February 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Workshop: Conserving Cetaceans in the Seas around Europe, 12 March, Madeira - spaces left!
by Heidrun.Frisch＠cms.int 22 Feb '16

22 Feb '16

Spaces left! Dear All, On behalf of the Steering Group* I am pleased to let you know that some places are left for the ACCOBAMS/ASCOBANS workshop "Conserving Cetaceans in the Seas around Europe through Synergy-building between the Relevant Legislative Frameworks". It will be held on 12 March in Funchal, Madeira. Its aim is to assess critically the gaps and overlaps between the many frameworks relevant for cetacean conservation (Habitats Directive (HD) and Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), ASCOBANS, HELCOM, OSPAR, ACCOBAMS, Barcelona Convention, Bucharest Convention, CMS, CBD, IWC), and to identify synergies that can be expected to help take forward cetacean conservation in an integrated and effective manner. Please find the announcement of the ECS website here <http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/workshops-0#Conserving%20E urope%E2%80%99s%20cetaceans%20through%20synergy-building%20between%20the%20r elevant%20legislative%20frameworks> . Confirmed speakers to date: Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Vedran Nikolić, Eunice Pinn, Tullio Scovazzi, Léa David, Claudio Fossati, Robin Law, Cristina Fossi, Fabian Ritter and Peter Evans Draft Agenda: 1. Welcome (9:00) 2. Overview of Threats 3. Introductions to Relevant Instruments 3.1. European Union Habitats Directive (HD) and Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) 3.2. Northern Europe (ASCOBANS, HELCOM, OSPAR, CMS, CBD, IWC) 3.3. Southern Europe (ACCOBAMS, Barcelona Convention, Bucharest Convention, CMS, CBD, IWC) 4. Review of Approaches, Successes, Challenges, Duplications and Gaps 4.1. Coordinated monitoring and coherent assessment of population status 4.2. Monitoring and mitigation of bycatch 4.3. Monitoring and mitigation of noise 4.4. Monitoring and mitigation of chemical contaminants 4.5. Monitoring and mitigation of vessel strikes 4.6. Area-based measures for mobile species 5. Break-out Sessions 5.1. Filling gaps 5.2. Reducing duplication, improving synergies 5.3. Addressing synergistic effects and cumulative concerns 6. Conclusions and Recommendations 7. Close The participation fee for this full-day workshop is 25 Euro. To register, please contact me at heidrun.frisch(a)ascobans.org <mailto:heidrun.frisch@ascobans.org> . * Members of the Steering Group: Patricia Brtnik, Florence Descroix-Comanducci, Peter Evans, Heidrun Frisch, Steve Geelhoed, Jan Haelters, Katarzyna Kaminska, Camille Montiglio, Eunice Pinn, Jamie Rendell, Fabian Ritter, Tullio Scovazzi, Mark Simmonds, Jeroen Vis Ms Heidrun FRISCH ASCOBANS Coordinator / CMS Marine Mammals Officer UNEP/CMS/ASCOBANS Secretariat UN Campus - Room 927 Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1 - 53113 Bonn, Germany Phone +49 228 815 2418 - Fax +49 228 815 2440 / 49 Skype: cms_marinemammalsofficer PLEASE NOTE MY NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES: <mailto:heidrun.frisch@ascobans.org> heidrun.frisch(a)ascobans.org / <mailto:heidrun.frisch@cms.int> heidrun.frisch(a)cms.int <http://www.ascobans.org/> www.ascobans.org / <http://www.cms.int/> www.cms.int Disclaimer: The information transmitted is intended only for use by the addressee and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, re-transmission, dissemination or other use of it, or the taking of any action in reliance upon this information by persons and/or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please inform the sender and/or addressee immediately and delete the material. Thank you.

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Tenure Track Faculty Position in Marine Conservation Ecology at Stony Brook University
by Lesley Thorne 22 Feb '16

22 Feb '16

Tenure Track Faculty Position in Marine Conservation Ecology The School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) at Stony Brook University invites applications for a tenure track faculty position in marine conservation ecology to begin as early as Fall 2016. We are especially interested in candidates who utilize innovative quantitative approaches in an area such as systems ecology and modeling, molecular genetics, resource management, fisheries ecology, population and community dynamics, ecotoxicology, or statistical modeling. Successful candidates are expected to develop an independent externally funded research program, to teach and direct research at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and participate in school and university services. All candidates must have a Ph.D. in a field related to conservation ecology and have demonstrated excellence in research and a strong commitment to teaching. The position will be filled at the Assistant Professor level. Review of applications will begin April 15, 2016, but applications will be considered until the position is filled. Application instructions, detailed procedures, and further information about the position and SoMAS can be found at http://www.somas.stonybrook.edu/jobs/ ____________________________________________________ Lesley Thorne, Assistant Professor School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000 631.632.5117 www.thornelab.com

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New Marman Posting for Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
by Melissa Laurino 21 Feb '16

21 Feb '16

*Title*: Internship with Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center in Cape May, New Jersey The Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center in Cape May, New Jersey is looking for interns for our 2016 field season. Our whale and dolphin watching season runs from March to November. At the height of our season there are three trips a day with an extremely flexible intern schedule, customized to work around outside employment and summer classes. In addition to trips leaving out of our location in Cape May on the American Star, <http://www.capemaywhalewatch.com/boat.html> during the summer we also have trips out of Wildwood on the Atlantic Star. *Intern tasks include:* - Photographing marine mammals on whale and dolphin watching trips - GPS/Data collection and processing - Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin fin matching and analyzing - Leading a touch tank, whale baleen and marine debris demonstration - Maintenance of collected local species tanks - Educating passengers - Contributing to our research blog <http://www.capemaywhalewatch.com/blog/> and creating an independent project *Application Process: *To apply, please submit a complete application package which includes: - Cover Letter and Resume (no more than 3 pages) - Contact information for two references including email and phone numbers - A supporting document of no more than 500 words answering *ONE* of the following: 1. How do you respond to a passenger who is disappointed with the trip (ex. no whale sightings, not close enough to animals, number of dolphins, etc) and continues by commenting that they should go to Seaworld? 2. What conservation efforts do you believe should be established in Southern New Jersey for Marine Mammal protection and how could it be implemented? 3. Why would research of Marine Mammals in their natural habitat, using photo identification, and data collection be useful and important? *Please submit completed application packet to tracie.cicchitti(a)capemaywhalewatch.com <tracie.cicchitti(a)capemaywhalewatch.com>* For more information, please visit: http://www.capemaywhalewatch.com/internship.html -- Melissa Laurino Naturalist/Internship Coordinator Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center, Inc. 1121 Rt. 109 Cape May, New Jersey 08204

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New Intro and Advanced PAM courses from PAMTech
by PAMTech 21 Feb '16

21 Feb '16

PAMTech (pamtech.eu) has got two courses coming up in Edinburgh, Scotland, which are now available for booking: a Practical Introduction course in May, and an Advanced course in October. PAMTech is a small UK-based company made up of PAMGuard (pamguard.org) developers and experienced field acousticians who can enable you to get the most out of PAM applications. A high tutor-to-student ratio on our courses ensures participants can get individual assistance with their training requirements. 1. Passive Acoustic Monitoring: a Practical Introduction 06/05/2016 and 07/05/2016 This is a unique two-day PAM introduction course providing the essentials you need to get going with PAMGuard and start working in the field. PASSIVE ACOUSTIC MONITORING: A PRACTICAL INTRODUCTION is a two day course which gives participants a strong grounding in key aspects of cetacean passive acoustic monitoring, including the capabilities and uses of PAMGuard, the leading research and industry software. The course includes how to configure PAM hardware and troubleshoot problems. Participants will have the opportunity to record and process real-time data. Different types of PAM research including some of the latest methodologies are also discussed. Cost: GBP 350 To book go to: http://pampracticalintropamtech.eventzilla.net 2. Advanced PAMGuard 21/10/2016 and 22/10/2016 This two-day classroom-based course allows those with previous PAMGuard experience to get to grips with more advanced features, focusing on offline analysis and data management. The course will include some core analysis modules, but participants will also be able to tailor training to their particular needs by selecting from a range of optional modules including complex classifiers and localisation techniques, and the PAMGuard MATLAB library. There is also the opportunity to bring your own datasets and explore ways they can be analysed using PAMGuard. Cost 350 GBP To book go to: http://advancedpamguardpamtech.eventzilla.net/ Both courses will take place on the Vine Trust Barge, Prince of Wales Dock, Edinburgh, EH6 7DX, Scotland, UK. Course costs do not include accommodation, travel or food. 50% non-refundable deposit required. Participants must bring their own laptop running Linux or Windows (not OSX). Windows 7 or above or Ubuntu 12.10+. For those wishing to follow the MATLAB module (in the Advanced course), a copy of MATLAB version 2012 or above is required (see pamtech.eu for more information on specifications). To find out more, contact: pamtech.acoustics(a)gmail.com Or go to: pamtech.eu

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RESEARCH ASSISTANT-Shark Bay, Western Australia
by Alexis Levengood 20 Feb '16

20 Feb '16

Hi everyone, I am seeking a dedicated research assistant for the 2016 field season (mid-April through early-July) in Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia in conjunction with the Shark Bay Dolphin Project (http://www.monkeymiadolphins.org/) and the Frere lab (http://celinefrerelab.com/) This research forms part of an ongoing PhD project through the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia studying social plasticity in female bottlenose dolphins and is part of a long-term study of dolphin behavior, ecology, and genetics. Timeframe: 2.5 months (mid April - 1 July 2016) Location: Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia. Monkey Mia is approximately 900km north of Perth and is part of the largest World Heritage site in Western Australia. Our field site includes wildlife such as sharks, rays, turtles, dugongs, whales, and of course resident bottlenose dolphins. About: This project is part of one of the longest running marine mammal research projects in the world with behavioral, life-history, ecological, and genetic research conducted since the mid 1980's. Assistance will be required with boat-based behavioral surveys and focal follows, as well as the collection of genetic samples using a remote biopsy system on the resident bottlenose dolphins. Weather permitting, days on the water can be consecutive, long, and tiring in variable environmental conditions. Days on land will require data entry and processing. This is an unpaid, volunteer position and the successful candidate will need to make his/her own way to Shark Bay. However, food and accommodation will be covered once in Monkey Mia. Responsibilities: -Searching for and spotting dolphins -Taking photos -Collecting survey, focal follow, and photo-ID data -Assisting in genetic sampling and processing -Driving the boat -Basic maintenance and equipment prep and cleaning -Entry of dolphin sightings and environmental data Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be a recent graduate with a science background and a genuine interest in marine mammal science. This position is well suited for recent graduates of marine biology, zoology, ecology, genetics, or similar fields looking to gain additional analytical and in-field experience. He or she must: -Be 18 years or older -Possess basic computer skills -Be detail oriented, flexible, and patient -Possess excellent verbal and communication skills -Work well both independently and in a team -Be fluent in English -Be willing to make the full 2.5 month commitment -Have prior field research experience -Be comfortable on a boat -Be prepared to work long, consecutive days, including weekends As this project involves the collection of small skin/blubber samples using a remote biopsy system you must be comfortable with assisting in genetic sampling. Additionally, we live and work in close quarters so mature and respectful candidates are required. Please note that given our remote location, it can be very difficult to accommodate strict dietary requirements. Vegetarianism is not a problem. Application Process: If interested please email Alexis.Levengood(a)research.usc.edu.au with the subject line RESEARCH ASSISTANT by Tuesday March 1st 2016. Please include in the email: 1. Letter of interest 2. CV 3. Email contacts for 2 references Looking forward to hearing from you. Cheers, Alexis Levengood PhD candidate University of the Sunshine Coast Sippy Downs, Australia www.celinefrerelab.com

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MERS Intensive Marine Naturalist Workshop
by MER Society 19 Feb '16

19 Feb '16

Whale School! The Marine Education and Research Society will provide a 2.5 day workshop on BC’s marine mammal species from May 27 to 29 in Campbell River, British Columbia. The MERS workshop is intensive training for those working as marine mammal naturalists or others with a strong interest in the natural history and conservation of BC’s marine mammals. Location: Campbell River’s Marine Heritage Centre. Cost: $250/person for 2.5 days (over 17 hours of content). Space limited. Spot secured with a $125 deposit. All proceeds go to the work of the Marine Education and Research Society. For more information including workshop program and how to make a deposit, please see http://mersociety.org/workshop.htm <http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmersociety.org%2Fworkshop.htm&h=…> . Questions to mersociety(a)gmail.com. Jackie Hildering Education and Communications Director Marine Education and Research Society

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ECS workshop Developing tools to ensure high quality MMOs in the ACCOBAMS area, places available
by Lea David 19 Feb '16

19 Feb '16

As the deadline for registration to ECS workshops is getting closer, we would just remind all interested that there are still places available for the workshop intitled "Developing tools to ensure high quality MMOs in the ACCOBAMS area". The aim is to present and discuss the tools under development to the professionals in order to increase certificate efficiency and define roles of the different actors and links among them. Considering the growing numbers of seismic operations and related projects in the ACCOBAMS area and their known negative impacts on cetaceans, ACCOBAMS is developing a high quality training module to train MMO/PAMwithin the Agreementarea (Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and contiguous Atlantic area). This training module is composed of tools and a framework for implementation in accordance with current standards applied elsewhere in the world. Nevertheless, these tools will need to be known and accepted byprofessionals involved in the monitoring of noise at sea and its impact on cetaceans (scientific, political, industrial, MMO/PAM). Theaim of the proposed workshop will be to present and discuss the tools under development with professionals in order to promote this certificate and define roles of the different actors and links between them. The specific objectives are (1) tofurther develop applicable and relevant tools, (2) to identify ways for these tools to be accepted by relevant bodies and organizations, and (3) to learn from best practiceto reach high quality training standards. The workshop takes place the *Sunday 13th of March*, *full day* from 9h30 Am to 5h30 Pm (http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/workshops-0) Participation fee : 25 euros It will take place in the *Auditorium of Portugal Telecom*. It is an auditorium Music Conservatory of Madeira with seats for *40 people *and it is located in *Portugal Telecom, Avenida de Zarco, nº 7, Funchal. **To register or further information contact *: lea.david2(a)wanadoo.fr See you there Léa DAVID

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2016 Summer Classes (Marine Mammals, Sharks, Sea Turtles) - University of Hawaii at Hilo
by Jason Turner 18 Feb '16

18 Feb '16

Aloha all, I am pleased announce that I will be offering the following three classes this summer at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The labs for each class involve research-based, hands-on techniques as the students participate in research studies focused upon each group of marine animals. Please forward to any of your students who might be interested: *MARE 390 - Biology of Marine Mammals/Lab* *MARE 380 - Natural History of Sharks and Rays/Lab* *MARE 490 - Sea Turtle Conservation & Ecology/Lab* *Dates: June 20 - July 29, 2016* *MARE 390, Biology of Marine Mammals, 3 credits - Dr. Jason Turner* Comprehensive investigation of a diverse group of highly adapted marine vertebrates. Whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, walruses, manatees, dugongs, sea otters and polar bears will be covered. Focus will be on taxonomy, anatomy and physiology, behavior, reproductive ecology, adaptations to the marine environment, and conservation and management. Pre: instructor's consent. *MARE 390L, Biology of Marine Mammals Laboratory, 1 credit - Dr. Jason Turner* Field and lab techniques employed by professional marine mammal biologists including shore and boat-based surveys, photo-identification, and acoustic sampling. Investigations will focus on local species of marine mammals. Pre: MARE 390 or concurrent enrollment. $250 lab fee payable upon registration. *MARE 380, Natural History of Sharks and Rays, 3 credits - Dr. Jason Turner* This course will examine the natural history of the Elasmobranchs, an ancient group of fishes that have existed for almost 450 million years. Comprehensive investigations of sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, and chimera along with representative species from Hawai`i will be conducted. Subjects will include evolution, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, ecology, conservation and management of these unique animals. Discussions of current research papers along with group research projects will be covered during lectures. Pre: Concurrent enrollment in MARE 380L required. *MARE 380L, Natural History of Sharks, Rays, and Skates Lab, 1 credit - Dr. Jason Turner* This course will further examine Elasmobranchs using a hands-on approach to compliment the work done in lecture using both laboratory and field-based activities. Laboratory sessions will involve detailed dissections of shark, ray, skate, and chimera functional anatomy. Students will also participate in a tagging study of coastal shark species throughout the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Pre: Concurrent enrollment in MARE 380 required. $250 lab fee payable upon registration. *MARE 490, Sea Turtle Conservation & Ecology, 3 credits - Dr. Jason Turner* All-encompassing look at the natural history of these ancient marine vertebrates with special focus on sea turtle of Hawaii. Topics include investigations of sea turtles, sea snakes, saltwater crocodiles and marine iguanas throughout the world. Subjects will consist of conservation and management, human impacts, reproductive and feeding ecology, evolution, taxonomy, and anatomy and physiology of these unique marine animals. Pre: prior college-level marine biology course recommended, or equivalent or instructor’s consent. Pre: Concurrent enrollment in MARE 490L. *MARE 490L, Sea Turtle Conservation & Ecology Laboratory, 1 credit - Dr. Jason Turner* Field and lab techniques employed by sea turtle biologists including shore and underwater photo-surveys, forage surveys, and evaluation of nests and hatchlings. Investigations will focus on local species of sea turtles of Hawaiiincluding green (*Chelonia mydas*) and hawksbill (*Eretmochelys imbricata*). Pre: Concurrent enrollment in MARE 490. $250 lab fee payable upon registration. *Tuition and Fees* *Tuition and fees for the 2016 Summer Session are:* Undergraduate Resident $288 per credit Undergraduate Non-resident $407 per credit Undergraduate WUE* $347.50 per credit Graduate Resident $447 per credit Graduate Non-resident $590 per credit Student Life Center fee: $ 35 Lab and Other Fees Varies *Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and for Pacific Island students *Registration begins April 1; please email me directly if you have any questions at:* *jpturner(a)hawaii.edu <jpturner(a)hawaii.edu>* *For additional information about the University of Hawaii at Hilo Summer Program:* *http://hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/summer/UHHilosMarineScienceSummerProgram.php <http://hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/summer/UHHilosMarineScienceSummerProgram.php>*

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ID Catalogue of Killer Whales from the Northern Indian Ocean (NIO) now available online.
by Georgina L Gemmell 18 Feb '16

18 Feb '16

Dear Marmamers On behalf of the Northern Indian Ocean Killer Whale Alliance, I am pleased to announce that a live on-screen version of the NIO Killer Whale ID Catalogue is now available and can be viewed at this link. http://niokillerwhales.wix.com/niokwa Both the ID Catalogue and sightings repository are the result of an extensive collaborative effort by the individuals and organizations that make up the Northern Indian Ocean Killer Whale Alliance (NIOKWA). Though only in the early stages, the catalogue already hosts 51 unique individuals made up of 15 pods and 4 suspected lone animals. Exciting results so far have revealed localised re-sightings, insights into regional seasonality and the first record of trans-Indian Ocean movement. As the catalogue is live, it will be updated as and when new individuals are identified. Periodic updates will be circulated to a mailing list of NIOKWA members, to be included in this list please contact myself at georgina.wildoceans(a)gmail.com. All the best Georgina -- *Georgina Gemmell* Lead Administrator, Orca Project Sri Lanka

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ECS WORKSHOP: Future JCP - spaces still available!
by Kelly.Macleod＠jncc.gov.uk 18 Feb '16

18 Feb '16

Dear all, At the 30th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society, Madeira the UK’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) are hosting a workshop titles "T<http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/workshops-0#The%20Joint%20…>he Joint Cetacean Protocol: lessons learned and looking to the future". We have a few spaces left and are particularly keen to attract participants from North Sea bordering countries. For background to the JCP, see the JNCC website: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5657 For more in detail on the workshop, see below or visit ECS workshop page: http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/workshops-0 The workshop will be held on: Sunday, 13th March (full day) Participation fee €25 To register or further information contact: Tim.Dunn(a)jncc.gov.uk<mailto:Tim.Dunn@jncc.gov.uk> Overview: <http://europeancetaceansociety.eu/sites/default/files/ECS2016%20_workshop%2…>The Joint Cetacean Protocol (JCP) is an ambitious initiative that assembled effort-related cetacean sightings datasets from all major UK, and some European sources. These data represented the largest cetacean sightings resource ever collated in Europe and comprised: 38 data sources from at least 542 distinct survey platforms; over 1 million km of effort; and covered a 17 year period (1994-2010) in a region from the continental shelf edge west of Ireland to the Kattegat. There were 3 phases of analysis, which aimed to: 1. identify all relevant north-west (NW) European cetacean sightings data available; 2. investigate the power these data had to assess trends/changes in abundance and distribution and how to improve that power; 3. define standards for collection and storage of data; 4. facilitate sharing of standardised cetacean datasets via a web portal; and 5. develop methods for the production of cetacean distribution maps and estimates of both abundance and changes in abundance. Each of these was met with varying levels of success and the workshop will review the outputs of the JCP to date. In doing so, lessons learned from the different analytical phases will be identified and will help scope the need and approach to a new phase of work. In discussing this, existing and potential data providers will be invited to present new datasets and/or data standards implemented and this will be opportunity to build wider European partnerships. The output from the workshop will be a draft scope for a new phase of the JCP, which will include identification of objectives, broad approach (data standards, contribution and analysis) and essential partnerships. Building on and broadening the geographic scope of the JCP brings with it greater potential to improve reporting and assessment for, as examples, the Habitats Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive, of European cetacean populations. If you have a Freedom of Information/Environmental Information request please refer to our website page<http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=6077> Dr Kelly Macleod Senior Marine Species Advisor Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Inverdee House, Baxter Street, Aberdeen AB11 9QA Office +44 (0) 1224 266584 Mobile +44 (0) 7964 598 206 Kelly.Macleod(a)jncc.gov.uk<mailto:Kelly.Macleod@jncc.gov.uk> Please note that I work part-time (Monday-Thursday) _____________________________________________________________________ This email and any attachments, is intended for the named recipient(s) only. If you are not the named recipient then any copying, distribution, storage or other use of the information contained in them is strictly prohibited. In this case, please inform the sender straight away then destroy the email and any linked files. JNCC may have to make this message, and any reply to it, public if asked to under the Freedom of Information Act, Data Protection Act or for litigation. If you have a Freedom of Information/Environmental Information request please refer to our website page. This message has been checked for all known viruses by JNCC through the MessageLabs Virus Control Centre however we can accept no responsibility once it has left our systems. The recipient should check any attachment before opening it. JNCC Support Co. registered in England and Wales, Company No. 05380206. Registered Office: Monkstone House, City Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 1JY. http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/

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