June 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication in MEPS
by Solène DERVILLE 12 Jun '16

12 Jun '16

Dear MARMAM readers, We are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Derville S, Constantine R, Baker CS, Oremus M, Torres LG (2016) Environmental correlates of nearshore habitat distribution by the Critically Endangered Māui dolphin. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 551:261-275 Abstract: Effective management of space-use conflicts with anthropogenic activities is contingent upon reliable knowledge of a species’ ecology. The Māui dolphin/Cephalorhynchus hectori maui/ is endemic to New Zealand and is listed as Critically Endangered, mainly as a result of fisheries bycatch. Despite conservation efforts, the population was estimated at 55 animals in 2011. Here we investigate environmental correlates of Māui dolphin nearshore distribution, using 119 encounters with Māui dolphin groups during boat-based, coastal surveys across 4 summers (2010, 2011, 2013, 2015). We describe the nearshore distribution using a kernel density analysis with differential smoothing on the x- and y-axes to account for the nearshore preference of the dolphins and the survey design. In all years, dolphins were encountered consistently in a restricted area (4 year area of overlap: 87.3 km2). We modelled habitat preference with boosted regression trees, using presence/absence of dolphins relative to static and dynamic environmental predictors. An index of coastal turbidity was created based on a near-linear relationship between Secchi disk measurements and log-transformed remotely sensed chl a concentration. Sea surface temperature (SST; 22.6% contribution), turbidity (22.2%), distance to major watersheds (17%), depth (14.5%), distance to minor watersheds (13.3%) and distance to the coast (10.4%) partly explained Māui dolphin distribution. We detected a match between predicted areas of high nearshore habitat suitability around North Island and historical sightings (76.2% overlap), thus highlighting potential areas of Māui dolphin recovery. Our study presents methods broadly applicable to distribution analyses, and demonstrates an evidence-based application toward managing Māui dolphin habitat. Full text is available at: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v551/p261-275/ Or email me directly for a pdf copy solene.derville(a)ird.fr Best regards, Solène -- Solène Derville PhD student - Marine Ecology UMR Entropie - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement Université Pierre et Marie Curie Association Opération Cétacés ----------- 101 Promenade Roger Laroque, BPA5 98848 Noumea cedex, New Caledonia Phone: +687 912299 skype: solene.derville https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Solene_Derville

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Publication of the Norwegian killer whales' identification catalogue
by Jourdain Eve 12 Jun '16

12 Jun '16

Hello, Norwegian Orca Survey is pleased to announce the publication of a first identification catalogue of killer whalesthat occur in Norwegian waters. The catalogue aims at providing an overview of individual killer whales that frequent coastal Norwegian waters, providing a support to future publications and educating about photo-identification. You will find the online page and the pdf version of the catalogue at:www.norwegianorca-id.no Best wishes, Eve JourdainFounder & PhD candidateNorwegian Orca Survey

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New publication on site fidelity, residency and abundance of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins
by Nikki Zanardo 10 Jun '16

10 Jun '16

Dear MARMAM readers, We are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Mammal Science: Zanardo N., Parra G.J., and Möller L.M. (2016) Site fidelity, residency and abundance of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in Adelaide's coastal waters, South Australia. Abstract: Little is known about the ecology and behavior of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.). This hinders assessment of their conservation status and informed decision-making concerning their management. We used boat-based surveys and photo-identification data to investigate site fidelity, residency patterns, and the abundance of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins in Adelaide's coastal waters. Sighting rates and site fidelity varied amongst individuals, and agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis led to the categorization of individuals into one of three groups: occasional visitors, seasonal residents, or year-round residents. Lagged identification rates indicated that these dolphins used the study area regularly from year to year following a model of emigration and reimmigration. Abundance estimates obtained from multisample closed capture- recapture models ranged from 95 individuals (SE ± 45.20) in winter 2013 to 239 (SE ± 54.91) in summer 2014. The varying levels of site fidelity and residency, and the relatively high number of dolphins found throughout the study area highlights the Adelaide metropolitan coast as an important habitat for bottlenose dolphins. As these dolphins also appear to spend considerable time outside the study area, future research, conservation, and management efforts on this population must take into account anthropogenic activities within Adelaide's coastal waters and their adjacencies. The pdf of the article can be accessed at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12335/abstract Or email me directly for a pdf copy nikki.zanardo(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:nikki.zanardo@flinders.edu.au> Kind regards, Nikki ________________________________ Nikki Zanardo PhD Candidate Cetacean, Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab & Molecular Ecology Lab School of Biological Sciences Flinders University * Tel +61 8 8201 2357 | * nikki.zanardo(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:nikki.zanardo@flinders.edu.au> * www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> | * www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au My Page: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/nikki.zanardo [Cebel] [ZA102637861] <https://www.facebook.com/CEBELresearch> [ZA102637858] <https://twitter.com/Nikkerrrs> [profile_share_badge]<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nikki_Zanardo> Board Director, Ecological Society Australia [Picture1]<http://www.ecolsoc.org.au/> Visit our website: www.ecolsoc.org.au<http://www.ecolsoc.org.au/> Become a member: Benefits of membership<http://www.ecolsoc.org.au/member-services>

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Fwd: Permanent Marine Mammal policy position at NOAA Pacific Islands Office
by Susan Pultz - NOAA Federal 10 Jun '16

10 Jun '16

Would you kindly note that the due date for applications has been extended to 6/21/16 (was 6/14)? I've changed it in the announcement below. Thank you. ************* We’re pleased to announce that we have an opening for a permanent FTE in the Pacific Islands Regional Office, Protected Resources Division, Branch of Conservation Planning and Rulemaking. This position will focus on implementation of the MMPA, specifically the False Killer Whale Take Reduction Plan and Team, and various aspects of fishery interactions with marine mammals, but will also have some ESA components. Please see Announcement #PH-16-LM-1652191, at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/441065900/. *Note: *application for this position are due on* 6/21*, which is a week later than originally advertised*. *If questions, feel free to call Susan Pultz at 808-725-5150. -- Susan Pultz Chief, Branch of Conservation Planning and Rulemaking Protected Resources Division National Marine Fisheries Service/ Pacific Island Regional Office 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg 176, Room 2542 Honolulu, HI 96818 808-725-5150

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requesting short-finned pilot whale samples for taxonomic study
by Amy Van Cise 10 Jun '16

10 Jun '16

Dear MARMAM, NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center has been working to complete a global genetic analysis of short-finned pilot whale taxonomy, expanding on data already generated primarily from the eastern and central Pacific, in order to resolve several taxonomic questions about the species using mitogenomes and nuclear SNPs. Our goal is to add approximately 150 mitogenomes and 100 nuclear samples to our current data set. We have limited numbers of samples outside of the eastern Pacific, the Hawaiian Islands and the Mariana Islands, so we are looking for additional short-finned pilot whale samples from target areas. Priority areas for us are: Southern Hemisphere Western Pacific Indian Ocean Eastern Atlantic If anyone in the MARMAM community has samples they would be willing to share, please contact us directly. In large studies like this we have many sample contributors, so in order to be fair and keep authorship lists under control, we typically offer co-authorship only when the number of samples is a substantial portion of the total, though we make exceptions for particularly important sample locations. Thank you, Amy Van Cise Phil Morin Karen Martien <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy Van Cise PhD Candidate https://amyvancise.wordpress.com Scripps Institution of Oceanography Ritter Hall 117 781-686-6753 avancise(a)ucsd.edu NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive 858-546-5648 avancise(a)gmail.com

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New paper on the vestigial dentition of beaked whales
by Carolina Loch Silva 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the current issue of the New Zealand Journal of Zoology: *Ultrastructure, biomechanical and chemical properties of the vestigial dentition of a Cuvier's beaked whale* Carolina Loch and Ludwig Jansen van Vuuren doi: 10.1080/03014223.2015.1133666 *Abstract* Beaked whales are poorly known cetaceans with a peculiar dentition consisting of one or two pairs of mandibular tusks, sometimes accompanied by dozens of peg-like rudimentary teeth normally concealed in the gum tissue. This study investigated the ultrastructure, chemical and biomechanical properties of vestigial teeth in a specimen of Cuvier's beaked whale deposited in the Otago Museum collections. The juvenile individual had 49 needle-like vestigial teeth in situ on the lower jaws. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed a thin layer of semi-structured prismless enamel covering the teeth. Mechanical properties values were within the range of values reported for other cetaceans, suggesting relaxed biomechanical functional demands. Chemical analyses revealed preservation of the hydroxyapatite composition despite morphological simplification and vestigial nature. The presumed high incidence of vestigial teeth in *Ziphius cavirostris*, the small size and the degenerate nature of these structures are consistent with their interpretation as vestiges rather than atavisms. Full text is available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03014223.2015.1133666 Or alternatively, a *pdf* can be requested at: carolina.loch(a)otago.ac.nz Best regards, _______________________________________ Carolina Loch Silva, PhD Research Fellow Sir John Walsh Research Institute Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago Dunedin 9054, New Zealand Phone: +(64) 03 479-7093 & Research Collaborator Geology Department, University of Otago and Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos UFSC Florianópolis, SC - Brasil http://www.otago.ac.nz/sjwri/people/craniofacial-biomechanics/otago054438.h…

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Marine Resources Specialist Position
by Jean Higgins - NOAA Federal 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office has an opening for a permanent FTE in the PRD Branch of Conservation Planning and Rulemaking. This position will focus on implementation of the MMPA, specifically the False Killer Whale Take Reduction Plan and Team, and various aspects of fishery interactions with marine mammals, but will also have some ESA components. Please see Announcement #PH-16-LM-1652191, at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/441065900/. Note: The announcement is only open for 7 days.

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PSO Training in San Diego, CA July 16-17
by abostwick 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

MPSC is holding Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) training on July 16-17 in San Diego, CA. This BOEM/BSEE-compliant PSO certification course covers the regulations for reducing seismic survey impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, and how to visually locate and identify the animals. Course comprehension is measured with examinations on regulations and animal identification. Lunch is provided and included in the $800 course fee (college/recent graduate/veteran and group discounts available), along with various identification guides, regulatory documents, a whale-watching vessel trip, and advice on applying to PSO positions. MPSC is also holding PSO training in Boston, MA in September. For more information, please contact Angela at ABostwick(a)PSOCertifications.com <mailto:ABostwick@PSOCertifications.com> , by phone at 832-523-2402, or visit the website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/. Thank you, Angela Bostwick / Founder Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com <http://www.ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com> https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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Natural Power - Job Opportunity for a Marine Mammal Mitigation Coordinator - Stirling, UK
by Natural Power HR Team 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

Due to the on-going success and growth of our business, Natural Power are looking to recruit a Marine Mammal Mitigation Coordinator, into our Stirling, Ochil House office. The Role Reporting to the Senior Marine Mammal Ecologist, you will work closely with clients, MMOs, PAM operators, subcontractors and vessel operators with support from our offshore ecology team to ensure a fast turnaround of projects whilst maintaining continuity. You will primarily be responsible for coordinating, managing and organising all aspects of marine mammal mitigation work required on offshore projects which involve activities such as pile driving and geophysical survey work. A full job profile is available on request, however a selection of duties and responsibilities for marine mammal mitigation work include: * Identifying and potentially contracting appropriate MMOs and PAM operators * Sourcing and arranging delivery of appropriate PAM gear * Sourcing and making arrangements with appropriate vessels (where required) * Making logistical arrangements * Writing communication plans and HSSE documents * In house project management of mitigation projects (invoicing and housekeeping) * Providing shore support once a project is underway including: o Providing guidance on technical and compliance questions o Liaising between clients and mitigation teams * Writing, reviewing and submitting reports * Identifying opportunities and contributing to marine mammal mitigation tenders * Contributing to other marine mammal projects as required Qualifications and Experience * BSc in ecology/marine biology/zoology * Offshore experience as an MMO and/or PAM operator * Knowledge of UK legislation/guidance relating to marine mammals * Knowledge of mitigation work and reporting requirements * Experience of organising offshore surveys * A good understanding of collection and analysis of passive acoustic monitoring data You will possess excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and be able to communicate well via e-mail, telephone and in person. You should be able to produce good written work, set up templates, review MMO reports and write text for tenders. Project management skills will be an advantage in order to be able to keep track of budgets and manage projects. Desirable: * Knowledge of renewable / offshore energy market * Experience of chartering vessels (and vessel requirements) * Understanding of HSSE requirements for working offshore * Personal survival certificate and ENG1 * Full driving licence Due to the nature of the role, you will be expected to be flexible with working patterns including providing shore support 1-2 weekends per month. Overall you will be adaptable, proactive, and flexible with your time and standard duties. Further Details The package offered will be dependent on your experience and fit for the role. Further to salary, other benefits include: generous holidays, group personal pension scheme, childcare vouchers, bike to work scheme, discounts at related companies, life assurance, critical illness cover, Income protection. We offer a positive working environment, with a relaxed internal culture yet highly professional external reputation with excellent support mechanisms in place to develop your knowledge and career. The position is based at Ochil House in Stirling (FK7 7XE) Ochil House: Just off the A91 with easy access to the M80 and M9 motorways. For those taking public transport the office is twenty minutes' walk from Stirling train station and for those more active, there is a bike shed, store room and showers available on site (why not take advantage of our bike to work scheme). Further to this, we are next to The Peak sports complex offering a gym, pool, various courts/pitches and a climbing wall amongst other things (why not take advantage of our corporate membership rates). How to apply Full details are available on our website. Please apply online by uploading your CV. Please note that our software uses CV parsing technology, so please ensure that information extracted is correct before submitting your application. You will also be given the opportunity to add a cover letter; this should clearly set out why you feel you are suited to the role. Closing date: Sunday 19th June https://careers.naturalpower.com/vacancies/vacancy-details.aspx?VacancyID=7… Edindra Robbin Natural Power HR Team System Account come and visit our new website, naturalpower.com<http://www.naturalpower.com/> renewable energy consultants tel: mobile: email: work(a)naturalpower.com ________________________ The Natural Power Consultants is a registered company ((SC177881) in Scotland. Our Registered Office is The Greenhouse, Dalry, Castle Douglas, DG7 3XS, UK. Disclaimer <http://www.naturalpower.com/privacy-policy>

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Canada - PSO & PAM & Intensive Underwater Acoustics courses - July 2016, Victoria
by Sam Nichols 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

Seiche Training offers a range of courses for next month: *UNDERWATER ACOUSTICS IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT 25th – 27th July 2016* Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel and Marina, Victoria, Canada CPD-recognized by the Institute of Marine Science, Engineering and Technology (IMarEST) and run in association with University of Bath This three day course equips delegates with a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of underwater acoustics. It then focuses on developing clear, quantitative understanding of the issues involved in the impact of acoustics on marine wildlife. The following topics will be covered: ocean environments, noise propagation models, sound field modeling, methods of assessment, impacts of noise on marine life, mitigation, environmental regulations and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), fisheries, JNCC guidelines and emerging studies and technologies across this field. Delivered by leading research professors and experts including Dr Paul Lepper and Professor Victor Humphrey. The course is intended for regulators, environmental consultants, researchers and policy/environmental professionals within industry. It will be particularly useful in providing a better understanding of reports that delegates either have to deliver or receive from clients. *PSO Course 18th – 19th July 2016* Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel and Marina, Victoria, Canada This two day BOEM and BSEE compliant course provides the skills needed to become a Protected Species Observer. Highest quality training, both in the classroom and on board a vessel, allows delegates to gain experience with marine mammal identification while at sea. Certificate for offshore work awarded upon successful completion of the course. *PAM Level 1 Course 20th – 22nd July 2016* Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel and Marina, Victoria, Canada This three day PAM course provides the skills needed to become an offshore PAM operator. Run by Seiche's highly experienced team with thorough support material, interactive PAMGuard workshops and a boat session, this course will expand delegates' knowledge of acoustic monitoring and provide insight into industry requirements for environmental mitigation. Certificate for offshore work awarded upon successful completion of the course. Please contact us for further information by email (training(a)seiche.com) or look at our website ( *www.seichetraining.com <http://www.seichetraining.com/>* ). Thanks and Regards The Team at Seiche Training

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