May 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on bottlenose dolphin population genetics
by Simon Allen 23 May '16

23 May '16

G’day folks, We are very pleased to announce the publication (early view online) of the following paper in Molecular Ecology: Genetic isolation between coastal and fishery-impacted, offshore bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) populations. The abstract is as follows: The identification of species and population boundaries is important in both evolutionary and conservation biology. In recent years, new population genetic and computational methods for estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses in a quantitative manner have emerged. Using a Bayesian framework and a quantitative model-testing approach, we evaluated the species status and genetic connectedness of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops spp.) populations off remote northwestern Australia, with a focus on pelagic ‘offshore’ dolphins subject to incidental capture in a trawl fishery. We analysed 71 dolphin samples from three sites beyond the 50 m depth contour (the inshore boundary of the fishery) and up to 170 km offshore, including incidentally caught and free-ranging individuals associating with trawl vessels, and 273 dolphins sampled at 12 coastal sites inshore of the 50 m depth contour and within 10 km of the coast. Results from 19 nuclear microsatellite markers showed significant population structure between dolphins from within the fishery and coastal sites, but also among dolphins from coastal sites, identifying three coastal populations. Moreover, we found no current or historic gene flow into the offshore population in the region of the fishery, indicating a complete lack of recruitment from coastal sites. Mitochondrial DNA corroborated our findings of genetic isolation between dolphins from the offshore population and coastal sites. Most offshore individuals formed a monophyletic clade with common bottlenose dolphins (T. truncatus), while all 273 individuals sampled coastally formed a well-supported clade of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (T. aduncus). By including a quantitative modelling approach, our study explicitly took evolutionary processes into account for informing the conservation and management of protected species. As such, it may serve as a template for other, similarly inaccessible study populations. The full citation is Allen SJ, Bryant KA, Kraus RHS, Loneragan NR, Kopps AM, Brown AM, Gerber L, Krützen (2016). Genetic isolation between coastal and fishery-impacted, offshore bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops spp.) populations. Molecular Ecology doi: 10.1111/mec.13622, and you can access the paper at the URL http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.13622/full. Otherwise, drop Michael (michael.kruetzen(a)aim.uzh.ch<mailto:michael.kruetzen@aim.uzh.ch>) or me a line for a PDF. All the best, Simon (on behalf of all co-authors). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Simon Allen, PhD Centre for Marine Futures School of Animal Biology | Oceans Institute University of Western Australia Crawley WA 6009 Mob: (61-0) 416 083 653 Email: simon.allen(a)uwa.edu.au<applewebdata://006C211F-965E-4B11-879F-544A520C4A7B/s.allen@murdoch.edu.au> Web1: http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org<http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org/> Web2: http://www.meeuwig.org/current-members/simon-allen/ [cid:975275DF-E07C-4578-98A4-B73D3F6C7100] Recent papers: Abundance of dolphins: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2016.00004/ Bycatch in fisheries: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0093178 Population structure: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.13622/full Tool use in dolphins: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/281/1784/20140374 Whale watching management: http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/3kKaKmus6dBgUj28dfG4/full

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2016 Cetacean Research Assistant Program (Barcelona- Spain)
by Info Edmaktub 23 May '16

23 May '16

*EDMAKTUB ASSOCIATION <http://www.edmaktub.com/>* 7-Day Cetacean Research Assistant Program | Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona (SPAIN) *Want to be part of a research project to study cetacean population in the Balearic Sea?* *Interested in joining a scientific campaign while you enjoy seeing many cetacean species and seabirds in Mediterranean waters?* *We invite you to join **EDMAKTUB* <http://www.edmaktub.org>*’s research team for 7 days to participate in our ongoing research.* EDMAKTUB association is a non profit organization for the study and disclosure of aquatic environment. We are specially focused in the study of cetaceans, and since 2012 we develop the “BCNCET <http://www.edmaktub.org/en/bcncet-project/>” project. The aim of the project is to study the cetacean species in the Balearic Sea (between Catalan coasts and the Balearic Islands), including the* use of new non-invasive techniques such as drones.* *We are seeking volunteers to assist in our 2016 *BCNCET one-week summer campaigns *in the Balearic Sea, *in which we study the presence and distribution of all cetacean species found in the Balearic Sea, between Barcelona and the Balearic Islands. Surveys Dates: 1rst Option: From *10th **July to 17th **July **2016* 2nd Option: From* 4th **September **to 11th **September **2016* The Maktub, our catamaran will sail around the Balearic Sea, between the Catalan coast and the Balearic Islands. It will departure from Vilanova i la Geltrú (Barcelona) harbor and arrive to the same harbor. Visual and acoustical surveys, for the study of the distribution, behaviour, and sound production of the sighted species will be conducted from early morning to evening during the 7 days on board. The assistants will be able to learn: species identification, environmental and behavioural data collection, use of hydrophones for passive acoustic studies (equivalent to MMO and PAM practices), and basic marine navigating skills. Moreover an innovative and non-invasive methodology based on the use of remote control model airplanes or drones (multicopters) for the cetacean study is going to be used, as they transmit real-time images of animals and allow to capture these images, as well as, use it to obtain blow samples for possible biological-sampling in order to develop genetic studies. Volunteers will have the chance to learn about the *high marine biodiversity found in the area*, including: Spermwhales (*Physeter macrocephalus*), bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*), striped dolphins (*Stenella coeruleoalba)*, fin whales (*Balaenoptera physalus*), Cuvier’s beaked whales (*Ziphius cavirostris*), common dolphins (*Delphinus delphis*), long-finned pilot whale (*Globicephala melas*) and Risso’s dolphins (*Grampus griseus*); many seabird species, some of which are endangered such as the Balearic shearwater (*Puffinus mauretanicus*), Mediterranean shearwater (*Puffinus yelkouan*), Scopoli's Shearwater (*Calonectris diomedea)*, and Northern gannet (*Morus bassanus*); different fish species (such as sunfish and blue-fin tuna); many invertebrates; and sometimes even Loggerhead turtles (*Caretta caretta*). No previous experience, nor specific knowledge, is required as EDMAKTUB staff will provide all the necessary information and training. We offer a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and also meet new people who share your interests! *EDMAKTUB* <http://www.edmaktub.com/>* is a non-profit organization* that relies on its volunteers’ and collaborators’ donations to cover the costs and support the work of the project. *Volunteers are an essential part of the association* and play a vital role in our work. Join us in this *unforgettable experience* which will allow you to stay in direct contact with the marine environment and its fascinating inhabitants! *More information about this project in our website**: **http://www.edmaktub.org/en/bcncet-project/ <http://www.edmaktub.org/en/bcncet-project/>* *More information about the Research Assistant Program**: <https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/goog_1633820420>* *http://www.edmaktub.org/en/rap/* <http://www.edmaktub.org/en/rap/> *If you are interested and would like to apply or want to be informed on further campaigns, please fill up the following form: * *http://goo.gl/forms/Z3X4UYoWHhIFXNy13 <http://goo.gl/forms/Z3X4UYoWHhIFXNy13>* *EDMAKTUB Association: **for the Study and Dissemination of Information about the Marine Environment* *www.edmaktub.org <http://www.edmaktub.org/> * Facebook: *Edmaktub <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Edmaktub/130721510320401>*

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American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles-Chapter Now Accepting Applications for 2016 Grants for Research
by ACS-LA.Grants 23 May '16

23 May '16

The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce the opening of applications for its 2016 Research Grants The American Cetacean Society protects cetaceans and their habitats though conservation, education and research. Working with world-class scientists, ACS funds research projects that address some of the most pressing issues facing cetaceans. ACS-LA is pleased to announce the availability of two research grants in the amount of $1,000.00 each to established researchers or student researchers attending school in the greater Los Angeles area whose work focuses on marine mammals. 1) The John E. Heyning Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000. John Heyning was a brilliant and prolific scientist. He was Deputy Director of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where he built a collection of marine mammal specimens second only to Smithsonian and where he curated the Masters of the Ocean Realm exhibit that traveled to 22 countries. He was an authority on beaked whales, published the work that separated common dolphins into two separate species, and described the countercurrent heat exchange in whale tongues, among many other accomplishments. John was a strong supporter of ACS and its mission; he served on the organization’s Board of Scientific Advisors and taught the Whalewatch naturalist class for many years. 2) The Bill Samaras Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000.00. Bill Samaras was a geologist by training but his first love was whales. He taught science at Carson High School for 30 years, helped shape the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium into the institution it is today and led the excavation of a gray whale skeleton during the construction of the Harbor Freeway in San Pedro. Bill was a lifelong supporter of ACS, an organization that he served in many capacities. Guidelines for Research Grants: The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society offers small research grants in support of operating field research projects focusing on marine mammals. ACS-LA has a long-standing commitment supporting local research on cetaceans and other marine mammals. The two $1,000 research grants will be awarded to researchers or students exhibiting an outstanding commitment to furthering the understanding of marine mammals in California. Priority will be given to applicants working or attending school in Southern California and/or conducting their marine mammal research in Southern California, with emphasis on those attending school and/or working in the greater Los Angeles area. Eligibility: 1. Applicant should be a researcher or a student living and/or attending school in California. OR 2. Current research focus should be on Marine Mammals located in or around California with priority being given to work conducted in Southern California with emphasis on the greater Los Angeles area. Applications: Applications should include the following: 1. Cover sheet with: a) Title of Proposal and Research Area of interest including focal species b) Field Research Group Information (Name, Address, E-mail, and Phone numbers and departmental contacts) or Current School, Major, and Name(s) of Supervisor and Department c) Names and contact information of Lead or Principal Investigator (PI), Second PI, and any student participants 2. A one-page CV or Resume for Principal Investigator and Secondary Investigators 3. A 1-2 page narrative (single spaced) describing your research organization or program, details, and justification for your specific research topic including objectives, details on geographical area being investigated, hypotheses, and total project timeline including temporal benchmarks for the work. How will your research contribute to our understanding and/or benefit the species being studied? Is this a species-based effort or a habitat and/or conservation based study? Please include your estimated 1-year budget and budget justifications. All applications will be reviewed for scientific value and overall conservation benefit. Requirement For Recipients: Recipients of the awards will be asked to present their research sometime in the next year at ACS-LA’s monthly speaker series. Please be prepared to present your work, with visuals, to the ACS-LA community. Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 15th June 2016 Awards will be announced by 30th June 2016 Please feel free to contact Grants Chair Christina Tombach Wright with any questions, ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org. To join ACS-LA, please go to http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/ and specify the Los Angeles Chapter. For further information about specific chapters and other grant-making programs, please visit the Chapter page of the National American Cetacean Society website: www.acsonline.org. ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants(a)gmail.com www.acs-la.org

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RESEARCH COURSE - Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on Marine Mammals, 9-15 July, Sweden
by Sam Nichols 23 May '16

23 May '16

*RESEARCH COURSE:* *Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on Marine Mammals with a Specific View of Harbour Porpoises and Bottlenose Dolphins – Research course* 9 – 15 July 2016 Kolmården Wildlife Park, Sweden Gain hands on experience studying the impacts of anthropogenic noise on bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises during this seven day research course that combines traditional lectures with practical field and laboratory work. Lectures on the fundamentals of underwater acoustics, marine mammal acoustics, impacts of sounds on marine mammals, experimental design, and data analysis and interpretation are delivered by experts in the field. Acoustic data will be collected using multiple platforms during field trips. Guest speakers will share their research on how dolphin cognitive studies are conducted with captive dolphins. *Lecturers:* Dr Mats Amundin Mats is Senior Advisor at Kolmården Wildlife Park and guest professor in Zoology at Linköping University, Sweden. His research interests include bioacoustics with emphasis on sound production in odontocetes and animal behaviour. Mats served as the project coordinator of SAMBAH (Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Harbour Porpoise) for five years and as an acoustic expert for Sweden at the ASCOBANS (Agreement for the Protection of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic and North Sea) meetings. Dr Paul Lepper Paul is Senior Research Fellow in the School of Electronic, Electrical & Systems Engineering, Loughborough University, UK. He specialises in underwater acoustics, bioacoustics and underwater technologies. These include acoustic and optical underwater systems, sound field measurement, modelling and simulation. Activities covered include: - Fundamentals of underwater acoustics and marine mammal acoustic - Impacts of sound on marine life - Experimental methods for evaluating impacts of sound - Experimental design including acoustic equipment - Field techniques and data collection using acoustic platform - Data processing, analysis and interpretation - Dolphin cognitive studies field trip Kolmården Wildlife Park, Sweden’s largest zoo, is home to 600 animals from around the world. The 370 acre park opened its doors in 1965 and has been a top attraction ever since. Kolmården overlooks Bråviken Bay in the beautiful Swedish countryside south of Stockholm. Please contact us for further information by email (*training(a)seiche.com* <training(a)seiche.com>) or look at our website ( *www.seichetraining.com* <http://www.seichetraining.com/> ). In case you're not interested but have colleagues or peers who might be, we'd appreciate you forwarding this email and attached flyer. Thanks and Regards Sarah Hancock and the team at Seiche Training

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FWC Manatee Photo-Identification Internship
by Johnson, Jennifer 23 May '16

23 May '16

Manatee Photo-identification Internships The manatee photo-identification program is based in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). FWRI is the research arm of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a state agency. For more information about FWRI, please visit: www.MyFWC.com/research/<http://www.MyFWC.com/research/>. FWRI's manatee photo-identification research focuses on long-term monitoring of Florida manatees in southwest Florida. The program's primary goal is to document individual manatees, which allows us to estimate annual adult survival and reproductive rates and to model population dynamics for state and federal assessments of Florida manatee status and recovery. Photo-identification data also provide insight regarding manatee movements, site fidelity, habitat use and behavior. Interns will primarily assist staff members with photographing manatees and collecting behavioral and environmental data at sites around Tampa Bay. Interns will also be responsible for a number of lab-based photo-identification tasks, such as downloading images, entering information into databases, scanning data sheets and matching images to known animals. Interns often collect data independently in the field, thus responsible, detail oriented applicants are encouraged to apply. Most field work is land-based; however, during the winter session opportunities are available to assist with boat-based manatee photo-identification. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to data entry, assisting with manatee genetics research, special projects and outreach activities. This internship provides a great opportunity to gain valuable field and lab experience at a government agency. Two positions are available each year: one in winter (November to March) and one in summer (May to September). Start and end dates are flexible; however, a minimum commitment of four weekdays per week for four months is required. Work hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from the institute. Positions are open until filled, and priority will be given to candidates who can commit for longer periods. Qualifications: * Computer proficiency; Microsoft Access literacy preferred. * Working knowledge of SLR digital cameras, filters and lenses preferred but not required. * The ability to lift approximately 50 pounds of equipment. * A valid U.S. Driver's License. * Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: * A cover letter describing the internship you are applying for; area(s) of academic/research interest; and the dates, days, and hours of availability. * A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. * Current academic transcripts. (unofficial are sufficient) * Names and contact information for three references. Please submit application items as an e-mail attachment to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to: Internship Coordinator FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eight Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 Applicants may contact FWRI's Manatee Photo-identification Project Manager, Kari Rood, (Kari.Rood(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Kari.Rood@MyFWC.com>, 727-502-4737) with questions regarding the internship.

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Ship strikes and the IWC
by Simone Panigada 23 May '16

23 May '16

Dear MARMAM friends and colleagues, with this message we would like to update you on the issue of ship strikes (collisions between ships and cetaceans) and at the same time enquire about your knowledge of incidents. Also, and most importantly, we want to remind everybody about the global IWC ship strike database. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) is addressing the problem of ship strikes since many years and has taken a leading role in this issue (see http://iwc.int/ship-strikes) It's Scientific Committee (SC) considers methods of estimating the number of whales killed from ship strikes; it is also fostering the dialogue between researchers, authorities and the shipping industry and thus takes part in developing mitigation measures. The Conservation Committee (CC) has established a dedicated Ship Strikes Working Group to develop a policy framework for mitigation of ship strike events and to co-ordinate work between member governments. Both SC and CC provide a forum to report ship strike cases, and the measures being taken within countries to reduce and record incidences of ship strikes. The IWC is also working in conjunction with other international bodies such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as well as with shipping associations, NGOs and regional groups. The IWC has developed a global database to report collisions between vessels and whales. The database is open for anyone to submit data on collision events, including both information on whales (e.g., species, size, observed injuries, etc.) as well as on vessels. The objectives of the database are to deliver estimates of mortality and injuries, to help detect trends over time, to allow better modeling of risk factors (e.g., vessel type, speed, size), and to identify high risk or unsuspected problem areas. The database provides an on-going facility for collecting new information, and most importantly, it relies on scientists and mariners providing information. Therefore, any report of a ship strike is particularly important. With this communication, we are looking for new records and would like to invite any of you with information regarding collision cases or evidence of animals with clear sign of ship strike to compile the online database at: https://portal.iwc.int/shipstrike. Such information can come from witness reports you may have heard of, but also from (your own) scientific publications, etc. Please note that the database has recently received a thorough revision and has a complete new design, to make it more user-friendly. We would like to thank you for your cooperation; please do not hesitate to get in touch with us in case you need further information or any assistance. Please visit the IWC ship strike website to find out more at: <http://iwc.int/ship-strikes>http://iwc.int/ship-strikes. Simone Panigada - panigada(a)inwind.it Fabian Ritter - ritter(a)m-e-e-r.de IWC ship strikes coordinators

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NEW PAPER: seal avoid windfarm during piling
by Debbie Russell 23 May '16

23 May '16

Dear all We have a paper in Journal of Applied Ecology. It is Open Access and can be downloaded from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.12678/full?platform=ho… "Avoidance of wind farms by harbour seals is limited to pile driving activities" Debbie J.F. Russell, Gordon D. Hastie, David Thompson, Vincent M. Janik, Philip S. Hammond, Lindesay A.S. Scott-Hayward, Jason Matthiopoulos, Esther L. Jones and Bernie J. McConnell Summary 1. As part of global efforts to reduce dependence on carbon-based energy sources there has been a rapid increase in the installation of renewable energy devices. The installation and operation of these devices can result in conflicts with wildlife. In the marine environment, mammals may avoid wind farms that are under construction or operating. Such avoidance may lead to more time spent travelling or displacement from key habitats. A paucity of data on at-sea movements of marine mammals around wind farms limits our understanding of the nature of their potential impacts. 2. Here, we present the results of a telemetry study on harbour seals *Phoca vitulina* in The Wash, south-east England, an area where wind farms are being constructed using impact pile driving. We investigated whether seals avoid wind farms during operation, construction in its entirety, or during piling activity. The study was carried out using historical telemetry data collected prior to any wind farm development and telemetry data collected in 2012 during the construction of one wind farm and the operation of another. 3. Within an operational wind farm, there was a close-to-significant increase in seal usage compared to prior to wind farm development. However, the wind farm was at the edge of a large area of increased usage, so the presence of the wind farm was unlikely to be the cause. 4. There was no significant displacement during construction as a whole. However, during piling, seal usage (abundance) was significantly reduced up to 25 km from the piling activity; within 25 km of the centre of the wind farm, there was a 19 to 83% (95% confidence intervals) decrease in usage compared to during breaks in piling, equating to a mean estimated displacement of 440 individuals. This amounts to significant displacement starting from predicted received levels of between 166 and 178 dB re 1 μPa (p-p). Displacement was limited to piling activity; within 2 h of cessation of pile driving, seals were distributed as per the non-piling scenario. 5. *Synthesis and applications*. Our spatial and temporal quantification of avoidance of wind farms by harbour seals is critical to reduce uncertainty and increase robustness in environmental impact assessments of future developments. Specifically, the results will allow policymakers to produce industry guidance on the likelihood of displacement of seals in response to pile driving; the relationship between sound levels and avoidance rates; and the duration of any avoidance, thus allowing far more accurate environmental assessments to be carried out during the consenting process. Further, our results can be used to inform mitigation strategies in terms of both the sound levels likely to cause displacement and what temporal patterns of piling would minimize the magnitude of the energetic impacts of displacement. Please contact me for any more information. Best wishes Debbie -- *********************************************** Dr Debbie Russell Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) Office: +44 (0)1334 467281 Wednesdays: +44 (0)1334 461808 Postal address: SMRU Gatty Marine Laboratory University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK Email: dr60(a)st-andrews.ac.uk or djf.russell(a)gmail.com Twitter: @_SMRU_ *********************************************** The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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New publication on bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) whistle characteristics
by Rhianne Ward 21 May '16

21 May '16

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the recent publication of our research article: Ward, R., Parnum, I., Erbe, C. & Salgado-Kent C. (2016) Whistle Characteristics of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Fremantle Inner Harbour, Western Australia. Acoustics Australia 44: 159-169 Abstract: Bottlenose dolphins use whistles to communicate with their conspecifics and maintain group cohesion. We recorded 477 whistles of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Fremantle Inner Harbour, Western Australia, on nine occasions over a six-week period during May/June 2013. Over half (57 %) of the whistles had complex contours exhibiting at least one local extremum, while 32 % were straight upsweeps, 5 % downsweeps and 6 % constant-frequency. About 60 % of whistles occurred in trains. Fundamental frequency ranged from 1.1 to 18.4 kHz and whistle duration from 0.05 to 1.15 s. The maximum numbers of local extrema and inflection points were 7 and 9, respectively. Whistle parameters compared well to those of measurements made from other T. aduncus populations around Australia. Observed differences might be due to ambient noise rather than geographic separation. The article is available from the publishers website (http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40857-015-0041-4) or by request to rhiward(a)hotmail.com Many thanks, Rhianne Ward PhD Candidate | Centre for Marine Science and Technology Curtin University Mobile | 0400 737 545 Email | rhiward(a)hotmail.com<mailto:rhiward@hotmail.com> Project Web | www.gabrightwhales.com<http://www.gabrightwhales.com> [Description: email_logo.png] Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology. CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

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New publication - Sperm whale codas may encode individuality as well as clan identity
by Cláudia Inês Botelho de Oliveira 20 May '16

20 May '16

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are very pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: Oliveira C, Wahlberg M, Silva MA, Johnson M, Antunes R, Wisniewska DM, Fais A, Gonçalves J and Madsen PT. 2016. Sperm whale codas may encode individuality as well as clan identity. J Acoust Soc Am, 139(5): 2860-2869. URL: http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/139/5/10.1121/1.4949478?a… <http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/139/5/10.1121/1.4949478?a…> DOI: 10.1121/1.4949478 Abstract: Sperm whales produce codas for communication that can be grouped into different types according to their temporal patterns. Codas have led researchers to propose that sperm whales belong to distinct cultural clans, but it is presently unclear if they also convey individual information. Coda clicks comprise a series of pulses and the delay between pulses is a function of organ size, and therefore body size, and so is one potential source of individual information. Another potential individual-specific parameter could be the inter-click intervals within codas. To test whether these parameters provide reliable individual cues, stereo-hydrophone acoustic tags (Dtags) were attached to five sperm whales of the Azores, recording a total of 802 codas. A discriminant function analysis was used to distinguish 288 5 Regular codas from four of the sperm whales and 183 3 Regular codas from two sperm whales. The results suggest that codas have consistent individual features in their inter-click intervals and inter-pulse intervals which may contribute to individual identification. Additionally, two whales produced different coda types in distinct foraging dive phases. Codas may therefore be used by sperm whales to convey information of identity as well as activity within a social group to a larger extent than previously assumed. Best wishes, Cláudia Oliveira ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE) Universidade dos Açores Departamento de Oceanografia e Pescas Rua Prof. Doutor Frederico Machado 9901-862 Horta - Portugal Telefone: +351 292200400 Fax: +351 292200411 URL: www.horta.uac.pt <http://www.horta.uac.pt/> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Dolphin Research Center Fall Research Internship- June 1st Deadline
by Katy Donegan 19 May '16

19 May '16

*Dolphin Research Center Internships* Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Fall term. DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of dolphins and sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing behavioral, cognitive, and field research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions. Note: conducting your own research projects is not part of this position. Specific job duties include: · Collecting observational behavioral data · Preparing stimuli for cognitive research sessions · Assisting in setting up and tearing down equipment for cognitive and acoustic research sessions · Operating video equipment · Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis · General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. The deadline to apply is *June 1st*. To apply, you must download the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Research", and then "Internship Information”. The application, and all associated materials (resume, transcript, and letters of rec.) must be *mailed* to DRC. Select publications: *King, S.L., Guarino, E., Keaton, L., Erb, L., & Jaakkola, K. (2016). Maternal signature whistle use aids mother-calf reunions in a bottlenose dolphin,**Tursiops truncatus. Behavioural Processes**,* *126**,** 64-70.* *King, S. L., Guarino, E., Donegan, K., Hecksher, J., & Jaakkola, K (in press). Further insights into postpatrum signature whistle use in bottlenose dolphins* *(Tursiops truncatus). Marine Mammal Science.* Jaakkola, K. (2014). Do animals understand invisible displacement? A critical review. *Journal of Comparative Psychology*, Vol. 128, No. 3, 225-239. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., & Hecksher, J. (2013). Switching strategies: A dolphin's use of passive and active acoustics to imitate motor actions*. Animal Cognition, 16,* 701-709. Jaakkola, K. (2012). Cetacean cognitive specializations. In J. Vonk & T. Shackleford (Eds.), *The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Evolutionary Psychology* (pp. 144–165). New York: Oxford University Press. Jaakkola, K., *Guarino, E.*, & Rodriguez, M. (2010). Blindfolded imitation in a bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*). *International Journal of Comparative Psychology*, 23, 671-688. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) understand about hidden objects? *Animal Cognition, 13*, 103-120. Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically “less” by bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). *Journal of Comparative Psychology*.

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