September 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

correct link for Albernaz et al. Arctocephalus paper
by Silvina Botta 08 Sep '16

08 Sep '16

Dear MARMAM readers The correct link for the paper ‘Ontogenetic and gender-related variation in the isotopic niche within and between three species of fur seals (genus Arctocephalus) by T.L. Albernaz, E.R, Secchi, L.R. Oliveira & S. Botta is now available online at Hydrobiologia DOI 10.1007/s10750-016-2950-0 is http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10750-016-2950-0 For any inquiries or requests please contact me at: silbotta(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Silvina Botta Labotatório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha Instituto de Oceanografia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG Brasil

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new marine mammal MPA paper on AQC special issue
by Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara 08 Sep '16

08 Sep '16

The following paper: Place-based approaches to marine mammal conservation by Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, Erich Hoyt, Randall Reeves, Jeff Ardron, Helene Marsh, Dag Vongraven and Bradley Barr Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 26 (Suppl. 2):85-100 DOI: 10.1002/aqc.2642 This Special Issue of Aquatic Conservation is dedicated to results from the World Parks Congress, Sydney, December 2014: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.v26.S2/issuetoc <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aqc.v26.S2/issuetoc> All papers in the Special Issue are open access. Abstract. 1. Place-based conservation can be an effective tool for addressing threats to marine mammals, but this approach presents many challenges, such as the dilemma of whether to aim for protection at appropriately large scales or through networks of smaller protected areas, and how to address the socio-economic conditions of human societies whose welfare may conflict with marine mammal survival. 2. Protecting places to conserve marine mammals started about 50 years ago, when the first parks and reserves were established to protect the critical habitat of specific populations. However, the challenges of protecting habitats that cross national borders and span oceans including the high seas remain problematic. International cooperation is needed, e.g. within the framework of multilateral environmental agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), as well as a potential new agreement through the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). 3. Increasingly, the process of demarcating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is being supported by other spatial designations, including CBD’s Ecological or Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs), the International Maritime Organization’s Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs), IUCN’s Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), and Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) adopted by the USA and Australia. Recently, the Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMA) designation has been introduced by the IUCN Task Force on Marine Mammal protected Areas. Such approaches have the potential to increase the protection of marine mammals within the overarching approach of systematic marine spatial planning. 4. Considering the attributes of marine mammals as sentinel, umbrella and flagship species, it is likely that emerging place-based approaches that incorporate IMMAs will not only benefit marine mammal populations, but also contribute more generally to the conservation of marine and aquatic species and ecosystems. Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara

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A white-sided dolphin in the Gulf of St. Lawrence with tag attached
by Lesage, Veronique 08 Sep '16

08 Sep '16

Hello All! what seemed to be a white-sided dolphin with an orange tag in the dorsal fin was observed recently in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada (please see picture). If you would like more information, please contact me at the address below. Thanks Veronique Lesage, Ph.D. Chercheur, Cetaces/Cetacean research scientist Biologie et conservation des mammiferes marins/Marine mammal biology and conservation Peches et Oceans Canada/Fisheries and Oceans Canada Institut Maurice-Lamontagne/Maurice Lamontagne Institute C.P. 1000/P.O. Box 1000 850 Route de la Mer Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3Z4 http://www.meds-sdmm.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sdb-bds/profile-profil.do?id=452&lang=fra http://notregolfe.ca/ TEL (418) 775-0739 FAX (418) 775-0740 Email: Veronique.Lesage(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:Veronique.Lesage@dfo-mpo.gc.ca>

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New publication: The use of marine wildlife-watching codes and their role in managing activities within MPAs in Scotland
by Sarah Dolman 08 Sep '16

08 Sep '16

Dear all We are pleased to announce the publication of this new paper: Anna Inman, Esther Brooker, Sarah Dolman, Rona McCann, A. Meriwether W. Wilson (2016). The use of marine wildlife-watching codes and their role in managing activities within marine protected areas in Scotland. Ocean & Coastal Management 132: 1-11. Free access is available here until October 24, 2016: http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1TfT33RKK-YTaE or you can email me if you would like to receive a PDF. Abstract: Marine wildlife-watching is a developing industry in Scotland contributing to overall growth and aspirations of the marine tourism sector. Despite European-level legal protection of cetaceans, and Scottish legislation for the protection of seals at designated haul-out sites, there are currently no formal or mandatory regulations to specifically manage tourism activities in relation to marine wildlife. However, most Scottish wildlife-watching operators adopt one, or more, of the five key voluntary codes of conduct which have been developed in the UK since 2003. In this paper, we review the consistency of policy messages and recommendations across voluntary codes of conduct for the UK and Scotland, taking into consideration global use and effectiveness in the use of similar codes. In this context, we specifically examine the potential impacts of wildlife watching and management of future activities, both within and outwith marine protected areas (MPAs) in Scotland. For this, the research also incorporates data from field surveys, in-situ observations and operator questionnaires conducted in Scotland relating to the implementation of the codes in practice. Key findings highlighting inconsistences in some of the key recommendations across the five UK codes in particular, the distance and speed when approaching an animal. However, all of the codes also have some similarities, including advising against deliberate human interaction, e.g. swimming with marine megafauna, including a separate code on basking sharks, published by the Shark Trust in the UK. In light of the growing network of wildlife-focused MPAs in Scotland (in particular the Sea of Hebrides proposed MPA for mobile species), and national aspirations for the growth of the marine tourism sector, we consider the potential implications of unregulated wildlife watching and the conservation objectives of protected areas for marine mammals and basking sharks. We also provide recommendations on how more formal wildlife-watching regulations could enhance MPA effectiveness and contribute to the emerging processes for Regional Marine Plans across Scotland and provide some insights for global marine wildlife tourism. Thanks, Sarah [WDC - Whale and Dolphin Conservation]<http://www.whales.org/> Sarah Dolman Senior policy manager Telephone: +44 (0)1316 617 722 Mobile: +44 (0)783 449 8275 WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Scottish Dolphin Centre Spey Bay Moray IV32 7PJ United Kingdom whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC on Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/whales.org> [WDC on Twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org> [WDC on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <http://whales.org/en/blog> [WDC E-Newsletter] <http://whales.org/en/newsletter> [http://www.wdcs.co.uk/media/images/EmailSignatureImages/Campaigns/UKBritish…]<http://uk.whales.org/campaigns/stop-british-airways-supporting-seaworld> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC") is a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02737421) and a registered charity (in England and Wales No. 1014705, in Scotland No. SC040231) WDC Shop is a trading name of WDC (Trading) Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02593116) Registered office : Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ. Tel: +44 (0)1249 449 500 This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify us and remove it from your system. ________________________________

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BOEM hiring a bioacoustician to serve in its headquarters office (Sterling, VA)
by Lewandowski, Jill 08 Sep '16

08 Sep '16

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is hiring a bioacoustician to work in its headquarters Office of Environmental Programs in Sterling, VA. Major duties are listed below. Applicants can apply at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/449744700. Applications are accepted through Septmber 28, 2016. - Work in coordination with an internal interdisciplinary team of modeler(s), biologist(s) and policy expert(s) to develop and pursue a long-term BOEM national policy and science strategy for effectively and efficiently addressing marine sound issues. - Drive the development of necessary improvements in assessment methodologies related to marine sound. - Produce written assessments of known effects of sound from BOEM-authorized activities on marine life and integrate information into BOEM environmental analyses and public information (e.g., white papers, publications, via website). Write and critically review bioacoustics portions of BOEM documents. - Identify, develop, and influence national strategies on marine bioacoustics-related research. - Represent BOEM as a subject matter expertise on bioacoustics to external constituents, such as participating in professional/scientific meetings and education and outreach events. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), within the U.S. Department of Interior, manages the exploration and development of the nation's offshore resources. It seeks to appropriately balance economic development, energy independence, and environmental protection through oil and gas leases, renewable energy development and environmental reviews and studies. For information about our bureau go to: http://www.boem.gov/. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Jill Lewandowski, Ph.D.* Chief, Division of Environmental Assessment Office of Environmental Programs Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 45600 Woodland Road, VAM-OEP Sterling Virginia 20166 Tel (703) 787-1703 Cell (571) 228-9081 Fax (703) 787-1026 www.boem.gov

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Announcement of the UKIRSC 2017 Student Conference
by Leticiaà Legat 08 Sep '16

08 Sep '16

The UK and Ireland Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy is pleased to announce its annual student conference. This will take place between 18th – 20th of January 2017 at the Marine Station, Plymouth University, England. Abstract deadline is 4th of January, 2017. For full details and to register, visit http://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/ukrsc/2017-conference-plymouth-england/ Best, Leticiaa Legat, UKIRSC Committee Member --- Leticiaa Legat, PhD Candidate Centre for Wildlife Conservation University of Cumbria, Lake District Campus Nook Lane, Ambleside Cumbria - UK LA22 9BB

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Info Systems Spec 1-Scientific Info Tech Support, Marine Mammal Laboratory, NOAA Fisheries, Seattle, WA
by Daniel Grosse 07 Sep '16

07 Sep '16

Information Systems Specialist I, Scientific Information Technology Support, Marine Mammal Laboratory, NOAA Fisheries, Seattle, WA Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a Information Systems Specialist I to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Marine Mammal Lab in Seattle, WA. OAI conducts research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support services to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species. The Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML) conducts research on marine mammals important to the mission of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with particular attention to issues related to marine mammals off the coasts of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. The lab seeks contractor support services to provide timely and efficient IT hardware and software customer support appropriate for an advanced scientific and technical environment, with an emphasis in hardware and software typically found in a scientific research environment. This is a contract position with OAI, for part-time work (1,184 hours per year; flexible schedule, such as full time during non-school time frame and part time during school). Salary: DOE. Excellent employee benefits are provided including paid medical insurance, and holiday, vacation and sick leave, and more. The work location will be at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Building 4, Seattle, WA 98115 Duties Assist Science Center staff in preparing new computers for customers, manual installation of software patches, preparing systems for excess, and performing helpdesk technical support for scientific and technical hardware and software. The work requires both taking direction from senior IT staff and the ability to exercise a moderate degree of independence and judgment. Specific tasks include: a. Assisting with: 1) Setting up new laptop and desktop computers for staff consistent with established policies and procedures. 2) Preparing laptop and desktop computers for excess consistent with established policies and procedures. 3) Annual information technology property inventory. 4) Helpdesk support for scientific and technical software that requires in-person troubleshooting. b. Under the direction of senior IT specialists, assist with installation of software patches required by various vendors that cannot be installed remotely. c. Provide timely and efficient IT hardware and software customer support services appropriate for an advanced scientific and technical environment. 6. Deliverables a. Successfully complete, and document the quantity, outcome, and pertinent details of the following via reports: 1) New laptop and desktop computers set up for staff, including custom installations of scientific and technical software. 2) Laptop and desktop computers prepared for excess by removal of all software and data. 3) Security vulnerabilities resolved locally. 4) Incidents resolved using in-person troubleshooting. 5) Follow-up contacts with users to make sure they are satisfied with incident resolution. 6) Checklists of IT property found in employee offices. b. Monthly Progress Status Reports. c. Relevant Guides and Written Procedures (Standard Operating Procedures) as needed. This is p Qualifications Selected individual(s) must have the following minimum qualifications: High school graduate with a minimum of one (1) year of experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or information management related field. Additional required qualifications include: a. High school or undergraduate-level knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of a technical professional field including science, engineering, computing, economics, statistics, mathematics and/or similar. b. Ability to use and troubleshoot computer equipment and software, including Windows operating systems (7/10) and Microsoft Office products. c. The ability to work well in a team and independently, with good communication and problem-solving skills. d. The ability to follow detailed verbal and written instructions. Additional preferred qualifications include: a. Basic understanding of Active Directory or Directory Services. b. Experience with helpdesk support. c. Experience with using Mac OS X and Apple iOS. d. Experience with customer support. Only qualified applicants that meet minimum experience or background requirements stated above need apply. Resumes must include the following: · Work history · Education · Previous experience in a same or similar position with the same or similar requirements · Professional references If you are interested in being considered for this position, please APPLY THROUGH OUR ADP WEB PORTAL, AT THIS LINK: https://workforcenow.adp.com/jobs/apply/posting.html?client=oceans&jobId=29… - Include your name in the document file name. - Sending your resume in readable (not scanned) PDF or Word format is preferred. When applying for this position you will be asked to upload your resume at the end of this online application. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check. Ocean Associates Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to self-identify their race, gender, national origin, disability status and veteran status. OAI is required to use the information it collects as part of its future affirmative action efforts in hiring. The information is collected anonymously by computer and is not connected to your application. You will see a place to check certain boxes in OAI's online application. Even though the information is anonymous, self-identification is voluntary. You can always check the box that says you decline to self-identify. Note: If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you, please let us know in the "Notes" section on the second page of the online application. Thank you. -Dr. John Everett, President, OAI

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New Pubblication on Cuvier’s Beaked Whale habitat in the Ligurian Sea
by Caterina Lanfredi 07 Sep '16

07 Sep '16

Please, could you post the following announcement to the Marmam list? Dear All, My co-author and I are pleased to announce a new publication on the Journal of Oceanography and Marine Research describing the oceanographic characteristics of Cuvier’s beaked whale habitat in the Gulf of Genoa (Ligurian Sea, NW Mediterranean). Lanfredi C, Azzellino A, D’Amico A, Centurioni L, Rella MA, Pavan G and Podestà M. (2016). Key Oceanographic Characteristics of Cuvier’s Beaked Whale (Ziphius cavirostris) Habitat in the Gulf of Genoa (Ligurian Sea, NW Mediterranean). J Oceanogr Mar Res 4:145. doi: 10.4172/jomr.1000145 Abstract Cuvier’s beaked whale presence has been associated worldwide with continental slope and submarine canyons areas. In the Mediterranean Sea, a hot spot of the species presence has been identified in the Genoa Canyon area, located in the Gulf of Genova (Ligurian Sea, NW Mediterranean Sea). Within the framework of the NATO Marine Mammal Risk Mitigation Project, several research cruises have been conducted between 1999 and 2011 in the Ligurian Sea area. During these cruises depth profiles of temperature, salinity, sound velocity, dissolved oxygen, fluorescence and turbidity as a function of depth were collected using a Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) and auxiliary sensors installed on a Rosette frame. Concurrently, Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) presence was assessed through visual observations. The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental characteristics of a beaked whale habitat in the Genoa canyon area correlating beaked whale presence with the oceanographic variables. A Logistic Regression model was developed using the data collected during the oceanographic campaign carried out in summer 2002. Model accuracy was also evaluated in the same area based on the data collected 9 years later in summer 2011. The depth of the maximum dissolved oxygen (Depth Ox Max) turned out to be a significant predictor of beaked whale presence in the studied area. Higher presence probabilities of beaked whales were found associated to higher turbidities of deep-water layers in both the calibration and evaluation set. Results suggest dynamic predictors may act as proxy of macro-scale features that characterise beaked whale habitats. Particularly the depth the maximum oxygen concentration may be a tracer of the vertical exchanges of water masses (i.e., downwelling), transferring energy from the surface waters to the deep waters where beaked whales feed on their prey. The paper is available on line at the following link: http://www.esciencecentral.org/journals/key-oceanographic-characteristics-o… Best regards, Caterina Lanfredi, PhD Marine Biologist Politecnico di Milano University of Technology, Milan DICA Environmental Engineering Department P.za Leonardo da Vinci, 32 20133 Milano - ITALY ph. +39 02 - 23996431 fax. +39 02 - 23996499

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New publication: Endangered baleen whale recovery in the Falkland Islands
by Amelie Auge 06 Sep '16

06 Sep '16

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of this new paper: Frans VF and Augé AA (2016). Use of local ecological knowledge to investigate endangered baleen whale recovery in the Falkland Islands. Biological Conservation 202: 127-137. http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1TgFJ1R~e3CjY (full article available open-access until 21 Oct). Abstract: Baleen whale populations have increased around the world after the end of commercial whaling in the 1980s. Anecdotes from local inhabitants of the Falkland Islands tell of an increase in whale sightings after an almost complete absence. However, no long-term monitoring exists to assess such recovery. With increasing maritime activities around the Islands, local managers need to understand the status and distribution of baleen whales to avoid impeding the potential recovery process. In the complete absence of scientific data, harvesting local ecological knowledge (LEK) from residents could provide means to assess whether whale numbers are increasing. We collected historical knowledge and mapped historical observations through structured interviews with 58 inhabitants and filtered observations for the highest reliability. We also collated existing historical catch and sighting data to compare species composition in inshore and offshore waters. A total of 3842 observations were compiled from the 1940s to 2015. This collation of information provided first-time evidence on the return of the whales in the Falkland Islands' waters. There was a clear increase in numbers of whales sighted, from no observations in the 1970s to 350 observations between 2010 and 2015 for similar effort, mostly of endangered sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). We mapped contemporary whale sighting hotspots to inform current marine spatial planning efforts. The use of LEK is highlighted here as a useful way to gain a better understanding of changes in the status of threatened species when no scientific monitoring has been conducted. Cheers Veronica and Amélie ______________________________________ Dr Amélie Augé South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI) Stanley Fakland Islands ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com ______________________________________________________________________

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NOAA Fisheries final rule to change ESA Listing of humpback whale
by Jonathan Shannon - NOAA Federal 06 Sep '16

06 Sep '16

Greetings MARMAM, After an extensive scientific status review and careful consideration of public comments and new information, NOAA Fisheries issued a final rule to change the Endangered Species Act listing of the humpback whale. We identified 14 Distinct Population Segments (DPSs) of humpback whales, listing 4 as endangered and 1 as threatened. The 9 others do not warrant listing under the ESA. The DPSs and their ESA status are as follows: West Indies DPS (not listed) *Cape Verde Islands/Northwest Africa DPS (endangered)* *Western North Pacific DPS (endangered)* Hawaii DPS (not listed) *Mexico DPS (threatened)* *Central America DPS (endangered)* Brazil DPS (not listed) Gabon/Southwest Africa DPS (not listed) Southeast Africa/Madagascar DPS (not listed) West Australia DPS (not listed) East Australia DPS (not listed) Oceania DPS (not listed) Southeastern Pacific DPS (not listed) *Arabian Sea DPS (endangered)* Whales from the threatened population (the Mexico DPS) and two of the endangered populations (the Western North Pacific DPS and the Central America DPS) do, at times, travel, feed, or breed within U.S. waters and may be encountered on the high seas. The other two endangered populations (Cape Verde Islands/Northwest Africa and Arabian Sea) do not spend time in U.S. waters, but may be encountered on the high seas. All ESA prohibitions against “take” apply to the endangered populations; the final rule extends these same protections to the threatened population (Mexico). All humpback whales remain protected in U.S. waters and on the high seas (from takes by any person subject to U.S. jurisdiction) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), regardless of their ESA listing status. For more information and to read the final listing rule, visit the Federal Register <https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/09/08/2016-21276/endangered-a…> . Two complementary rules also filed today that continue the approach regulations for humpback whales in Alaska <https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/09/08/2016-21278/alaska-humpb…> and Hawaii <https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/09/08/2016-21277/approach-reg…> . For information about applying for scientific research or commercial and educational photography/filming permits, please visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/index.html. For information about incidental take authorizations, visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/index.htm. For questions about your permit or authorization, contact your permit analyst in the NOAA Fisheries Permits and Conservation Division at 301-427-8401. These changes are significant because we recognize that the species is doing well and most populations have increased in abundance. Identifying distinct population segments of humpback whales allows for tailored conservation of the populations that need it the most and addresses the most harmful threats hampering their recovery. Thank you for your continued work to understand marine mammals and their environment, it informs responsible management and helps pave the way for future conservation successes. 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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