July 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Data collaboration request on bending dorsal fins in free-ranging cetaceans
by filipe.alves＠ciimarmadeira.org 06 Jul '16

06 Jul '16

Dear colleagues, We are preparing a review paper, including new records, on bending dorsal fins in free-ranging cetaceans, which is poorly documented. Being sure of similar events recorded worlwide, we invite you to collaborate in this study, offering co-authorship. If you have such type of data and would like to joint this study please send email to: filipe.alves(a)ciimarmadeira.org Thanks in advance, Cheers, Filipe Alves Marine biologist, PhD CIIMAR-Madeira Oceanic Observatorium of Madeira - ARDITI CV and publications: http://home.ciimarmadeira.org/index.php?page=filipealves

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Reminder: American Cetacean Society, SF Bay Chapter's Research Grant Application Deadline Midnight PST on September 23rd
by Lynette Koftinow 05 Jul '16

05 Jul '16

Reminder: Grant Application Deadline Midnight PST on September 23rd The American Cetacean Society, San Francisco Bay Chapter is taking applications for its 2016 Research Grants Dear colleagues,The American Cetacean Society-San Francisco Bay Chapter (ACS-SF Bay) would like to encourage students to apply for our upcoming 2016 Student Research Grants.ACS - SF BAY Guidelines for Student Research Grant:The San Francisco Bay American Cetacean Society chapter Grants-in-Aid of Research fund offers small research grants for direct costs of scientific, field-based projects focusing on cetaceans. The Society invites proposals from all cetacean-related disciplines, including the social sciences, which focus on cetaceans and/or their habitats.SF Bay ACS chapter particularly welcomes applications from early-career researchers such as graduate students and researchers with less than 10 years’ post-doctoral experience, and researchers whose work focuses on small cetaceans in Northern California, with emphasis in the Bay Area. The SF Bay American Cetacean Society chapter has a long-standing commitment to providing young scientists with ‘seed money’ for research projects in cetacean-related disciplines.Currently, SF Bay ACS chapter grant awards range from $100 to $1,000; the Society highly encourages funds to be used in a ‘match’ program to maximize funding potential.Funding is available to applicants who are themselves active (dues-paying) SF Bay ACS chapter members or whose faculty advisers are active members. SF Bay ACS chapter funds are intended to strengthen conservation efforts through applied field-based research and opportunities outside of the laboratory. Funds may not be used for salaries, stipends, honoraria, or other compensatory expenses. The National American Cetacean Society and other chapters of ACS also participate in grant-making initiatives and will also submit Request For Proposals (RFPs) coincident with their funding cycles. For information about specific chapters and their grant-making programs, please visit the Chapter page of the National American Cetacean Society website: www. acsonline.org. Proposals should include:1. Application cover sheet, with title of proposal, field research group, contact information (email, phone and departmental contacts) for the faculty lead or principle investigator (PI), second PI (if applicable) and any proposed graduate student participant list (with contact information).2. A brief narrative (1-2 pages, single-spaced) describing the research program, overall purpose, specific research objectives/questions, study timeline and benchmarks, significance of the research in advancing our understanding the biology and conservation of cetaceans and/or their habitats, and how the research can or does advance conservation efforts aimed at a particular taxa, species, or habitat.3. An itemized, one-year budget, including estimated costs for supplies,equipment, travel, etc. Costs should be kept reasonable. A budget justification should be included. Budget should not exceed requested funding amount; however, details of additional funding sources supporting the research and how those funds will be used are helpful in evaluating applications.4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) for each principle investigator.The application deadline for the 2016 San Francisco Bay American Cetacean Society chapter Small Grants-in-Aid of Research Program is Friday, September 23rd 2016, and will cover proposed field work to be undertaken through winter of 2017. Funding is limited and proposals will be peer-reviewed for scientific rigor, conservation benefit and cost effectiveness. Awards will be announced on Monday, October 10, 2016.Applications should be sent by email to Lynette R. Koftinow,President San Francisco Bay American Cetacean Society chapter @ acs.sfbay(a)gmail.comQuestions regarding the program may also be directed to her.Respectfully,Lynette R. Koftinow President San Francisco Bay American Cetacean Society (415) 937-0641 (office) acs.sfbay(a)gmail.com

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New paper on Bottlenose dolphin group dynamics, site fidelity, residency and movement patterns in Madeira Archipelago
by ana.dinis＠ciimarmadeira.org 05 Jul '16

05 Jul '16

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper: A Dinis, F Alves, C Nicolau, C Ribeiro, M Kaufmann, A Cañadas & L Freitas (2016): Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus group dynamics, site fidelity, residency and movement patterns in the Madeira Archipelago (North-East Atlantic), African Journal of Marine Science, DOI: 10.2989/1814232X.2016.1167780 ABSTRACT The bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus is one of the most frequently sighted cetacean species in the Madeira Archipelago (North-East Atlantic); however, little is known about its population ecology in these waters. Photo-identification undertaken during systematic, non-systematic and opportunistic surveys conducted between 2001 and 2012 was used to assess group dynamics, site fidelity, residency and movement patterns of bottlenose dolphins in the archipelago. Three different patterns of residency were assigned, based on individual sighting histories. Group size ranged between 2 and 90 individuals (median 12), with no significant monthly difference in group size. All resident dolphins formed a core, complex network with migrant and transient dolphins. In contrast, satellite clusters were formed exclusively by transient individuals. The lagged identification rate (LIR) model indicated that a dolphin remained in the area for an average of 90 days, whereas the average time an individual spent outside the study area was approximately 313 days. The Madeira Archipelago appears to be only a section of a much larger home range for this population, with the dolphins exhibiting three different patterns of occurrence that associate with each other. The information gained about this poorly studied population contributes to the overall knowledge of bottlenose dolphins in insular oceanic habitats. For an early view of this paper, please visit: <http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/CVHihucpchZwiyZ7dbgh/full> http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/CVHihucpchZwiyZ7dbgh/full If you are unable to download the article, send an email request to: <mailto:ana.dinis@ciimarmadeira.org> ana.dinis(a)ciimarmadeira.org Cheers, Ana Dinis, PhD CIIMAR-Madeira, ARDITI-OOM Phone: +351 291 721 216 http://home.ciimarmadeira.org/index.php?page=anadinis

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Volunteer Wildlife Guides Required
by Stones Brett 05 Jul '16

05 Jul '16

Volunteer Position offered to a marine biology enthusiast with a passenger boat trip company to assist with wildlife guiding activities. SeaMôr Wildlife and Dolphin Watching Boat Trips are looking for an enthusiastic and hardworking boat crew to fill the position offered during the months of July and August. The position requires working on the wildlife watching boat as crew and a wildlife guide and also assisting with sales and marketing of the trips. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn some great skills such as boat handling, general seamanship, enhancing your public speaking skills, and hopefully help inspire the next generation of marine biologists. The trips run from the beautiful towns of New Quay and Aberaeron in Cardigan Bay, which is home to the largest population of bottlenose dolphins in the UK. Harbour porpoises, grey seals and a variety of sea birds are also among the many animals that can be viewed on the trips. WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU WILL GAIN: Public speaking and guiding experience Crewing on a commercial passenger boat Boat handling and general seamanship We will fund the successful applicant to attend a Cetacean Survey Training Course which will enable them to collect research data for Seawatch Foundation whilst on our trips. ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: Fluent spoken English Interest in marine wildlife and boating Flexibility and the ability to work outdoors Good communication skills Good customer service skills Experience of working in a small team DESIRABLE: Marine biology (or similar) qualification RYA powerboat license Interest in marketing Website editing and design Other info: This is an unpaid post, however, there is an element of paid work available, and free accommodation is provided. How to apply: If you are interested in this position, email with which period you're interested in, along with your CV to Brett Stones, info(a)seamor.org<mailto:info@seamor.org>, or call us on 07795242445. Website www.seamor.org<http://www.seamor.org/>

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Final Call: Introductory GIS and Species Distribution Modelling courses for Marine Biologists, August 2016
by Colin D. MacLeod 05 Jul '16

05 Jul '16

This is the final call for attendees for the following introductory courses for marine biologists in the use of GIS and Species Distribution Modelling which will be run by GIS In Ecology in August 2016: 1. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology, 8th – 10th August 2016, Glasgow, Scotland: This three day course covers the basics of how to use GIS in marine biological research and is aimed at those who have little or no experience in using GIS, but who wish to learn. The course is taught by Dr Colin D. MacLeod, author of the ‘An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology’ series of books, and is taught in the type of language marine biologists will be familiar with. It consists of a series of background and practical sessions which will provide all the information needed to start successfully using GIS in marine biology. Cost: £395 (£300 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). More information on this course, including an online booking form, can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Glasgow_August_2016.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place by email, email: cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com 2. An Introduction To Species Distribution Modelling In The Marine Environment, 11th – 12th August 2016, Glasgow, Scotland: This two day course follows on from the introductory GIS course and provides all the information required to start using Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) in the marine environment in a practical and biologically meaningful way. In a series of background sessions, case studies and practical exercises, it covers how to create data layers of species distribution, how to select and create raster data layers of environmental variables, such as water depth, how to join information on species distribution to environmental information, how to export data from a GIS project for analysis in a statistical package, such as R, how to create spatial visualisations based on a statistical model and how to validate the spatial predictions of a model. The practical sessions work through a species distribution modelling project based on real marine survey data from start to finish. Cost: £295 (£200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). This course can be done with either ArcGIS or the freely available open source GIS software package QGIS. More information on this course, including an online booking form, can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_SDM_August_2016.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place by email, email: cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com. Note: This course requires a basic knowledge of GIS (as covered in the above introductory GIS course) and how to use ArcGIS or QGIS GIS software. For more information on other upcoming courses from GIS In Ecology, visit: http://www.GISinEcology.com/training_courses.htm. All the best, Colin ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook Two - Working With Raster Data Layers; RRP: £19.99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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New Paper: Changes in bottlenose dolphin whistle parameters related to vessel presence, surface behaviour and group composition
by Tess Gridley - Namibian Dolphin Project 04 Jul '16

04 Jul '16

Dear colleagues, The Namibian Dolphin Project are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Animal Behaviour: *Changes in bottlenose dolphin whistle parameters related to vessel presence, surface behaviour and group composition* Abstract Cetacean watching from tour boats has increased in recent years and has been promoted as an ethically viable alternative to cetacean viewing in captive facilities or directed take. However, short- and long-term impacts of this industry on the behaviour and energetic expenditure of cetaceans have been documented. Although multiple studies have investigated the acoustic response of dolphins to marine tourism, there are several covariates that could also explain some of these results and should be considered simultaneously. Here, we investigated whether common bottlenose dolphins,*Tursiops truncatus*, inhabiting Walvis Bay, Namibia vary their whistle parameters in relation to boat presence, surface behaviour and/or group composition. We detected an upward shift of up to 1.99 kHz in several whistle frequency parameters when dolphins were in the presence of one or more tour boats and the research vessel. No changes were demonstrated in the frequency range, number of inflection points or duration of whistles. A similar, although less pronounced difference was observed in response to engine noise generated by the research vessel when idling, suggesting that noise alone plays an important role in driving this shift in whistle frequency. Additionally, a strong effect of surface behaviour was observed, with the greatest difference in whistle parameters detected between resting and other behavioural states that are associated with higher degrees of emotional arousal. Group composition also contributed to the variation observed, with the impact of boats dependent on whether calves were present or not. Overall these results demonstrate high natural variation in the frequency parameters of whistles utilized by dolphins over varying behavioural states and group composition. Anthropogenic impact in the form of marine tour boats can influence the vocalization parameters of dolphins and such changes could have a long-term impact if they reduce the communication range of whistles or increase energy expenditure. This is available to download from the following link until the 27th July http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1TA9gmjLetat Or request a pdf copy from: nam.dolphin.project(a)gmail.com or julia.heiler(a)web.de Kind regards, NDP Team -- --------------------------------------------------- Tess Gridley PhD Namibian Dolphin Project & Sea Search www.namibiandolphinproject.com www.seasearch.co.za Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa Tel: 021 788 1206 Cell: 0794292702 Skype: tess.gridley

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New article: Towards an EU Action Plan on Cetacean Bycatch
by Sarah Dolman 04 Jul '16

04 Jul '16

Dear MARMAM Myself and my co-authors wanted to bring this recently published paper to your attention. S Dolman, S Baulch, P G.H. Evans, F Read, F Ritter. 2016. Towards an EU Action Plan on Cetacean Bycatch. Marine Policy, 72, 67-75. Abstract For decades, cetacean bycatch has been a major conservation and welfare concern in Europe, with high numbers of harbour porpoises, dolphins and whales continuing to die each year. Despite binding legal requirements to reduce bycatch, there has been limited effective monitoring or mitigation. Bycatch is also an important welfare issue. At this critical juncture, with discussion of incorporating monitoring and mitigation of bycatch of protected species in Europe into the Data Collection Framework and Technical Measures Framework taking place to help deliver the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), a clear, effective strategy could identify the steps that are required by all EU Member States to reduce bycatch towards zero. Here, implementation of current monitoring and mitigation obligations are reviewed. Recommendations are made for the provision of clear EU guidance in order to improve and unify population surveillance and bycatch monitoring, with enhanced implementation and enforcement from Member States. A more regionalised evidence-based approach to monitoring and mitigation is in line with the move to more regionalised management under the CFP, with Member States robustly showing that bycatch levels are decreasing over a set period of time (e.g. 5years) by a specified amount. To this end, an EU Action Plan on Cetacean Bycatch, comparable to the existing 2012 Action Plan for reducing incidental catches of seabirds in fishing gear, might be beneficial and could ultimately form a model for an international Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Cetacean Bycatch Reduction Action Plan. This paper can be obtained free at the following link until August 20th: http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1TIqb,714MROuI Alternatively you can get in touch with me directly at sarah.dolman(a)whales.org<mailto:sarah.dolman@whales.org> either to get hold of a PDF copy, or to offer any comments or insights. Many thanks, Sarah Dolman Senior policy manager Whale and Dolphin Conservation Sarah.dolman(a)whales.org<mailto:Sarah.dolman@whales.org> [WDC - Whale and Dolphin Conservation]<http://www.whales.org/> Sarah Dolman Senior policy manager Telephone: +44 (0)1316 617 722 Mobile: +44 (0)783 449 8275 WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Scottish Dolphin Centre Spey Bay Moray IV32 7PJ United Kingdom whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC on Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/whales.org> [WDC on Twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org> [WDC on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <http://whales.org/en/blog> [WDC E-Newsletter] <http://whales.org/en/newsletter> [http://www.wdcs.co.uk/media/images/EmailSignatureImages/Campaigns/UKNoEUTra…]<http://uk.whales.org/campaigns/dont-let-eu-sell-out-4000-whales> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC") is a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02737421) and a registered charity (in England and Wales No. 1014705, in Scotland No. SC040231) WDC Shop is a trading name of WDC (Trading) Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02593116) Registered office : Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ. Tel: +44 (0)1249 449 500 This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify us and remove it from your system. ________________________________

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New paper on acoustic habitat
by Lis Bittencourt 04 Jul '16

04 Jul '16

Dear colleagues, We would like to announce the recent publication of the following paper: "Acoustic Habitat of an Oceanic Archipelago in the Southwestern Atlantic" authored by Lis Bittencourt, Mariana Barbosa, Eduardo Secchi, José Lailson-Brito Jr., and Alexandre Azevedo Deep-Sea Research Part I, 115, 103-111 - 2016. Abstract: Underwater soundscapes can be highly variable, and in natural conditions are often dominated by bio- logical signals and physical features of the environment. Few studies, however, focused on oceanic is- lands soundscapes. Islands in the middle of ocean basins can provide a good example of how untouched marine soundscapes are. Autonomous acoustic recordings were carried out in two different seasons in Trindade-Martin Vaz Archipelago, Southwestern Atlantic, providing nearly continuous data for both periods. Sound levels varied daily and between seasons. During summer, higher frequencies were noisier than lower frequencies, with snapping shrimp being the dominating sound source. During winter, lower frequencies were noisier than higher frequencies due to humpback whale constant singing. Biological signal detection had a marked temporal pattern, playing an important role in the soundscape. Over 1000 humpback whale sounds were detected hourly during winter. Fish vocalizations were detected mostly during night time during both summer and winter. The results show an acoustic habitat dominated by biological sound sources and highlight the importance of the island to humpback whales in winter. The article can be downloaded at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967063716300127 The corresponding author can be found at: lis.bitt(a)gmail.com Best regards, Lis Bittencourt -- Lis Bittencourt Mestre em Oceanografia Doutoranda no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia - UERJ Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores - MAQUA Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 4º andar - sala 4002 bloco E Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro - RJ CEP 20550-013 Tel: 21 2334-0795

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Short article on the spatial trend of Gangetic dolphin in Kulsi river
by Shah Nawaz Jelil 04 Jul '16

04 Jul '16

Dear colleagues, I want to circulate a short article on the Gangetic dolphin published recently in IndiaWilds newsletter. Interested people may visit the following link to read or download: https://www.academia.edu/26649413/Is_spatial_occupancy_related_to_seasonal_… Summary of the article: The relationship between the spatial occupancy and seasonal change was examined to prioritize specific habitats within kulsi for river dolphin conservation. After reconnaissance surveys, five sample sites were selected. Land based surveys were carried our primarily in Kulsi, in two seasons, pre-monsoon and monsoon. In pre-monsoon, dolphins were recorded in only one of the five sample sites, while in monsoon, dolphins were found in four of the five sites. Study revealed that the spatial occupancy of Gangetic dolphins in Kulsi is related to seasonal change. Thanks, Nawaz

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Sei Whale Project Officer Falkland Islands
by Sonja Heinrich 04 Jul '16

04 Jul '16

Sei Whale Project Officer - Falklands Conservation Stanley, Falkland Islands Term: 1st October 2016 to 31 July 2017 (subject to work permit approval, if applicable). Working Pattern: Mainly office hours but weekend and evening work outside normal office hours may be necessary at times in order to deliver organisational/project requirements. Salary: Ranging from £22,000 - £27,000 dependant on experience. Responsible to: Conservation Manager, Falklands Conservation. OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB The primary role of the Sei Whale Project Officer is to lead on and deliver the EU BEST project 'Developing a site-based conservation approach for Sei whales Balaenoptera borealis at Berkeley Sound, Falkland Islands', but will also give the applicant the opportunity to support Falklands Conservation's interesting and varied key activities. The project aims to gather information on the use of Berkeley Sound by Sei Whales by boat-based and aerial surveys, and the development of a Photo ID database. It will also try to further understand the type and extent of any interactions between Sei Whales and other users of the Sound. This information, along with knowledge of Sei Whale ecology will be used to develop materials to support/enhance sustainable tourism and other activities in the Sound, whilst increasing available information on this species to the local community and further afield. This post will suit an applicant with a keen interest in marine conservation, good communication skills, experience of project management, and the ability to work independently in remote and sometimes harsh environments. To obtain a full job description and application details please contact Farrah Peck at the Falklands Conservation office tel. 02031376821, or email adminofficer(a)conservation.org.fk<mailto:adminofficer@conservation.org.fk> . Completed applications to be received by Sunday 17 July 2016. Falklands Conservation Jubilee Villas Office 41 Ross Road Stanley Telephone: 22247 www.falklandsconservation.com<http://www.falklandsconservation.com/>

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