April 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Protected Species Observer (Block Island, RI)
by Jay Litchfield 15 Apr '16

15 Apr '16

Protected Species Observer (Block Island, RI) A.I.S., Inc. is recruiting trained and experienced PSOs in anticipation of potentially hiring some PSO to work monitoring for protected species during construction activities starting roughly April 20th out of Narragansett, RI. This work would likely last for approximately two weeks, though the duration could be extended as needed by the client. Candidates will be selected based on their experience performing PSO duties. At a minimum candidates should have the following: * Completion of Offshore Survival Training * TWIC Card * Ability to pass a physical clearing PSO for sea duty * NMFS ESO/PSO Approval Letter Candidates with Passive Acoustic Monitoring experience are also encouraged to apply. Pay will be commensurate with experience. Housing will be provided for the duration of the project. To Apply: Please click the following link (https://goo.gl/BghYqp ) send a resume, cover letter detailing your PSO experience and confirming your availability(April 20th - May 5th or longer), 5 references (name, email address and phone number), and any applicable credentials/certificates. More information: VEVRAA Federal Contractor Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled Additional questions regarding the position can be directed to Jay Litchfield at 508-990-9054. For more information please visit the AIS, Inc. website www.aisobservers.com<http://www.aisobservers.com>.

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Harbour Porpoise Training Course
by Powell Strong 14 Apr '16

14 Apr '16

Harbour Porpoise and other cetaceans, Wildlife Observer Training (WOT) accredited courses 2016. New for 2016 and in response to the current UK consultation on Harbour Porpoise Possible Special Area of Conservation Consultation,<http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/SACconsultation> we are running three day courses focussing on Harbour Porpoise. Identification, study methods and practice at recording in the field will be included, with time for management discussion. Based on the Pembrokeshire coast and islands, the WOT course combine classroom work and practical work, which if successfully completed result in a nationally recognised qualification. We use our current experience of working for the government nature conservation agencies and European funded marine renewable energy projects, to provide up to date porpoise survey methods. These courses are jointly developed and delivered by Pembrokeshire College<http://coast.pembrokeshire.ac.uk/> and Seatrust.<https://www.facebook.com/Sea-Trust-532791560088466/> Course dates. 14-16 June and 1-3 November 2016 Course costs. £ 240 For further information, contact p.strong(a)pembrokeshire.ac.uk<mailto:p.strong@pembrokeshire.ac.uk> To book, contact admissions(a)pembrokeshire.ac.uk<mailto:admissions@pembrokeshire.ac.uk> Powell Strong Pembrokeshire College Merlins Bridge Haverfordwest Pembs SA61 1SZ 01437 753 166 p.strong(a)pembrokeshire.ac.uk<mailto:p.strong@pembrokeshire.ac.uk> ________________________________ Mae'r e-bost hwn ac unrhyw ffeiliau atodedig yn gyfrinachol ac at sylw'r unigolyn neu'r sefydliad a enwir uchod. Bydd unrhyw farn neu sylwadau a fynegir yn perthyn i'r awdur yn unig ac ni chynrychiolant o anghenraid farn Coleg Sir Benfro. Os ydych chi wedi derbyn yr e-bost hwn ar gam, rhowch sylw i'r gweinyddwr ar y cyfeiriad canlynol: postmaster(a)pembrokeshire.ac.uk<mailto:postmaster@pembrokeshire.ac.uk> Cysidrwch yr amgylchedd - a oes wir angen argraffu'r ebost hwn? This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Pembrokeshire College. If you have received this email in error please notify the administrator on the following address: postmaster(a)pembrokeshire.ac.uk<mailto:postmaster@pembrokeshire.ac.uk> Please consider the environment - do you really need to print this email?

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Opportunity for MMO/PAM operators
by Marco Donato 13 Apr '16

13 Apr '16

D'Appolonia Spa (RINA group) is looking for certified Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) / PAM (Passive Acoustic Monitoring) to join D'Appolonia's network. Job opportunities will be temporary and related to O&G offshore industry (construction/field survey activities) mainly in the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea / Red Sea and Gulf of Suez. Requirements · Experience working onboard in O&G activities (minimum 6 months offshore operations experience who has knowledge and training of Marine Mammal observation techniques and UK JNCC guidelines and reporting requirements) · JNCC approved MMO training. · knowledge about operating passive acoustic monitoring systems · A minimum of a BSc degree in environmental science, natural resources, marine science, or a related field. · Offshore survival and medical certification (UKOOA or equivalent); First Aid/CPR trainings is a plus · Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. · Self-motivated with attention to detail. · Preparation of various technical reports. · Must have the ability to conduct tasks independently · Only short listed candidates will be contacted. Should you be interested, please send your CV to Marco Donato (marco.donato(a)dappolonia.it) Thanks & Regards Marco DONATO D'Appolonia S.p.A. Technical Engineering Development Environment & Sustainability Impact Assessment and Planning Via Alberto Liri, 8A - 16145 Genova - ITALY Phone: +39 010 3628148 http://www.rinagroup.org http://www.dappolonia.it Please consider your environmental responsibility before printing this e-mail -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information contained in this e-mail is intended only for the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Its contents (including any attachments) are confidential and privileged: if you are not an intended recipient you must not use, disclose, disseminate, copy or print its contents. If you have received this email by mistake please notify us by emailing the sender, and then delete and/or destroy the e-mail and any copies from your system --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Project Available Placements
by info＠dolphinresearchaustralia.com 12 Apr '16

12 Apr '16

Dear MARMAM subscribers, I am pleased inform you that we have number of eco-volunteer placements available as part of our Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Project Expedition in 2016! The Moreton Bay Research Project focuses on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and Australian humpback dolphins and aims to assess and monitor the abundance and health of these populations in the Moreton Bay Marine Park and South East Queensland region. Our eco-volunteers join the research team and have a hands-on and participatory experience working from small research vessels along with talks and presentations, whilst being based at the University of Queensland Moreton Bay Research Station on the beautiful North Stradbroke Island located near Brisbane, Australia. Eco-volunteers will assist in collecting data on the behaviour, acoustics and habitat use of coastal dolphins and much more! Our expeditions are for one week durations between May and July 2016 (please see our website for all the dates for this year). No previous experience is required to join us for these 1-week expeditions and all training will be provided, however, you do need to have the following; - An enthusiastic and positive attitude - Willingness to learn and work with a small team - General interest in dolphin biology and ecology - Be able to work long-hours on a small vessel (not susceptible to chronic sea sickness) - Ability to communicate fluently in English (both written and oral) The prices for our eco-volunteer expeditions start at $1770(AUD) and cover all accommodation and food expenses during the expedition along with local transport and a contribution to the research project running costs! Additionally, if you are interested in an internship (which would be for a 2 month duration) or participating as a research student (honours or masters level), please express your interest as there are some upcoming opportunities which will be a part of this research project and 2016 field season. For more details on dates, what's included and the research project or expeditions please download an information booklet from our website http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com/dolphin-sighting-network/dolphin-exp editions/ or email us directly at info(a)dolphinresearchaustralia.com. Kind Regards Liz & the Dolphin Research Australia Team Elizabeth Hawkins, PhD Executive Officer, Founding Director Dolphin Research Australia, Inc. www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com info(a)dolphinresearchaustralia.com

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New pubblication: Meningoencephalitis and Listeria monocytogenes, Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella spp. coinfection in a dolphin in Italy
by Grattarola Carla 12 Apr '16

12 Apr '16

Dear MARMAM subscribers, My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of our research article: Grattarola C<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Grattarola%20C%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor…>, Giorda F<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Giorda%20F%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=tru…>, Iulini B<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Iulini%20B%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=tru…>, Pintore MD<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Pintore%20MD%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=t…>, Pautasso A<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Pautasso%20A%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=t…>, Zoppi S<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Zoppi%20S%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true…>, Goria M<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Goria%20M%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true…>, Romano A<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Romano%20A%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=tru…>, Peletto S<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Peletto%20S%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=tr…>, Varello K<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Varello%20K%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=tr…>, Garibaldi F<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Garibaldi%20F%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=…>, Garofolo G<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Garofolo%20G%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=t…>, Di Francesco CE<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Di%20Francesco%20CE%5BAuthor%5D&ca…>, Marsili L<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Marsili%20L%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=tr…>,Bozzetta E<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Bozzetta%20E%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=t…>, Di Guardo G<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Di%20Guardo%20G%5BAuthor%5D&cautho…>, Dondo A<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Dondo%20A%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true…>, Mignone W<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Mignone%20W%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=tr…>, Casalone C<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Casalone%20C%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=t…>.(2016). Meningoencephalitis and Listeria monocytogenes, Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella spp. coinfection in a dolphin in Italy. Dis Aquat Organ.<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26912047#> 2016 Feb 25;118(2):169-74. doi: 10.3354/dao02957. Abstract Listeria monocytogenes, Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella spp. can infect a wide range of species, including humans. In cetaceans, meningoencephalitis has been associated with T. gondii and Brucella spp. infection, whereas to our knowledge, L. monocytogenes infection has not previously been reported. Meningoencephalitis and L. monocytogenes, T. gondii and Brucella spp. were identified by means of both direct and indirect laboratory techniques in an adult female striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba found stranded in January 2015 on the Ligurian Sea coast, northwestern Italy. The animal was emaciated, and histopathology disclosed severe meningoencephalitis. The nature of the inflammatory response and intra-lesional protozoa were consistent with a mixed infection by L. monocytogenes, T. gondii and Brucella spp. We believe this is an unprecedented case of infection by 3 zoonotic pathogens and also the first bacteriologically confirmed case report of neurolisteriosis in cetaceans. Cerebral toxoplasmosis and neurobrucellosis may have led to the animal's disorientation and stranding, with L. monocytogenes having likely exacerbated the coinfection leading to the demise of this dolphin. The article is available in the publisher's website or by request at carla.grattarola(a)izsto.it<mailto:carla.grattarola@izsto.it> Best regards, Carla Grattarola Carla Grattarola DVM S.C. Neuroscienze-Lab Neuropatologia CEA-Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le TSE C.Re.Di.Ma.- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le indagini diagnostiche sui Mammiferi Marini spiaggiati Istituto Zooprofilattico del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta Via Bologna 148, 10154 TORINO - ITALIA Tel.(+39)-011 2686296 - Mob. (+39) 348 4411538 e-mail:carla.grattarola@izsto.it www.izsto.it<http://www.izsto.it/>

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PSO Certification in Wilmington, NC June 4-5
by abostwick 11 Apr '16

11 Apr '16

MPSC is holding Protected Species Observer training June 4-5 in Wilmington, NC. 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 the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, and advice on applying to PSO positions. MPSC is also holding PSO training in San Diego, CA in July. For more information, please contact Angela at ABostwick(a)PSOCertifications.com <mailto:ABostwick@PSOCertifications.com> , by phone at 832-523-2402 <tel: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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New Publication: Color patterns in white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) from Iceland
by chiara bertulli 11 Apr '16

11 Apr '16

Dear MARMAMcolleagues, We are pleased toannounce the publication of the following paper in Marine Mammal Science: AuthorsChiara G. Bertulli, AndersGalatius, Carl C. Kinze Marianne H. Rasmussen, William Keener and MarcA. Webber Title Color patterns inwhite-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchusalbirostris) from Iceland Abstract Few studies have examined the natural complexpigmentation patterns of white-beaked dolphins. From 2002 to 2014, whale-watchingtrips in Iceland provided a platform of opportunity to collect a large body ofphotographs of free-ranging individuals from a single area of distribution forthis species. Based on 823 images, 571 individuals showing one or more colorcomponents were identified, and assigned to the following four age classes:adults (n = 437), juveniles (n = 109), calves (n = 14), and neonates (n = 11).A total of 26 color components were observed and described: seven termspreviously applied to white-beaked dolphins, 12 previously applied to other dolphinspecies, and seven newly defined terms. Results showed that each age classcould be positively identified by differences in specific color components,some of which were exclusive. Therefore, color patterns may prove useful inestimating maturity in free-ranging white-beaked dolphins. This tool could befurther refined through assessment of a wide sample of freshly stranded specimensof known sex and age, which could reveal new age class-specific components, aswell as sexually dimorphic characteristics not seen here. Geographic variationshould be investigated by comparing image data sets and stranded animals fromdifferent parts of the North Atlantic. A copy of thepaper can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1748-7692 Or by sending arequest to ciarabertulli(a)yahoo.it Kind regards, Chiara Giulia Bertulli Chiara Giulia Bertulli, Ph.D. Faculty of Life and Environmental ScienceUniversity of Iceland Faxafloi Cetacean Researchhttp://www.faxa-cetacean.org ResearchGatehttp://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chiara_Bertulli/contributio…

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Volunteer Position: Great Barrier Reef inshore dolphin project
by Daniele Cagnazzi 11 Apr '16

11 Apr '16

CAPRICORN CETACEANS RESEARHC PROJECT IS URGENTLY SEEKING FIELD ASSISTANTS FOR RESEARCH ON INSHORE DOLPHINS IN THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA FOR MAY-SEPTEMBER 2016 Daniele Cagnazzi (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Marine Ecology Research Centre, SCU) is currently accepting applications for three volunteer positions, for the Capricorn Cetaceans Project for the Australian winter season from the 7 of May to the first week of September 2015. I first want to apologise for the short notice of this message. The primary aim of this project is to study inshore dolphin species primarily the Australian humpback dolphin and the Australian snubfin dolphin in the Southern Great Barrier Reef Queensland Australia. More information about past and on-going projects can be found at the project facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Capricorn-Cetaceans-Project-415778201812665/?ref=a…, project website http://www.capricorncetaceansproject.com/ and at the Marine Ecology Research centre website http://www.scu.edu.au/marine-ecology/index.php/33/ Field work include daily coastal surveys conducted on a 6m centre console vessel. During field work we will applied standard techniques normally applied in inshore dolphins studies. Additionally we will also collect skin samples using PAXARM biopsy system for an on-going genetic and toxicology analyses . More detailed information on the project will be given directly during a Skype conversation. While on land the team will share a house in Yeppoon and Laguna Quay Resort in Central Queensland. All accommodation costs are covered. Volunteers wil have to cover their food expenses at home while food and drinks on the boat are provided by the project. This position is mainly for people with photo-identification experience, with a profound interest in cetaceans and a background in marine studies. This project offers the opportunity for undergraduate thesis. Applications are considered for a minimum of two months but priority will be given to people applying for the entire period. Daniele Cagnazzi, PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow Marine Ecology Research Centre School of Environment, Science and Engineering Southern Cross University Lismore NSW 2480 Australia Mobile 0428366838 Website: http://www.scu.edu.au/marine-ecology/index.php/33/ Website: www.capricorncetaceansproject.com<http://www.capricorncetaceansproject.com>

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Subject: Launch of new web-portal: North Norwegian Humpback Whale Catalogue (NNHWC)
by Fredrik Broms 11 Apr '16

11 Apr '16

Dear all, We are proud to announce the launch of a new web-site dedicated to the recent work around the North Norwegian Humpback Whale Catalogue (NNHWC). Recent years (2010-2016) have seen the annual recurrence of large schools of Norwegian Spring Spawning herring (Clupea harengus) in local fjord systems in Northern Norway during winter-time. This herring superabundance attracts humpback whales that use the region as a temporary feeding stopover area before embarking on their migration southward. These extended winter visits to Norwegian fjord systems by a substantial fraction of the Barents Sea humpback whale population has provided a unique research opportunity. In order to study the residence time and habitat-use within the fjords, and to assess their affiliations within a larger North Atlantic context, an ambitious photo-identification effort was initiated in 2010: the North Norwegian Humpback Whale Catalogue (NNHWC). The NNHWC currently comprise of identification images of more than 810 individual humpback whales from 2010 - 2016. In order to facilitate the photo-ID process, and to attract the interest and participation of the growing number of interested locals and tourists visiting the area, we have established an interactive online web-portal for direct submission and open interactive analysis of ID-photos contributed both by dedicated researchers and the public. The NNHWC form part of a larger international research collaboration with the aim to study the ecosystem effects of herring superabundance in North Norwegian fjord systems. The NNHWC is an on-going long-term research project in close co-operation with the North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalogue (NAHWC) at the College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA. For further inquiries please contact us on e-mail: whaleobs(a)akvaplan.niva.no<mailto:whaleobs@akvaplan.niva.no> The web-portal and NNHWC is available online at: http://www.hvalid.no<http://www.hvalid.no/> Kind regards, Fredrik Broms and Martin Biuw ---------------------------------------- Fredrik Broms - NNHWC Founder and Administrator Akvaplan-niva AS, Arctic Research and Development High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, P.O. Box 6606 Langnes, Tromsø, Norway E-mail: fredrik.broms(a)akvaplan.niva.no

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New publication on cookie-cutter sharks and whales
by Theoni Photopoulou 10 Apr '16

10 Apr '16

Dear all, I am pleased to announce the publication of our paper in PLoS ONE. Best PB, Photopoulou T (2016). Identifying the “demon whale-biter”: Patterns of scarring on large whales attributed to a cookie-cutter shark Isistius sp. PLoS ONE 11(4): e0152643. doi:10.1371/journal. pone.0152643 Abstract The presence of crater-like wounds on cetaceans and other large marine vertebrates and invertebrates has been attributed to various organisms. We review the evidence for the identity of the biting agent responsible for crater wounds on large whales, using data collected from sei (*Balaenoptera borealis*), fin (*B. physalus*), inshore and offshore Bryde’s (*B. brydeii* sp) and sperm whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*) examined at the Donkergat whaling station, Saldanha Bay, South Africa between March and October 1963. We then analyse the intensity and trends in its predation on large whales. Despite the scarcity of local records, we conclude that a cookie-cutter shark Isistius sp is the most likely candidate. We make inferences about the trends in (1) total counts of unhealed bitemarks, and (2) the proportion of unhealed bitemarks that were recent. We use day of the year; reproductive class, social grouping or sex; depth interval and body length as candidate covariates. The models with highest support for total counts of unhealed bitemarks involve the day of the year in all species. Depth was an important predictor in all species except offshore Bryde’s whales. Models for the proportion of recent bites were only informative for sei and fin whales. We conclude that temporal scarring patterns support what is currently hypothesized about the distribution and movements of these whale species, given that Isistius does not occur in the Antarctic and has an oceanic habitat. The incidence of fresh bites confirms the presence of *Isistius* in the region. The lower numbers of unhealed bites on medium-sized sperm whales suggests that this group spends more time outside the area in which bites are incurred, providing a clue to one of the biggest gaps in our understanding of the movements of mature and maturing sperm males. The article is freely available online <http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0152643> or from me (theoni.photopoulou(a)gmail.com) Kind regards, Theoni -- Theoni Photopoulou, Postdoctoral Fellow Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa " Be silly. Be honest. Be kind " Ralph Waldo Emerson

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