September 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

REQUEST FOR ARTICLES - SIRENEWS
by Cynthia Taylor 14 Sep '16

14 Sep '16

The editors of Sirenews, the newsletter of the IUCN Sirenia Specialist Group, would like to request articles for the upcoming edition. Updates on manatee and dugong research, management, education, and conservation activities from around the world are encouraged. The deadline for submissions is OCTOBER 1, 2016. Please submit articles to <mailto:ctaylor@sea2shore.org> ctaylor(a)sea2shore.org. Thank you - Cyndi Taylor and James Powell Sea to Shore Alliance ___________________________ Cynthia R. Taylor Assistant Director/Research Scientist <http://www.sea2shore.org/> HI RES S2S LOGO 4411 Bee Ridge Rd. #490 Sarasota, FL 34233 USA 941.232.4587; ctaylor(a)sea2shore.org www.sea2shore.org <http://www.sea2shore.org/>

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Right Whale Internship - Provincetown, MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 14 Sep '16

14 Sep '16

*Right Whale Research Program - Internship* *Provincetown, MA USA* The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking right whale interns for the upcoming 2017 winter/spring season (approximately January 1st to May 15th, 2017). This person will work with both the aerial and habitat survey teams documenting the abundance, distribution, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay. The intern will assist staff members in the field with photographing right whales and collecting behavioral and environmental data while on the waters of Cape Cod Bay. The successful applicant will also be responsible for a number of lab-based tasks including database entry, downloading and cataloging images, and photo-identification matching of images to known animals. Interns are required to work a minimum of four full days per week and must be available for the full field season. *Requirements:* · A degree: preferably in biological/environmental sciences. · Experience with digital SLR cameras. · Data entry: basic computer skills in programs such as Office. · Detail-oriented. · Experience working on boats and ability to withstand harsh elements. · Must work and live well in a team. · Enthusiasm and willingness to learn field and lab based research methods. · A valid US drivers license and personal transportation would be beneficial but is not essential. Shared housing will be provided along with a small stipend to cover general living expenses. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their skills in marine mammal survey techniques and will offer the successful applicant the unique chance to work with a critically endangered cetacean species, the North Atlantic right whale. This internship will afford the successful applicant an invaluable opportunity to work within a well-established institution, with highly-qualified scientists, and to gain experience in photo-identification, matching, data entry, and analysis. Experience in oceanographic sampling will also be gained. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale, information about the CCS Right Whale Research Program is available at: http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research <http://coastalstudies.org/right-whale-research/population-monitoring/> Please submit cover letter, resume, college transcripts (unofficial are sufficient), and contact information for two professional references in PDF format by October 31, 2016 to: Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Email: srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org

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Aerial Survey Manager - Provincetown MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 14 Sep '16

14 Sep '16

Right Whale Aerial Survey Manager Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is seeking an individual for the upcoming 2017 right whale survey season to manage aerial survey observers, flight scheduling and coverage, and in-laboratory studies including but not limited to individual photo matching and data management. The successful applicant will rotate in as an aerial observer in addition to management responsibilities and will work with the aerial survey team and the director of the Right Whale Ecology Program (RWEP) between December 15, 2016 and May 31, 2017. Working with the RWEP director, the aerial survey manager will supervise and direct aerial observers and part-time interns with primary responsibilities to: - coordinate aerial surveys with the aircraft flight team and CCS vessel surveys - designate air survey track coverage before flights - assign and task flight crews - manage information collected on each flight - coordinate photo identification efforts using established matching methods - use existing catalogs from the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium photo catalog at the New England Aquarium, as part of the photo matching process - manage data using established databases and in-house photo catalogues - participate in the observer rotation on aerial surveys as either the data recorder or photographer. - direct the analysis and entry of aerial survey data including the results of photo analysis and individual matching, - update the CCS in--house photo ID catalog website - prepare data for submissions to the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium - assist staff with the production of interim and final reports to state and federal agencies - assisting program director and flight coordinator with relevant projects. - finalizing data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons. *Requirements:* - An advanced degree (above B.S.), in biological/environmental sciences (required). - Aerial survey experience including photography (required). - Experience in photo-identification of marine mammals, and matching of photographs (required). - Must work well within a team. Field hours can be long and winter fieldwork conditions are cold and can be uncomfortable (required) - Must not suffer from air sickness (required). One to four surveys will be flown weekly throughout the field season and the successful applicant may be required to work on weekends. Applicants with a long-term interest in working in the field of large whale conservation research are encouraged to apply. Housing will be provided for the duration of the field period. This is a paid seasonal position. CCS has a long history of conservation and studies of the North Atlantic right whale in the southern Gulf of Maine. Details of our work can be found at the following links: Habitat program: http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/vbhabstudies.htm , Aerial program: http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/aerialsur.htm *Application process: *Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts, and the contact information for three references via email to srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org <scrockett(a)coastalstudies.org> . *The closing date for applications is October 31, 2016.* No applications will be accepted after this date. Please use "Aerial survey manager" in the subject line of your email. -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113 f. (508) 487-4495 “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” -Rachel Carson

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Aerial Observer Positions, Provincetown, MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 14 Sep '16

14 Sep '16

Right Whale Aerial Survey – Aerial Observer PositionsCenter for Coastal Studies, Provincetown MA USA The Center for Coastal Studies is seeking two aerial survey observers for the upcoming 2017 right whale survey season. Observers will work with the aerial survey team, which operates between January 1 and May 31 every year, flying surveys over Cape Cod Bay; To assess the abundance, distribution, conservation status and behavior of North Atlantic Right Whales in Cape Cod Bay. Primary responsibilities include: - Participation in aerial surveys as either the data recorder or photographer. - Processing of aerial survey data: Entering data recorded during surveys, filling in data tables throughout the season, photo analysis, matching photographs taken on surveys to known, catalogued individuals, updating in--house identification website, helping to prepare data for submissions to the New England Aquarium. - Keeping up with current issues in right whale monitoring, particularly familiarizing oneself with current entanglement cases and protocols. Other responsibilities may include: - Assisting program director and flight coordinator with relevant projects. - Updating in-house photo catalog - Finalizing data entry and photo analysis from previous field seasons. *Requirements:* - A degree, preferably in biological/ environmental sciences (required). - Aerial survey experience including photography (required). - Experience in photo-identification of marine mammals, and matching of photographs (required). - Must work well in a team. Field hours can be long and the winter fieldwork conditions are cold and often uncomfortable (required) - Must not suffer from air sickness (required). *Proficiencies:* - Experience with digital SLR cameras. - Basic computer skills in programs such as Excel and Word (required) for data entry. - Enthusiasm, a sense of humor, attention to detail and willingness to learn. We fly between one and four surveys weekly throughout the field season. Observers are sometimes required to work on weekends and for long hours in a small plane. Housing will be provided for the duration of the field period. This is a paid position. CCS has a long history of conservation and research work with the North Atlantic right whale. Details of our work can be found at the following links: Habitat program: http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/vbhabstudies.htm Aerial program: http://www.coastalstudies.org/what-we-do/right-whales/aerialsur.htm *Application process: *Please submit your cover letter, resume, college transcripts, and the contact information for three references via email in PDF format to srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org <scrockett(a)coastalstudies.org> . The closing date for applications is October 31, 2016. No applications will be accepted after this date. Please use "Aerial survey observer position" in the subject line of your email.

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New paper on Japanese whaling
by Phillip Clapham - NOAA Federal 14 Sep '16

14 Sep '16

The following paper was just published: Clapham, P.J. & Ivashchenko, Y.V. 2016. Stretching the truth: Length data highlight extensive falsification of Japanese sperm whale catch statistics in the Southern Hemisphere. *Royal Society Open Science, *DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160506 ABSTRACT Falsification of reports on Japanese catches of sperm whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*) is known to have occurred at both land whaling stations and in North Pacific factory fleets. Here, we conduct an analysis of pelagic sperm whale catches in the Southern Hemisphere: we compare true Soviet length data from the *Yuri Dolgorukiy *factory fleet during 1960-75 to data for the same period reported to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) by Japan. Prior to implementation of the International Observer Scheme (IOS) in 1972, the Soviet fleet killed 5,536 females, of which only 153 (2.8%) were at or above the minimum legal length of 11.6 m. During the same period, Japan killed 5,799 females and reported that 5,686 (98.5%) were of legal size, with 88.5% of the entire length distribution reported as being between 11.6 and 12.0 m. This unrealistic distribution, together with the fact that Japanese fleets were supposedly able to catch 37 times the number of legal-sized females as the Soviet fleet, indicates extensive falsification of catch data by Japan. Further evidence of mis-reporting is that females >11.5 m dropped to 9.1% of the Japanese catch after 1971, when the IOS made cheating much more difficult. That 99.6% of 10,433 males in the pre-IOS catch were also reported to be of legal size indicates that illegal catches were not confined to females. We caution that the Japanese sperm whale data in the IWC Catch Database are unreliable and should not be used in population assessments. The ease with which illegal catches were apparently made underscores the past failures of the IWC to effectively regulate whaling. The paper is Open Access and is available for download at: http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/3/9/160506 -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Leader, Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program National Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115, USA tel 206 526 4037 fax 206 526 6615 email phillip.clapham(a)noaa.gov

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Antarctic molecular ecology postdoc
by Andrew Lowther 14 Sep '16

14 Sep '16

Hi all, See below advert for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, 2 year position (with a further 6 month extension upon satisfactory progress), up in Tromsø northern Norway. The position is to start no later than 1st February next year. Job applications MUST be submitted through jobbnorge.no, and the closing deadline is 25th October. Don't hesitate to get in contact with me for more directed questions, however I will be onboard ship and out of contact until 29th September. Please note, previous applicants for the position need not reapply. Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Southern Ocean molecular ecology (2 years) The Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) in Tromsø, Norway invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellow position in Southern Ocean molecular ecology, which includes studies of the molecular ecology of two krill-predators in the Southern Ocean, Antarctic fur seals and macaroni penguins. The position is supported by the Norwegian Antarctic Research Expedition (NARE) project entitled "Population structure and contemporary gene flow in two sympatrically-breeding Southern Ocean predators with contrasting demographics". The work will be conducted in our Research Department, Section of Biodiversity, in collaboration with the national Antarctic programs of Australia, Chile, France, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Germany. The position of postdoctoral research fellow is a fixed-term position for a period of 2 years with a possible extension, depending on funding. Work Content The aims of the project are three-fold: 1) to provide a comprehensive description of contemporary, circumpolar gene flow of two sympatrically-breeding species, used by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Living Marine Resources (CCAMLR), to monitor the ecological state of the Southern Ocean, 2) to characterise the demographic histories of each species in terms of bottlenecks, founder effects and expansion events and 3) to characterise patterns of selective pressure in each species across regional scales using genome scans. The work will require nuclear and mitochondrial DNA to be extracted and prepared from blood and other tissue samples taken from each species (already collected), at each of nine sub-Antarctic island locations. Analyses to achieve the project aims will then require the appropriate application of markers that are either selectively neutral (e.g. species-specific microsatellites and mtDNA) or under active selection (ddRAD-TAG sequenced Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) and subsequent analyses using bioinformatic tools. Qualifications The candidate must hold a PhD in molecular ecology or a closely related field. A documented completed degree is a prerequisite for employment. We seek candidates with expertise in laboratory work (DNA extraction, preparation, PCR, sequencing) and numerical analytical techniques. Experience with High Throughput Sequencing technology is required, and candidates that have worked with restriction site associated DNA tags (RAD-TAG) will be preferred. A proven ability to synthesise molecular genetic data into an ecological and environmental context is considered an asset. Publication of results is of great importance and recent articles in highly rated peer-reviewed scientific journals must demonstrate such ability. The candidate must have experience with more than one of the following tools: ABC (Approximate Bayesian Computing), BAYESASS, BEAST, bioinformatics, MATLAB, MIGRATE, STRUCTURE, and R. We seek a candidate with good collaboration skills, but who also can conduct independent research. Good written and spoken communication skills in English are required. General The work place is Tromsø, Norway. The salary will be commensurate with the qualifications of the successful candidate, under the Norwegian state salary code 1352, scale 57-64 (currently NOK 486 100 - 556 700 per year). The position is open immediately. The main objective of the appointment as a postdoctoral research fellow is to qualify for work in senior academic positions. No one may be appointed to more than one fixed-term period as a postdoctoral research fellow at the same institution. The maximum appointment-period for position as postdoctoral research fellow is four years. The project will involve a placement with Dr Joe Hoffman at the University of Bielfeld (Germany) and close collaboration with Dr Julianna Vianna of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. The Norwegian State Administration strives to mirror the diversity of its population and thereby achieve a balanced mix of age, gender and ethnic backgrounds among its employees. All qualified candidates with different backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Norwegian Polar Institute is an IW-enterprise and adjustments will be made to the workplace regarding health issues, if necessary. Tromsø is a city of 70.000 residents situated in northern Norway at nearly 70°N. Tromsø is known as a good place to experience the midnight sun, polar night, varied outdoor activities and a lively cultural and entertainment environment. It is also a major, and expanding, center for research, with numerous government and private research institutions and a major university. The NPI's Research Department is very diverse, both in scientific interests and in nationalities. Further inquiries about the position may be directed to Research Scientist Dr. Andrew Lowther,lowther(a)npolar.no<mailto:lowther@npolar.no>, tel. +358 407 561 971, Dr. Joe Hoffman (University of Bielfeld), j_i_hoffman(a)hotmail.com<mailto:j_i_hoffman@hotmail.com>, tel. +49 521 106 2711, Research Scientist Dr. Christian Lydersen, lydersen(a)npolar.no<mailto:lydersen@npolar.no>, tel. +47 77 75 05 23, or Section Leader Dr. Kit Kovacs, kovacs(a)npolar.no<mailto:kovacs@npolar.no>, tel. +47 77 75 05 26. The application deadline is 25th October 2016. The application should include details of your relevant qualifications and experience, CV, list of publications, copies of your transcripts and names of at least two references. Please, submit a complete application, including necessary documents/attachments, electronically viawww.jobbnorge.no<http://www.jobbnorge.no/>. Please, do not include copies of articles or other work in the application, but note that it may be requested later in the process. ----------------------------------------------- Dr Andrew Lowther Southern Ocean top predator ecologist Norwegian Polar Institute Tromsø e: andrew.lowther(a)npolar.no<mailto:andrew.lowther@npolar.no> t: +47 77 75 05 42

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New publication - Fossil cetaceans from Colombia and Venezuela
by gabriel.aguirre＠pim.uzh.ch 13 Sep '16

13 Sep '16

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following publication in the Journal of Mammalian Evolution (Online First): Title: Fossil Cetaceans (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the Neogene of Colombia and Venezuela Authors: Aguirre-Fernández G, Carrillo-Briceño JD, Sánchez R, Amson E, Sánchez-Villagra MR Abstract: There are significant geographic gaps in our knowledge of marine mammal evolution because most fossils have been found and described from Northern Hemisphere localities and a few other high-latitude areas in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, we describe fossil cetacean remains from five geological units in the South American tropics (Urumaco, Codore, Castilletes, Cantaure, and Querales formations) generally representing marginal marine depositional environments (estuaries, deltas, and tidal flats). While fossil cetaceans from Venezuelan Neogene localities have been previously studied, this paper includes the first descriptions of fossil cetaceans from Colombia, including a diverse assemblage of mysticetes and odontocetes. We identified and provisionally referred fragmentary remains to the iniid Ischyrorhynchus vanbenedeni and to the platanistid Zarhachis flagellator. The latter suggests the presence of Platanistidae in the eastern coast of South America during the early-middle Miocene, representing the second record of Platanistidae in South America and the first record of Platanistidae in eastern South America. Other less-diagnostic specimens are characterized by features commonly seen in longirostrine odontocetes such as Iniidae, Platanistidae, Pontoporiidae, Lipotidae, Eoplatanistidae, and Squalodelphinidae. The article is available at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10914-016-9353-x For any enquiries, you may contact me at: gabriel.aguirre(a)pim.uzh.ch Best wishes, Gabriel Aguirre Postdoctoral Fellow Paläontologisches Institut und Museum Universität Zürich

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Winter/Spring 2017 Marine Mammal Research Internship
by Victoria Howard 13 Sep '16

13 Sep '16

*Winter/Spring 2017 Marine Mammal Research Internship* The IMMS Research Internship Program located in Gulfport, MS is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will participate with multiple projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research, sea turtle satellite tracking, and other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Interns must: - Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. - Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. - Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. - Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. - *Principle Duties include*: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21’ and 31’ boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS - *Secondary Duties involve*: Assisting with animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting with educational tours. - *Field days: *Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this Internship Program. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations. *Deadline to Apply for the Winter/Spring Session (1/2/17 - 3/24/17 and 3/6/17 - 5/26/17) is November 1, 2016* *Please visit **http://imms.org/internship.php* <http://imms.org/internship.php>* for application and full details*

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New publication on "Conservation Status of Long-Finned Pilot Whales, Globicephala melas, in the Mediterranean Sea"
by CIRCE Philippe Verborgh 13 Sep '16

13 Sep '16

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to share with you the following publication: Verborgh, P., Gauffier, P., Esteban, R., Giménez, J., Cañadas, A., Salazar, J.M., de Stephanis, R. (2016). Conservation Status of Long-Finned Pilot Whales, Globicephala melas, in the Mediterranean Sea. in "Mediterranean Marine Mammal Ecology and Conservation", Advances in Marine Biology Volume 75. Editors: Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Michela Podestà, Barbara E. Curry. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/bs.amb.2016.07.004 AbstractMediterranean Sea long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) are currently classified as Data Deficient on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Multiple lines of evidence, including molecular genetic and photo-identification mark-recapture analyses, indicate that the Strait of Gibraltar population (distributed from 5.8°W longitude to west of Djibouti Bank and Alborán Dorsal in the Alborán Sea) is differentiated from the Mediterranean Sea population (east of Djibouti Bank and the Alborán Dorsal up to the Ligurian Sea). There is low genetic diversity within the Mediterranean population, and recent gene flow with the Strait of Gibraltar population is restricted. Current total abundance estimates are lacking for the species in the Mediterranean. Pilot whales in the Alborán Sea region were negatively affected by a morbillivirus epizootic from 2006 to 2007, and recovery may be difficult. The Strait of Gibraltar population, currently estimated to be fewer than 250 individuals, decreased by 26.2% over 5 years after the morbillivirus epizootic. Population viability analyses predicted an 85% probability of extinction for this population over the next 100 years. Increasing maritime traffic, increased contaminant burdens, and occasional fisheries interactions may severely impair the capacity of the Strait of Gibraltar population to recover after the decline due to the pathogen. You can access it online here: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0065288116300086 Or ask for a copy by email to me at philippeverborgh(a)gmail.com Cheers,Philippe Verborgh, PhD

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Release of NOAA’s Ocean Noise Strategy Final Roadmap
by Jonathan Shannon - NOAA Federal 13 Sep '16

13 Sep '16

Greetings MARMAM, Today, NOAA released a final version of its Ocean Noise Strategy Roadmap. As we indicated when we released the draft, this NOAA initiative is significant because it marks the agency’s first presentation of a more holistic approach to the management of ocean noise impacts. Over 90,000 responses were received during the public comment period on the draft. Many of these suggestions were used to improve the final version. We appreciate the time that many of you took to provide this valuable feedback. Growing levels of ocean noise are affecting marine animals and their habitats in complex ways. The responsibility to understand and address the impacts of human-produced noise falls across NOAA’s organizational lines and is shared among Federal agencies and management partners. Only by working together can we protect and ensure the sustainability of the living marine resources entrusted to us. The Roadmap guides NOAA towards more comprehensive and effective management of ocean noise impacts over the next decade. It articulates our goals, summarizes the status of the science to support those goals, and identifies a set of recommended actions NOAA can take to accomplish those goals. You will find the final Roadmap and a summary of the comments received and our responses to those comments posted on NOAA’s clearinghouse website cetsound.noaa.gov. Programs across NOAA will now identify the next steps they will take to achieve the Strategy’s vision. These steps will include continued and new partnerships with other federal agencies as well as with stakeholders and the public. Best regards, Jonathan Shannon *Outreach Specialist* NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources U.S. Department of Commerce Office: 301-427-8431 jonathan.shannon(a)noaa.gov *Webhttp://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/ <http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/>Facebookwww.facebook.com/noaafisheries <http://www.facebook.com/noaafisheries>Twitterwww.twitter.com/noaafisherie <http://www.twitter.com/noaafisheries>sYouTubewww.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov <http://www.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov> The views expressed in this message are my own and do not necessarily reflect any position of NOAA, the Department of Commerce, or the government of the United States.*

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