February 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

USDA APHIS proposed rule on care and maintenance conditions for captive marine mammals
by Naomi Rose 25 Feb '16

25 Feb '16

Dear MARMAMers: For those interested in the welfare of captive marine mammals, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has published a proposed rule to amend several provisions of the regulations governing the care and maintenance of captive marine mammals (see the Federal Register notice here: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-02-03/pdf/2016-01837.pdf) Revising the USDA care and maintenance regulations for captive marine mammals was first proposed in 1994. Some provisions were updated in 2001. The rest were the subject of an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) in 2002. This proposed rule is the outcome of the agency's consideration of comments received in response to that ANPR, as well as during a negotiated rulemaking panel process undertaken in 1995-1996. The proposed rule was published on February 3 and the comment period is 60 days - the deadline for public comment is April 4. I would like to highlight one element of the proposed rule in particular, which may be of interest to field researchers who have been examining ranging and dive behavior and fine-scale movement patterns of various species of marine mammals in recent years. On p. 5635 of the Federal Register notice, the agency writes: "We are proposing to make a number of changes to § 3.104, as discussed in detail below. However, we are not proposing changes to the minimum space requirements (i.e., minimum horizontal dimension (MHD), depth, volume, and surface area) at this time. In light of the disparate recommendations by the ANPR commenters (2002) and the limited scientific data available on this issue, we do not have sufficient scientific or other supporting data to propose space requirements changes at this time. We would appreciate any published literature, science-based data or other studies that would support changes in the space requirements for any marine mammals." Please note the current space requirements for up to 2 bottlenose dolphins: Minimum horizontal dimension (e.g., diameter of a circular tank, width of a rectangular/square tank, or narrowest width of an irregular shaped tank) = 24 ft or 7.32m Minimum depth = 6 ft or 1.83m (There are additional requirements for minimum surface area and minimum volume) For up to 2 orcas, they are: Minimum horizontal dimension = 48 ft or 14.64m Minimum depth = 12 ft or 3.66m For up to 2 polar bears, they are: Minimum area of dry resting and social activity surface = 400 sq ft or 37.16 sq m Minimum horizontal dimension of pool = 8 ft or 2.44 m Minimum depth = 5 ft or 1.52 m The current regulations can be found at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2014-title9-vol1/pdf/CFR-2014-title9-vol1… ____________________________ [13_AWILogo_ONLY] NAOMI A. ROSE, PH.D. Marine Mammal Scientist ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTE 900 Pennsylvania Ave., SE Washington, DC 20003 naomi(a)awionline.org<mailto:naomi@awionline.org> T: +1 202 446 2120 ~ F: +1 202 446 2131 ~ C: +1 240 401 4269 www.awionline.org<http://www.awionline.org/> P Please consider the animals and their habitat before printing.

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Bio-Waves Passive Acoustic Technology Training Course, April 2016 - Second Announcement
by Julie Oswald 25 Feb '16

25 Feb '16

This is the second announcement for the Bio-Waves, Inc. Passive Acoustic Technology training course, scheduled to occur *Monday, April 18th through Friday April 22nd, 2016*. This five day course combines lectures covering concepts, theory and methods with hands-on hardware demonstrations and computer training. The aim of the course is to give participants a working knowledge of passive acoustic hardware, software, and methods used to study and monitor marine mammals. The training course will familiarize individuals with passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) equipment and best practices, as well as offer instruction for troubleshooting and field repairs. We will teach the basic skills required to prepare individuals for work as passive acoustic field and post processing technicians. We will cover methods used for research as well as mitigation and monitoring. This course will be held at the University of California, San Diego Supercomputer Center in La Jolla, California. The training course will include the following: - An introduction to the physics of underwater sound (lectures) - An introduction to marine mammal acoustics (lectures) - An introduction to PAM hardware such as hydrophones, sonobuoys and autonomous recorders (lectures and demo) - Instruction on the design, setup, troubleshooting and repair of towed hydrophone array systems (Demo and hands-on training) - Training in software used to detect, localize, and classify sounds produced by marine mammals (lectures, computer laboratory work and demos) - Training in software used to review and post-process acoustic data (lectures and computer laboratory work) - Lectures on the role of passive acoustic methods in mitigation and marine mammal monitoring - Lectures on best practices for effective acoustic data collection and management - Guest lectures from subject area experts (e.g., scientists from local research institutes such as UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography) At the conclusion of the course, participants will have gained a working knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of passive acoustic system design, operation, and maintenance. They will have had hands-on experience with a variety of software programs commonly used during real-time field operations and for data review and analysis. Additionally, participants will have performed specific tasks (e.g. repairing cables, troubleshooting acoustic systems etc.), and will receive a set of materials for reference in the field. For those participants who are interested, we are pleased to offer course credit for the training course through the University of California, San Diego's Extension Program. Four quarter units are available via a separate UCSD application and fees. To register or obtain more information about the course please visit *www.bio-waves.com <http://www.bio-waves.com/>* and click on the "*Passive Acoustic Technology Training Course*" button on the bottom of the main page. A $300 non-refundable deposit towards the $1,575 total fee will be required to secure your position in the course. This cost includes a light breakfast and catered lunch. Early registration ends on *Friday March 18th *after which a $100 late registration fee will be applied to the total. Limited space is available at a discounted rate of $1,400 for groups of two or more or graduate students; discounts are available on a first come, first served basis. Also, while lodging is not available on UCSD campus, we have a list of local hotels, some of which provide discounts if attending events on campus, and will assist in coordinating room and ride share between registrants via email prior to the training. Please contact education(a)bio-waves.net with any questions. We look forward to seeing you this coming spring! -- "If you have the desire for knowledge and the power to give it physical expression, go out and explore" -Apsley Cherry-Garrard

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In Pursuit of the Whale - Undergraduate/Graduate-Level Cetological Literature Course
by BMSC University Programs 24 Feb '16

24 Feb '16

Hi there, The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (located in Bamfield, British Columbia and owned by the Universities of Victoria, British Columbia, Alberta, Calgary, and Simon Fraser University) is proud to offer its first English Literature field course! This course will be taught by Dr. Greg Garrard (UBC Okanagan) and Dr. Nicholas Bradley (UVIC). Scholarships are available to those who apply by March 1, 2016. Please find a course poster, poposed syllabus, and information on how to apply attached. Additional information can be found below or at www.bamfieldmsc.com and questions can be directed to university(a)bamfieldmsc.com Please feel free to forward this message and its attachments to anyone who might be interested in this course. Regards, Nic Wiewel _________________________________________________________________________________________ Who can apply? Upper-level undergraduates (300-400 level) and graduate students may take this course for credit. Prerequisites: For undergraduates: completion of three upper-level English courses, or by application. For graduate students: acceptance to a MA or PhD program in the humanities, or by application. Application Deadline: March 1, 2016. Students who apply before the deadline are automatically considered for $500 scholarships. Course Dates: Jul 4, 2016 - Jul 22, 2016 Overview: The course will involve close study of literature and films relating to whales and whaling, employing theoretical concepts from ecocriticism (environmentally-oriented cultural criticism) and critical animal studies. Making good use of the proximity of wild cetaceans, historic whaling sites, and the contemporary cultural industry of whale-watching, the course will combine place-based experiential learning with historically and theoretically informed methods of cultural analysis. Key questions will include: How and why have attitudes and interactions of humans and whales changed in modern history? What have whales come to mean in contemporary cultures (predominantly, but not solely, Canadian)? What role have literary and filmic representations played in these cultural transformations? How have literary writers responded to changing scientific ideas about cetaceans? And finally: where might the entangled ‘naturecultures’ of cetaceans and human primates go next? The disciplines of English literature, cultural theory, and environmental ethics; the findings of marine biologists; the recorded experiences of Western whalers; and the traditional knowledge and practices of indigenous peoples will be brought to bear on these questions. Herman Melville’s great cetological epic will be a key text and point of departure. The course can be taken at either 400 or graduate level, with differentiated tutoring and assessments. Physical Requirements: This course will involve getting in and out of boats, hikes through the rainforest, and walking over slippery rocks in the intertidal region of the coast. Textbooks: Herman Melville, ‘Moby Dick’. Philip Hoare, ‘Leviathan’. Farley Mowat, ‘A Whale for the Killing’. Linda Hogan, ‘People of the Whale’. Witi Ihimaera, ’The Whale Rider’. Charlotte Coté, ’Spirits of our Whaling Ancestors’. It is essential that participants complete the majority of the reading for the course in advance. -- Nicole Gerbrandt and Nic Wiewel

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Tutorial: Bayesian Mark-Recapture in R/JAGS
by Robert Rankin 24 Feb '16

24 Feb '16

As a follow-up to a presentation at the 2015 SMM Bienniel Conference, I am happy to share an online demonstration of Bayesian Mark-Recapture using R and JAGS, available on github. The demonstration presents various Robust Design temporary emigration models, as discussed in a forthcoming paper Rankin et al. 2016 (see below for link to presentation, pre-release draft, and github URL). The demo has both "Fixed effects" models and as well as a Hierarchical Bayesian version which offers many advantages familiar to users of Program MARK, such as: i) individual heterogeneity, ii) recruitment processes, and iii) an alternative type of 'model parsimony' similar to multimodel inference by model averaging. HB is an automatic "Occam's Razor" which helps prevent over-parametrization and smooths over many of the instabilities encountered in Frequentist CMR and AIC-based model averaging, especially for sparse dolphin data. Also, Bayesian models are fully-probabilistic, intuitive, and provide exact inference under low-sample sizes. Link to the demonstration with R and JAGS code (including real bottlenose photo-ID data): https://github.com/faraway1nspace/PCRD_JAGS_demo/ Link to SMM presentation on Hierarchical Bayesian PCRD: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxeoeRy1g2judW9UOUxpbkswcGs/ See github Readme file for more information on Bayesian PCRD. Abstract of forthcoming paper accompanying the online tutorial: We present a Hierarchical Bayesian version of Pollock's Closed Robust Design for studying the survival, temporary-migration, and abundance of marked animals. Through simulations and analyses of a bottlenose dolphin photo-identification dataset, we compare several estimation frameworks, including Maximum Likelihood estimation (ML), model-averaging by AICc, as well as Bayesian and Hierarchical Bayesian (HB) procedures. Our results demonstrate a number of advantages of the Bayesian framework over other popular methods. First, for simple fixed-effect models, we show the near-equivalence of Bayesian and ML point-estimates and confidence/credibility intervals. Second, we demonstrate how there is an inherent correlation among temporary-migration and survival parameter estimates in the PCRD, and while this can lead to serious convergence issues and singularities among MLEs, we show that the Bayesian estimates were more reliable. Third, we demonstrate that a Hierarchical Bayesian model with carefully thought-out hyperpriors, can lead to similar parameter estimates and conclusions as multi-model inference by AICc model-averaging. This latter point is especially interesting for mark-recapture practitioners, for whom model-uncertainty and multi-model inference have become a major preoccupation. Lastly, we extend the Hierarchical Bayesian PCRD to include full-capture histories (i.e., by modelling a recruitment process) and individual-level heterogeneity in detection probabilities, which can have important consequences for the range of phenomena studied by the PCRD, as well as lead to large differences in abundance estimates. For example, we estimate 8%-24% more bottlenose dolphins in the western gulf of Shark Bay than previously estimated by ML and AICc-based model-averaging. Other important extensions are discussed. Our Bayesian PCRD models are written in the BUGS-like JAGS language for easy dissemination and customization by the community of capture-mark-recapture practitioners. Robert Rankin Ph.D. Candidate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary & Life Sciences, 90 South Street, Murdoch WA 6150

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"Best Practices" Workshop on Measuring Behavioural Responses to Man Made Sounds
by Jonathan Gordon 24 Feb '16

24 Feb '16

There are still a few places available for this year's Best Practices Workshop. There are no charges for attending these workshops. To register contact Jonathan Gordon jg20(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:jg20@st-andrews.ac.uk> Measuring Behavioural Responses to Man Made Sounds: a "Best Practices" workshop organised on behalf of the ECS Scientific Committee It is now widely appreciated that anthropogenic sound can have detrimental effects on marine mammals. Concerns about behavioural responses to man-made sound are growing because of a realisation that, in some cases, behavioural changes can have severe physiological consequences and may even result in mortality. In addition, chronic disturbance and changes in behaviour can disrupt important activities such as foraging, breeding and socialising. These may have biologically significant consequences for individuals as well as having effects at the population level. Although for some regulators, population level effects might be the primary concern, it is usually by studying behaviour that short term cause and effect relationships can be established so that problems can be identified and solutions or mitigation can be developed. In the last few years several very substantial field projects have been conducted to investigate the effects of military sonar on a range of cetacean species. These probably rank as the largest concerted cetacean field projects ever undertaken and have been mainly supported by military funding. Results have been presented in a range of publications and in several recent workshops. In addition to providing new information on the effects of sonar, these studies have been useful in developing new approaches and tools which should have a wider application. There are of course many other anthropogenic sound sources which are of equal or greater concern. In addition, behavioural responses of marine mammals to artificial sounds can in some cases be helpful in mitigating or alleviating risks such as those from intense sound sources or from net entanglement. In this workshop we focus on studies that have measured responses to some of these "non-sonar" sound sources while exploring how the technical and methodological advances made as part of the large sonar studies might be applied more widely. Studies of behavioural responses have typically followed one of three approaches: observational studies of responses of free ranging animals to activities that are already taking place, uncontrolled experimental exposures where the researcher introduces a sound source but does not have fine scale control over when it is active and controlled exposure experiments during which the researcher has fine scale control over when and where the sound is broadcast. Researchers have attempted to measure a variety of response metrics from changes in relative densities to detailed movement and behavioural responses. A variety of research techniques have been employed, ranging from visual and acoustic observations to detailed telemetry tracking of target individuals. The research approach is often dictated by the particular species of interest, the type of sound being investigated and the metrics that can and should be obtained. In tandem with these studies, have been initiatives to develop and improve techniques for both collecting and analysing the types of behavioural data that such studies generate. When the research involves introducing a new source of sound there may be both ethical and regulatory concerns over possible effects on both the target study subject and other non-target animals in the vicinity. Although they are conceptually simple, these studies have often been challenging to deliver. The purpose of this workshop is to review and take stock of recent studies, critically assess the strengths and shortcomings of different approaches and synthesise recommendations for best practice which should be useful for those planning future studies. In addition to some general presentations the workshops will include sessions where researchers summarise studies that have utilised differing approaches and techniques to investigate response to particular sound sources. The intention is that the workshop should combine a series of presentations focused on practice and methodology of different approaches with ample opportunities for questions, exchange and discussion. General Talks Introduction and overview of some previous workshops. - Jonathan Gordon Analysing behavioural response study data: tools and insights from the MOCHA project. Catriona Harris Ethical, legal and regulatory considerations. Sarah Dolman Collecting and interpreting data with greater biological significance. Saana Isojunno Status and future of research on the behavioural responses of marine mammals to U.S. Navy sonar Catriona Harris Example Studies by Sound Types Responses of porpoises and seals to pile driving during wind farm construction Jacob Tougaard, Gordon Hastie, David Thompson Responses to tidal turbine noise. Gordon Hastie, Dave Thompson Responses of beaked whales and small cetaceans to shipping noise. Enrico Pirotta, Natacha Aguilar Responses of porpoise and seals to mitigation signals. Miriam Brandt, Jonathan Gordon and Dave Thompson. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Jonathan Gordon, Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, Gatty Laboratory, University of Saint Andrews, Saint Andrews Fife KY16 8LB Tel. 01334 462637 (o) Mobile 07866 267814 Fax 01334 462632 Digital Messaging Service Voice 07020-964-330, Fax 07020-964-334 Skype: EcologicUK The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Jonathan Gordon, Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, Gatty Laboratory, University of Saint Andrews, Saint Andrews Fife KY16 8LB Tel. 01334 462637 (o) Mobile 07866 267814 Fax 01334 462632 Digital Messaging Service Voice 07020-964-330, Fax 07020-964-334 Skype: EcologicUK The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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New paper on bathypelagic prey for deep-diving marine mammals
by Brandon Southall 23 Feb '16

23 Feb '16

Colleagues, Along with my co-authors Kelly Benoit-Bird and Mark Moline, I would like to bring to your attention a paper recently published in Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B (Biological Sciences) entitled /Predator-guided sampling reveals biotic structure in the bathypelagic/. The full reference, online location, and full abstract are provided below. We are happy to provide .pdf copies of the article on request by email (Brandon.Southall(a)sea-inc.net or kbenoit(a)coas.oregonstate.edu) as a professional courtesy. Thanks, Brandon Southall -------------- Benoit-Bird KJ, Southall BL, Moline MA. 2016. Predator-guided sampling reveals biotic structure in the bathypelagic. Proc. R. Soc. B 283: 20152457. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2015.2457 http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/283/1825/20152457.abstract We targeted a habitat used differentially by deep-diving, air-breathing predators to empirically sample their prey's distributions off southern California. Fine-scale measurements of the spatial variability of potential prey animals from the surface to 1200 m were obtained using conventional fisheries echosounders aboard a surface ship and uniquely integrated into a deep-diving autonomous vehicle. Significant spatial variability in the size, composition, total biomass, and spatial organization of biota was evident over all spatial scales examined and was consistent with the general distribution patterns of foraging Cuvier's beaked whales (/Ziphius cavirostris/) observed in separate studies. Striking differences found in prey characteristics between regions at depth, however, did not reflect differences observed in surface layers. These differences in deep pelagic structure horizontally and relative to surface structure, absent clear physical differences, change our long-held views of this habitat as uniform. The revelation that animals deep in the water column are so spatially heterogeneous at scales from 10 m to 50 km critically affects our understanding of the processes driving predator–prey interactions, energy transfer, biogeochemical cycling, and other ecological processes in the deep sea, and the connections between the productive surface mixed layer and the deep-water column. -------------- -- Brandon L. Southall, Ph.D. President, Senior Scientist, SEA, Inc. Research Associate, University of California, Santa Cruz 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA 831.332.8744 (mobile); 831.661.5177 (office); 831.661.5178 (fax) Brandon.Southall(a)sea-inc.net; www.sea-inc.net

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Living Seas Dolphin Research Volunteer Positions at Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay, Wales
by CBMWC 23 Feb '16

23 Feb '16

WTSWW_high_res_logoCBMWC logo without boarderCardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre New Quay Wales <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org Living Seas Dolphin Research Volunteers Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to volunteer with us and gain valuable experience whilst helping us to collect data on the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay, run our visitor centre and inspire visitors through our educational and awareness raising activities. Positions have become available for the following volunteering periods - * Block A: 14th March 8th May (8 weeks) * Block B: 9th May 3rd July (8 weeks) We ask that volunteers are able to commit for the entire block. Please let us know if you are able to volunteer for both Blocks A and B. We have other opportunities between 14th March and 31st October please contact us if you are interested. About CBMWC The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is based in New Quay, west Wales, UK. Since 1996 we have been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through education and research. Using boat-based and land-based surveys, photo-ID and acoustic studies we monitor bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and wider Irish Sea. We also run a busy visitor centre as well as our Discovery Room which offers marine educational and awareness raising activities for families, schools and groups. In April 2015 we became part of The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) and will be delivering the trusts Living Seas programme. What You Will Gain Volunteering for the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales at CBMWC is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and meet new people who share your interests. You will learn about the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay, gain experience in field work, research methods, data processing, public awareness and education programmes. The data you collect will contribute to long running research studies on bottlenose dolphin site usage, abundance, photo-identification and acoustic studies. There may also be additional opportunities to gain experience in boat handling and seamanship skills. Past volunteers have gone on to further education, work as MMO's and to work for other conservation organisations. Role Description Volunteering tasks include (but are not limited to): * Visitor centre operation, including dealing with enquiries and taking boat bookings * Land-based surveys in conjunction with Ceredigion County Councils Dolphin Watch * Boat-based surveys* * Educational and awareness raising activities with children and the general public * Data entry and checking * Updating daily sightings information * Beach cleans * Aquarium maintenance * Cleaning and general upkeep of CBMWC premises * Boat surveys are weather dependent and volunteers take turns to join trips to act as onboard researcher. During times of bad weather, you will spend more time carrying out shore-based activities. Person Specification: Essential Skills * Positive, reliable, responsible, conscientious and mature attitude * Ability to work and live closely with others as part of a small team * Strong work ethic with an ability to work unsupervised * Adaptable and patient (particularly as boat work is weather dependent) * Confident in dealing with the public both face to face and over the telephone * Fluency in English Desirable Skills * Interest and/or experience of working with children in environmental education * Research and surveying experience * IT skills, including Microsoft Office and GIS * Interest and or/experience in salt water aquaria Please note that enthusiasm for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since full training is provided. Volunteer Fee An administration fee of £45 will be required from all successful applicants. Accommodation and Expense Arrangements Shared accommodation in a comfortable and fully equipped house will be arranged for successful volunteers (where required) at a cost of £55 per week, including bills. Please be aware that volunteers share same sex bedrooms. Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs but it is very easy to find part time work in New Quay. Due to payment arrangements with the house owners, accommodation costs are required in advance to cover the cost of each block so before applying please ensure that you can cover this and all other expenses. How To Apply Download a volunteer application form from our website <http://www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/seasonal-volunteers/> www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/seasonal-volunteers/ and email it along with a CV and covering letter (no more than one side of A4) outlining how you meet the personal specification and your motivations for applying to <mailto:volunteer@cbmwc.org> volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with Seasonal Volunteer application 2016 in your subject line. Spaces are filling fast, apply as soon as possible to ensure your chance of getting a place. For Further Information Visit <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org/ If you have any questions please email <mailto:volunteer@cbmwc.org> volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Laura on 01545 560224.

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Job opportunity in Alaska
by Gill, Verena 22 Feb '16

22 Feb '16

*You need to be a US citizen to apply. Part of the job involves dealing with marine mammal issues among other resources.* *The following Merit Promotion (MP) announcement has been extended until February 29th, 2016: * This is a courtesy notice to announce that the following Merit Promotion (MP) announcement has been posted on USAJOBS: *Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist*GS-0028-13/14 BOEM, Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Region (AKOCSR), Office of Environment, Environmental Analysis Section I Duty Location: Anchorage, AKOpens: 02/01/2016 Closes: *02/29/2016* *BOEM-MMLL-16-TH-033(MP)* https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/428061600 <>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><>><<>><<>><<>>< Verena A. Gill Wildlife Biologist Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 3801 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 500 Anchorage, Alaska 99503-5823 Office phone: 907-334-5239

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CETACEAN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN SAMOS, GREECE
by Aylin Akkaya 22 Feb '16

22 Feb '16

MARINE MAMMAL VOLUNTEER POSITIONS IN THE AEGEAN SEA ARE AVAILABLE Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation (www.archipelago.gr) and Marine Mammals Research Association (www.dmad.org.tr) is currently seeking for volunteers, based in the beautiful island of Samos, Greece. The project is focused on the conservation of marine mammals through combining research and education. Therefore, while marine mammal abundance, distribution, behaviour and threats will be monitored through boat and land surveys, active involvement of stakeholders to the projects will also be supported. This project provides an excellent opportunity for post-grads, students and individuals interested in getting more experience and knowledge in the field of marine mammal research. VOLUNTEERS are primarily responsible for behavioural data collection, theodolite operation, photographing cetacean individuals and cataloguing dolphin/monk seal pictures, data entry. Training will be provided beforehand. In addition, there will be ArcGIS and SPSS courses running which will be free for volunteers during their stay. There will be an opportunity to undertake a personal research project supervised by the project director. The base of project activities will be in Samos however there will be an opportunity to join the cetacean surveys in Fethiye and Antalya, Turkey carried by Marine Mammals Research Association. The enrolment on these surveys depends on the volunteer background and on the time of the year when they will participate. REQUIREMENTS Applicant are expected to be graduates or students of a BSc degree in biology, marine biology or zoology and able to demonstrate previous experience in the field of research and conservation. Knowledge on marine mammal species of Mediterranean is advantage. Practical experience of photo-identification (both photography and matching) and theodolite operation is desirable. The applicant must be fluent in English, proficient with database and word processing software and be willing to learn new software applications. Volunteers must be self-motivated, with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly, and with a true interest in marine conservation. The minimum duration of the placements is normally 3 complete months. We may make exceptions for potential participants to apply for a shorter placement. PROJECT FEE This position is unpaid and requires a contribution fee of 650 euro per month, which covers the accommodation, meals, equipment, training and working expenses for the participants, as well as work insurance and Greek language lessons. Participants should cover their own travel expenses to Samos island where all projects start/end. TO APPLY Send CV and cover letter by e-mail to a.akkaya(a)archipelago.gr Deadline for Applications: *Monday 15th March 2016.* Dr. Aylin Akkaya Bas Marine Mammal Research Coordinator of Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation Project Director of Marine Mammals Research Association Marine Research Base: P.O. Box 42, Pythagorio, Samos 83102 www.archipelago.gr Tel. +30 2273061147, +30 2273061191 *Dr. Aylin Akkaya Baş* *Marine Mammal Research Coordinator of Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation* *Project Director of Marine Mammals Research Association* *Marine Research Base: P.O. Box 42, Pythagorio, Samos 83102* *www.archipelago.gr <http://www.archipelago.gr> * *Tel. +30 2273061147, +30 2273061191*

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New paper: Moving towards dynamic ocean management: How well do modeled ocean products predict species distributions?
by Elizabeth Becker 22 Feb '16

22 Feb '16

Dear MARMAM Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following open access publication in the special issue of Remote Sensing of Biodiversity: Becker, E.A., K.A. Forney, P.C. Fiedler, J. Barlow, S.J. Chivers, C.A. Edwards, A.M. Moore, and J.V. Redfern. (2016) Moving towards dynamic ocean management: How well do modeled ocean products predict species distributions? Remote Sensing 2016, 8, 149; doi:10.3390/rs8020149 Abstract: Species distribution models are now widely used in conservation and management to predict suitable habitat for protected marine species. The primary sources of dynamic habitat data have been in situ and remotely sensed oceanic variables (both are considered "measured data"), but now ocean models can provide historical estimates and forecast predictions of relevant habitat variables such as temperature, salinity, and mixed layer depth. To assess the performance of modeled ocean data in species distribution models, we present a case study for cetaceans that compares models based on output from a data assimilative implementation of the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) to those based on measured data. Specifically, we used seven years of cetacean line-transect survey data collected between 1991 and 2009 to develop predictive habitat-based models of cetacean density for 11 species in the California Current Ecosystem. Two different generalized additive models were compared: one built with a full suite of ROMS output and another built with a full suite of measured data. Model performance was assessed using the percentage of explained deviance, root mean squared error (RMSE), observed to predicted density ratios, and visual inspection of predicted and observed distributions. Predicted distribution patterns were similar for models using ROMS output and measured data, and showed good concordance between observed sightings and model predictions. Quantitative measures of predictive ability were also similar between model types, and RMSE values were almost identical. The overall demonstrated success of the ROMS-based models opens new opportunities for dynamic species management and biodiversity monitoring because ROMS output is available in near real time and can be forecast. The paper is freely available from Remote Sensing: <http://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/8/2/149> http://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/8/2/149 Best Regards, Elizabeth A. Becker, Ph.D. Contractor, Ocean Associates, Inc. Marine Mammal & Turtle Division Southwest Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA 110 Shaffer Road Santa Cruz, CA 95060 e-mail: ebecker77(a)cox.net <mailto:ebecker77@cox.net>

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