February 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Limited positions available for volunteers in April, June, October cetacean surveys in Derawan Marine Park, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
by Danielle Kreb 03 Feb '16

03 Feb '16

Dear all, We are looking for motivated volunteers and/or students that are willing to engage in the Berau large marine vertebrates program, which aims to protect a high diversity of large marine vertebrates including cetaceans, turtles, whale sharks and manta rays in the Marine Park of Derawan Archipelago, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Besides raising awareness, engaging local communities in sustainable handycraft and ecotourism activities, part of the conservation program includes a long-term monitoring program of large marine vertebrates in the area. Surveys are being conducted by the local NGO Yayasan Konservasi RASI (Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia) under guidance of Dr. Danielle Kreb and Ir. Budiono. The research team involves experienced RASI staff, as well as local and overseas (student) volunteers. We are looking for motivated volunteers that are willing to engage in the program through an eight-days monitoring survey in the beautiful landscape of the Berau archipelago.We will collect data to determine relative abundance, core area mapping, assessing seasonal species diversity and site fidelity as well as habitat usage of large marine vertebrates. Besides photo-id collection of cetaceans, we will also take photo-id of whale sharks.Through earlier surveys it was found that the highest relative abundance of ceteaceans was within 5km radius of islands or reefs, and therefore we also conduct coral reef monitoring at several locations by snorkling to asses its health. Cetacean species directly encountered during the surveys so far include, (dwarf)spinner-, spotted-, Fraser’s-, Risso’s-, long-beaked common dolphins as well as common bottlenose and Indo-Pacific bottlenose-dolphins, Irrawaddy and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, dwarf sperm whale-, melon-headed- and false killer whales, sperm whales and humpback whales..Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn theory and practice of Reefcheck monitoring for the Indo-Pacific.There will be an opportunity to do recreational things such as snorkling in the stingless jelly fish lake of Kakaban, visiting caves in Maratua Island and snorkling near Manta Rays and/or whale sharks following good practice protocols. Dates: 24 April-5 May; 16 June-27 June;3-14 October 2016 Deadlines for the April and June surveys are 15 February and 15 March 2016. Day by day schedule, qualifications for volunteers and costs involved can be downloaded from a flyer posted on our website at: http://www.ykrasi.org/coastal.html We are looking forward to your participation! Regards, Danielle and Budiono -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Member of IUCN/SSC/Cetacean Specialist Group Scientific Program Advisor Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 52 Samarinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.org Facebook group/page: Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia

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Intensive Underwater Acoustics Courses - Stockholm, March/April 2016
by Sam Nichols 02 Feb '16

02 Feb '16

Seiche Training is announcing two underwater acoustics courses in association with University of Bath, UK, and CPD-recognised by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST): *UNDERWATER ACOUSTICS IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT 30 March – 1 April 2016: Stockholm, Sweden* This three day course equips delegates with a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of underwater acoustics. It then focuses on developing clear, quantitative understanding of the issues involved in the impact of acoustics on marine wildlife. The following topics will be covered: ocean environments, noise propagation models, sound field modelling, methods of assessment, impacts of noise on marine life, mitigation, environmental regulations and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), fisheries, JNCC guidelines and emerging studies and technologies across this field. Delivered by leading research professors and experts Dr Paul Lepper and Professor Victor Humphrey. The course is intended for regulators, environmental consultants, researchers and policy/environmental professionals within industry. It will be particularly useful in providing a better understanding of reports that delegates either have to deliver or receive from clients. *UNDERWATER ACOUSTICS AND SONAR SYSTEMS* *30 March – 2 April 2016: Stockholm, Sweden* This four day intensive course in underwater acoustics is intended for engineers and scientists, particularly within industry and defence. The first part of the course covers the principles of underwater acoustics. This is followed by advanced modules on underwater sound sources with a key emphasis on sonar, seismic imaging, seismic sources and seismic data. Dr Philippe Blondel, Professor Victor Humphrey and Dr Peter Dobbins are the key lecturers for this course. Please contact us for further information by email (training(a)seiche.com) or look at our website (www.seichetraining.com.)

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New publication: ship noise extends to high frequencies
by Scott Veirs 02 Feb '16

02 Feb '16

Greetings, We would like to announce that a new paper on underwater source levels of 12 classes of ships has been published in the open-access, peer-reviewed journal PeerJ. Veirs S, Veirs V, Wood JD. (2016) Ship noise extends to frequencies used for echolocation by endangered killer whales. PeerJ 4:e1657 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1657 Main findings from ~2,800 measurements of ~1,600 unique ships in 12 classes: -- In the Salish Sea ships dominate the soundscape (~20 ships/day, year-round; mean+/-s.d. broadband source level of 173 +/- 7 dB re 1 uPa @ 1m) -- Median noise spectrum levels received in killer whale habitat (2 km from shipping lane) were raised 5-30 dB (re 1 uPa^2@/Hz) above background by ships at all reported frequencies (11.5 Hz - 40,000 Hz). -- Source spectra of different ship classes show similar levels above 20,000 Hz, but bifurcation into lower and higher power groups at lower frequencies (~20 dB re 1 uPa^2/Hz @ 1 m difference at the 50 Hz power peak). -- Container ships have highest median spectrum levels; military ships have some of the lowest levels, especially below 1,000 Hz. -- Within each class, source spectrum levels vary 15-30 dB re 1 uPa^2/Hz @ 1 m between the 5% and 95% quantiles. Supplemental information (R scripts, data, example mp3 files) can be accessed here: http://www.beamreach.org/data/staff-research/ship-noise/ We hope this characterization of ship noise will help inform models of potential impacts on marine life, development of policies regarding ocean noise, and strategies for mitigating noise pollution from ships. Best regards, Scott, Val, and Jason

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Natalie Goodall and Museo Acatushún
by Madeline Bodin 02 Feb '16

02 Feb '16

I am a freelance science journalist with an assignment to write an article on Natalie Goodall, the naturalist, writer, collector of marine mammal specimens in Argentina and founder of Museo Acatushún. I would like to hear from anyone who knew her who has specific stories or anecdotes about her energy, her commitment to science or her support of her students. I also welcome information about how her work has assisted or informed your own research. Please reply to me directly: mpbodin(a)vermontel.net. Sincerely, Madeline Bodin mpbodin(a)vermontel.net 802-875-3581 www.madelinebodin.com

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Request for data
by Mitchell, Theresa 02 Feb '16

02 Feb '16

I am working on a database project with Dr. James Simons - Center for Coastal Studies, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi - called GoMexSI<http://gomexsi.tamucc.edu/> (Gulf of Mexico Species Interactions). This research project is cataloging species interactions in the Gulf of Mexico. Until now we have been focused on the predator/prey interactions of fishes, however, we are currently looking to expand the database to include other taxa and ultimately will include parasite/host relationships. Our project is requesting data regarding stomach contents/diet concerning all endemic cetacean of the region. Thus far, we have only acquired a few studies regarding cetaceans and we wish to compile as much information as possible. If you or someone you know would be willing to cooperate, please contact me at the email below. Theresa Mitchell Theresa.Mitchell(a)tamucc.edu Center for Coastal Studies - TAMU-CC NRC Suite 3200 6300 Ocean Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78412

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New publication on cetacean by-catch in the turbot fishery on the Turkish Western Black Sea Coast
by Arda M. Tonay 02 Feb '16

02 Feb '16

Dear All, Apologies for cross posting. I would like to inform you that the new paper on estimates of cetacean by-catch in the turbot fishery on the Turkish Western Black Sea Coast has been published in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. The pdf copy is available online via the following link. Tonay, A.M. 2016. Estimates of cetacean by-catch in the turbot fishery on the Turkish Western Black Sea Coast in 2007 and 2008. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. doi: 10.1017/S0025315416000060 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315416000060> http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315416000060 Abstract This is the first study estimating cetacean by-catch in the Turkish western Black Sea turbot fishery. One turbot fishing boat was observed during two fishing seasons, from April through July 2007 and April through mid-September 2008. During this time, 24 harbour porpoises and one bottlenose dolphin were caught in turbot trammel nets. The by-catch rate was found to be 0.18 for harbour porpoise and 0.01 for bottlenose dolphin individuals per kilometre in 2007, and 0.19 for harbour porpoise individuals in 2008. It is estimated that the total numbers of harbour porpoises killed in the Turkish western Black Sea during the legal fishing period (April and July) were 167 ± 153 (CV: 0.92) in 2007 and 329 ± 220 (CV: 0.67) in 2008, and the number killed during both legal and illegal periods of turbot fishing were 2011 ± 742 (CV: 0.37) in 2007 and 2294 ± 806 (CV: 0.35) in 2008. The estimated range of harbour porpoise by-catch in the turbot fishery on the Turkish western Black Sea coast is between these two estimates. The by-caught harbour porpoises were between 1-8 years of age. About half of them were within the age range of 4 (26%) and 5 (21%) years old, and 78% were physically immature individuals. Turbot fishing carried out with bottom nets, especially in May and June, when turbot fishing is banned, is a threat to the sustainability of harbour porpoise stocks. Alternatively, pdf requests can be sent to atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr Regards Arda Arda M. TONAY Ph.D Faculty of Fisheries, İstanbul University Marine Biology Dep. Ordu Cad. No:200 Laleli, 34480 İstanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 212 455 5700/16434 Fax: +90 212 514 0379 <mailto:atonay@istanbul.edu.tr> atonay(a)istanbul.edu.tr <http://suurunleri.istanbul.edu.tr/> http://suurunleri.istanbul.edu.tr/ Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) P.O. Box 10 Beykoz, İstanbul, Turkey Tel: +90 216 424 0772 Fax: +90 216 424 0771

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Online panel about cetaceans in captivity
by Research Department 01 Feb '16

01 Feb '16

We are excited to announce that Pacific Whale Foundation will be hosting a live “Digital Chat with the Experts” on Saturday, February 6 at 9:00am HST (2:00pm EST). The discussion will focus on issues facing whales and dolphins in captivity, and our expert panel includes John Hargrove, Samantha Berg and Dr. Naomi Rose. The event is hosted using Google Hangouts On Air. Visit https://goo.gl/2oS567 to view the event and RSVP (Note: anyone can view the event, but to RSVP requires a Google+ account). We encourage you to get involved in the conversation by submitting questions for our panel at https://goo.gl/2tG1R6 . Before the live event, the Research Department will review all submissions and select questions to ask. Please share widely and use #PWFexpert on Facebook and Twitter to follow updates for this event. During the live event, you can also use the hashtag to contribute additional questions or comments. The discussion will be moderated by the PWF Research Department. For more information about the event as well as our expert panel, visit http://mauiwhalefestival.org/weekend-with-the-experts *Research Department* Pacific Whale Foundation 300 Ma'alaea Rd., Suite 211 Wailuku, HI 96793, USA Phone: +1 808-856-8305 Fax: +1 808-243-9021 Email: research(a)pacificwhale.org Website: www.pacificwhale.org -- Run & Walk For The Whales - January 30, 2016 World Whale Day - February 13, 2016 <http://mauiwhalefestival.org/sponsorship-opportunities> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic mail transmission and any accompanying attachments contain information belonging to the sender which may be confidential and legally privileged. This information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom this electronic mail transmission was sent as indicated above. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or action taken in reliance on the contents of the information contained in this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this transmission and all attachments. Thank you!

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Research Intern opportunity at The Marine Mammal Center - APPLICATION DEADLINE FEB 5th
by Christine Fontaine 01 Feb '16

01 Feb '16

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT Research Department The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) is a non-profit hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick, injured or orphaned marine mammals. Also integral to the Center’s mission are the research and education programs that expand our knowledge of marine mammals, and their ocean environment, and inspire global conservation. Since 1975, TMMC volunteers and staff have responded to more than 18,000 stranded pinnipeds, cetaceans, and sea otters along California’s central coast. For more information about TMMC, please visit: www.marinemammalcenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org>. The Science Department at TMMC is seeking applicants for a volunteer internship position in our research division. There are two intern opportunities, spring and summer. Responsibilities The successful candidate will participate in the following projects: 1) Assist with necropsies: Necropsies are performed on all animals that die during treatment at the center. Depending on the case, some necropsies require a significant amount of sampling. Primary responsibilities will include: assisting with necropsy sample collection, data collection, archiving samples, stocking necropsy lab, and clean up. 2) Data entry and cleaning: The goal of this project is to improve data integrity, standardization, and volume in the Veterinary Science Department’s databases (FileMaker Pro). These data include animal care and medical records, diagnostic results, specimen tracking information, and stranding and disposition details. Intern tasks may include entry of respective data from hard-copy records and data checking and cleaning. 3) Specimen archive project: This project will focus on tracking and optimizing the storage of archived specimens collected from live and dead marine mammals. Intern duties will primarily include: freezer inventory. 4) Library project: This project involves cataloging scientific publications into TMMC’s hardcopy and electronic libraries. Intern duties will primarily include: reference entry using EndNote X, restocking hardcopy reprints, and scanning hardcopy publications. 5) Animal crew: The selected intern will spend one day on an animal crew. Animal crew’s duties include feeding the patients, cleaning the pens, restraining animals for feeds and/or procedures. Training is provided. In addition, the intern will assist with other duties within the Science Department as needed, such as filing paperwork, rescues and releases. Qualifications Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: * Minimum of 21 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies; * A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field; * Basic computer proficiency, especially with Microsoft Office Suite; * Comfortable hiking 5 miles and lifting 50 lbs; and * A willingness to spend a minimum of 12 weeks working full time (40 hours per week) as a volunteer with our program. * As there is no compensation for this internship position, and the successful applicant will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. There is flexibility on the start date of this position for both the spring and summer Internships. Please specify which time slot you’re applying for- spring or summer. Internship Period Application Deadline Interviews Notification of acceptance Approximate Internship Time Spring Feb 5th, 2016 February 11-12, 2016 February 17, 2016 March – May 2016 Summer April 15th, 2016 April 25-26, 2016 May 2nd, 2016 June – August 2016 Application The following application material is required and should be submitted electronically (PDF or Word document attachments) to intern(a)tmmc.org<mailto:rustl@tmmc.org>. Please put “Research Intern” in the subject line of the email. 1. Statement of Interest (no more than two pages, double spaced) that describes: a) your professional interests and career goals, b) your reasons for applying for this internship, c) why you should be selected for this internship, and d) your availability and plan for housing. 2. College transcript(s) (official or unofficial copy) with all college-level courses you have taken to-date and the grades you have received. Please include an explanation of grading scales not on a 4.0 scale. 3. One letter of recommendation from an individual capable of commenting on your academic qualifications and, if possible, research skills. College or university faculty or research advisors preferred. Letters of recommendation MUST be sent directly from the person writing the letter, preferably via email (as an attachment or in the body of the email). 4. Resume or curriculum vitae (no more than two pages) describing any relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, scholarships and/or other activities that you have held or participated in and other skills or accomplishments that you wish to identify. If email submission is not possible, application material can be faxed to (415) 754-4078 (Attn: Christine Fontaine) or mailed to: The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA 94965 (Attn: Christine Fontaine). It is the responsibility of the applicant that all required material is submitted by the deadline. If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Christine Fontaine Senior Research Assistant The Marine Mammal Center Fontainec(a)tmmc.org<mailto:fontainec@tmmc.org> 415-289-7377<tel:415-289-7377>

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SEAMAMMS 2016 Abstracts Due in 1 Week
by Perrtree, Robin 01 Feb '16

01 Feb '16

As a reminder SEAMAMMS 2016 abstracts are due in 1 week, Monday, February 8th. Please see below for the initial announcement and additional information. Thanks, Robin ~~~~~~~~~~~ The 2016 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) will take place April 1-3, 2016 in Savannah, GA and will be hosted by Savannah State University and The Dolphin Project. Abstracts are due Monday, February 8th, please see the website for additional information. Early Registration will end on March 11th. We encourage everyone to register early. The 2016 SEAMAMMS website is now up with more details to be added soon. For meeting details, information on abstract submission and to register please visit: http://www.savannahstate.edu/cost/mar-env-science/SEAMAMMS/index.shtml SEAMAMMS is a regional, student-oriented, scientific marine mammal meeting. Preference will be given to marine mammal research conducted in the mid-Atlantic and southeast US or conducted by students in the same region. Other topics will be considered as space is available. If you have additional questions that are not addressed on the website please e-mail seamamms2016(a)gmail.com<mailto:seamamms2016@gmail.com>. We hope to see you in April! Robin Perrtree, Tara Cox, and Peach Hubbard Robin Perrtree SSUDS Lab Manager Marine Sciences Technician Savannah State University Office: Harris Hall 103 912-358-3301 (office) 941-323-2750 (cell)

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