August 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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Consultation on the Species at Risk draft Action Plan and amended Recovery Strategy for the Transient Killer Whale in Canada
by Thornton, Sheila 31 Aug '16

31 Aug '16

Dear colleagues, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is pleased to inform you that the draft Action Plan for the Transient (Bigg's) Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in Canada and the amended Recovery Strategy for the Transient Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in Canada are now undergoing regional consultations. The draft Action Plan, amended Recovery Strategy, background information, and an online comment form are available through our website, at: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/consultation/sara-lep/transientkw-epmigrateur/…. Note that the amended Recovery Strategy includes proposed critical habitat, which we anticipate will be legally protected through a Critical Habitat Order. We invite you to provide feedback on the document before September 30, 2016. Your input is valuable to the development of the Action Plan and amended Recovery Strategy, and will contribute to the overall recovery and long-term survival of these whales in Canadian Pacific waters. If you have any questions, or would like more information about the process for developing the Action Plan and/or amended Recovery Strategy, please contact our Species at Risk Program at: +1-604-666-7907 or SARA(a)pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:SARA@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca>. Thank you, Sheila Thornton DFO Species at Risk Recovery Planner

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CA Student Chapter Conference - Oct. 22nd
by Rachel Holser 31 Aug '16

31 Aug '16

We are excited to announce the third annual student conference for the California Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy at Moss Landing Marine Labs. All undergraduates, graduate, and recently graduated students are welcome to attend and are invited to submit an abstract. Please register here <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6KGQKW2> as soon as possible if you plan on attending. We are asking for $15 per registration to cover food and drinks (this will be collected later). Lunch will be provided and everyone is welcome to join us for a BBQ and drinks following the talks (5:30pm-7:30pm). Abstracts need to be submitted here <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6LX2TX5> by September 15, 2016. Email us at californiastudentsmm(a)gmail.com if you have any questions, and check out our website <http://smm.pbsci.ucsc.edu/meetings/> for more updates. We look forward to seeing everyone in October, Rachel Holser & Liz McHuron -- Rachel Holser and Liz McHuron California Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy

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Fwd: New publication on the release fate of rehabilitated Florida manatees
by Bonde, Robert 30 Aug '16

30 Aug '16

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce a new publication on the outcome of monitored Florida manatees released during the last 26 years that was just published in *Aquatic Mammals*. Adimey, N.M., M. Ross, M. Hall, J.P. Reid, M.E. Barlas, L.W. Keith Diagne and R.K. Bonde. 2016. *Twenty-six years of post-release monitoring of Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris): evaluation of a cooperative rehabilitation program*. Aquatic Mammals 42(3):376-391. doi:10.1578/AM.42.3.2016.376 Copies of the article are available by contacting: *nicole.adimey(a)noaa.gov <nicole.adimey(a)noaa.gov>* Abstract - The rescue, rehabilitation, and release of Florida manatees (*Trichechus manatus latirostris*) into the wild has occurred since 1974; however, a comprehensive evaluation of the outcomes of the releases has never been conducted. Herein, we examined data for 136 Florida manatees that were rehabilitated and released with telemetry tags between 1988 and 2013 to determine release outcome of each individual as either success (acclimation) or failure after at least 1 y. Ten predictor variables were statistically evaluated for potential relationships to release outcome. To assess the contribution of each predictor variable to release outcome, each variable was tested for significance in univariate analyses. Manatees born in captivity experienced poor success after release (14%), whereas the overall success of wild-born individuals was higher (72%). When compared with other variables in our dataset, number of days in captivity was the strongest predictor for determining success. Manatees rescued as calves and held in captivity for more than 5 y had a high likelihood of failure, while subadults and adults had a high likelihood of success, regardless of the amount of time spent in captivity. Ensuring the success of individual manatees after release is critical for evaluating the contribution of the manatee rehabilitation program to the growth of the wild population. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Robert K. Bonde, PhD Research Biologist - Sirenia Project Wetland and Aquatic Research Center U.S. Geological Survey 7920 NW 71st Street Gainesville, Florida 32653-3071 Phone: (352)264-3555 FAX: (352)378-4956 Email: rbonde(a)usgs.gov Limited email access during evenings and weekends <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

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MMO and PSO training courses, Inverness, UK
by Carolyn Barton 30 Aug '16

30 Aug '16

MMO and PSO training courses are running in Inverness, Scotland, in October: JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters, 1 October 2016, GBP 130 PSO course for the Gulf of Mexico, meets BOEM/ BSEE requirements, 2 October 2016, GBP 55 (when taken in conjunction with the MMO course). These courses will cover all the information needed for work as a marine mammal observer (MMO) in UK waters or Protected Species Observer (PSO) in the US Gulf of Mexico. Taught by an MMO instructor with twenty years experience, course content includes the impact of sound on marine mammals, legislation protecting marine mammals, the requirements of the relevant mitigation measures and the role of the MMO/ PSO. Visual monitoring, an introduction to passive acoustic monitoring and identification of marine mammals (and sea turtles for the PSO course) are also covered. For details of course content and to download a booking form, see www.carolynbarton.co.uk or e-mail info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk . Carolyn Barton info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk www.carolynbarton.co.uk

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