September 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Importance of Sound in the Sea: A new, interactive, digital book available in the iBooks Store
by Holly Morin 13 Sep '16

13 Sep '16

Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) Book I: Importance of Sound in the Sea <http://www.dosits.org/book/> is a new, interactive electronic book (eBook) that contains high-resolution imagery, videos, and sound files, all in an interactive, touch-and-play format. It utilizes existing, peer-reviewed DOSITS content to provide a condensed electronic resource that focuses on how marine animals use, produce, and receive sound, as well as an overview of the effects of sound on marine life. Several of the topics discussed in this book are areas of current and active scientific research and new information is integrated into the eBook as peer-reviewed publications become available. The content in this book is based on the Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) project, including its website - www.dosits.org <http://www.dosits.org/>. The DOSITS content is based on well-understood scientific principles, peer-reviewed literature, and high quality sources of scientific data. Independent, scientific experts, who specialize in underwater acoustics, have reviewed all of the eBook’s content. The DOSITS Project attempts to keep its content as up-to-date as possible, incorporating new research findings into its website twice a year. The book is available for MacOS, iPad, and iPhone. To view sample pages and access the iTunes link, please visit the DOSITS website at www.dosits.org/book/ <http://www.dosits.org/book/>. Questions? Please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin(a)uri.edu)

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Whisker Publication
by Chris Marshall 13 Sep '16

13 Sep '16

Dear Colleagues, Our new micr- macrovibrissal paper in phocids in now published in Brain, Behavior and Evolution and can be found at the following link: http://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/447551 Thanks, Christopher Marshall Mattson*, E.E., MARSHALL, C.D. 2016. Follicle Microstructure and Innervation Vary Between Pinniped Micro- and Macrovibrissae. Brain Behavior and Evolution. DOI:10.1159/000447551) Abstract Histological data from terrestrial, semiaquatic, and fully aquatic mammal vibrissa (whisker) studies indicate that follicle microstructure and innervation vary across the mystacial vibrissal array (i.e. medial microvibrissae to lateral macrovibrissae). However, comparative data are lacking, and current histological studies on pinniped vibrissae only focus on the largest ventrolateral vibrissae. Consequently, we investigated the microstructure, medial-to-lateral innervation, and morphometric trends in harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) vibrissal follicle-sinus complexes (F-SCs). The F-SCs were sectioned either longitudinally or in cross-section and stained with a modified Masson's trichrome stain (microstructure) or Bodian's silver stain (innervation). All F-SCs exhibited a tripartite blood organization system. The dermal capsule thickness, the distribution of major branches of the deep vibrissal nerve, and the hair shaft design were more symmetrical in medial F-SCs, but these features became more asymmetrical as the F-SCs became more lateral. Overall, the mean axon count was 1,221 ± 422.3 axons/F-SC and mean axon counts by column ranged from 550 ± 97.4 axons/F-SC (medially, column 11) to 1,632 ± 173.2 axons/F-SC (laterally, column 2). These values indicate a total of 117,216 axons innervating the entire mystacial vibrissal array. The mean axon count of lateral F-SCs was 1,533 ± 192.9 axons/ F-SC, which is similar to values reported in the literature for other pinniped F-SCs. Our data suggest that conventional studies that only examine the largest ventrolateral vibrissae may overestimate the total innervation by ∼20%. However, our study also accounts for variation in quantification methods and shows that conventional analyses likely only overestimate innervation by ∼10%. The relationship between axon count and cross-sectional F-SC surface area was nonlinear, and axon densities were consistent across the snout. Our data indicate that harp seals exhibit microstructural and innervational differences between t heir microvibrissae (columns 8-11) and macrovibrissae (columns 1-7). We hypothesize that this feature is conserved among pinnipeds and may result in functional compartmentalization within their mystacial vibrissal arrays. ------------------------------------------------------ Christopher D. Marshall, Ph.D. Professor Department of Marine Biology 200 Seawolf Parkway Building 3029, Room 253 Texas A&M University Galveston, Texas 77553 Phone: (409) 740-4884 Fax: (409) 740-5001 Email: marshalc(a)tamug.edu (please note the difference in the spelling of my last name) Website: www.marinebiology.edu/Marshall -- Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. - Vincent van Gogh

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Job Posting: Biological Science Technician Position open with NPS Glacier Bay Harbor Seal Program in Juneau, Alaska
by Womble, Jamie 12 Sep '16

12 Sep '16

The National Park Service is currently recruiting for a Biological Science Technician (GS-0404-07) to work with the Glacier Bay National Park harbor seal program in Juneau, Alaska. The duties and details of the position are listed below. The job posting is open effective September 12, 2016 and closes on September 16, 2016. Details of the position and how to apply can be found at the following link on USA jobs. https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/450292900/ *Biological Science Technician (GS-0404-07) * Job Announcement Number: GLBA-16-1799670-DECS $22.45 per hour Work Schedule is Full Time - Temporary NTE 1039 hours Location: Juneau, Alaska *Position Duties* As a Biological Science Technician, you will perform a variety of tasks in support of daily work operations associated with harbor seal monitoring in Glacier Bay National Park at the NPS office in Juneau, Alaska. Responsibilities include compiling and summarizing data in tabular, graphic, GIS, or narrative form, and reporting results in detail and prepares extensive field notes conducting survey and collecting field data. Works independently or as a member of a team conducting data processing in GIS, aerial photographic surveys, biological surveys, or other necessary field work. Assists professional biologists by reviewing, cataloging, performing literature review and extracting and compiling data as needed for report preparation. Thank you, Jamie ************************************* Jamie N. Womble, Ph.D. Wildlife Biologist National Park Service Glacier Bay Field Station 3100 National Park Road Juneau, Alaska 99801 USA 907.364.1577 (phone) 907.364.2606 (fax) Jamie_Womble(a)nps.gov http://www.nps.gov/glba/naturescience/seal.htm

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New Two Day Modelling Course: 25-26 October, Plymouth University, UK
by Sam Nichols 12 Sep '16

12 Sep '16

Underwater Acoustic Modelling Course 25-26 October 2016 Plymouth University, UK Seiche Training, Plymouth University and ZCat Science are pleased to announce a new two day course in underwater acoustic modelling. The course is delivered by leading research professors and experts in their field, including Professor Georgy Shapiro, Dr Feng Chen and Dr Paul Lepper. Course Modules: * Introduction to underwater sound * Modelling processes and capabilities * The physics of sound propagation and assessment metrics * Types of models available * Criteria for assessing impacts upon marine life and mitigation zone determination * Field measurement and sound source verification * Application to EIAs * Interpretation of results / best practice / standards / metrics * Properties of sea water: temperature, salinity and sound speed * Oceanic features influencing sound propagation and their variability: thermocline, fronts and eddies * Visualisation tools to identify ocean thermocline, fronts and eddies * Seasonal variation in sound propagation * Modelling shipping noise experienced by marine life Who is it for? Regulators, environmental consultants, researchers and policy/environmental professionals within industry. The course introduces all the key concepts and opens up a learning pathway to those wishing to conduct modelling themselves in the future. It is well suited to those who require deeper understanding of technical reports. Seiche Training is an arm of Seiche Ltd, the marine acoustics company providing modelling, measurement and mitigation solutions to industry, government, academia and defence. For more information: training(a)seiche.com<mailto:training@seiche.com> www.seichetraining.com +44 (0)1409 40 40 63 In association with ZCATscience Science & Engineering with Plymouth University

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2nd MARINE MAMMAL BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION SEMINAR (University of Pavia, Italy)
by Gianni Pavan 12 Sep '16

12 Sep '16

Dear colleagues, After a successful seminar in 2014 we are delighted to announce the dates for the 2nd Marine Mammal Biology & Conservation Seminar. The seminar is hosted by Pavia University, Italy. The dates are October 10th & 11th 2016. The second seminar on the biology and conservation of marine mammals intends to present research on the more established and active areas in Italy and the Mediterranean area. Reports from institutions and researchers, as well as presentations by young researchers who have started to address cetacean studies at the universities and continued to deal with them at various professional and institutional levels. The seminar aims to illustrate not only the achievements, but also the opportunities for research, study and volunteering in a broad interdisciplinary area oriented to the protection and preservation of the marine environment. Il secondo seminario su biologia e conservazione dei mammiferi marini intende presentare a un pubblico prevalentemente universitario le aree di ricerca più consolidate ed attive in Italia e nel Mediterraneo. Sono presentate relazioni sia da istituti e ricercatori affermati da tempo che da giovani ricercatori che hanno iniziato ad occuparsi di cetacei in ambito universitario e hanno poi continuato ad occuparsene in diversi ambiti professionali e istituzionali. Il seminario intende illustrare non solo i risultati conseguiti ma anche le opportunità di ricerca, di studio e di volontariato in un ambito ampiamente interdisciplinare orientato alla tutela e conservazione dell'ambiente marino. The seminar will be held in Italian and is open to all. Reduced student prices are available. More information can be found via the website http://animalconcepts.eu/ calendar/2016/2ndmarinemammalbiology/ Best regards, Gianni Pavan & Sabina Brando Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali Università degli Studi di Pavia Via Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia http://www.unipv.it/cibra http://mammiferimarini.unipv.it AnimalConcepts Sabrina Brando www.animalconcepts.eu sbrando(a)animalconcepts.eu +31633008373

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Internship Announcement: CIIMAR-Madeira, Portugal
by ana dinis 12 Sep '16

12 Sep '16

CIIMAR-Madeira is a private,non-profit organization based in Madeira Island, Portugal. It is a uniqueorganization specialized on insular environments, which is currently involvedin the development of fundamental and applied scientific research, both inatmospheric and marine sciences. For more information about CIIMAR-Madeira andour research please visit http://home.ciimarmadeira.org/ CIIMAR-Madeira is looking for internsfor fall 2016 and winter 2017, to help with our marine mammals’ researchprojects based in Madeira Island, Portugal. We are currently filling positions for: Fall 2016 (November-December) Winter 2017 (January-March) Spring 2017 (April-June) Internship Details: The interns will be enrolled indata collection on board ferries and naval boats in two different routes. Thesepositions are unpaid but we encourage candidates to seek grants where we canpost as host institution. The internships are generally 2.5 months in length,although exceptions can be made. Priority will be given to those who can commitfull time. Internship description: - An intensive training onmonitoring protocol, cetacean identification and data processing and analysis; - Sea surveys Madeira-PortoSanto and Madeira-Selvagens; - Educational activities in localschools (when possible); - Data processing and analysis; - Free time to visit Madeira,Porto Santo and Selvagens. - Accident insurances forEuropean volunteers are covered - Non-European volunteers have topay for their own accident/travel insurance. Successful applicants shouldpossess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology or related, be reliable,dedicated, adaptable and patient, as this work is highly weather dependent andrequires consecutive days of work at sea. If you are an undergraduate or graduatestudent interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal research, this is anexcellent opportunity to learn and gain experience at sea. Application deadline is 30thSeptember. If you are interested ininterning with CIIMAR-Madeira, please send a CV and a letter of interest to ana.dinis(a)ciimarmadeira.org or filipe.alves(a)ciimarmadeira.org Ana Dinis, PhD CIIMAR-Madeira, ARDITI-OOM Phone:+351291721216http://home.ciimarmadeira.org/index.php?page=anadinis

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New publication on seismic survey planning
by Douglas Nowacek, Ph.D. 11 Sep '16

11 Sep '16

We would like to announce the publication of a new resource guide for the planning of seismic and other environmental imaging surveys, published by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature entitled: Effective planning strategies for managing environmental risk associated with geophysical and other imaging surveys: A resource guide for managers. 2016. Douglas P. Nowacek, Brandon L. Southall. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. 42pp. ISBN: 978-2-8317-1805-7 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.2016.07.en This publication is free and available from IUCN at the following location: https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/46291

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Humpback Whale Research in Puerto Rico: call for applications
by Mithriel MacKay 09 Sep '16

09 Sep '16

Call for applications for Research Assistant positions for the Puerto Rico Humpback Whale Project with The Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center Research Season: December 28, 2016 - May 01, 2017 Applications accepted through October 10, 2016 Four (4) full time Research Assistants (RAs) positions are available for the seventh season of data collection during winter of 2017 to assist in on-going research focusing on North Atlantic humpback whales wintering off Puerto Rico, USA These are volunteer positions. Housing and meals are arranged and RAs will be required to contribute a small amount per week towards living expenses and internet access. Qualifications: You must have a bachelor’s degree in marine biology or related field. Former interns and students participating in any MCERC program are encouraged to apply. Priority is given to applicants with an upbeat, hardworking and positive attitude. The ability to take direction and live in close quarters with up to 10 people is a key to a successful field season. A stellar academic average is a plus, but is not a requirement and should not discourage interested people with less than perfect academic scores from applying. A strong desire to learn new skills, mentor other students, and promote a positive attitude towards stewardship is essential for candidates. Please be self-motivated, energetic, patient, and enthusiastic! You must enjoy working with a group from around the globe and be respectful of cultural differences. Experience in boat operations and cetacean research is a plus. All RAs are required to be proficient swimmers and snorkelers. Commitment: RAs must be available full time from December 28, 2016 until May 01, 2017. This is a low density area for humpbacks. The ability to maintain land based observations for hours (or even a full day) without seeing a whale requires commitment and patience. Vessel based data collection will be from a small boat and is dependent on a team that is able to work well in close quarters and is not prone to getting sea sick. Commitment and dedication should be applied to computer tasks as they can become monotonous. Day to day tasks will include posting updates to FaceBook, updating the MCERC website, maintaining the field house, and other tasks as needed. Training will begin November 01, 2016 via meetings over the internet prior to arrival in Puerto Rico. RAs must be willing to dedicate effort from home during this period of time, including reading publications, installing and learning required software, and group meetings. This position is not limited to people residing in the USA. Recent graduates from a Bachelor's degree program are strongly encouraged to apply as these positions are designed to build and strengthen skills. More information is available on the MCERC Education Hub ( www.Marine-Eco.org/mcerc-moodle) including instructions how to submit an application packet. You can access the document from the Home Page. To submit an application through the Education Hub; Send an email to MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com requesting access to the Education Hub. If you participated in any MCERC programs in 2016, your pass codes are still valid! }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> }-wh^ale> Mithriel MacKay Ph.D. Executive Director & Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center Inc. Spring Hill, Florida Research station: Boqueron, Puerto Rico, USA website www.Marine-Eco.org email Mithriel(a)Marine-Eco.org Education Hub www.Marine-Eco.org/mcerc-moodle Facebook www.Facebook.com/researchcenter Twitter @MCERCMarineEco Director of Research and Education Saltwater Inc. Anchorage, Alaska, USA www.Saltwaterinc.com Mithriel.MacKay(a)SaltwaterInc.com

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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Right Whale Program (grant-funded, temporary), Florida
by Pitchford, Tom 09 Sep '16

09 Sep '16

Job Opportunity - North Atlantic Right Whale Program Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Section: Wildlife Research - Marine Mammals Job Location: St. Augustine, FL (St. Johns County) Rate of Pay: $19.00-$21.00/hr (depending on experience) Closing Date: 9/24/2016 Position is temporary/seasonal, contingent upon funding, and will not be eligible for participation in State Group insurance benefits. Anticipated end date of this position is 5/15/2017. Position is funded by a multi-year grant (three years remaining) that requires annual renewals. WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory * Workers' Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (upon meeting eligibility requirements) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program - voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * Any form of paid leave * Paid holidays * Participation in the Florida Retirement System * Reinstatement rights or retention rights BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES: FWC's FWRI conducts research and monitoring activities for right whales in the southeastern United States. Projects focus on vessel-strike mitigation and data collection for federal assessment of the status and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale population. We anticipate this position will start on or around October 15th and end May 15th. Aerial surveys are flown daily, weather permitting, from December 1st through March 31st. Aerial observers collect in-flight survey data and right whale photo-documentation and assist with photo-identification and data entry, analyses, and archival tasks. Observers also provide ground support for the aerial survey crew and must communicate effectively with partner state and federal agencies and NGO representatives, as well as the general public. In addition to the responsibilities carried out by observers, this position will help facilitate: observer training, survey implementation, data preparation and submission, grant reporting and administrative tasks. Staff may also assist with vessel based photo-identification, multi-agency genetic sampling effort, field necropsies of right whales, and disentanglement. Prior to the start of surveys on December 1st (dates TBA), the applicant will be required to attend and satisfactorily complete aircraft and marine safety and survival training. Applicants must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and evenings. This position is temporary/seasonal and contingent upon funding, but could be renewed for up to three years (winters of 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19). QUALIFICATIONS: A bachelor's degree in one of the biological sciences from an accredited university is required. Applicant must be able to: work and share accommodations in a team environment, communicate effectively with team members and research partners, utilize problem solving techniques, excel under adverse field conditions, endure a full day in a small aircraft, and understand and correctly utilize applicable rules, regulations, and procedures. Previous aerial and/or marine mammal survey experience and photo-identification knowledge and skills are required. Applicants must also have experience in database entry and photographic management software as well as familiarity and knowledge of digital cameras and zoom lenses. Experience in field team coordination and implementation are strongly desired. TO APPLY: Direct link to job posting: http://jobs.myflorida.com/viewjob.html?refnode=3814221 Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form electronically in People First, by midnight on the closing date listed. Applicants are strongly encouraged to attach a cover letter highlighting their qualifications for this position along with a copy of their resume or CV with professional references. You will be asked to attach this information after you answer job-related questions, but before you begin the State of Florida application. Go to: http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, please call People First at 1-877-562-7287. (TTY applicants call 1-866-221-0268). The closing date for this announcement is 9/24/2016. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. If a conditional offer of employment is made, you will be required to provide identification and proof of citizenship or authorization to work in the United States for the hiring authority to which application is made. E-Verify will be used to verify work authorization and identity.

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New publication on bottlenose dolphins distribution in Madeira archipelago, NE Atlantic
by ana dinis 08 Sep '16

08 Sep '16

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Dinis, A., A. Carvalho, F. Alves, C. Nicolau, C. Ribeiro, M. Kaufmann, A. Cañadas & L. Freitas 2016. Spatial and temporal distribution of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in the Madeira archipelago, NE Atlantic. Arquipelago. Life and Marine Sciences 33: 45-54. ABSTRACTOne of the first steps in understanding the relationships between populations and their habitats is to determine which areas they use with higher frequency. This study used systematic and non-systematic survey data from 2001-2002 and 2004-2012 to determine encounter rates and investigate temporal and spatial distribution of bottlenose dolphins around Madeira, Desertas and Porto Santo islands. A total 24,914 km of search effort was carried out and 199 sightings were recorded. Highest encounter rates were found off the east coast of Madeira and off Porto Santo. Moreover, higher encounter rates occurred over bathymetries ranging between 500-1,000 m during systematic surveys whereas in non-systematic surveys relative high encounter rates were found in depths of 2,000-2,500m. Most dolphins were found to be distributed in depths <1,000m and at no more than 10 km offshore indicating a preference for shallower waters. Dolphins were sighted during the whole year and there were no significant differences in encounter rate between months. These results suggest the existence of preferential areas for this species based on static bathymetric features. The fact that the dolphins prefer inshore areas that are more exposed to anthropogenic activities should be taken into account when discussing bottlenose dolphin conservation measures in the Madeira archipelago. You can access the paper here: www.arquipelago.info or you can send an email request to: ana.dinis(a)ciimarmadeira.org Cheers, Ana Dinis, PhD CIIMAR-Madeira, ARDITI-OOM Phone: +351 291 721 216 http://home.ciimarmadeira.org/index.php?page=anadinis

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