July 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

River dolphin internships in the Brazilian Amazon
by Tony 08 Oct '19

08 Oct '19

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazon State, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak excellent Spanish, in addition to English. There can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria, and this is counter-productive. Please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 60 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially a harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking two people to commence work as soon as possible, and we would also like to hear from people available in mid-late 2016. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 600 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend (approx $150 US). Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. They must also have adequate medical insurance. Please do not apply unless you know that you can obtain the airfare to reach Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Internships offer the opportunity of a lifetime. They reward hard work and dedication with unique experiences and a chance to stand out from the crowd in subsequent applications for higher degrees and employment. Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience, especially in the use of photo-ID Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com) Closing date is 24 November 2015. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 4 days of the closing date, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 November latest.

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New publication: From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
by Joan Giménez Verdugo 01 Mar '19

01 Mar '19

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in "Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology": Giménez, J., Ramírez, F., Almunia, J., Forero, M. G., de Stephanis, R. (2016) From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 475:54-61. *Abstract:*One of the most common applications in isotopic ecology is the assessment of animal's assimilated diet through mass-balance mixing models. Its applicability relies on the use of accurate diet to tissue discrimination factors and turnover rates, which are known to vary as a function of several factors including taxon or tissue type. To date, few studies have assessed isotopic discrimination factors and turnover rates in cetacean species under controlled conditions. Previous experimental studies focused on blood, a difficult sample to obtain in the wild, or on a more appropriate tissue, the skin, but assessed in short experimental trials without arriving to the isotopic equilibrium. We carried out the longest controlled feeding experiment available (350 days) in bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in order to assess discrimination factors and turnover rates in skin. Animals' isotopic composition was first stabilized by maintaining individuals under an isotopically constant diet during 172 days. Afterwards, diet was shifted and maintained during 178 days to calculate isotopic discrimination and turnover rates. Estimates for isotopic discrimination factors were 1.01 ± 0.37‰ (mean ± sd) for *δ*13C and 1.57 ± 0.52‰ for *δ*15N. Half-life turnover rates were estimated to be 24.16 ± 8.19 days for carbon and 47.63 ± 19 days for nitrogen. This is the first time that applicable values are available to assess the diet of free ranging small cetaceans through stable isotope mixing model analysis. You can download the paper in: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098115300514 or visit my ResearchGate (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2) Kind Regards, Joan Giménez -- *Joan Giménez Verdugo* *PhD Student* *Severo Ochoa* Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC) Department of Conservation Biology Americo Vespucio Ave, s/n 41092 Sevilla (Spain) www.ebd.csic.es --- Research Gate: Joan Giménez <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2> Phone: +34 619 176 849 ü Please consider the environment before printing this E-mail

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JNCC MMO (UK) and BOEM PSO (Gulf of Mexico) Training Courses
by Alison Gill 13 Nov '17

13 Nov '17

Intelligent Ocean Ltd (http://www.intelligentocean.com/) is running the following training courses in January in Kings Lynn, UK for which we have spaces available. Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Training for UK - 21st January 2016 - £130 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Protected Species Observer (PSO) Training for Gulf of Mexico, USA - 22nd January 2016 - £60 (when taken in conjunction with the JNCC MMO course). To book a place please use our online booking system at this link http://www.intelligentocean.com/booking.php Alison Gill Intelligent Ocean Ltd www.intelligentocean.com

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Announcement of the Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, 26-29 March 2015
by Laela Sayigh 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Dear colleagues, This message is to announce the upcoming Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, to be held 26-29 March 2015 in Massachusetts (location TBA). This symposium will consist of a combination of invited and contributed presentations on all aspects of marine mammal bioacoustics, including communication, echolocation, hearing, methods in marine mammal bioacoustics, effects of noise on marine mammals, and bioacoustics as a tool in marine mammal conservation. There will also be a session on Bill Watkins' legacy to marine mammal bioacoustics. Further announcements will follow with more specifics, but registration and abstract submissions are expected to commence in the fall of 2014. For more information, contact Laela Sayigh, lsayigh(a)whoi.edu.

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Wild Lens- Vaquita Resource Awareness Film
by Sean Bogle 12 Apr '17

12 Apr '17

Good day MARMAMers, We are a non-profit wildlife documentary film organization called Wild Lens, wildlensinc.org <http://wildlensinc.org/>. We have just released two language versions of our short film about the vaquita porpoise which is the most endangered marine mammal on the planet. Our film documents the struggle to save the vaquita from extinction. The purpose of this short film is to engage people about the vaquitas story while we now focus on a 30 minute film for television. We also will release a full feature film in 2018 as we document the occurrences during the two year gillnet ban in the Upper Gulf of California that the Mexican government has implemented to stop illegal fishing and the extinction of the vaquita. The videos are for everyone to use as an awareness tool, so please use it on your websites, presentations or anywhere where people can learn and get involved to save the vaquita. We want the vaquita to be the symbol of hope for all species on this planet. It will take the international community’s involvement to really have a positive impact on this issue and other issues facing our natural environment. To learn more about our project visit: vaquitafilm.com <http://vaquitafilm.com/> Below are two language version which we just released: English Version: vimeo.com/wildlens/vaquita <http://vimeo.com/wildlens/vaquita> Spanish Version: https://vimeo.com/166899979 <https://vimeo.com/166899979> If there are any questions or concerns please contact me at sean(a)wildlensinc.org. Viva Vaquita! Sean Sean Bogle, Project Director Eyes on Conservation Wild Lens, Inc. Cell: 435.790.9593 Office:208.297.6536 ext.502 wildlensinc.org <http://www.wildlensinc.org/> <http://wildlensinc.org/film-projects/eyes-on-conservation/> <http://www.wildlensinc.org/eyes-on-conservation.html> <http://www.wildlensinc.org/eyes-on-conservation.html> <http://wildlensinc.org/> <http://wildlensinc.org/> <https://www.facebook.com/WildLensInc> <https://twitter.com/WildLensInc> <https://www.youtube.com/user/WildLensInc> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens>

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Research Assistant required for April and May for the Mandurah Dolphin Research Project in Western Australia
by Krista Nicholson 11 Nov '16

11 Nov '16

Research Assistants required for April and May for the Mandurah Dolphin Research Project in Western Australia (WA) Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU<http://mucru.org/>) is commencing a new research project aimed at gaining a solid understanding of the bottlenose dolphins using the Peel-Harvey Estuary (part of Ramsar Wetlands) and adjacent coastal waters. The overall aim of the project is to conduct a population assessment. In short this involves characterizing population size and structure, habitat use and genetic connectivity of dolphins using the estuarine and coastal areas. I am seeking a dedicated research assistant (volunteer) to help out with boat based data collection and data processing for the months of April and May. Data collection (photo-identification and biopsy sampling) will be conducted inland waters to up to 12nm offshore. Data collection is weather dependent and research assistants are expected to be available full time during day light hours throughout the time they commit to the project. You can expect long days on the boat (~6.5m vessel) on consecutive days followed by processing data in the office. The main duties for research assistants are: Data collection: spotting dolphins, driving the boat, taking photographs for photo-identification, recording data Data processing: downloading data, entering data, matching fins, mapping sightings General: Maintaining the boat and car, clean equipment, community engagement You can expect to learn, or improve your practical skills (taking photo-ID shots, driving a trailer, launching a boat, general boat handling etc.), be exposed to small cetacean biopsy sampling methods and become efficient in processing photo-ID data. And to top it off you will have the opportunity to visit MUCRU and be exposed to great minds involved in various marine mammal research projects! There are no pre-requisites for the position; however, assistants need to not be scared of hard work, long hours and getting their hands dirty. Assistants need to be independent individuals who have a strong desire to be part of a team and enjoy people and ‘coffee moments’. Preferred prior skills include boat handling, first aid, and experience in photo-ID as well as enrolment in a related field of study or a strong desire to pursue a related career. This is an unpaid position and assistants need to organise their own travel to and from Mandurah, which is approximately 1 hr south of Perth in WA. The office space will be in a research house where assistants are welcome to, and preferred to, rent a room for a cost of 150 AUD/week (inclusive of internet and bills). And for your free time Mandurah has everything you can think of a holiday town to offer (shops, cafes, bars, cinema, nature, hikes, camping, surfing, diving, snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking, wildlife spotting, skydiving etc.) and Perth is only an hour away. To apply for this position please send me a cover sheet specifying why you would like to assist in this project, the time you are applying for, your CV and names and contact details of two references to k.nicholson(a)murdoch.edu.au<mailto:k.nicholson@murdoch.edu.au> . Looking forward to hearing from you! All the best, Krista Nicholson PhD Candidate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit Perth, Western Australia

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NEW PUBLICATION: First insights into the oceanographic characteristics of a blue whale feeding ground in northern Patagonia, Chile
by Susannah Buchan 29 Jul '16

29 Jul '16

Dear MARMAMers, We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper: "First insights into the oceanographic characteristics of a blue whale feeding ground in northern Patagonia, Chile" by Susannah J. Buchan and Renato A. Quiñones in Marine Ecology Progress Series http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v554/p183-199 ABSTRACT: Blue whales *Balaenoptera musculus* select highly productive feeding habitats where dense and abundant euphausiid aggregations dependably arise. This study seeks to understand the oceanographic characteristics that provide suitable foraging conditions for endangered blue whales in northern Chilean Patagonia (NCP). We present the first *in situ* oceanographic data (temperature, salinity and oxygen profiles, nutrients and chl *a*, mesozooplankton abundance, euphausiid species and size structure) associated with sightings of foraging blue whales collected during 3 austral summer campaigns and 1 winter campaign (2011 to 2013) at 2 feeding sites in the southeast Corcovado Gulf (~43°53’S, 73°19’W). Satellite data (MODIS) were also examined. 92% of all animals (n = 51) displayed foraging behavior, and sighting rates were higher in summer. The mesozooplankton was dominated by the euphausiid *Euphausia vallentini*. During summer 2012, significantly lower whale sightings coincided with significantly lower euphausiid abundance, chl *a* and silicate and observations of large localized salp blooms, compared to summer 2013. These conditions could be explained by changes in the inflow of oceanic and continental waters into the Corcovado Gulf leading up to summer 2012. A generalized linear model revealed that sightings of foraging blue whales during summer 2013 were significantly associated with a drop in chl *a,* most likely reflecting a synoptic succession pattern (days to weeks) of phytoplankton blooms-euphausiid aggregation-arrival of blue whales at a feeding site. Spatial variation suggests the important role of bathymetry in concentrating planktonic organisms. These findings are the first insights into the oceanographic factors that influence feeding conditions for endangered blue whales in Patagonia. Requests for reprints can be sent to: sjbuchan(a)gmail.com or sbuchan(a)udec.cl. Kind regards, Susannah -- Susannah J. Buchan, PhD Postdoctoral Researcher COPAS Sur-Austral Program Department of Oceanography Universidad de Concepción sbuchan(a)udec.cl Mobile phone: +56 9 6646 8466 http://sur-austral.udec.cl/

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ACS Conference and Call for Abstracts
by American Cetacean Society 29 Jul '16

29 Jul '16

Dear MARMAM subscribers, *We are pleased to announce **American Cetacean Society's **15th International Conference to be held November 11-13, 2016 in Monterey, CA. * *Celebrating 50 Years of Whale Conservation: Reflections and Innovations* ACS’s International Conference is a highly respected gathering of scientists, educators, conservationists, students, hobbyists – anyone with an interest in cetaceans and their ocean environment. Activities include speaker sessions with world-renowned experts, a poster session including a student research poster contest, a photography contest, a silent auction, book signings and art show. We will also host a pre-event all-day whale-watching trip held on Friday in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. ACS is celebrating its 50th Anniversary as the world’s oldest whale conservation organization. This year, we will reflect back at whale conservation and research history, and look forward to the innovations that are rapidly changing what we know about our world’s whales. Don't delay - register today! *Early Bird Conference Registration rates end September 30*. For more information and to register, please visit the ACS Conference website: http://acsconference.weebly.com Conference-related inquiries can be sent to acsconf1(a)gmail.com We look forward to seeing you at the conference! Diane Alps President / Conference Chair American Cetacean Society *CALL FOR ABSTRACTS:* *Abstracts for the Poster Session and Student Research Poster Contest will be accepted through September 9th. * - Poster Session - This session will showcase a variety of programs and projects based out of educational institutions, agencies, and non-profit organizations, and is intended to encourage discussion and facilitate the exchange of current information pertaining to marine mammal research, conservation, policy, and education. - Student Research Poster Contest - We invite graduate and undergraduate students to present their work in the Student Poster Contest. First-, second- and third-place winners will be recognized at the conference banquet, with a $250 first-place prize for the top presenter. Winners will also be featured in an upcoming issue of the ACS Spyhopper newsletter. The student contest provides an opportunity for students at universities and institutions to gain presentation experience in a professional environment and provides a forum in which existing professionals may meet their rising peers. Abstract submissions will be accepted from current undergraduate or graduate students, student interns, and recently graduated students (within the past year) who conducted their work prior to graduation. Student authors must be from accredited institutions of higher education. For submission guidelines and details, please visit the ACS Conference website: http://acsconference.weebly.com Poster session-related inquiries can be sent to acsresearch1(a)gmail.com ACS Poster Session Committee: Christina Tombach Wright Sabena Siddiqui Joy Primrose

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Fall Online Course - Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 29 Jul '16

29 Jul '16

All, The University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine would like to announce open registration for our fall online course. Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the controversial issues surrounding aquatic animal species ranging from invertebrates to marine mammals, with an emphasis on marine mammals, but also including sea turtles, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. Students enrolled at any College or University within the US or internationally can take this course. For more information about this classes or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin(ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu>). If you are interested in taking one of the classes, registration is now open for Fall (2016). The first day of the semester is August 22nd. Sincerely, Dr Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________ Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from University of Florida employees via email may be subject to disclosure.

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Introducing the first U.S. regulatory-compliant online Protected Species Observer/Marine Mammal Observer training course.
by PSO Training 28 Jul '16

28 Jul '16

Introducing the first U.S. regulatory-compliant online Protected Species Observer/Marine Mammal Observer training course. The course is offered for $395 and consists of 12 graded lessons, a practical species identification quiz designed to simulate real in-field detection events, and a comprehensive final exam. The training program was created by instructors whom are accepted trainers by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), in collaboration with experienced PSOs, degreed biologists, educators, and industry professionals. Successful completion of the program results in a professional certification that distinguishes you as a PSO. Whether you are looking to work in the field as a PSO, to expand your knowledge of protected species regulations, marine environmental issues, and/or geological and geophysical regulations, or enhance your skillset, this course has something to offer you! Register today at PSOeTraining.com<http://psoetraining.com/register.aspx>! RPS Group has been the leading provider for PSO services in the Gulf of Mexico for over a decade and we are proud to present this high-quality, convenient, and effective online certification program. Doctors, engineers, pilots, and other professionals complete certification and/or degree programs that are available online, and now PSOs join the ranks of those benefiting from online learning! Our intensive e-training program will engage and instruct you with informative videos, interactive quizzes, and stimulating content. The combination of a fun, interesting program and self-paced learning has been proven to facilitate learning and increase retention of the material-leading to better, more qualified PSOs! Learn more at PSOeTraining.com<http://psoetraining.com/coursedetail.aspx>! This e-mail message and any attached file is the property of the sender and is sent in confidence to the addressee only. Internet communications are not secure and RPS is not responsible for their abuse by third parties, any alteration or corruption in transmission or for any loss or damage caused by a virus or by other means. Any advice contained in this e-mail is for information purposes only. RPS Group Plc, company number: 208 7786 (England). Registered office: 20 Western Avenue Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SH. RPS Group Plc web link: <http://www.rpsgroup.com>

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