March 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Reminder to Register for NW Student Chapter Marine Mammal Conference!
by Erica Escajeda 29 Mar '16

29 Mar '16

Hello Northwest Marine Mammalogy Students! This a reminder to register and submit your abstracts for the 20th Annual Meeting of the Northwest Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (NWSSMM) at the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle on 21-22 May 2016! We have extended the abstract deadline to *Friday, 22 April*, to allow for more applicants. Registration will be open until the day of the meeting (walk-ups will be accepted). Register and submit your abstract at: http://bit.ly/20Mn9EB Also, we will broadcast the talks using a webinar service so that students who cannot attend in person can watch the presentations. More details to come later however if you are interested in registering for the webinar, please send us an email. *Conference Details*: The purpose of the annual meeting is to cultivate community among students studying marine mammals by creating a relaxed atmosphere to share research ideas, tribulations, and triumphs. It is an opportunity to meet other students across the region, collaborate, and generally have a good time in a supportive and informal setting. Saturday May 21st will involve a full day of student oral and poster presentations at the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (located here <https://www.google.com/maps/place/1122+NE+Boat+St,+Seattle,+WA+98105/@47.65…> ), followed by a group dinner. On Sunday May 22nd we will be offering a behind the scenes tour of the marine mammal collection at the Burke Museum <http://www.burkemuseum.org/> on the UW campus. We encourage students (grad, high school, and college students, and post-docs) to present their research. Abstracts for research at all stages, including proposal presentations and preliminary results, will be accepted. We also encourage guests (student or non) that are not interested in presenting to register and attend the conference. Registration cost is TBD at this time, but will be a maximum of $15 (USD) and will include breakfast, snacks, and lunch. We'll head out for dinner and drinks after talks on Saturday! Follow along on the Facebook event page <https://www.facebook.com/events/1716450525237777/>. *Accommodations*: Limited housing with student hosts will be available on a first-come first-serve basis. Please indicate on your registration form if you would like to be considered for accommodations and contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you in Seattle! Erica Escajeda (escajeda(a)uw.edu) and Jessie Hale (jrh33(a)uw.edu) NWSSMM 20th Annual Meeting Student Organizers

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New Publication: Seasonal variation in harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) blubber cortisol - A novel indicator of physiological state?
by Joanna Kershaw 29 Mar '16

29 Mar '16

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Kershaw, J. L. Hall, A. J. 2016. Seasonal variation in harbour seal (*Phoca vitulina*) blubber cortisol - A novel indicator of physiological state? Scientific Reports. 6: doi:10.1038/srep21889. This article can be downloaded at: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep21889. ABSTRACT: Cortisol is one of the main glucocorticoid hormones involved in both the mammalian stress response, and in fat metabolism and energy regulation, making it of increasing interest as a biomarker for stress, health and overall physiological state. However, transient stress responses to animal handling and sampling may be important sources of measurement artefact when investigating circulating concentrations of this hormone in wildlife. Here, cortisol concentrations were measured in the plasma and, for the first time, in the blubber of live captured adult harbour seals (*Phoca vitulina*). Plasma cortisol concentrations were positively correlated with capture time, suggesting that they were largely driven by a stress response to the capture event. In contrast, blubber cortisol concentrations were shown not to be significantly affected by capture time and varied significantly by sex and by season, with higher concentrations during natural fasting periods of their life cycle, particularly during the moult. These results suggest that cortisol may play a key role in increased fat metabolism during highly energetically demanding periods, and that blubber concentrations have the potential to be used as physiological state indicators in phocid seals. Best wishes, Joanna Kershaw -- Joanna Kershaw PhD Student Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK

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1st LAMLA Workshop - Listening for Aquatic Mammals in Latin America - Call for Abstracts
by LAMLA Workshop 28 Mar '16

28 Mar '16

*1st LAMLA Workshop * “*Listening for Aquatic Mammals in Latin America*” 21-23 June 2016, Natal, Brazil We would like to invite you to participate in the upcoming event "1st Listenning for Aquatic Mammals in Latin America" (LAMLA) to be held in Natal, Brazil between 21 and 23 of June 2016 at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Our aim will be to bring together researchers, professionals, and graduate students working on bioacoustics to communicate their work, network and interact with other researchers, and discuss directions for a coordinated regional bioacoustics network and collaboration, essential to strengthen both the scientific and conservation efforts on the species locally, nationally and internationally. The ultimate aim of the meeting will be to produce a document that compiles bioacoustics research efforts in Latin America and identifies future directions for developing the aquatic mammal bioacoustics field at a regional level. Findings, conclusions and action plans resulting from the workshop will be submitted for publication in LAJAM. Please join us in order to: · assess the effort to study sounds from all aquatic mammal species that occur in Latin America; · share scientific information and methodologies between research groups; · enhance conservation efforts, locally and internationally; · define a platform for launching new partnerships, activities or projects. We would like to encourage anyone with interest in these studies to participate in our exploration of new effective conservation ideas and possibilities. *Early registration deadline: 30th April 2016. Abstract submission deadline: May 5th, 2016.* Please, don't hesitate to forward this message to colleagues or person you think interested but keep in mind* work has to be conducted in Latin America*, no exceptions. Visit the site to register and submit your abstract: www.lamla2016.com If you need more information, please contact us at lamlameeting(a)gmail.com Looking forward to see you in Natal! Best wishes, -- The Organizing Committee

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SUBJECT: MARINE MEGAFAUNA OF THE FALKLANDS - Field helpers recruitment - First call
by Simona Sanvito 28 Mar '16

28 Mar '16

VOLUNTEER FIELD HELPERS RECRUITMENT ------------------------------------ PROJECT: Long term study of marine megafauna of the Falklands WEB SITE: www.eleseal.org POSITION: Volunteer (unpaid) field helper DURATION: about 3 months and a half, two periods: 1) late August 2016 to mid December 2016, and 2) mid December 2016 to late March 2017; exact dates in the field to be established later LOCATION: Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands, Southern Atlantic. DUTIES: - Southern elephant seals: counts, marking, mapping, observation of behavior, pup handling, collection of samples - Killer whales: photoidentification, observation and videotaping of behavior, necropsies of preys - Falklands skuas: counts, nest identification and mapping, observation of behavior - Marine birds and raptors: counts and mapping of different species of marine birds (different species of penguins, cormorants, gulls, geese, and ducks) and raptors (in particular, striated caracaras) - Environmental monitoring: collection of microclimatic data, habitat classification, collection of GIS data DEADLINE: May 15th 2016; please note that, capabilities being equal, positions will be allocated with a first come first served policy Volunteer field helpers are required for the 2016-2017 field season of various long-term research projects on marine megafauna of the Falkland Islands carried out by the Elephant Seal Research Group (www.eleseal.org) The field work site is Sea Lion Island. Sea Lion Island on Google maps http://maps.google.com/?q=Sea%Lion%Island,Falkland%Islands Successful applicants will receive adequate training and will help with: - a long term project (21 years) on individual life histories and breeding strategies of southern elephant seals - a long term project (3 years) on social and hunting bejaviour of mammal-eating killer whales - a study of Falklands skua demography, behavior and vocal communication - various monitoring projects on the different marine and raptor bird species breeding on Sea Lion Island - a general environmental monitoring of the island, including the collection of data for the Sea Lion Island GIS Volunteers will be supervised by the PIs and/or by trained technicians. Previous experience of field work is appreciated but not essential. We are recruiting helpers for two periods; - late August to mid December: focus is elephant seal breeding, killer whale predation on weaned elephant seal pups, establishment of pairs and territories by skuas - mid December to late March: focus is elephant seal moulting, genaral killer whale activity and behavior, intensive study of skuas behaviour and communication, monitoring of breeding of marine birds and raptors, collection of general environmental data Only applicants who can stay for a whole period (about 3 months and a half) can be taken into consideration. No volunteer is allowed to apply to stay for both periods, so please state clearly in your cover letter for which one you are applying (first or second) or, if you are available for both, which of the two you prefer (although we cannot guarantee to meet your preference). Applicants are required to pay all expenses to get to Sea Lion Island, and telephone/Internet expenses while there. Accommodation and food at SLI will be provided by the ESRG. Accommodation on SLI is rather basic and self-catering, but comfortable for a field research setting (heathing, hot water, shower, Internet connection hotspot in the nearby lodge). We are considering to ask volunteers to give a 200/300 Euro contribution for management and repair of research equipment, due to the high frequency of breakage of expensive instruments. This is currently not sure but it is definitely possible. Applicants will be required to work in the field for the whole length of the day, seven days per week, with just half day per week of rest. They are also required to help with cooking, cleaning of their cabin and general maintenance tasks . The data collection protocol is complex, the field work is physically very hard, and it is often carried out in bad weather conditions. People without a good tolerance to cold are discouraged to apply. It is a very rewarding, but demanding, experience. The island is a wonderful place with large unspoiled sandy beaches, and a very rich and very tame wildlife, is the best hot spot for wildlife oriented tourism in the Falklands, is an Important Birds Area and an Important Plants Area, a RAMSAR convention site, and a National Nature Reserve. To apply please send 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position and summarizing your qualifications for it, 2) a detailed CV, and 3) a copy of an identification document (with picture). Reference letters (3 maximum) are appreciated, but not essential, and should be sent directly to the email address mentioned below. If you think you may have extra documentation that can be relevant (eg, copy of a thesis, certificates, etc.) please mention them in your email, but don't send them unless requested (we are currently in the field, and we have limits to attachment size). Please place all documents in a single PDF file, name it as "your_surname - ESRG2016 - application", and email it as an attachment of an email to dr. Filippo Galimberti (fil_esrg(a)eleseal.org) Deadline for first call applications is May 15th, 2016. Due to the limited number of positions available we warmly suggest perspective candidates to apply as soon as possible. Filippo Galimberti & Simona Sanvito Elephant Seal Research Group fil_esrg(a)eleseal.org www.eleseal.org

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SeaScribe: a new at-sea survey data collection app
by Iain Stenhouse 25 Mar '16

25 Mar '16

For those of you involved in offshore surveys for seabirds, marine mammals, and other wildlife -- The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recently funded the development of a new at-sea survey data collection app for Android and iOS platforms, such as tablets. The app, called /*SeaScribe*/, was developed by the Biodiversity Research Institute and Tilson Government Services, and has now been approved for release. In short, /*SeaScribe*/ is a data collection tool for offshore wildlife surveyors (using either boats or planes) that is specifically designed to improve data standardization and work flow, reduce data entry errors, and decrease time from raw data output to finalized datasets for analysis. /*SeaScribe*/ features include: * capturing environmental conditions and behavioral information alongside each geo-referenced wildlife observation, using internal or external GPS, * efficient data entry screens with core data fields and the ability to create and use customized data fields, * capturing digital photographs and audio clips from onboard cameras and microphones, tagged to specific observations and locations, * export of data in JSON or CSV file formats, including tagged images or audio clips, via email or Dropbox, and * a reporting tool that summarizes survey data by transect or survey for screen view or exporting. And, as if that wasn't exciting enough, BOEM has made the app /*freely*//**//*available*/ for download via /Google Play/ (https://play.google.com/store/search?q=seascribe&c=apps) and the /iTunes App Store/ (https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/seascribe/id1084264780?mt=8) For more information about /*SeaScribe*/, and to download the handy User's Guide, please visit our website at -- http://www.briloon.org/seascribe. -- *Iain Stenhouse, PhD* /Senior Science Director Marine Bird Program Director/ Biodiversity Research Institute 276 Canco Road Portland, Maine 04103, USA Tel: 207-839-7600 x210 /www.briloon.org/

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New publication: Variation in female reproductive tract morphology of the common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
by Dara Orbach 25 Mar '16

25 Mar '16

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper: Orbach DN, Marshall CD, Würsig B, Mesnick SL. 2016. Variation in female reproductive tract morphology of the common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*)*. *The Anatomical Record. 299:520-537. DOI: 10.1002/ar.23318 ABSTRACT Cetaceans exhibit vaginal folds, unusual protrusions of the vaginal wall into the vaginal lumen. Inconsistent terminology and a lack of anatomical landmarks in the literature have hindered comparative studies of the form and function of vaginal folds. Our objectives are to: (1) develop a standardized measurement protocol for the reproductive tracts of female cetaceans, (2) assess variation in morphometrics within the common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*), and (3) determine if vaginal muscle is skeletal, and therefore of somatic origin in this species. We selected 15 measurements to characterize female reproductive tracts and evaluated variability using fresh or frozen-thawed specimens from southeastern USA representing a range of sexual maturity states and reproductive states (n = 18 specimens). Presence of skeletal muscle and variation in the density of muscle banding were assessed using 90 histological samples (n = 5 specimens). Analyses of the gross morphological data revealed that the dolphins generally had one large vaginal fold that bisected the vaginal lumen. Vaginal morphology was similar for sexually mature and immature specimens and across reproductive states. The histological data revealed that the vaginal musculature consisted of smooth muscle, consistent with other mammals, leading us to conclude that vaginal contractions are likely under autonomic rather than somatic control. No differences were found in the density of smooth muscle banding among vaginal regions or sexual maturity states. Our systematic protocol lays the foundation for evaluating the function (e.g., sexual selection, natural selection) and evolution of vaginal folds. A pdf is available upon e-mail request to dnorbach(a)gmail.com Cheers, Dara Orbach, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Behavioral Ecology Group Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University at Galveston http://www.tamug.edu/mmbeg <https://mail.tamug.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=oF36nqml20WyXY9FEWmciXAfCz1UuNIIYvY…> >

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2016 Volunteer Wildlife/Marine Videographer
by Sean Bogle 25 Mar '16

25 Mar '16

Hello, I am resending this posting with an updated link. I was informed that the previous posting I submitted has an expired link. Can you please post this version? Thank you. We are currently seeking volunteer videographers and aspiring filmmakers to collaborate with in the production of new Eyes on Conservation video episodes for 2016! Spaces for these volunteer positions are limited, so keep in mind when applying that we are looking for motivated individuals who are eager to tell stories about wildlife and conservation efforts. We care more about your story idea and how it is presented than we do about your prior experience as a field biologist. Job Title: Volunteer Wildlife/Marine Videographer Job Description: Wild Lens is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing biologists and filmmakers together to better communicate to the public the various risks to habitat and wildlife species, particularly in understudied populations. Wild Lens is looking for dedicated volunteer videographers willing to document their experiences at various field jobs throughout the globe for our Eyes on Conservation (EOC) documentary series. Primary duties will include documenting key study components and objectives through film, interviewing primary investigators when possible, obtaining signed release forms from individuals for Wild Lens, sending footage to Wild Lens upon conclusion of the field season, working with film producers during post-production, and possibly shooting additional footage when needed after the field job is complete. Volunteer videographers must be willing to take the time necessary to obtain footage that will ultimately be used to compose and edit a short EOC video. The EOC video will be used as an educational instrument for organizations conducting wildlife research and to further communicate the mission of wildlife efforts in conservation. Past projects include working with The Marine Mammal Center to highlight seal and sea lion rehabilitation and Ungulate conservation in Tanzania. To see an examples of previous Eyes on Conservation videos, visit: http://wildlensinc.org/film-projects/eyes-on-conservation/ <http://wildlensinc.org/film-projects/eyes-on-conservation/> Please e-mail a cover letter and resume with 2-3 references in a PDF file to sean(a)wildlensinc.org <mailto:sean@wildlensinc.org>, at least 1-2 months prior to the start of your field season. Let us know in your cover letter what job you have been hired for, what your duties will be, and the objectives of the study. Also include any ideas you have about the story you hope to tell using the footage that is collected. Please place the job title in the subject heading. The number of positions are limited and will be filled as suitable applicants are found. Qualifications: Preferred Qualifications: 1. Experience in filmmaking and/or photography; 2. Must already be hired to a field job separate from this film project; 3. Possession of a quality camera and tripod that is capable of shooting HD video (is preferred); 4. Ability to communicate with people on camera in a coherent way; 5. A strong motivation to communicate science concepts to a general audience. Duration: Dependent on Field Job Salary: Strictly volunteer (some gear may be provided, dependent on the project) Last Date to Apply: 1-2 months prior to start of field season Contact: Sean Bogle, Project Director E-mail: sean(a)wildlensinc.org <mailto:sean@wildlensinc.org> (preferred); Phone: 435-790-9593 ------- Cheers, Sean Sean Bogle, Project Director Eyes on Conservation Wild Lens, Inc. Cell: 435.790.9593 Office:208.297.6536 ext.502 wildlensinc.org <http://www.wildlensinc.org/> <http://wildlensinc.org/film-projects/eyes-on-conservation/> <http://www.wildlensinc.org/eyes-on-conservation.html> <http://www.wildlensinc.org/eyes-on-conservation.html> <http://wildlensinc.org/> <http://wildlensinc.org/> <https://www.facebook.com/WildLensInc> <https://twitter.com/WildLensInc> <https://www.youtube.com/user/WildLensInc> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens>

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ORCA - Marine Wildlife Guide Experiences
by Catherine Bowley 24 Mar '16

24 Mar '16

Working in collaboration with Brittany Ferries and DFDS Seaways ORCA is proud to be able to offer Marine Wildlife Guide Experiences<http://www.orcaweb.org.uk/get-involved/wildlife-guide-experience> across the summer on routes in the North East Atlantic (including Bay of Biscay) and the North Sea. This four week residential course (at sea) provides a fantastic opportunity for passionate, outgoing, people with an interest in whale and dolphin marine conservation to work alongside our Wildlife Officers<http://www.orcaweb.org.uk/our-work/wildlife-officer-programme>; supporting them carry out vital research and monitoring in the understudied offshore marine environment and promoting wildlife watching and conservation through educational activities to passengers. http://www.orcaweb.org.uk/get-involved/wildlife-guide-experience Catherine Bowley Supporter Development Manager ORCA Tel: 023 9283 2565 Email: catherine.bowley(a)orcaweb.org.uk<mailto:catherine.bowley@orcaweb.org.uk> Web: www.orcaweb.org.uk<http://www.orcaweb.org.uk/> [Facebook logo]<https://www.facebook.com/pages/ORCA/190122761022671>[Twitter bird]<https://twitter.com/intent/user?original_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.orcaweb.o…> [Please consider the environment before printing] [ISpy-Cruises-Banner-Ad-2016]<http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/offers/mini-cruises/whale-dolphin-cruise-…>

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New paper: First record of a hagfish anchored to a living bottlenose dolphin in the Mediterranean Sea
by Daniela Silvia Pace 24 Mar '16

24 Mar '16

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Pace DS, Mussi B, Miragliuolo A, Vivaldi C & Ardizzone G (2016) First record of a hagfish anchored to a living bottlenose dolphin in the Mediterranean Sea. J Mammal DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyw022 First published online: 24 March 2016 Abstract An unusual observation of a hagfish (*Myxine glutinosa*) anchored to a living bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) was documented in an encounter with a group of about 80 dolphins during an ongoing long-term research program on cetaceans in the central Mediterranean Sea, Italy. The body of the hagfish was observed extruding from the blowhole of the bottlenose dolphin showing a stereotypical surfacing–breathing pattern. The observation lasted 2h; photo-identification, acoustic, and behavioral data were collected. Succorant behaviors (i.e., “standing by”) from conspecifics and overlapping vocalizations during social phases were recorded. The dolphin was encountered again after 1 month in the same area without the hagfish, apparently in healthy conditions. Kind regards, Daniela *Daniela Silvia Pace* President, Oceanomare Delphis Onlus p: +39 346 1039652 <danielasilvia.pace(a)gmail.com> / f: +39 06 50910791 <%2B39%200650910791> e:danielasilvia@oceanomaredelphis.org w: oceanomaredelphis.org <http://www.oceanomaredelphis.org/> <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oceanomare-Delphis-Onlus/160510983980667?ref…> <https://www.linkedin.com/pub/daniela-silvia-pace/b/3a8/ba7> <https://twitter.com/OD_onlus> *Oceanomare Delphis Onlus* [CF 92045790398. P IVA 03923430403 - legal head office: via guglielmo oberdan 27, 47921 rimini (RN), italy - operation offices: via gino marinuzzi 74, 00124 rome (RM), italy; via zaro 22, 80075 forio d'ischia (NA), italy; piazza bisio 31, 15040 valmacca (AL), italy]

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PSO Training in Sarasota, FL on April 9-10
by abostwick 23 Mar '16

23 Mar '16

There are a few spots left in the upcoming MPSC Protected Species Observer training on April 9-10 at Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota, FL. This BOEM/BSEE-compliant PSO certification course covers the regulations for reducing seismic survey impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, and how to visually locate and identify the animals. Course comprehension is measured with examinations on regulations and animal identification. Lunch is provided and included in the $800 course fee (college/recent graduate and group discounts available), along with various identification guides, regulatory documents, admission to Mote Marine Aquarium, a tour of the marine mammal and sea turtle hospitals at Mote, and advice on applying to PSO positions. Online registration and payment made be found at the following link: http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/PSOCert.html MPSC is also holding PSO training in Wilmington, NC in June. For more information, please contact Angela at ABostwick(a)PSOCertifications.com <mailto:ABostwick@PSOCertifications.com> , by phone at 832-523-2402, or visit the website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/. Thank you, Angela Bostwick / Founder Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com <http://www.ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com> https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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