June 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on corkscrew seals: grey seal cannibalism showing strong evidence as to the cause of spiral lacerations in phocids.
by Joseph Onoufriou 03 Jun '16

03 Jun '16

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper: Brownlow A, Onoufriou J, Bishop A, Davison N and Thompson D (2016) Corkscrew Seals: Grey Seal (*Halichoerus grypus*) Infanticide and Cannibalism May Indicate the Cause of Spiral Lacerations in Seals. PLoS ONE 11(6): e0156464. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0156464 The open-source link to the article can be found at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0156464 Abstract: Large numbers of dead seals with characteristic spiral lesions have been washing ashore around the North Atlantic over the past two decades. Interactions with ship propellers and shark predation have been suggested as the likely causal mechanisms. However, new evidence points towards a more likely candidate: grey seal predation. An adult male grey seal was observed and recorded catching, killing and eating five weaned grey seal pups over a period of one week on the Isle of May, Scotland. A further 9 carcasses found in the same area exhibited similar injuries. Post mortem analysis of lesions indicated the wound characteristics were similar to each other and in 12 of the 14 carcasses analysed, were indistinguishable from carcasses previously attributed to propeller interaction. We therefore propose that most of the seal carcasses displaying spiral lacerations in the UK are caused by grey seal predation. Cases in other locations should be re-evaluated using the scoring system presented here to identify whether grey seal predation is a major cause of mortality in phocid seals. For more information contact: jo26(a)st-andrews.ac.uk Joe

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New paper on the management of tourism and dolphin-boat interactions
by Marta Guerra 02 Jun '16

02 Jun '16

?Dear all We are happy to announce our recent publication: Boat-based tourism and bottlenose dolphins in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand: The role of management in decreasing dolphin-boat interactions. M. Guerra and S. M. Dawson (2016) Tourism Management 57: 3-9. For a PDF please follow this link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517716300802 or email marta.guerra(a)otago.ac.nz. Abstract: Indirect non-lethal effects of wildlife tourism have the potential to compromise the long-term health of animal populations. While appropriate management of impacts is clearly necessary, such management is rarely reported to be effective. Doubtful Sound (New Zealand) has boat-based scenic cruises running year-round. This fjord is also home to an endangered population of bottlenose dolphins, a natural asset for the local tourism industry. A voluntary code of management (COM) was implemented in 2008 to alleviate vessel impacts, establishing guidelines to leave dolphin encounters to chance and restricting vessel traffic in areas of critical habitat. The frequency and duration of interactions decreased substantially since the implementation of the COM. This evidence shows that a science-based voluntary agreement has the potential to mitigate tourism impacts. Nevertheless, due to the small size of the population and its history of low calf survival, a precautionary approach is necessary to further reduce current anthropogenic impacts. Best wishes, Marta Guerra ----? PhD candidate Department of Marine Science University of Otago, Dunedin Aotearoa - New Zealand ph: +64 226784245

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VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR LAND BASED BODY CONDITION STUDY ON SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES USING UAVS
by Fredrik 02 Jun '16

02 Jun '16

VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR LAND BASED BODY CONDITION STUDY ON SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES USING UAVS Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU), Perth, Australia, is looking for a volunteer to assist land based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) research on Southern right whales at the Head of the Bight, South Australia, between the 19th of July and the 17th of August 2016. The person will have to be available for the entire period. The research project aims to investigate Southern right whale body condition on their South Australian breeding/nursing grounds, as part of larger research project looking into baleen whale health (http://mucru.org/our-research/research-projects/baleen-whale-body-condition/) To measure body condition, aerial photographs of the whales will be collected using an UAV operated from the cliffs overlooking the Great Australian Bight. The UAV will be operated by the chief scientist due to strict regulations in Australia. Duties include cliff based searches for right whales, observation of right whale behavioural responses during UAV approaches, and looking for raptor birds that could intervene with UAV operations. The research assistant will also be expected to help out with data entry, processing and measurements of body morphometrics from UAV photographs. This is an unpaid position and the successful candidate will have to cover the costs of transport to and from Ceduna, South Australia, where you will be picked up/dropped off (3.5 hours drive from the Head of the Bight). The person will also have to provide their own travel insurance. Accommodation will be provided in the form of a shared caravan that will also function as an office. This will be shared with one other researcher. At the site there will also be a research team from Curtin University (4-6 people). Food expenses will be covered by the project. The Head of the Bight study area is very remote and isolated place (arid conditions) with very limited resources and communication (limited phone and internet connection is available, but do not expect to stream/download larger files or skype). During the austral winter, bad weather is expected and will prevent UAV operations on at least 50% of the days, so be prepared to stay indoors for extended periods of time. Due to the restricted living conditions it is essential that the candidate is able to live and work closely with the other researchers, is tolerant and respectful towards others and had a positive attitude. Strong work ethic and the ability to endure extended periods of office based work during periods of bad weather condition are essential. People with previous experience living in remote places for extended periods of time will be given priority. The person needs to be fluent in English and bring their own laptop computer. Please apply by sending your CV (3 pages maximum) and cover letter (1 page) with the names and contact details of at least three professional references to f.christiansen(a)murdoch.edu.au Best regards, Dr Fredrik Christiansen Postdoctoral Research Fellow Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia +61 417 502 098, f.christiansen(a)murdoch.edu.au

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The Marine Mammal Center Job Opportunity: Northern Range Operations Response Coordinator
by Laura Chapman 01 Jun '16

01 Jun '16

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Northern Range Operations Response Coordinator Mission The Marine Mammal Center's mission is to expand knowledge about marine mammals-their health and that of their ocean environment-and to inspire their global conservation. Our core work is the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals, supported by state-of-the-art animal care and research facilities, a corps of dedicated volunteers, and an engaged community. About the Organization The Marine Mammal Center is the largest facility of its kind in the world. Founded in 1975, The Center has grown into an internationally renowned and state-of-the art marine mammal hospital, research center and educational organization. Each year, The Center treats 600 - 800 sick, injured and orphaned marine mammals, with the goal of rehabilitation and release. Its professional staff collaborates with over 30 different scientific, educational, federal, state and non-profit organizations from around the world. Marine mammal scientists and veterinarians from across the globe visit The Center and shadow its staff and volunteers to learn from the hundreds of animals treated each year, and from its acclaimed veterinary, scientific, and research staff. By collaborating with leading scientists and researchers to learn from the patients in their care, The Center expands and advances science to increase understanding of the health of the ocean and highlights implications for human health. In addition to its work within the scientific community, The Center's formal and informal education programs reach 100,000 children and adults ever year. Ultimately, The Center's work inspires action and fosters stewardship toward the care of our environment. Overlooking the ocean in the Marin Headlands, in Sausalito, CA, The Center operates three field stations in its 600-mile rescue range on the California coastline from San Luis Obispo through Mendocino County. Simultaneous to the construction of its new Kona, Hawaii facility, The Center's rescue range has increased to include the entire Hawaiian archipelago. With an annual operating budget of almost $9M, 60 to 70 staff depending on the time of year, and 1,200 actively engaged volunteers, The Center operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. About the Opportunity This is an opportunity to join a team responsible for coordinating the rescue, transport and release of marine mammals from over 600 miles of coastline. The successful candidate will report to the Northern Range Operations Manager as a part of the Rescue and Response Team within the Veterinary Science Department. This position serves the following primary functions: * Coordinate the day to day operations of Rescue and Response central dispatch * Train and oversee interns and volunteers in answering the Stranded Animal Hotline and taking down accurate reports * Answer the Stranded Animal Hotline, communicating effectively with concerned members of the public with empathy and understanding, and educating callers about marine mammals * Dispatch response teams for the assessment, rescue, transport, and release of a variety of marine mammals * Work with veterinary staff to assess stranded animals, making decisions regarding the need for rescue and communicating with response teams * Coordinate the daily transportation and offloading of marine mammals at the Sausalito hospital * Maintain rescue equipment and vehicles under the supervision of the NRO Manger, organizing inventory and making repairs and purchases as needed * Manage projects completed by on-site volunteers, ranging from equipment repairs and alterations, to data entry * Adhere to and promote safety standards and protocols * Rotate after hours on-call, evening, weekend and holiday coverage Qualifications * 21 years of age or older * Four year college degree, as well as one year of related experience in management, communications, marine mammals or an equivalent combination of education and experience * Maintain a valid California Driver's License, with a clean driving record, and provide valid proof of insurance * Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with individuals, various sized groups and the general public * Enthusiastic, energetic, self-motivated individual, able to work in office as well as field environments * Computer proficient with basic Microsoft programs * Comfortable lifting 40+ pounds Preferred Professional Experience * Background in biology, zoology, or a related field * Customer service experience, preferred at the management level * Demonstrated success in training, team-building and communication Click Here to Apply<https://tmmc.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk06v6o> The deadline for applications is Friday, June 24th 2016

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Fall 2016 Internship Opportunities in Savannah, Georgia
by Perrtree, Robin 01 Jun '16

01 Jun '16

The Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Laboratory (SSUDS lab) is accepting applications for Fall 2016 interns. There are 2 positions available. Application deadline is June 24th. The SSUDS lab is located adjacent to the marsh on the campus of Savannah State University in coastal Georgia. The SSUDS lab and Dr. Tara Cox study spatial ecology and conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, marine and coastal policy and management, and human interactions with marine mammals. Current projects include: Human-interaction behaviors (particularly begging), stock structure and abundance estimates, mother/calf distribution and habitat use, and diet of common bottlenose dolphins. Interns will support graduate research on common bottlenose dolphins living in the local waterways. In addition, there may be opportunities to help other marine science graduate students with diverse fieldwork. Dates: Aug 1st - Dec 16th (Start and end dates are flexible) Location: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia Time: Interns are expected to commit to ~30 hours per week and their time will be split between lab and field work. Dolphin surveys will be conducted 2 days per month. Lab duties include: photo-identification, data entry and double checking Field duties: assisting with small boat-based photo-identification surveys including sighting dolphins, data recording, photography, and environmental measurements Class: Interns are welcome to sit in on the Conservation Biology and/or Coastal Zone Management courses taught by Dr. Cox in the fall. Please note that hours spent in class do not count towards lab hours. Qualifications: * Minimum age of 18 years old * Currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field * Strong interest in marine mammals, the environment, and conservation * Computer proficiency, especially MS Office; MS Access and ArcGIS experience a plus * Enthusiastic and dedicated, with strong interpersonal skills and able to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor * Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes * Works well in a team environment as well as individually * Ability to work long days in the sun/cold on a small boat To apply please submit the following via email with the subject "SSUDS Internship" to perrtreer(a)savannahstate.edu<mailto:perrtreer@savannahstate.edu> : * A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, how the experience will help you meet your long-term goals, and your dates of availability. * A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. * Current academic transcripts (unofficial are sufficient). * Names and contact information for two references. This position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transport to Savannah, GA. If accepted, we can provide contact information for possible shared housing opportunities with SSU students. This is a great opportunity to work with scientists and graduate students in the field and lab while gaining experience with photo-identification and boat-based marine mammal surveys. Savannah State University offers a Master of Science in Marine Sciences; thus, successful interns may have future opportunities for graduate study in the SSUDS lab. For more information about Marine Sciences at SSU please visit: http://www.savannahstate.edu/cost/nat-science/marine-sci.shtml Robin Perrtree SSUDS Lab Manager Marine Sciences Technician Savannah State University Office: Harris Hall 103 912-358-3301 (office) 941-323-2750 (cell)

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New publication - Tsai and Fordyce 2016 a new Oligocene baleen whale - Whakakai
by Cheng-Hsiu Tsai 01 Jun '16

01 Jun '16

Dear colleagues Ewan and I are pleased to announce a new article, describing a new fossil baleen whale, *Whakakai waipata*, from the Oligocene of New Zealand. Tsai, CH and Fordyce, RE. 2016. Archaic baleen whale from the Kokoamu Greensand: earbones distinguish a new late Oligocene mysticete (Cetacea: Mysticeti) from New Zealand. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, doi: 10.1080/03036758.2016.1156552 Available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03036758.2016.1156552?journalCod… or email Tsai: cheng-hsiu.tsai(a)otago.ac.nz or craniata(a)gmail.com Abstract: *†Whakakai waipata* is a new genus and species of Mysticeti from the Kokoamu Greensand (Chattian, Late Oligocene, 25–27 Ma) of ‘The Earthquakes’, North Otago. The holotype of *†Whakakai waipata* is a partial skull, periotics, tympanic bulla, vertebrae and scapula. The earbone morphology of *†Whakakai waipata *shows a unique combination of diagnostic features including: massive periotic; flange of posterior process and caudal tympanic process flooring stapedial muscle fossa; and an elongated stylomastoid fossa that invades the robust posterior process of the periotic. The tympanoperiotic features in *†Whakakai waipata* suggest a different acoustic niche from other Oligocene mysticetes, and by inference different feeding habits and habitat. Regards and all the best, Tsai -- 蔡政修（Cheng-Hsiu Tsai さいまさのぶ) JSPS Postdoctoral Research Fellow (JSPS: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science 日本學術振興會) Department of Geology and Palaeontology, National Museum of Nature and Science (Tsukuba Research Center) 4-1-1 Amakubo, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-0005, Japan Email: cheng-hsiu.tsai(a)otago.ac.nz; craniata(a)gmail.com

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Society for Marine Mammalogy Small Grants in Aid of Research
by Douglas Wartzok 01 Jun '16

01 Jun '16

The Society for Marine Mammalogy would like to inform eligible members (see below) that this year's application window opens on 1 June 2016. Applications will be accepted during the entire month of June. The Committee of Scientific Advisors will review applications and make recommendations on funding with decisions announced before 1 September 2016. The awards are up to US $1,500. All three of the following eligibility requirements must be met: 1. Be a member of the Society for Marine Mammalogy 2. Be a national of a country with a developing economy<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developing_country#List_of_developing_economies> as defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (preference is given to early career researchers such as students and researchers with less than 5 years post-doctoral experience) 3. Be conducting research in a country with a developing economy The Small Grant web page<https://www.marinemammalscience.org/jobs-grants/grants-in-aid-of-research-i…> provides full information, links to past successful applications, a list of recipients from prior years and their completed project reports, and a link to the application itself. Please be mindful of the word limits in the various sections of the application. For technical questions regarding the online application, please email admin(a)marinemammalscience.org<mailto:admin@marinemammalscience.org> For all other questions about the grants, please contact: Douglas Wartzok Chair Committee of Scientific Advisors Society for Marine Mammalogy wartzok(a)fiu.edu<mailto:wartzok@fiu.edu>

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