August 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Research assistants 2017 - Cetacean Conservation project of Nicaragua
by Joëlle De Weerdt 27 Aug '16

27 Aug '16

*About ELI-Scientific* ELI-S is a nonprofit organization based in France that has been created in 2013. Our organization aims at promoting, protecting and conserving cetaceans. We have set up the research project “Cetacean Conservation in Nicaragua”. ELI-Scientific is recruiting six research assistants for field work, photo-identification and data entry from February to April 2017. This project aims to generate knowledge on cetacean presence, distribution and habitat use patterns. The Research Assistant will have a unique opportunity to participate to a pioneer research project under the supervision of experienced Team Leader and the Project Director. The expected output is to generate: 1) scientific data on cetaceans in Nicaragua, 2) environmental awareness to the local communities in order to create a socio-economic relevance in conserving and protecting their natural environment and 3) responsible eco-tourism. All team members will have a training beforehand on the field methodologies and protocols as well as on data management. *Locations: *Padre Ramos North-West of Nicaragua San Juan del Sur South-West of Nicaragua *Period: *February - April 2017 (3 months) *Type of agreement: *Full time. 1 Day off per week. Research assistants should expect to spend at least 4 days a week on the field and 1 day a week in working with data and should be willing and able to work a 6 days per week during the 12-week field study. *Duties:* - Assist in Boat based surveys in collecting data on cetaceans - Photo-identification of whale and dolphin species - Update photo-ID catalogue - Data entry of collected data - Participate to public outreach *Skills and qualifications:* - *Bsc or Mc in biology / environmental sciences* - *Fluency in Spanish* - *Enthusiastic, conscientious and hard working* - Have background in cetacean ecology - Experience of working in developing countries - *Experience in delivering educational activities* - Proactive with ability to work unsupervised - Interest in wildlife and conservation - Being comfortable on a small boat - Excellent verbal and written communication skills - Being able to work in a small team - Being able to live in basic living conditions *Desirable skills :* - An interest and knowledge of marine life - A background in marine biology - Speaking English and French is a plus - Be able to swim *Successful candidate will:* - Gain valuable experience in cetacean survey techniques and behavioral studies - Work in a very dynamic environment - Get insight in running a research project in developing countries *Accommodation and expenses:* There is no monetary compensation for this study. A participation fee of 500 euros/month or 550$/month will cover accommodation and food (3 times a day) and include project t-shirts. The Research assistant is responsible for its own transportation. Travel from Managua to the study site will be covered. *To apply:* Please email a CV, 2 references and cover letter outlining your experience and motivations. Send this to joelle.deweerdt(a)eli-s.com with “Research assistant 2017” in the subject line. The application deadline is 16 October 2016. Interviews via Skype are possible. *Contact:* For further information and any queries, please contact Joëlle De Weerdt, Project Director Email: joelle.deweerdt(a)eli-s.com Tel: 0032 497 71 20 87 Website: www.eli-s.com Facebook: ELI-Scientific

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Falklands Employment & Volunteer Internship Opportunities - Reminder
by Grant Munro 25 Aug '16

25 Aug '16

A final reminder of the current opportunities within the South Atlantic Research Institute (SAERI) in the Falkland Islands for; · x1 Field Science Officer, and · x2 Volunteer Intern Placements Applications are sought by Monday 29th August 2016 Full details have been posted previously and abbreviated details are supplied below. Cetacean Field Science Project Officer Falkland Islands SAERI is seeking to recruit a Cetacean Field Science Officer to work within the two-year research project Dolphins of the kelp: Data priorities for Falklands inshore cetaceans. The post is for an initial period of 12-months commencing in October 2016, a further 6-month extension beyond this may be negotiated. The Field Science Officer will work under the supervision of the Project Manager but will be responsible for the delivery of several components of the project under their guidance. The Field Science Officer will contribute to day-to-day operations and reporting; they will be responsible for field equipment maintenance, volunteer organisation and training, and some fieldwork logistics; they will participate in public outreach, helping with design, conducting and leading some fieldwork, data entry, analyses, and write-up, with the potential to lead on a scientific publication. Further Information & Applications The salary will be within Falkland Islands Government (FIG) salary range H1 commencing at £18,000, increasing based upon experience and qualifications. The package will include airfares for the post holder at the beginning and end of contract and favourable income tax rates. Subsidised accommodation may also be available as part of the negotiated salary package dependent upon experience and qualifications. For more information, a detailed job description and application form, in the first instance please contact; Contact: Tara Pelembe (tpelembe(a)env.institute.ac.fk ) Contact: Dr Marina Costa (mcosta(a)env.institute.ac.fk ) Application forms marked SAERI Cetacean Field Science Officer should be submitted by e-mail to FIG Human Resources Department, Cable Cottage, Stanley no later than 16:00 UTC Monday 29th August 2016. Application Date: 16:00 UTC Monday 29th August 2016. Name: Megan Middleton E-mail: recruitment(a)falklands.gov.fk for international overseas applications E-mail: mmiddleton(a)sec.gov.fk for local Falkland Island applications Submitted by, Grant Munro ( <mailto:munro@horizon.co.fk> munro(a)horizon.co.fk) X2 Volunteer Internship Opportunities SAERI is offering two volunteer internship positions to assist with summer field work as part of the research project Dolphins of the kelp: Data priorities for Falklands inshore cetaceans. Applications are currently sought for the first summer field season from 01 Nov 2016 to 31 March 2017 approx. Applications will preferably be considered from interns who are available for the entire five month placement period. This is an unpaid position, but assistance with flight costs and living expenses will be provided. The internship positions are ideally suited to a graduate or a Masters post-graduate seeking to develop experience and field research skills and to apply previously gained theoretical knowledge in a practical environment. Interns will participate and be mentored in a range of field-based cetacean research techniques including; · Island-wide boat-based surveys to determine the distribution and abundance of cetaceans in the inshore waters of the Falkland Islands; · Focal, small boat surveys to collect photographic identification data and information on habitat use of Commersons dolphins and Peales dolphins; · Data processing including image processing, cataloguing and database entry; · Passive Acoustic Monitoring using moored C-Pods; · Biopsy dart sampling for genetic analysis; · General field work planning and equipment maintenance; About the Internships The positions are un-salaried. However; · Funding is available to assist with return flight costs to the Falkland Islands. · Accommodation and basic subsistence costs in the Falkland Islands will be met by the project. · Essential fieldwork equipment (boat-suits, etc) will be provided by the project. Interns need to be able to cover all costs incurred from additional expenses such as entertainment, sightseeing, personal spend etc. Contacts and Further Information For more information, a detailed description and application form please contact: Zoe James (officemanager(a)env.institute.ac.fk) For job specific detail please contact: Dr Marina Costa (mcosta(a)env.institute.ac.fk) or Tara Pelembe (tpelembe(a)env.institute.ac.fk) Submitted by, Grant Munro ( <mailto:munro@horizon.co.fk> munro(a)horizon.co.fk)

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New paper: Animal Behaviour
by Douglas Nowacek, Ph.D. 25 Aug '16

25 Aug '16

We would like to announce the publication of our new paper in Animal Behaviour - 'Studying cetacean behaviour: new technological approaches and conservation applications’ D.P. Nowacek, F. Christiansen, L. Bejder, J.A. Goldbogen, A.S. Friedlaender. Animal Behaviour doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.07.019. This open access paper is available under Creative Commons license via the following link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347216301452 Abstract: Animal behaviour can provide valuable information for wildlife management and conservation. Studying the detailed behaviour of marine mammals involves challenges not faced by most animal behaviour researchers due to the size, mobility and lack of continuous visibility of these animals. We describe several methods developed by marine mammal scientists to study behaviour, primarily of cetaceans, focusing on technological advances: unmanned aerial systems (UAS), satellite-linked telemetry, passive acoustics and multisensor high-resolution acoustic recording tags. We then go on to explain how the data collected by these methods have contributed to and informed conservation actions. We focus on examples including: satellite data informing the interactions between cetaceans and offshore oil and gas development; passive acoustics used to track distributions of several species of cetaceans, including their movements near shipping lanes; and high-resolution acoustic recording tags used to document responses of cetaceans to anthropogenic activities. Finally, we discuss recent efforts to link animal behaviour to individual fitness and, particularly for behavioural disturbances, to population-level consequences, which can be helpful for informing conservation efforts. The infusion of technological advancements into studies of cetacean behaviour combined with emerging analytical techniques brings us to the next 20þ years of studying these animals. These developments will improve our capabilities in areas such as testing whether their behaviour adheres to traditional behavioural theory, and will certainly assist the guiding of conservation efforts. Best regards, Douglas P. Nowacek, Ph.D. Repass-Rodgers Chair of Marine Conservation Technology Nicholas School of the Environment & Pratt School of Engineering Duke University Marine Laboratory 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd. Beaufort, NC 28516 http://superpod.ml.duke.edu http://oceanography.ml.duke.edu

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New publication: Evaluating monitoring methods for cetaceans
by Julian Tyne 25 Aug '16

25 Aug '16

Dear all, We are pleased to announce our new publication: Julian A. Tyne, Neil R. Loneragan, David W. Johnston, Kenneth H. Pollock, Rob Williams and Lars Bejder. (2016) Evaluating monitoring methods for cetaceans, Biological Conservation. 201:252-260 http://mucru.org/new-publication-evaluating-monitoring-methods-for-cetacean… Abstract With increasing human pressures on wildlife comes a responsibility to monitor them effectively, particularly in an environment of declining research funds. Scarce funding resources compromise the level and efficacy of monitoring possible to detect trends in abundance, highlighting the priority for developing cost-effective programs. A systematic and rigorous sampling regime was developed to estimate abundance of a small, genetically isolated spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) population exposed to high levels of human activities. Five monitoring scenarios to detect trends in abundance were evaluated by varying sampling effort, precision, power, and sampling interval. Scenario 1 consisted of monthly surveys, each of 12 days, used to obtain the initial two consecutive annual abundance estimates. Scenarios 2, 3, and 4 consisted of a reduced effort, while Scenario 5 doubled the effort of Scenario 1. Scenarios with the greatest effort (1 and 5) produced the most precise abundance estimates (CV = 0.09). Using a CV = 0.09 and power of 80%, it would take 9 years to detect a 5% annual change in abundance compared with 12 years at a power of 95%. Under this best-case monitoring scenario, if the trend was a decline, the population would have decreased by 37% and 46%, respectively, prior to detection of a significant decline. With the potential of a large decline in a small population prior to detection, the lower power level should be used to trigger a management intervention. The approach presented here is applicable across taxa for which individuals can be identified, including terrestrial and aquatic mammals, birds, and reptiles. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320716302890 For a PDF requests please contact me at j.tyne(a)murdoch.edu.au Kind regards, Julian

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MMPA Proposed Rule to Protect Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
by Trevor Spradlin - NOAA Federal 24 Aug '16

24 Aug '16

*Important News for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins* Today (August 24, 2016), NOAA/NMFS published in the *Federal Register *a proposed rule under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to prohibit swimming-with and approaching Hawaiian spinner dolphins within 50 yards. These regulations are designed to reduce human activities that result in take of spinner dolphins, including harassment and disturbance. Following is the direct link to the FR Notice: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/08/24/2016-203 24/protective-regulations-for-hawaiian-spinner-dolphins-unde r-the-marine-mammal-protection-act *Please note that public comments are due on or before October 23, 2016.* Following is the link to the NOAA/NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office's dedicated webpage on the proposed rule with additional background documents: http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/PRD/prd_spinner_EIS.html -- ******************** Trevor R. Spradlin, M.Res. Acting Chief Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division (F/PR2) Office of Protected Resources NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service Tel: 301-427-8479 E-mail: Trevor.Spradlin(a)noaa.gov

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Navy Living Marine Resource Program Environmental Need Topics - call for pre-proposals
by Kumar, Anurag CIV NAVFAC EXWC, EV31 24 Aug '16

24 Aug '16

The Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals in three topic areas related to underwater sound produced by human activities and its effects on marine life. Topics include: 1) measuring explosive effects to marine mammals, 2) understanding the range to effect to the behavioral response of marine mammals from sonar exposure, and 3) coordination for the advancement of density spatial modeling methods using visual and acoustic survey data. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the LMR website, http://www.lmr.navy.mil/Preproposals.aspx, for more information about the LMR program and the solicitation. Federal government applicants are not eligible to submit pre-proposals under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), but will be able to submit pre-proposals directly to the relevant Navy statement of need by selecting Federal Government when submitting. Academic, non-federal government, nonprofit, and private sector submitters should select Private/Academia, when submitting their pre-proposal. The need topics can be viewed within the BAA at www.neco.navy.mil, www.fbo.gov, or at www.lmr.navy.mil/Preproposals.aspx. All submissions must be made via the LMR website. The solicitation period will close at 5:00 pm Eastern Time on 19 OCTOBER, 2016 (see website or BAA for official dates and other guidance). Anu Kumar Program Manager Living Marine Resources Program Mandy Shoemaker Deputy Program Manager Living Marine Resources Program

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New publication: Survival probabilities and movements of harbor seals in central California (Suzanne C. Manugian)
by Suzanne Manugian 24 Aug '16

24 Aug '16

Hi MARMAM-ers. My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following paper, made available last week in Marine Mammal Science (early view): Manugian, S. C., Greig, D., Lee, D., Becker, B. H., Allen, S., Lowry, M. S. and Harvey, J. T. (2016) Survival probabilities and movements of harbor seals in central California. Marine Mammal Science. doi:10.1111/mms.12350 Abstract: Harbor seal numbers and population trajectories differ by location in central California. Within San Francisco Bay (SFB) counts have been relatively stable since the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act, but in coastal areas like Tomales Bay (TB), counts increased before stabilizing in the 1990s. Emigration, poor survival, and environmental effects have been hypothesized as contributors to differences between trajectories; however, basic demographic data were not available to evaluate these hypotheses. We monitored 32 radio-tagged adult females (SFB *n* = 17, TB *n* = 15) for 20 mo (2011–2013), and estimated survival, resight, and movement probabilities using mark-resight analyses and multistate mark-resight models. Annual survival probability for both sites was 0.90 (95% CI = 0.18–0.99). Six seals were observed moving between locations resulting in an estimated probability of 0.042 (95% CI = 0.023–0.076) per month equal movement between sites. Resight probability was less in SFB relative to TB, likely due to differential haul-out access, area surveyed, visibility, and resight effort. Because of wide confidence intervals and low precision of these first estimates of adult female harbor seal survival in California, this demographic must be further examined to dismiss its contribution to differing population trajectories. Using aerial survey data, we estimated 950 harbor seals in SFB (95% CI = 715–1,184) confirming numbers are still stable. Full text is available online here: http://onlinelibrary. wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12350/full Please contact me with any inquiries or requests for PDF version: suzannemanugian(a)gmail.com Cheers. ~ Suzanne Manugian + co-authors -- Suzanne Manugian, M.Sc. 858.546.7141 (desk [ LinkedIn Profile ] <https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=21772675&trk=nav_responsive_tab_pr…>

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LATE CALL: new position open for volunteers in for Berau Marine Mega Vertebrates Monitoring Project 3-14 October 2016
by Danielle Kreb 24 Aug '16

24 Aug '16

ear all, We have one to two volunteer positions open for our large marine vertebrate survey in the Marine Park of Derawan Islands, Berau, East Kalimantan. The position is for 3-14 October 2016. The program aims to protect a high diversity of large marine vertebrates including cetaceans, turtles, whale sharks and manta rays in the Marine Park of Derawan Archipelago, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Surveys are being conducted by the local NGO Yayasan Konservasi RASI (Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia) under guidance of Dr. Danielle Kreb and Ir. Budiono. The research team involves experienced RASI staff, as well as local and overseas (student) volunteers. We will collect data to determine relative abundance, core area mapping, assessing seasonal species diversity and site fidelity as well as habitat usage of large marine vertebrates. Underwater photo-id will be taken of whale sharks as well. Through earlier surveys it was found that the highest relative abundance of cetaceans was within 5km radius of islands or reefs, and therefore we also conduct coral reef monitoring at several locations by snorkeling to asses its health. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn theory and practice of Reefcheck monitoring for the Indo-Pacific.There will be an opportunity to do recreational things such as snorkling in the stingless jelly fish lake of Kakaban and snorkling near Manta Rays and/or whale sharks following good practice protocols. Day by day schedule (sequence of days can change based on sea conditions): Day 1. Fly from Balikpapan-Berau, by road &boat to Maratua Island-- Evening: brief introduction of the program goals, past, present and future research and conservation activities, Day 2. Morning: Theoretical introduction in survey techniques and cetacean species identification.Theory of reefcheck indicators for the Indo-Pacific belt. Reef snorkling will be done on almost all two-hour mid-afternoon breaks. Afternoon: Visiting caves on Maratua for those interested Day 3. Boat survey around Kakaban Island with mid-day break at Kakaban Lake to swim among stingless jelly fish. Day 4. Boat survey along East Muaras Island (whale territory), overnight onboard at Blambangan Island Day 5.Boat survey around Bilang-bilangan and Mataha Islands, overnight at Mataha Island Day 6. Boat survey to Pulau Balikukup and return to Mataha Island. Day 7. Boat survey to Bilang-bilangan Islands and Biduk-biduk, stay overnight in Biduk-biduk. Day 8. Boat survey around Kaniungan Island-Sulaiman Bay- Mangkalihat Peninsula, overnight at Biduk-biduk. Day 9. Early morning swim in Mirror Lake. Afterwards start boat survey to southern Big Reef Island and Talisayan Day 10. Early morning, whale shark photo-id collection by snorkling, continue survey to Derawan Day 11.Resting day at Derawan Island. Free to go diving or snorkling at own costs Day 12. Return by speedboat and car to Berau and fly to Balikpapan Volunteer requirements: - Experienced in observing with binoculars - Motivated and physically healthy/ strong - Capable of swimming/ snorkling - Possesses a (travel)health/ accident insurance For this particular survey in October we offer a special discount price of IDR 10.000.000 (c. 750 USD) for students at all levels who have not graduated longer than one year. This fee will cover basic accomodation/ food/snorkling/ transport (boats & domestic return flights Balikpapan-Berau) but excluding hotel/food in Balikpapan/airport: Please send your motivation and brief CV to: -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Scientific Program Advisor Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 52 Samarinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 E-mail: yk.rasi(a)gmail.com http://www.ykrasi.org Facebook group/page: Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia *“To the dolphin alone, nature has given that which the best* *philosophers seek: friendship for no advantage. Though it has no* *need of help from any man, it is a genial friend to all and has helped mankind.”* *–Plutarch*

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Session on Historic Whales and Whaling at the SAA meetings, Vancouver, April 2017
by Camilla Speller 24 Aug '16

24 Aug '16

Dear All, Jacqui Mulville and I are proposing a session on *Whales and Whaling* at the Society for American Archaeology meetings in Vancouver, Canada next year (March 29 - April 2, 2017). We are hoping that any of you working on historic aspects of cetacean hunting or ecology might be interested in presenting some of your research at the session. The session abstract is below, and we're hoping we can bring together global perspectives and research. Unfortunately, the deadline for abstract submission is rapidly approaching (Sept 8th) - my apologies about the tight time frame. Please contact Jacqui (mulvilleja(a)cardiff.ac.uk) or Camilla (camilla.speller(a)york.ac.uk) if you're interested in attending the session and I will provide you with a link to submit your abstract. If you can recommend other colleagues or students that we might invite, please let us know. The more people we can get together, the better! Best wishes, Camilla Speller and Jacqui Mulville *Whales and Whaling: new perspectives and approaches for documenting long-term exploitation of cetaceans* *Human have been exploiting whales and other large marine mammals for thousands of years. Often initially focused on the opportunistic use of stranded carcasses, active whale hunting technologies and strategies emerged worldwide in different times and places. In spite of their importance as sources of food, fuel and raw materials, there are fewer archaeological studies of cetaceans than any other hunted mammal group. Today, cetaceans are amongst the most threatened groups of mammals, due to dramatic global declines resulting from industrial overharvesting and other anthropogenic influences. Archaeology has an important role to play in not only in deciphering the timing, socio-cultural context and technological developments of active whaling, but also in providing essential baseline information on the past geographical distribution and abundance of now-threatened species. This session will explore ongoing challenges and new perspectives for documenting past cetacean exploitation from a wide range of geographic areas and time periods. Potential examples include (but are not limited to) historical, archaeological, morphological and molecular approaches for reconstructing the timing, intensity, technology and socio-economic importance of cetacean exploitation, and documenting both natural and anthropogenic impacts on large marine mammal populations worldwide. * -- Dr Camilla Speller Lecturer in Bioarchaeology Undergraduate Admissions Tutor BioArch, Department of Archaeology University of York http://www.york.ac.uk/archaeology/staff/academic-staff/speller/

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EK60 frequency characteristics and audibility to marine mammals
by Denise Risch 24 Aug '16

24 Aug '16

Dear Colleagues, I would be interested to know whether anyone is aware of measurements and might be able to share information on the full spectral properties, including frequencies below the center frequencies of the higher (120, 200 kHz etc) signal components of a SIMRAD EK60 scientific echo sounder? We are interested to assess the audibility of these signals to marine mammals and are aware of the paper by Deng et al. 2014, measuring other types of commercial echo sounders, but so far couldn't find similar data for the EK60. Any information would be much appreciated (denise.risch(a)sams.ac.uk) Thanks very much. Denise ------------------------------------------------- Dr Denise Risch Postdoctoral Research Associate SAMS Scottish Marine Institute Oban, Argyll Scotland, PA37 1QA email: denise.risch(a)sams.ac.uk phone: +44 / (0) 1631 559415 mobile: +44 / (0) 7899 425935 The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is registered in Scotland as a Company Limited by Guarantee (SC009292) and is a registered charity (9206). SAMS has two actively trading wholly owned subsidiary companies: SAMS Research Services Ltd (SC224404) and SAMS Ltd (SC306912). All Companies in the group are registered in Scotland and share a registered office at Scottish Marine Institute, Oban Argyll PA37 1QA. The content of this message may contain personal views which are not the views of SAMS unless specifically stated. Please note that all email traffic is monitored for purposes of security and spam filtering. As such individual emails may be examined in more detail.

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