April 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

IMMEDIATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELDING WHALE WATCHING REYKJAVIK, ICELAND SUMMER 2016. Due too last minute cancellations.
by Megan Whittaker 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

IMMEDIATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELDING WHALE WATCHING REYKJAVIK, ICELAND SUMMER 2016. Due too last minute cancellations. Elding Whale Watching Reykjavik is a family owned company and has been running since 2000. We are the original operator in Reykjavik, strict in abiding by IceWhale’s (www.icewhale.is) guidelines in vessel behaviour around wildlife and work with IFAW to stop Whaling in Iceland. We are also well known for our environmental policy. Elding also provides a platform for marine biologists to study the cetaceans we encounter to help build our knowledge and understanding. Elding also has ties with Whale Safari ( www.whalesafari.is) a RIB whale watching company and developing a new whale watching company in Akureyri (North Iceland) this up and coming summer. For further information please visit our website at www.elding.is. Elding Whale Watching Reykjavik is looking for two voluntary research assistants with a passport from an EEA country (https://www.gov.uk/eu-eea) to assist for 5 months (1st May to the 31st September 2015). Assistants will assist in the long-tern data set that has been collected since 2007. Research is conducted in co-operation with the University of Iceland’s research center in Húsavik and it comprises of photo identification and behavioral studies mainly of minke whales and white-beaked dolphins but occasionally also humpback whales, orca, fin whales and basking sharks. Research will be conducted on the whale watching tours (3 hours, 3 times a day). There will always be two assistants on board taking data and one on land processing, cropping, ID matching and uploading onto an online database. Each researcher will have four days at sea and two days on land processing. Working day averages at about 12-14 hours for those at sea and 6-8 hours those on land. You will have every Sunday off work as well as bad weather days when tours are cancelled. We are looking for assistant that; · Have a strong interest and education in marine science specifically cetaceans and marine birds. · Good spotting skills · Have experience on boats preferably above 17m and not acceptable to seasickness easily. · Be able to work calmly and politely under pressure and sometimes in stressful situations. · Must be a quick learner, adaptive, have a very good sense of humour, hard working, outgoing and generally a very positive person. · Willingness to work long hours outdoors in sometimes unfavorable weathers. · A Team Player · Physically fit - there may be some heavy lifting. i.e. moving cases of drinks or working with heavy ropes, being on your feet for most the day. · Don’t mind cleaning – lots of cleaning needs to be done on a daily basis, between and after tours and yes it also means cleaning up vomit and toilets. · Bar work – Each vessel has a bar where light refreshments are sold · Have their own equipment and good at using them e.g. DSLR camera and computer. Assistants will be responsible for their own travel costs, travel insurance and personal expenses but accommodation is provided throughout the working period as well as an afternoon hot meal. Further information on living and working in Iceland can be found at http://www.mcc.is/media/frettir/Living_and_working_in_Iceland.pdf and www.iceland.is *Accommodation* You will be living on an old converted capelin fishing boat that now acts as a permanently stationed gift shop/ waiting area/ small museum for our passengers in the heart of Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. You will get your own small bedroom but the living area, shower room, kitchen and toilet, with all essentials, will be communal with the other researchers and maybe the occasional crewmember. All facilities are provided including wifi, fridge, cooker, bedding, towels etc. Elding prides itself on teamwork, no job is too small or too big for any of our staff members. We work together to make sure everything is finished for the following day. So being a team player is also very important. *How to apply: * Please email your C.V. and introduction of yourself in English specifying any relevant experience and languages you have, also why you would be good for the job with the contact details of one reference to Megan ( megan(a)elding.is) Deadline for applications is the 15th April and those that are successful will be contacted no later than the 20th. Due to the late notice we will look at all applications but will prioritise those that can stay the longest. -- Kind Regards Megan Whittaker Head Naturalist and Research co-ordinator Elding Adventures at Sea Ægisgarður 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland Tel. (+354) 519 5090 elding(a)elding.is www.elding.is Add us on Facebook Elding Whale Watching Reykjavík <http://www.facebook.com/EldingWhaleWatching> Follow us on Twitter: EldingWhale <https://twitter.com/eldingwhale> Check our Videos on YouTube: Reykjavik Activitie <http://www.youtube.com/reykjavikactivities>s Please think of the environment; please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to.

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: 4th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMMC): Focus Group on the Conservation Status of White-beaked Dolphins in the Northwest Atlantic
by chiara bertulli 07 Apr '16

07 Apr '16

FocusGroup on the Conservation Status of White-beaked Dolphins in the NorthwestAtlantic: Understandingknowledge gaps and recommendations for future research Organizedby ChiaraG. Bertulli, Michael J. Tetley and Marianne H. Rasmussen in associationwith the 4th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMMC), St.John’s, YYT, Canada, August 3rd 2016. Thewhite-beaked dolphin, Lagenorhynchusalbirostris, is an endemic species of cold temperate and sub-arctic North Atlantic waters. The speciesis considered to have a conservation status favorable across most of its range.However, recent assessments of the Northeast Atlantic range describe potentialimpacts from climate change, habitat and prey depletion, noise and chemicalpollution and bycatch in fisheries, which may negatively affect the long-termsurvival and favorable conservation status of this species. Genetic sampling of Northeast Atlanticanimals found a very low nucleotide diversity making this species highlyvulnerable, whilst further information compiled for the Convention on MigratorySpecies (CMS) has also indicated a knowledge gap on white-beaked dolphins inthe NW Atlantic. These conditions have made the process of preparingassessments of Conservation Status across the species range difficult. Therefore, to further understand our currentknowledge gaps, urgent recommendations on a white-beaked dolphin researchstrategy for the NW Atlantic region are needed. Such information can help to enhancementfuture conservation planning, in particular the North Atlantic status of White-beakeddolphins by IUCN Red List and CMS, and national bodies such as the Canadiandepartment of fisheries and oceans (DFO). The goalsof the proposed Focus Group of experts attending the IMCC are to: 1) Determinewhat information may already be available but not yet collated for this speciesin its Northwest Atlantic range; 2) Providerecommendations on the drafting of a research strategy to enhance internationalcollaboration on white-beaked dolphin research for the Northwest Atlanticregion and; 3) Feedbackknowledge on the potential status in its Northwest Atlantic range to the CMSand IUCN Red List for future North Atlantic scale assessments of the speciesconservation status. These goals will be achieved through a shortsession of presentations on the current knowledge of Northwest Atlanticwhite-beaked dolphins and facilitated breakout discussions. To register your interest in participatingin the Focus Group please contact Chiara Bertulli (chiara.bertulli(a)gmail.com) beforeApril 24th for further information on pre-registration andparticipant fees. For those interested in also attending the wider IMCC4 pleasealso see the conference mini-site for additional information http://conbio.org/mini-sites/imcc-2016for which early registration is open between March 26th – May 1st. Regards The Focus Group Organizing Panel 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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New paper: Net energy gained by northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) is impacted more by diet quality than by diet diversity
by Diaz Gomez, Mariana 07 Apr '16

07 Apr '16

Dear Members, My co-authors and I would like to bring your attention to our new publication titled "New paper: Net energy gained by northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) is impacted more by diet quality than by diet diversity". It was recently published in the Canadian Journal of Zoology and you can find it available here: http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjz-2015-0143#.VwaplPkrJD8 Abstract: Understanding whether northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus (L., 1758)) are negatively affected by changes in prey quality or diversity could provide insights into their on-going population decline in the central Bering Sea. We investigated how six captive female fur seals assimilated energy from eight different diets consisting of four prey species (walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus Pallas, 1814, formerly Theragra chalcogrammus (Pallas, 1814)), Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1847), capelin (Mallotus villosus (Müller, 1776)), and magister armhook squid (Berryteuthis magister (Berry, 1913))) fed alone or in combination. Net energy was quantified by measuring fecal energy loss, urinary energy loss, and heat increment of feeding. Digestible energy (95.9%–96.7%) was high (reflecting low fecal energy loss) and was negatively affected by ingested mass and dietary protein content. Urinary energy loss (9.3%–26.7%) increased significantly for high-protein diets. Heat increment of feeding (4.3%–12.4%) was significantly lower for high-lipid diets. Overall, net energy gain (57.9%–83.0%) was affected by lipid content and varied significantly across diets. Mixed-species diets did not provide any energetic benefit over single-species diets. Our study demonstrates that diet quality was more important in terms of energy gain than diet diversity. These findings suggest that fur seals consuming low-quality prey in the Bering Sea would be more challenged to obtain sufficient energy to satisfy energetic and metabolic demands, independent of high prey abundance. Please email me if you have any questions or would like Mariana Diaz Gomez M.Sc. Department of Zoology UBC Marine Mammal Research Unit Room 215.7, AERL, 2202 Main Mall Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6T 1Z4 http://mmru.ubc.ca/personnel/mariana-diaz/

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New publication: Diel and seasonal patterns in acoustic presence and foraging behaviour of free-ranging harbour porpoises
by Schaffeld, Tobias 07 Apr '16

07 Apr '16

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of our new article: Title: Diel and seasonal patterns in acoustic presence and foraging behaviour of free-ranging harbour porpoises Authors: Tobias Schaffeld, Stefan Bräger, Anja Gallus, Michael Dähne, Kathrin Krügel, Anne Herrmann, Martin Jabbusch, Thomas Ruf, Ursula K. Verfuß, Harald Benke, Jens C. Koblitz Abstract: A temporal and geographical analysis of echolocation activity can give insights into the behaviour of free-ranging harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Seasonal and diel patterns in the presence and foraging activity of harbour porpoises were investigated based on a year-long passive acoustic monitoring data set recorded at 5 sites in the western Baltic Sea. Diel patterns in detection rates were found at 4 sites. A year-round rhythm in presence, however, was found at only 1 station, whereas the other 3 stations showed diel rhythms for 2 to 3 seasons. Three of the sites showed diel patterns in foraging sequences on a seasonal level, but no station showed such patterns for the complete year of investigation. Both diurnal and nocturnal patterns in harbor porpoise detections were observed, indicating that diel rhythmic behaviour is more complex than previously reported. In contrast, foraging behaviour showed only nocturnal rhythms. Owing to the limitations in passive acoustic monitoring, all categorized foraging sequences are a minimum estimate. Therefore, classified foraging sequences are most likely pelagic foraging, while bottom grubbing could have been missed. Differences in the occurrence of foraging sequences between station, season and time of day lead to the assumption that the long-term echolocation diel patterns of porpoises strongly depend on the temporal changes in food availability and composition within a certain habitat. Echolocation behaviour of foraging porpoises is strongly influenced by seasonally available prey resources, which require adaptive foraging strategies. Therefore, owing to seasonal variations, analyses of diel patterns need to be conducted over sufficiently long time periods and large geographic scales to allow generalized interpretation of the findings. Consequently, no general conclusion regarding diel rhythms in harbour porpoise echolocation was found. We hypothesize that porpoises in the study area alternate between foraging on benthic prey in shallow waters at daytime and in the pelagic in deeper waters at night. doi: 10.3354/meps11627 The article is available at: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v547/p257-272/ With best regards, Tobias Schaffeld

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CRRU Internship Programme 2016 - places available
by Dr Kevin Robinson 07 Apr '16

07 Apr '16

We still have places available on the CRRUs Whales and dolphins of the Moray Firth project in Scotland this summer, listed at: http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp Our field teams are run in the form of a training / educational programme, with formal lectures, seminars and presentations by the research team, practical training in field methodologies and data collection and analysis, and direct participation in the research, education and rescue work of this dynamic and outgoing conservation charity. The cost for an 10 day internship in 2016 is £895, and this will cover you for full board (all your accommodation and food costs), your full equipment needs and ALL associated field costs during your stay with us in the heritage fishing village of Gardenstown in northeast Scotland. You'll simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to us in Banff in Aberdeenshire (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money. For full details, please visit the project page at www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp <http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp> , or email us directly at info(a)crru.org.uk <mailto:info@crru.org.uk> for further information or for a booking form. Our full list of publications and reports can also be found at: www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp With all best wishes and thanks Dr. Kevin Robinson Director, CRRU <mailto:kev.robinson@crru.org.uk> kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, PO Box 11307, Banff, AB45 3WB, Scotland, UK | ( +44 (0)1261 851696 | <http://www.crru.org.uk/> www.crru.org.uk Whale and Dolphin Research | Environmental Educational Outreach | Marine Wildlife Rescue | Consultancy | MMO Services <http://www.facebook.com/crru.org.uk> <http://www.twitter.com/crru> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/cetacean-research-&-rescue-unit-crru-> Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC035473

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BDRI Research Internships - Dolphins and porpoises in Spain
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 07 Apr '16

07 Apr '16

Could you please post the following. Dolphins research internships announcement and thesis opportunities - Last call Winter Season (January- April) 2016 Hi everyone, On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting internship applications for Winter and Spring term 2016 (a minimum of 30 days of participation) for our research project along the North-western coast of the Iberian Pensinsula (Galician waters, Spain). An internship period with the BDRI offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in marine mammal’s research methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced bottlenose dolphin researchers. The BDRI invites applications for dissertation/thesis projects in a dynamic, international, and competitive research environment. Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in cetaceans behavioural ecology and sociobiology with a focus on dolphins ethology, habitat use and communication. BDRI offers interns the chance to work through the many steps of research. Your participation means that you will not only be observing the studied animals at sea, but you will also be collecting different types of scientific data, using various research methods, and helping on board the research vessel in general. Furthermore, as the Galician coastline is known for frequent strandings of various marine mammals species, you will be a part of an important network for rescue and data collection from these stranded animals. When back in the lab, you will participate in the transcription of the collected data, with the database work, you will use various softwares, perform photo-identification analysis, use of GIS and more. Moreover, interns will also receive cross-training in different areas related with the strandings (Response, Rescue, Necropsy and data collection). As an internship, you will be encouraged to work hard and gain an insight of what it is actually like to work as a marine mammal researcher. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in marine mammals research make the most qualified individuals. Our centre understands the importance of giving the participant the responsibilities and experience needed in order to give an insight and reflect the reality of a job within the field of marine mammal science. The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is no compensation for the internship positions. There is an interships fee that includes the accommodation in an apartment, tuition and other expenses derived of your participation (housing, use of equipment, field trips by car, and use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain). Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between January through to November. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10 minute presentation at the end of their internship. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, he/she will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Positions are open until filled (maximum 8 vacancies). Prior field research experience is recommended but not required. Please download the internships general information and application form at: <www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf><www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc><www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/thesis.pdf> Send the application form, resume, recommendation letters, and cover letter by email to the email: info(a)thebdri.comFor more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit www.thebdri.com or our Facebook page. See you on site! Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Biologist and DirectorBottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI)Av. Beiramar 192, O Grove CP. 36980Pontevedra-Spaintel. 00 34 605 521441<www.thebdri.com> This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private information. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any).

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One volunteer position open for large marine vertebrates surveys in Berau, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, 2016
by Danielle Kreb 05 Apr '16

05 Apr '16

Dear all, We have one last position open for our large marine vertebrate survey in the Marine Park of Derawan Islands, Berau, East Kalimantan due to late cancellation. The position is for 16-27 June. The program 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. 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 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. Underwater photo-id will be taken of whale sharks as well. Through earlier surveys it was found that the highest relative abundance of cetaceans 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. 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 and snorkling near Manta Rays and/or whale sharks following good practice protocols. . 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 or by sending an email request. We are looking forward to your participation! Regards, Danielle and Budiono -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) 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 Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.org Facebook group/page: Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia *“To the dolphin alone, nature has given that which the best* *philosophers seek: friendship for no advantage. Though it has no* *need of help from any man, it is a genial friend to all and has helped mankind.”* *–Plutarch*

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Volunteer assistants wanted for a marine mammal census – atlantic ocean to greece
by Oceanus onlus 05 Apr '16

05 Apr '16

Volunteer assistants wanted for a marine mammal census La Coruna - Gibraltar - Cagliari - Athens The aim of the trip is to collect visual data. The research will take place onboard sailing catamaran equipped with all necessary navigation safety. The most important requirements for participants are enthusiasm, and the ability and willingness to work under often difficult, but rewarding field conditions. The duties of the participants require involvement to all the activities onboard including navigation and sailing (taking shifts with the trained crew and acquiring experience). Preference will be given to those who: 1. have previous marine mammal field experience 2. have some sailing experience On board accommodation will be provided. However research assistants will be expected to contribute to food provisioning and the running costs of the survey, and arrange their own travel itinerary / flights to the arrival/departure ports. APPLICATIONS Interested persons should email at the address below providing a brief resume with their background, personal details and interests. Contact Email: segreteria(a)oceanus.it – www.oceanus.it – www.facebook.com/oceanus.it

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FW: New publication: Abundance and distribution of sperm whales in the Canary Islands: Can sperm whales in the Archipelago sustain the current level of ship-strike mortality?
by andrea fais 05 Apr '16

05 Apr '16

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: Abundance and distribution of sperm whales in the Canary Islands: Can sperm whales in the Archipelago sustain the current level of ship-strike mortality? Authors: Andrea Fais, Tim P. Lewis, Daniel P. Zitterbart, OmarÁlvarez, Ana Tejedor, Natacha Aguilar Soto Abstract:Sperm whales are present in the Canary Islands year-round, suggesting that the archipelago is an important area for this species in the North Atlantic. However, the area experiences one of the highest reported rates of sperm whale ship-strike in the world. Here we investigate if the number of sperm whales found in the archipelago can sustain the current rate of ship-strike mortality. The results of this study may also have implications for offshore areas where concentrations of sperm whales may coincide with high densities of ship traffic, but where ship-strikes may be undocumented. The absolute abundance of sperm whales in an area of 52933 km², covering the territorial waters of the Canary Islands, was estimated from 2668 km of acoustic line-transect survey using Distance sampling analysis. Data on sperm whale diving and acoustic behaviour, obtained from bio-logging, were used to calculate g(0)=0.92, this is less than one because of occasional extended periods when whales do not echolocate. This resulted in an absolute abundance estimate of 224 sperm whales (95% log-normal CI 120-418) within the survey area. The recruitment capability of this number of whales, some 2.5 whales per year, is likely to be exceeded by the current ship-strike mortality rate. Furthermore, we found areas of higher whale density within the archipelago, many coincident with those previously described, suggesting that these are important habitats for females and immature animals inhabiting the archipelago. Some of these areas are crossed by active shipping lanes increasing the risk of ship-strikes. Given the philopatry in female sperm whales, replacement of impacted whales might be limited. Therefore, the application of mitigation measures to reduce the ship-strike mortality rate seems essential for the conservation of sperm whales in the Canary Islands. The article is available at : http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0150660 On behalf of the authors, Andrea Fais:

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Vacancy at HWDT: Science Officer
by Conor Ryan 05 Apr '16

05 Apr '16

Dear Marmamers, The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is recruiting a Science Officer to oversee the research programme which is pivotal to the organisation's operation as a leading marine conservation charity in the west of Scotland. HWDTs research activities include long-term visual and acoustic monitoring from the charitys research vessel Silurian. The successful candidate will join a small <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/about-staff.asp> team in our office at Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. They will be required to work on the island which is remote, but served by a good ferry network and public transport. The area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and wilderness. We are seeking someone with a diverse skill set and demonstrable experience in: high quality research outputs; project management; website/app management; acquisition of funds; community engagement; and working with a range stake-holders (e.g. wildlife tour operators, government, NGOs, fisheries, aquaculture, energy, universities). A full job description can be found here <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/cust_images/Science%20Officer%20Job%20De scription.pdf> . The post is generously funded by the <https://www.hlf.org.uk/> Heritage Lottery Fund Salary: £24,000 per annum gross Hours of work: 37 hours a week, flexible Length of contract: 2 years To apply: Correspondence to be directed to Alison Lomax: send a CV and cover letter with the names of two referees by e-mail to alison.lomax(a)hwdt.org Closing Date: Friday 29 April 2016 at 16:00 BST Interviews: w/c 9 April 2016 Start Date: End of May 2016 Dr Conor Ryan Science and Policy Officer Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust p: +44 (0)1688 302620 w: <http://www.hwdt.org/> www.hwdt.org t: @HWDT_org a: 28 Main Street, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland PA75 6NU

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