May 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Publication of a paper on the threats to the Gangetic dolphin
by Shah Nawaz Jelil 11 May '16

11 May '16

Hi all, I wanted to circulate a publication on the Conservation threats of the Gangetic dolphin/South Asian river dolphin. Interested readers may follow the link below. https://www.academia.edu/25106306/Conservation_threats_of_the_Gangetic_Dolp… *Abstract: *A site-specific threat assessment of the gangetic dolphin was carried out in river Kulsi. Threats were identified by extensive literature survey and direct observation in field. Twelve threats were identified after the study. The study was a fervent attempt to identify the threats and prepare a detailed list of these threats faced by the cetacean in Kulsi. The study reiterates that Kulsi is one of the last refuges of the gangetic dolphin and that the threats faced by the animal in this river are to yet to be acknowledged by the concerned authorities in order to conserve this species. Suggestions and views on the paper are welcome! Thanks, Nawaz

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PhD position in Bielefeld University, Germany
by Stephanie Kalberer 11 May '16

11 May '16

PhD-Position / Doktorandenstelle A PhD position to study individual behaviour and the ensuing consequences at the population level in Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) is available in the Department of Animal Behaviour at Bielefeld University from August 1st 2016 or soon thereafter. The position is available for three years and is funded by Departmental funds with a gross salary of ca. 1300 € per month. We seek a bright and highly motivated student who has a proven record of field experience studying wild animals. A very good Master degree or equivalent in a relevant topic (e.g. animal behaviour, behavioural ecology, population ecology, evolutionary ecology) is expected. The ideal candidate will be able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, will have experience with both statistics and genetic techniques and, in addition to excellent spoken and written English, will be able to speak Spanish. The study will take place on Caamaño, a small islet in the Galapagos archipelago. We have studied Galapagos sea lions there since 2003 and most sea lions are individually marked (www.uni-bielefeld.de/biologie/animalbehaviour/trillmich/sealions.html) Field seasons on Caamaño last from September-December and February-March each year. Caamaño is a small island and there are no facilities at all, so an ability to work in truly primitive conditions is essential. The successful candidate will be based at the Department of Animal Behaviour at Bielefeld University (www.uni-bielefeld.de/biologie/animalbehaviour/home.html) and will be supervised by Oliver Krüger, Fritz Trillmich and Joe Hoffman. The department is the oldest of its kind in Germany and currently hosts five principal investigators, five postdocs and fifteen PhD students. It offers a stimulating international environment and an excellent research infrastructure including a brand new molecular laboratory. The working language of the Department is English. Together with the Evolution and Animal Ecology research groups housed in the same building, there are some 50 scientists and PhD students from over ten different countries working on related topics in behaviour, ecology and evolution. Bielefeld is a city of 325,000 inhabitants with all expected amenities and easy access to the Teutoburger Wald for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. It offers a high standard of living and is well connected to most major European cities. To apply for the position, please provide: (i) a letter of motivation including a 1-2-page statement of your research experience; (ii) a CV including publication list; (iii) names and contact details of three referees willing to write confidential letters of recommendation. All materials should be emailed as a single PDF file to: oliver.krueger(a)uni-bielefeld.de. The application deadline is June 5th 2016 and interviews will take place shortly thereafter. The preferred start date is August 1st 2016 but is flexible and will depend on the timeframe of the most qualified applicant. For further information, please see http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/biologie/animalbehaviour/home.html or contact Oliver Krüger via email (oliver.krueger(a)uni-bielefeld.de) with any informal inquiries. The University of Bielefeld is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly welcome applications from women and handicapped people. Given equal suitability, qualifications and professional achievement, women and handicapped people will be given preference, unless particular circumstances apply.

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open volunteer position for large marine vertebrates survey in Berau, East Kalimantan, 3-14 October 2016
by Danielle Kreb 10 May '16

10 May '16

Dear all, We have one position open for our large marine vertebrate survey in the Marine Park of Derawan Islands, Berau, East Kalimantan. The position is for 3-14 October 2016. 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 snorkeling 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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New paper on the effects of seismic surveys on New Zealand fur seals
by Helen McConnell 10 May '16

10 May '16

Dear colleagues, My co-author and I are pleased to announce our recent publication on the effects of seismic surveys on New Zealand fur seals: FULL CITATION: Lalas, C and McConnell, H. 2016. Effects of seismic surveys on New Zealand fur seals during daylight hours: Do fur seals respond to obstacles rather than airgun noise? Marine Mammal Science 32(2): 643 – 663. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12293 ABSTRACT: The responses of New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) during a three-dimensional marine seismic survey were recorded in the first quantified investigation of the effects of seismic exploration operations on otariid seals. The survey was over the continental slope off southern New Zealand, where fur seals dive to forage at night and rest on the surface during daylight hours. Data were restricted to daylight sightings from the source vessel while towed seismic gear was fully deployed, with comparisons made between fur seal responses when airguns were off and when airguns were operating at full power. Results were inconclusive. Comparisons were confounded because both sighting rate and distance first seen decreased with deteriorating sea state. The key finding of this study was that the source vessel and towed gear created physical obstacles that often generated responses from fur seals. A more thorough investigation is recommended in order to differentiate between responses to airgun noise and responses to physical obstacles, and improvements are suggested to rectify shortfalls in data collection that should generate conclusive outcomes. The paper is available online at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12293/pdf Or please feel free to contact me directly at: hmcconnell(a)slrconsulting.com<mailto:hmcconnell@slrconsulting.com> Kind regards, Helen Helen McConnell Associate SLR Consulting NZ Limited [cid:870795.png@f8f0d76e.4580d369]<http://www.slrconsulting.com> Email: hmcconnell(a)slrconsulting.com<mailto:hmcconnell@slrconsulting.com> Mobile: +64 275 267 123 Office: 0800 757 695 5 Duncan Street, Port Nelson 7011, New Zealand [cid:imageadba01.PNG@b0ec4175.4182bb80]<https://www.linkedin.com/company/slr-consulting-australia?trk=tyah&trkInfo=…> [cid:imagef55e62.JPG@bfa5c050.478485fd] Confidentiality Notice and Disclaimer This communication and any attachment(s) contains information which is confidential and may also be legally privileged. It is intended for the exclusive use of the recipient(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or any action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error please email us by return mail and then delete the email from your system together with any copies of it. Please note that you are not permitted to print, copy, disclose or use part or all of the content in any way. Emails and any information transmitted thereunder may be intercepted, corrupted or delayed. As a result, SLR does not accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions howsoever caused and SLR accepts no responsibility for changes made to this email or any attachment after transmission from SLR. Whilst all reasonable endeavours are taken by SLR to screen all emails for known viruses, SLR cannot guarantee that any transmission will be virus free. Any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of SLR Management Ltd, or any of its subsidiaries, unless specifically stated.

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Research Scientist position in support of NOAA seal research and monitoring
by Peter Boveng - NOAA Federal 10 May '16

10 May '16

A position is open in the Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean (JISAO), a Cooperative Institute between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Washington: https://uwhires.admin.washington.edu/eng/candidates/default.cfm?szCategory=… *JISAO has an outstanding opportunity for a full time Research Scientist.* This JISAO/UW position is located off campus in the Marine Mammal Laboratory at the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) at Sand Point in Seattle. The Research Scientist conducts research in support of the Polar Ecosystems Program at the Marine Mammal Laboratory and the JISAO project, Ecology of Arctic Seals. The primary research activities are aerial surveys and associated data processing for assessment of seal populations, and satellite telemetry studies of seal movements, foraging behavior, and habitat requirements. This project was designed to assess population status and to gain a better understanding of the factors responsible for the dynamics of Arctic and sub-Arctic seal populations, their roles in marine ecosystems, and impacts of climate variability and other human activities. Details such as requirements, job responsibilities, and application instructions are available at the website listed above. -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peter Boveng Polar Ecosystems Program Leader Marine Mammal Laboratory NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115 USA tel: +1.206.526.4244 peter.boveng(a)noaa.gov http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/polar

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 10 May '16

10 May '16

*BACKGROUND:* The AIMM – Associação para a Investigação do Meio Marinho (Marine Environment Research Association) is a non-for profit, non-governmental organization focussed on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in the South of Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behaviour and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and adequate policies to marine management. The main species observed are short beaked common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*), common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus)* and harbour porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*), although other species such as minke whale (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata*) and fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*) can also be sighted. The participants in our internships are young hard working individuals, who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learn data collection and processing methodologies and be part of AIMM team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. To turn your experience with AIMM even more fulfilling, it is possible to start or improve your scuba diving skills (PADI). *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* 1st May and ends in 31st October 2016, the minimum internship attendance is 7 days starting preferably on Mondays. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM’s research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin watching boats). It is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of Summer but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be train to: - On-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record track on GPS; - Collect data on behaviour, group size, species, etc.; - Photo-identification; - Acoustic records; - Underwater videos. *DATA ANALYSIS: *will be in a daily basis and related to: - Entry data on databases and spread cheats. - Photo-identification processing. - Preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners and people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve! This internship and requires a contribution fee, to know about the fees for 2016 please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org *Included* in the fee is: - Accommodation in the research house; - Transportation to/from the marina; - Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner); - Field work in the research vessel or commercial dolphin watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: - Transportation to/from Albufeira; - Meals in restaurants and snacks; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* - Be above the age of 16; - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and quickly operational; - Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English; - Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference in internship dates availability will be given* to those who have: - Relevant marine mammal field experience - Working experience on research vessels - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms - Experience in photo-identification - Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: *Applicants should fill up the online application at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/#!internship-aimm/cw7b After the confirmation e-mail, send your CV with updated photo and personal statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org with the subject “Internship 2016”. Applicants will be contacted to arrange internship dates and details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association* w <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.pt/>ww.aimmportugal.org

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New Publication: Behavioral responses affect distribution analyses of bowhead whales in the vicinity of seismic operations.
by Frances Robertson 10 May '16

10 May '16

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to bring your attention to our recently published paper, Behavioral responses affect distribution analyses of bowhead whales in the vicinity of seismic operations. Robertson FC, Koski WR, Trites AW (2016). Mar Ecol Prog Ser 549:243-262 Abstract Aerial surveys are sometimes used to assess the densities of wide-ranging whales, as well as changes in their distributions in response to human activity. Such surveys also provide data used to estimate numbers of animals exposed to different received levels of seismic sound, as required by regulators. However, estimates of abundance are often biased because they fail to account for the effects of seismic operations on the surfacing and diving behavior of whales. Our objective was to determine the extent to which analyses of the distribution of bowhead whales Balaena mysticetus are affected by changes in visual 'availability' caused by seismic operations. We used aerial survey data collected during seismic operations in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea from late August to early October 2008 and fit spatial density surface models to bowhead sighting data to predict whale density in an ensonified area. We also incorporated availability correction factors to determine the sensitivity of density estimates to changes in surfacing and diving behavior caused by seismic operations. The influence of altered whale behavior was then evaluated by comparing a series of realistic simulated scenarios in which models incorporated undisturbed or seismic disturbance-related correction factors. Results suggest that the numbers of bowhead whales present in the vicinity of seismic operations during the bowhead autumn migration are underestimated if the behavioral effects of seismic operations on whales are ignored. Our study highlights the importance of accounting for changes in whale behavior that can affect sightability when estimating numbers and distribution of whales in the vicinity of industrial activity. This paper is available to download at: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v549/p243-262/ If you are unable to download a copy I am happy to send it, please email me at: fcr(a)smruconsulting.com<mailto:fcr@smruconsulting.com> Best wishes, Frances Frances Robertson Research Scientist [1452885119590_PastedImage] SMRU Consulting North America Canada: 1529 West 6th Avenue | Suite 510 | Vancouver, BC | V6J 1R1 | Tel: +1 (604) 737-7678 USA: PO Box 764 | Friday Harbor, WA | 98250 | Tel: +1 (360) 370-5493 Email: fcr(a)smruconsulting.com<mailto:fcr@smruconsulting.com> | Cell: +1 604 339 4967 Website: www.smruconsulting.com<http://www.smruconsulting.com/> | [1452885138120_PastedImage] @SMRU_Consulting | [cid:image003.png@01D1AAAA.605991A0] www.linkedin.com/company/smru-consulting<http://www.linkedin.com/company/smru-consulting> P Please consider whether you really need a hard copy of this email before printing it. Thank you. NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: This message, and any attachments, are intended solely for the addressee and may contain privileged or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. If you believe that you have received this email in error, please contact the sender immediately and destroy this email. Although we have taken steps to ensure that this email and any attachments are free from any virus, we advise that, in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. SMRU Canada Limited is a limited company registered in Canada, Registered Number: 793035-6. Registered Office: 1529 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6J 1R1, Canada SMRU, LLC is a limited company registered in the USA, Registered Number: 8527865. Registered Office: 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, DE, 19808, USA

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New publication - Humpback whale group sizes in line transect ship surveys
by Guilherme Augusto Bortolotto 10 May '16

10 May '16

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce our recent publication: Bortolotto G.A., Danilewicz D., Andriolo A. and Zerbini A.N. (2016). Humpback whale *Megaptera novaeangliae* (Cetartiodactyla: Balaenopteridae) group sizes in line transect ship surveys: An evaluation of observer errors. *Zoologia (Curitiba)*, 33(2), e20150133. In this *short communication* we describe a study were we aimed to evaluate the potential errors in group size estimation during line transect ship surveys to estimate abundances of the humpback whale. ABSTRACT. Accurate estimates of group sizes through line transect sampling methods are important to correctly ascertain the abundance of animals that occur in groups. Since the average observed group size is a component of the distance sampling formula, bias in these data leads to biased abundance estimates. This study aimed to evaluate the potential errors in group size estimation during line transect ship surveys to estimate abundances of the humpback whale,* Megaptera novaeangliae* (Borowski 1781). In a research cruise along the Brazilian coast, an experiment to collect group size information was conducted from two different sighting platforms on the same vessel. Group sizes were recorded by primary observers at first sighting ( *PO1*) and, in some cases, after some time (*PO2*). A tracker (*T*) was located on a higher platform to estimate the sizes of groups detected by the primary observers, but tracked one group at a time until it passed abeam. Thus, the dedicated effort to obtain multiple group counts (i.e. higher platform, more time and no responsibility for detecting new groups) was expected to provide more accurate numbers. *PO2* estimates were compared with *PO1* estimates, and *T* estimates were compared with both *PO1* and *PO2*. Additionally, ratios between* T* and both *PO2* (*R1*) and *PO1* (*R2*), and between *PO2 *and *PO1* (R3) were calculated. To investigate a possible improvement in abundance estimates, a correction factor (*CF*) was computed from the ratio of *T* and *PO2* means. Primary observer self-correction (= 1.60, CV% = 70.3) was statistically similar to the correction for the tracker (= 1.62, CV% = 84.1). *CF* resulted in 1 and would not improve abundance estimates. This study supports that observers conducting line transect surveys on large whales have the potential to provide group size information that is as adequate as the correction procedure adopted. The paper is available online here: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/zool/v33n2/1984-4689-zool-33-02-e20150133.pdf With kind regards, *Gui Bortolotto* *|* PhD Student SMRU • CREEM • School of Biology University of St Andrews http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/contact/staffProfile.aspx?sunid=gabdo Mobile UK: (+44) 0 7884 398394 Email: gabdo(a)st-andrews.ac.uk R3 Animal Association (http://en.r3animal.org/)

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Whale & Dolphin Survey Training Course with Sea Watch Foundation
by Kathy James 10 May '16

10 May '16

We're pleased to be offering two more short courses on whale & dolphin survey techniques covering: . general biology & classification of cetaceans . species identification . conservation issues facing UK cetaceans . recommended monitoring survey methods The practical element of the course will combine both land and boat-based surveys, allowing participants to directly learn how to conduct systematic watches and fill in standardised recording forms. These take place on June 25th/26th and September 10th/11th in New Quay, West Wales, UK and will provide an unparalleled opportunity to see marine mammals in the wild and to contribute to cetacean conservation in Britain. For more details and to book your place, please visit www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/cetacean-survey-training-courses. Thank you! Kathy James Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House Wellington Place New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 (Tues, Weds, Thurs) 01970 623906 (Mon & Fri only) <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/> www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk <https://www.facebook.com/seawatchfoundation/C:/Users/Sea%20Watch%20Foundati on/Documents/ADMIN%20MISC> facebook <https://twitter.com/SeaWatchersUK> twitter

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New paper on the effect of construction-related activities and vessel traffic on marine mammals
by Ross Culloch 10 May '16

10 May '16

Dear MARMAM colleagues, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in “Marine Ecology Progress Series": Effect of construction-related activities and vessel traffic on marine mammals Ross M. Culloch, Pia Anderwald, Anja Brandecker, Damien Haberlin, Barry McGovern, Róisín Pinfield, Fleur Visser, Mark Jessopp, Michelle Cronin ABSTRACT: During the construction of a gas pipeline from an offshore gas field in northwest Ire- land, a year-round shore-based marine mammal monitoring programme was undertaken. Using 6 yr of data, generalised estimating equations-generalised additive models (GEE-GAMs) were used to investigate if construction-related activity and vessel traffic influenced the occurrence of common dolphin, minke whale, harbour porpoise and grey seal within the area where the pipeline made landfall. Construction-related activity reduced harbour porpoise and minke whale presence, whilst an increase in vessel numbers (independent of construction-related activity) reduced common dolphin presence. All species showed some degree of annual and seasonal variation in occurrence. For common dolphins and harbour porpoises, we found similar seasonal patterns to those reported in broader Irish waters, which tentatively suggests that seasonal patterns persisted irrespective of construction-related activity or vessel traffic, indicating that any impact might have been only short-term. Multiple construction-related activities occurred simultaneously in different areas, and the inter-annual variation may, in part, be an indication of variation in species’ response to particular activities, their intensity and their location. However, the precise location of the activities was not regularly recorded, limiting our ability to investigate the fine-scale spatio−temporal impact of the diverse range of construction-related activities. Improved communication and coordination between developers, regulators and scientists will help ensure that monitoring programmes are effective and efficient, to better inform our understanding of potential impacts and to mitigate effectively against them for future developments. The paper is open access and is available online at: http://www.int-res.com/articles/meps_oa/m549p231.pdf <http://www.int-res.com/articles/meps_oa/m549p231.pdf> Alternatively, if you are unable to download the article please email me for a pdf: rculloch ‘at’ gmail.com Best wishes, Ross Dr. Ross Culloch MaREI Centre for Marine and Renewable Energy, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Haulbowline Road, Ringaskiddy, Cork, Ireland

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