September 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Course on Risk Assessment of Environmental Noise Impacts
by Frank Thomsen 22 Sep '16

22 Sep '16

Dear colleagues DHI <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=hubqqjyab.0.0.8dkaiauab.0&id=preview&r=3&p=http…> is running another course on Risk Assessment of Environmental Noise Impacts, which is available for booking here: http://www.theacademybydhi.com/course-sessions/modelling-of-underwater-acou… You are a marine industry manager or a regulator or scientist, student or just an interested person who wants to know more about the impact of underwater sound on marine mammals and other marine life. You want to get firsthand information on how and why marine mammals produces sound and what impacts can occur. You are interested in finding out why sound is such an important issues in water environments and how to model the transmission of acoustic waves in the sea. Moreover, you want to understand how to manage noise impacts on marine mammals and other sea creatures effectively. Then you should come to Hørsholm, Denmark in November 2016 to get a firsthand training by some of the most renowned experts in the field of effects of noise on aquatic life. We will train you in numerical modelling and how to combine it with general marine mammal science. In practical exercises, we will then teach you how to assess the risk of sound exposure to marine mammals, fish and other marine life. Course date and venue: 15-16th November at DHIs headquarters in Hørsholm, Denmark - for further info and registration click here: http://www.theacademybydhi.com/course-sessions/modelling-of-underwater-acou… Get an appetizer and familiarize yourself with the new Underwater Acoustics Simulator (UAS) in MIKE Powered by DHI 2016 using this link: http://www.theacademybydhi.com/research-and-publications/tech-talk/underwat… Best regards, Best regards, Frank Thomsen Ph.D. Senior Scientist , Group Executive - Marine Regulators and Authorities DHI Group Sales [DHI logo] DHI Agern Allé 5 DK-2970 Hørsholm Denmark Tel: +45 4516 9200 Direct: +45 4516 9446 Mobile: +45 29404355 frth(a)dhigroup.com<mailto:frth@dhigroup.com> www.dhigroup.com<http://www.dhigroup.com> The expert in WATER ENVIRONMENTS This message contains information which may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the intended recipient (or authorised to receive this message for the intended recipient), you may not use, copy, disseminate or disclose any information contained in it thereof. If you have received this communication in error, please advise the sender appropriately by reply e-mail, and then delete it. Thank you very much.

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New paper on long-finned pilot whale vocalizations (Elizabeth Zwamborn)
by Elizabeth Zwamborn 21 Sep '16

21 Sep '16

Dear All, We are pleased to announce the publication of our new article in Bioacoustics: Zwamborn EMJ, Whitehead H. 2016. Repeated call sequences and behavioural context in long-finned pilot whales off Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. Bioacoustics, 1-15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09524622.2016.1233457 Abstract: Repeated calls are part of the vocal repertoire of a diverse array of species, often presented in sequences that take time and effort on the part of the signal producer. Rhythmic repeated call sequences make up a significant portion of long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) vocal production, yet the function of these sequences has not been investigated until now. In this study, we explored the relationship between behavioural context and the presence of these vocal sequences using recordings of a population of pilot whales found off Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. We used a binomial logit-link generalized linear model to look for possible predictors of the presence of repeated call sequences. They were more common in recordings of socializing whales than in those of whales in other behavioural states, and least common in resting whales. These vocal repetitions were also more common with larger group size. These results suggest that sequences function in maintaining contact and cohesion within this social species, possibly also serving in individual or group identification. The context of repeated call sequences indicate that they are not primarily mother-calf interactions, as they are heard just as commonly from groups without young. Future studies of pilot whale repeated call sequences should include individual-level behaviour and detailed acoustic calling context. Please direct all questions to: elizabeth.zwamborn(a)dal.ca Cheers, Elizabeth **************************** Elizabeth Zwamborn MSc Whitehead Lab Biology Dept. Dalhousie University Halifax, NS http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/ <http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/>

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New publication on river dolphins
by Heloíse Pavanato 21 Sep '16

21 Sep '16

Dear colleagues, We are happy to share our latest publication in Endangered Species Research: Heloise J. Pavanato, Gabriel Melo-Santos, Danielle S. Lima, Marcela Portocarrero-Aya, Mariana Paschoalini, Federico Mosquera, Fernando Trujillo, Rafael Meneses, Miriam Marmontel, Cláudio Maretti. 2016. Risks of dam construction for South American river dolphins: a case study of the Tapajós River. Endangered Species Research 31: 47-60. ABSTRACT: River dolphins are strongly affected by the construction of hydroelectric dams. Potential isolation in subpopulations above and below such dams and the resulting low genetic variability of these subpopulations can cause extinction at a local level. Here we aimed to estimate density and population size of South American river dolphins (boto *Inia geoffrensis* and tucuxi *Sotalia fluviatilis*), map their distribution, and estimate potential biological removal (PBR) limits in order to evaluate the effects of population fragmentation between planned dams in the Tapajós River, Amazonian basin, Brazil. Boat-based surveys were conducted following a line transect sampling protocol covering different dolphin habitats in 2 stretches of the river divided by rapids. The mark−recapture distance sampling method was applied to account for animals missed on the trackline. After the estimation of population sizes by habitat, PBR was calculated. The farthest upriver sighting of tucuxis was close to the São Luiz do Tapajós rapids, whereas the farthest upriver sighting of botos was upstream of the rapids, suggesting that botos move upstream through the rapids. Estimated abundance of tucuxis (3372 ind., CV = 0.38) was twice as high as that estimated for botos (1815 ind., CV = 0.4). The PBR ranged from 11 to 18 ind. for boto and 21 to 34 for tucuxi. Throughout this study, we identified low abundances of river dolphins compared to other Amazon rivers. Boto may not be sustainable at a population level, due primarily to population fragmentation which would result from the construction of the proposed dams. Precautionary measures are urgently needed before construction of dams begins in the Tapajós River. The paper is Open Access and available for download at: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v31/ Feel free to contact me for any inquiries at: helopavanato(a)gmail.com Best regards, Heloise

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Reminder to Submit an Abstract for the 2017 Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference
by suzanne garrett 21 Sep '16

21 Sep '16

Don't forget to submit an abstract to the 2017 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference! The 2017 conference theme, "Ecosystem Approaches to Gulf Response and Restoration," encourages researchers to consider the application of their results to practical use. Scientific research will be critical to informing planning, preparedness, response and recovery for future events, and connecting this to decision makers in the response and restoration communities will be key. Looking across a broad range of disciplines, what have we learned about oil spills and their impacts that can reduce uncertainty, mitigate ecological, social and health impacts of a future spill, advance response strategies, and improve how we approach restoration? The 23 selected conference sessions (https://custom.cvent.com/D31C0AA42FDF42E9918B4DC41EF12A96/files/825da08c4b4…) emphasize applications of recent oil spill science to restoration, resource management and oil spill response. Each session will include invited speakers and oral presentations; papers not selected for oral presentations will be afforded an opportunity to participate in the poster session. Students are encouraged to submit abstracts; the Gulf Research Program and the Gulf of Mexico University Research Collaborative have generously offered to cover registration fees for student presenterswhose abstracts are accepted to the conference program. The deadline to submit an abstract (http://abstractsonline.com/cSubmit/login.asp?mkey={47B102AE%2DEAC5%2D458B%2…<http://abstractsonline.com/cSubmit/login.asp?mkey=%7b47B102AE%2DEAC5%2D458B…>) is September 26, 2016. You do not need to be registered to submit an abstract. Please don't hesitate to forward this email to any colleagues who may be interested. Sincerely, Gulf Conference ************************************************** When Monday, February 6 - Thursday, February 9, 2017 Where Hyatt Regency New Orleans 601 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70113, USA Early-Bird Registration Deadline November 23, 2016

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Underwater noise course; Impact, propagation and modelling
by rasmus sloth pedersen 21 Sep '16

21 Sep '16

Dear Marmam users [sorry if cross posting] In recent years, more and more emphasis has been given to managing our ocean resources sustainably. This includes the managing of noise in the marine environment. Noise behaves very differently to conventional pollution and, given its transient and invisible nature, it can be challenging to grasp and/or communicate its consequences to the involved parties. Irwin Carr, dBSea and GMIT have therefore created a commercial training course for those who wish to gain insight into the theory, legislation, management, impact and modelling of marine noise. The course will run over two days (November 17th – 18th 2016 in Belfast, Ireland) as a workshop with talks by specialists in the field and with practical examples in relevant Irish/EU context. The topics covered (in general terms) will be: Day 1 – Background and theoretical foundation; sound propagation, noise characteristics, biological effects and legislation Day 2 – Noise propagation modelling; why and what?, propagation algorithms, application. If you are interested in this course, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information at rasmus.pedersen(a)irwincarr.com In case you are not interested, but know others who might be, we hope that you will circulate this email with the attached document. Thank you for reading. Regards from the dBSea team. Dr Joanne O’Brien, Andy Irwin, Dr Martin Keane, Amanda Robinson, Shane Carr & Rasmus Sloth Pedersen 7 Osborne Promenade Warrenpoint Co. Down BT34 3NQ Tel: +44 28 3306 98009 www.dBSea.co.uk <http://www.dbsea.co.uk/>

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Circulation of Cetacean Morbillivirus in Striped Dolphins in the Western Mediterranean Coast (Catalonia)
by Mariano Domingo Álvarez 20 Sep '16

20 Sep '16

A striped dolphin stranded in Tarragona on 7 of September was confirmed to have morbillivirus disease. It was a juvenile female (180 cm long, 47 Kg). The dolphin showed abnormal swimming, and bradypnoea (1 breath/min). It died few hours after stranding. A necropsy was performed at the Veterinary School of the Autonomous University of Barcelona. The dolphin had broncho-interstitial pneumonia and lymphoid cell depletion in lymph nodes, with presence of syncytial cells and viral inclusions (both in nucleus as well as in cytoplasm), and mild, multifocal encephalitis. Morbillivirus infection was detected by immunohistochemistry in lung, brain and lymphoid organs. Therefore, a systemic CeMV disease was diagnosed, which implies circulation of CeMV in the striped dolphin population, after an epidemiological silence of 9 years. For the moment, an increase of the basal mortality of this species has not been noted in the area. This diagnose has been performed under the framework of the Catalonian Government’s program for surveillance of marine mammal mortality. Mariano Domingo Profesor del Departamento de Sanidad Animal de la UAB Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona Investigador del Subp. Enfermedades Exóticas del CReSA Programa de Sanidad Animal del IRTA Edifici CReSA, s/n, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona) Tel.: +34 93 581 4567 Fax: +34 93 581 44 90 mariano.domingo@<applewebdata://1B5B6AA4-A69D-49E3-9534-AFE3F9CA2974/mariano.domingo@cresa.uab.cat>uab.cat<applewebdata://1B5B6AA4-A69D-49E3-9534-AFE3F9CA2974/mariano.domingo@cresa.uab.cat>

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MARINE MAMMAL OBSERVER COURSE - POOLE- DORSET- UK
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 19 Sep '16

19 Sep '16

*We are pleased to announce a MMO training course - 3-6th October 2016 - Poole Dorset.* *Scanning Ocean Sectors* specialises in training, consultancy and supply of *Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)* / *Marine Fauna Observer (MFO) *worldwide. We are JNCC recognised/approved course for industry and research for the UKCS and have been effectively running for over 13 years. We have years of research behind the effective and consistent training of MMOs/MFOs including courses adapted/personalised to the requirements of our clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. Our staff are fully trained and experienced in all areas of the MMO/MFO line of work. Our training courses are about ensuring professionalism and high standards of knowledge within the industry. Our highly experienced staff facilitate private training courses to students in a classroom environment, attaining new theoretical and practical skills and competencies on an international level. Scanning Ocean Sectors ensure that the vocational, practical skills and knowledge relate to the specific useful competencies. Our training forms the core background information and provides the backbone of content to support students in the field. In addition to the core training required for this profession, we provide additional advanced training and specialised training for specific hard and software equipment where required. Continuous support is provided to all our training students from the moment they qualify and unlike other courses, we offer a legal refresher course every *3 years*. Industries today recognise the need to continue training beyond initial qualifications, to maintain, upgrade and update skills throughout staffs work time. We can provide this professional development for each and every person who is trained by our company, please ask for a quotation <https://www.scanningoceansectors.com/contact/>. The practical unit of “on-the-job training” has a general reputation as being the most effective for vocational work, so this is exactly what we do. Students are in a simulated work environment and will have to respond to each and every situation we put their way; this is completed in the classroom and at sea, every student is carefully monitored throughout this training process and assess accordingly. Each student is *graded* in their certification to ensure the professional quality standard of the MMO/MFO. We are the only course that gives Marine Mammal Observer Identification Cards to each qualifying MMO attaining any grades above a standard pass rate. Please note you must register and pay at the same time. If you require group training, please contact us and ask for a quotation <https://www.scanningoceansectors.com/contact/>. For full prices please visit www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/prices/. *MMO Training Course Dates for 2016* *UK* - *October 3rd - 6th - Spaces Still Available* *PLEASE NOTE FINAL REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE MONDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER* *AU* - *November 7th - 10th - **Spaces Still Available* - *December 5th - 8th - **Spaces Still Available* *CARIBBEAN* *PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DATES OR pre book.* *BRAZIL* *More dates to be arranged – please pre book.* *SA* *More dates to be arranged – please pre book.* *CANADA* *PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DATES OR pre book.* REGISTER NOW <http://www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/> Visit the website to register for the next MMO course. www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/ [image: https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif] -- *Yvonne Miles* Managing Director www.scanningoceansectors.com www.marinemammaljobs.com www.facebook.com/scanningoceansectors

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Advanced PAMGuard course: final reminder
by PAMTech 19 Sep '16

19 Sep '16

PAMTech Advanced PAMGuard course Hello It's one month until PAMTech's (pamtech.org) Advanced PAMGuard course, teaching the advanced use of the leading research and industry bioacoustics software, PAMGuard (pamguard.org) for offline analysis. We are a small UK-based company made up of PAMGuard developers and experienced field acousticians who can enable you to get the most out of PAM applications. A high tutor-to-student ratio on our courses ensures participants can get individual assistance with their training requirements. Our next course is running on: 21/10/2016 and 22/10/2016 This two-day classroom-based course allows those with previous PAMGuard experience to get to grips with more advanced features, focusing on offline analysis and data management. The course will include some core analysis modules, but participants will also be able to tailor training to their particular needs by selecting from a range of optional modules including complex classifiers and localisation techniques, and the PAMGuard MATLAB library. There is also the opportunity to bring your own datasets and explore ways they can be analysed using PAMGuard. The course will take place on the Vine Trust Barge, Prince of Wales Dock, Edinburgh, EH6 7DX, Scotland, UK. Cost £350 Participants must bring their own laptop running Linux or Windows (not OSX). We would recommend Windows 7/8.1/10 or Ubuntu 12.10+. For those wishing to follow the MATLAB module, a copy of MATLAB version 2012 or above is required. Course costs do not include accommodation, travel or food. To find out more, contact: pamtech.acoustics(a)gmail.com Or go to: pamtech.org To book go to: http://advancedpamguardpamtech.eventzilla.net (50% non-refundable deposit required)

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New Publication - Trade-offs between energy maximization and parental care in sea otters
by Nicole Thometz 19 Sep '16

19 Sep '16

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following artical in Behavioral Ecology: Thometz N.M., Staedler M.M., Tomoleoni J.A., Bodkin J., Bentall G., Tinker M.T. (2016) “Trade-offs between energy maximization and parental care in a central place forager, the sea otter (*Enhydra lutris*)”. Behavioral Ecology 27(5): 1552-1566. *Abstract*: Between 1999 and 2014, 126 archival time-depth recorders (TDRs) were used to examine the foraging behavior of southern sea otters (*Enhydra lutris nereis*) off the coast of California, in both resource-abundant (recently occupied, low sea otter density) and resource-limited (long-occupied, high sea otter density) locations. Following predictions of foraging theory, sea otters generally behaved as energy rate maximizers. Males and females without pups employed similar foraging strategies to optimize rates of energy intake in resource-limited habitats, with some exceptions. Both groups increased overall foraging effort and made deeper, longer and more energetically costly dives as resources became limited, but males were more likely than females without pups to utilize extreme dive profiles. In contrast, females caring for young pups (≤10 weeks) prioritized parental care over energy optimization. The relative importance of parental care versus energy optimization for adult females with pups appeared to reflect developmental changes as dependent young matured. Indeed, contrary to females during the initial stages of lactation, females with large pups approaching weaning once again prioritized optimizing energy intake. The increasing prioritization of energy optimization over the course of lactation was possible due to the physiological development of pups and likely driven by the energetic deficit incurred by females early in lactation. Our results suggest that regardless of resource availability, females at the end of lactation approach a species-specific ceiling for percent time foraging and that reproductive females in the central portion of the current southern sea otter range are disproportionately affected by resource limitation. Please direct all inquiries to nthometz(a)ucsc.edu Best, Nicole M. Thometz, PhD Postdoctoral Scholar Institute of Marine Sciences University of California Santa Cruz Long Marine Lab - Center for Ocean Health 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz CA 95060

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Volunteers for Research project with South American fur seals
by Mauricio Seguel 18 Sep '16

18 Sep '16

The Guafo Island research team is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist with field work and data collection activities of wild South American fur seals at Guafo Island, Northern Chilean Patagonia. The field working season this year is between December 10th and March 15th with the possibility of starting on January 15th. The project responsibilities include capture and restrain of South American fur seal adults and pups and depending on volunteer skills and experience collection of blood, swabs and feces. Volunteers will also assist veterinary staff during Necropsies of fur seal pups following a standard protocol of sample collection. The work also includes helping with domestic tasks, keeping of the campsite and assist on the work of the field laboratory (mainly help with CBCs, blood smears and osteological samples processing). Guafo Island is a pristine and large oceanic island with no permanent human inhabitants. During the prolong field work (2 to 3 months) communication is very limited and our campsite does not have electricity, running fresh water or shower. The weather is cold, rainy and windy with average thermal sensation in the summer of 9 Celsius degrees. Requirements: At least 20 years of age. Health compatible with physically demanding field work. Health insurance. Benefits: Our research group pay for in-country travel, housing and meals during the duration of the field work. International fly tickets and health insurance cannot be covered. Desired Skills * Strong Interest in and awareness of animal and ecosystem health * Willingness to get wet and dirty * Attention to detail * Able to live in isolated place without regular communication and basic services * Ability to multi-task * Desired previous experience handling blood and tissue samples * Desired previous experience in restrain of wild animals. * Able to resist bad weather navigation. * Basic Spanish. Individuals interested on applying to the position should send an email describing their motivations and a Curriculum Vitae to: Dr. Mauricio Seguel: mseguel(a)uga.edu Additional information about research projects at Guafo Island can be found at http://www.guafoislandscience.com/ Best Regards, *Mauricio Seguel DVM, DACVP* PhD Candidate Department of Pathology College of Veterinary Medicine University of Georgia, Athens, GA Office: 1-706-583-0476

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