more information on Soundwatch: [ http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html ]( http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html )

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MARINE MAMMAL JOURNALS AVAILABLE
by Thomas Jefferson 26 Feb '16

26 Feb '16

MARINE MAMMALJOURNALS AVAILABLE The following is a partial list of items available. All funds go to ¡VIVA Vaquita! (a collaboration of five 501(3)c non-profits), forresearch and conservation of the World’s most endangered marine mammal species,the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Go to www.vivavaquita.orgfor more details. Prices listed are suggested minimum donations. European Assoc. for Aquatic Animal Medicine. AquaticMammals. Misc. volumes. $8/issue. Hvalradets Skrifter. Misc. volumes. $6-8/volume. International Whaling Commission. Reportsof the International Whaling Commission, misc. volumes. $18/volume. International Whaling Commission. Journalof Cetacean Research and Management, misc. volumes. $4/volume. Pilleri, G.E., editor. (1969-1994) Investigations onCetacea, 2 Complete sets, vols.1-25, plus 5 supplements. $950/set. Society for Marine Mammalogy. (1985-2013). Marine Mammal Science, 2 Complete sets, vols. 1-29. $125/set. Whales Research Institute (1971-1981) 11-year run(complete). Scientific Reports of theWhales Research Institute, vols. 23-33 (all bound in green buckram). $160. Whales Research Institute (1948-1984) 44-year run (incomplete).Scientific Reports of the Whales ResearchInstitute, vols. 1-38 (incomplete, with only 24 of 38 volumes, unbound). $400. All items are in good-excellent condition, unless otherwisestated; HC=hardcover, PB=paperback. Preference will be given to domestic USAorders. Donations can be made in cash orwith checks in US dollars. Email Tom Jefferson<sclymene(a)aol.com> the list of items you want and your postal address forthe items to be sent to (please type your name and address exactly as theywould appear on a mailing label). Shipping is included. Orders willbe sent out only after payment and ‘mailing label’ are received.

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Underwater Acoustics Webinar for the International Regulatory Community: Potential Effects of Underwater Sound on Marine Mammals
by Holly Morin 26 Feb '16

26 Feb '16

**apologies for cross-postings** Members of the international regulatory community have an expressed need for training materials on underwater acoustics as well as instructional resources that can be quickly accessed and viewed. To meet this need, the Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) <http://www.dosits.org/> Team is facilitating a free, five-part webinar series on topics related to underwater sound. Two webinars took place in 2015. The first reviewed science of sound concepts, the second, sound production and reception in marine animals. These webinars, PDF versions of the webinar presentations, and other associated resources, have been archived to the DOSITS website (http://www.dosits.org/resources/all/decisionmakers/ircwebinar/) The third webinar will take place on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 12:00 pm (U.S. East Coast time). Dr.'s Dorian Houser and Brandon Southall will review the potential effects of underwater sound on marine mammals. Interested individuals must register in advance for this webinar. To register please visit: http://www.dosits.org/resources/all/decisionmakers/ircwebinar/registration/ To learn more about this webinar series and view other, upcoming webinar dates and speakers, please visit the DOSITS webpage, Webinar Series for Regulators of Underwater Sound. <http://www.dosits.org/resources/all/decisionmakers/ircwebinar/> Questions? Please contact Holly Morin at holly_morin(a)uri.edu. This webinar series is being sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute (API) <http://www.api.org/>. The American Petroleum Institute (API) is the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Discovery of Sound in the Sea <http://www.dosits.org/> (DOSITS; www.dosits.org <http://www.dosits.org/>) is a comprehensive, educational website on underwater sound, designed to provide accurate scientific information at levels appropriate for all audiences, including decision-makers.

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Killer whale population genomics paper deposited in biorxiv
by Andy Foote 26 Feb '16

26 Feb '16

Dear colleagues, Our population genomics study on killer whales, in which analyse the genomes of 50 individuals to reconstruct demographic history, population structuring and adaptation to different habitats and diets is now deposited in the biorxix and can be accessed with this link: http://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2016/02/22/040295. Andrew D. Foote, Nagarjun Vijay, María C. Ávila-Arcos, Robin W. Baird, John W. Durban, Matteo Fumagalli, Richard A. Gibbs, M. Bradley Hanson, Thorfinn S. Korneliussen, Michael D. Martin, Kelly. M. Robertson, Vitor C. Sousa, Filipe. G. Vieira, Tomáš Vinař1, Paul Wade, Kim C. Worley, Laurent Excoffier, Phillip. A. Morin, M. Thomas. P. Gilbert & Jochen. B.W. Wolf Genome-culture coevolution promotes rapid divergence in the killer whale. BioRxiv doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/040295 The interaction between ecology, culture and genome evolution remains poorly understood. Analysing population genomic data from killer whale ecotypes, which we estimate have globally radiated within less than 250,000 years, we show that genetic structuring including the segregation of potentially functional alleles is associated with socially inherited ecological niche. Reconstruction of ancestral demographic history revealed bottlenecks during founder events, likely promoting ecological divergence and genetic drift resulting in a wide range of genome-wide differentiation between pairs of allopatric and sympatric ecotypes. Functional enrichment analyses provided evidence for regional genomic divergence associated with habitat, dietary preferences and postzygotic reproductive isolation. Our findings are consistent with expansion of small founder groups into novel niches by an initial plastic behavioural response, perpetuated by social learning imposing an altered natural selection regime. The study constitutes an important step toward an understanding of the complex interaction between demographic history, culture, ecological adaptation and evolution at the genomic level. Best, Andy Dr. Andrew D. Foote Computational and Molecular Population Genetics (CMPG) lab Institute of Ecology and Evolution University of Bern Baltzerstrasse 6 Bern CH-3012 Switzerland +41 31 631 4549 andrew.foote(a)iee.unibe.ch

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Antarctica Guest Scientist Program
by Quixote Expeditions 25 Feb '16

25 Feb '16

Antarctica Guest Scientist Program Quixote Expeditions is excited to announce its 2016-2017 Guest Scientist program for our Dec 15 2016 - Jan 7 2017 Trip to the Antarctic Peninsula. More information is on our website ( http://www.quixote-expeditions.com/guest-scientist/) and below: Quixote Expeditions has a Guest Scientist Program where scientists can join any of our regularly scheduled trips in order to help them carry out their research. This can be anyone working on a master’s or PhD thesis, professors and researchers at universities, and scientists associated with non-profits. We offer a free space onboard any of our scheduled trips for scientists to perform their research. We sail in remote places that are often hard for scientists to get to and for those with limited funding, impossible due to the expensive nature of working in remote areas. We hope that by offering these spaces – one per trip, that amazing and interesting science can be continued here at the end of the world. In exchange we ask that the scientists to contribute the following: - To involve the other guests onboard with the research and data collecting if possible (Its not always possible!). - To present some of their current or past research while onboard. - At the end of the trip to prepare a short write up about the trip and the science that will then be posted on the Quixote Expeditions Website. - To help operate the vessel (standing watch, helping in the galley, etc). Ocean Tramp, while a large sailboat, is still small compared to a larger research vessel. We ask that all scientists chip in, along with our guests. We can offer free room and board to one scientists per trip. All other related costs are at the expense of the scientists. Please go to our website for the application and full details http://www.quixote-expeditions.com/guest-scientist/ Cheers, Laura, Owner info(a)quixote-expeditions.com -- QUIXOTE EXPEDITIONS www.quixote-expeditions.com Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/QuixoteExpeditions/ Twitter: @QuixoteExped <https://twitter.com/Quixote_Exped> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quixote_expeditions/

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Reminder: Fin whale Research Assistant Program Opportunity - Barcelona (EDMAKTUB)
by Info Edmaktub 25 Feb '16

25 Feb '16

*RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITY* *EDMAKTUB ASSOCIATION* <http://www.edmaktub.com/> *7-Day Fin whale Research Assistant Program* *Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona (SPAIN)* *Want to be part of a pioneer research project to study fin whales’ remarkable presence near Barcelona’s coast?* *Interested in joining a scientific campaign while you enjoy seeing many other cetacean species and seabirds in Mediterranean waters?* *We are seeking volunteers to assist in next year’s research campaign in the catalan coast, *between Barcelona and Tarragona (NW Mediterranean basin), which will take place *from March to May 2016*, to study fin whales’ use of Catalan waters in the area of Garraf (central-south Catalonia) as a potential feeding station during their migrations across the Mediterranean Sea. This is the *first dedicated study that has ever been conducted in this area*, which includes the* use of new non-invasive techniques such as drones *(used to obtain blow samples for genetic studies). Last two-year research we have sighted 92 fin whales and we photo-identified 58 individuals. Volunteers will have the chance to enjoy the *high marine biodiversity found in the area*, including: bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*), striped dolphins (*Stenella coeruleoalba*) and Risso’s dolphins (*Grampus griseus*); many seabird species, some of which are endangered such as the Balearic shearwater (*Puffinus mauretanicus*), Mediterranean shearwater (*Puffinus yelkouan*), Cory's shearwater (*Calonectris diomedea)*, Atlantic puffin (*Fratercula arctica*), and Northern gannet (*Morus bassanus*); different fish species (such as sunfish, manta ray and blue-fin tuna); many invertebrates; and sometimes even Loggerhead turtles (*Caretta caretta*)! *FIN WHALE PROJECT* <http://www.edmaktub.com/150-2/> Our research campaigns focus on the *monitoring of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus),* the second largest species on earth and the only regular whale in the Mediterranean, *presence in Catalan waters (NW Mediterranean basin) *using visual vessel-based surveys. We offer the opportunity to learn about marine species and habitats in the study area; gain experience in field work and monitoring techniques (including non-invasive techniques such as the use of drones to obtain blow samples for genetic studies and the use of hydrophones for passive acoustic studies), data processing and analysis. Assistants will also be able to listen to vocalizations recorded in the field and help in the processing of photos taken from sightings for photo-id. Volunteering with EDMAKTUB you will *learn about the rich marine fauna found in the Garraf area and cetaceans’ census techniques while you enjoy full-day survey trips on our catamaran along the Catalan coast*. Data collected by volunteers during the surveys will contribute to our long running research studies on fin whales habitat usage, abundance, photo-identification, feeding behaviour and acoustic studies. We offer a fantastic opportunity for you to *make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation* and also meet new people who share your interests! During their free time and when weather conditions are unfavorable for boat surveys, volunteers will be able to visit Barcelona and enjoy its vibrant cultural offer, as well as to enjoy a huge variety of wildlife while doing some trekking and nature expeditions in Garraf’s Natural Park (beautiful location where we’re based). *Here * <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUjpZWQZzlk>*you will find a short video about the ‘Fin whale Project’.* *We invite you to join **EDMAKTUB* <http://www.edmaktub.com/>*’s research.* *Research Assistant Program: participate in our ongoing research for 7 days* The campaign period will be divided into one-week sessions. A maximum of 6 assistants will be able to join each session, and priority will be given to volunteers who can join more than one session. *We welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students *who require field work support and office space *to conduct their research projects* (please contact us by email to discuss project ideas). No previous experience, nor specific knowledge, is required as EDMAKTUB staff will provide all the necessary information and training. ------------------------------ *EDMAKTUB* <http://www.edmaktub.com/>* is a non-profit organization* that relies on its volunteers’ and collaborators’ donations to cover the costs and support the work of the project. *Volunteers are an essential part of the association* and play a vital role in our work. Join us in this *unforgettable experience* which will allow you to stay in direct contact with the marine environment and its fascinating inhabitants! *If you are interested and would like more information on dates and prices, please fill up the following form:* *http://goo.gl/forms/uU3fYmrTSh <http://goo.gl/forms/uU3fYmrTSh>* *EDMAKTUB Association: for the study and disclosure of the marine environment* *www.edmaktub.org* <http://www.edmaktub.org/> Facebook: *Edmaktub <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Edmaktub/130721510320401>*

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