September 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Dolphins in a scaled-down Mediterranean: the Gulf of Corinth's odontocetes
by Giovanni Bearzi 03 Sep '16

03 Sep '16

Dear Colleagues, the article below has just become available: Bearzi G., Bonizzoni S., Santostasi N.L., Furey N.B., Eddy L., Valavanis V.D., Gimenez O. 2016. Dolphins in a scaled-down Mediterranean: the Gulf of Corinth's odontocetes. Advances in Marine Biology 75: Mediterranean Marine Mammal Ecology and Conservation. ISSN 0065-2881. ABSTRACT - The Gulf of Corinth is a 2400-km2 semi-enclosed inland system (a mediterraneus) in central Greece. Its continental shelf areas, steep bottom relief, and waters up to 500900 m deep offer suitable habitat to neritic and pelagic species. We used photographic capturerecapture, distribution modelling, and direct observations to investigate the abundance, status, habitat preferences, movements, and group size of four odontocete species regularly observed in the Gulf, based on five years (20112015) of survey effort from small boats. Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) are more abundant (1324 individuals, 95%CI 11581515) than was determined from previous estimates. Striped dolphins appear to be confined to the Gulf, where they favour deep and oligotrophic waters, and were encountered in single-species and mixed-species groups. Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) (22 individuals, 95%CI 1631), individuals with intermediate pigmentation (possibly striped/common dolphin hybrids) (55, 95%CI 3683), and a single Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) were only encountered in mixed-species groups with striped dolphins. Short-beaked common dolphins constitute a discrete conservation unit (subpopulation), and based on the current estimate, would qualify as Critically Endangered according to International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria. Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (39 animals, 95%CI 3347) occur in single-species groups; they prefer continental shelf waters and areas near fish farms in the northern sector, and several animals appear to move into and out of the Gulf. Additionally, we contribute records of marine fauna and an assessment of the fishing fleet operating in the Gulf. Our study shows that the importance of this vulnerable marine environment has been underestimated, and management action must be taken to mitigate human impact and ensure long-term protection. The full text can be accessed via this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/bs.amb.2016.07.003 Alternatively, a pdf copy can be requested to: giovanni.bearzi(a)gmail.com - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi Dolphin Biology and Conservation <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/>

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Re: [MARMAM] Spring graduate course in Biotelemetry
by Kit Kovacs 03 Sep '16

03 Sep '16

Spring 2017 (April and into the first week in May) Biotelemetry and Biologging will be offered at UNIS in Svalbard. This course is taught at the High Arctic Campus in Longyearbyen with field elements in the surrounding area (Isfjorden, Templefjorden etc.). The course will start with Arctic safety training Topics in the course will include the following: 1) Basic principles for radio signal transmission & antenna theory 2) Telemetric technology, regulations and management of frequencies 3) Ethics (animal welfare) in biotelemetry/biologging 4) Introduction to VHF-based telemetry andGPS-positioning systems in biotelemetry -transmitters applications and limitations 5) Telemetry & biologging equipment - a manufacturers perspective 6) User "issues" - another manufacturer's perspective - trouble shooting 7) Maps, mapping and GPS technology - Practical applications 8) Acoustic telemetry - Methods & Science questions 9) Range size, habitat use etc. (Storage, and retrieval of data and the integration of animal tracks and terrestrial environmental data) 10) An introduction to GIS tools 11) Design considerations/limitations in marine mammal biotelemetry 12) Biotelemetry and biologging with Svalbard's marine mammals - case studies 13) Linking marine mammal telemetry & the environment - MAMVIS & statistical tools 14) Remote methods in sea bird research - transponders, photographic systems & tracking case studies 15) Fish tracking 16) Physiological telemetry -applications and potential 17) Looking into the future.... Marine mammals will be featured heavily - though not exclusively - in this course offering. Applications are due 15 October - see below for details (late applicants are very unlikely to get placements). Prof. Kit M. Kovacs Course coordinator UNIS offers internationally recognized research- and field-based education in Arctic sciences, and provide students with modern research infrastructure. Student evaluations indicate that students rate their UNIS experience as "awesome". The application deadline is October 15 2016, and you will find information on how to apply here<http://www.unis.no/studies/regulations-and-routines/how-to-apply/> If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the student advisors at UNIS directly: study(a)unis.no<mailto:study@unis.no>

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JIP - E&P Sound and Marine Life - new RFP
by Campbell, John, IOGP 02 Sep '16

02 Sep '16

Dear MARMAM Subscribers The E&P Sound & Marine Life Joint Industry Programme (JIP) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to further understand the potential environmental impact and/or benefit of using marine vibrator technology for the acquisition of geophysical data. There is a range of source technologies and source methods currently under development aimed at delivering an alternative technology to compressed air source for use in geophysical data acquisition. Marine vibrator technology is one such alternative currently under development, and is the technology of specific focus for this RFP. This preliminary desk-top study will evaluate the available source measurements from marine vibrator designs currently under development in order to complete an informed comparison with compressed air sources and better understand the potential environmental impacts of marine vibrator technology and its operating conditions. These impacts could include those which might call for further investigation due to the nature and magnitude of the risk potential identified in this preliminary study. This study will build upon previous JIP research<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.soundandmarinelife.…> which completed an environmental assessment of marine vibrator technology using a set of hypothetical source characteristics compared to a conventional compressed air source array. Applicants will need to demonstrate expertise on acoustics, geophysical exploration sources, data quality and acquisition methods, and the biology of marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates. It also preferable for applicants to have experience of working on Environmental Assessment within the oil & gas industry. More information on the RFP can be found here: http://www.soundandmarinelife.org/news.aspx The deadline for submission is 7 October 2016 Yours sincerely JOHN A CAMPBELL John Campbell Technical Director email: jac(a)iogp.org phone: +44 20 3763 9707 International Association of Oil & Gas Producers City Tower, 40 Basinghall Street, London, EC2V 5DE, UK reception: +44 20 3763 9700 web: www.iogp.org [IOGP logo] <https://twitter.com/IOGP_News> Follow @IOGP_News This e-mail was sent by The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP). IOGP is registered in England. Registration number: 1832064. Registered office: City Tower, 40 Basinghall Street, London, EC2V 5DE

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New Publication on Marine Mammal Take Reduction Teams
by Sara McDonald 01 Sep '16

01 Sep '16

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Policy: Comparing stakeholder perceptions with empirical outcomes from negotiated rulemaking policies: Is participant satisfaction a proxy for policy success? Sara L. McDonald, Rebecca L. Lewison, Stephen E. Roady, Randall Kramer, Deborah Rigling-Gallagher, and Andrew J. Read ABSTRACT Evaluation of natural resource management policies often is made difficult by lack of robust or long-term data on the resource. In the absence of empirical data, natural resource policy evaluation may rely on expert or stakeholder perception of success as a proxy, particularly in the context of policies that depend on multi-stakeholder engagement or negotiated rulemaking. However, few formal evaluations have compared empirical ecological outcomes with stakeholder perception. This study compares stakeholder perceptions of policy outcomes with ecological outcomes from a long-term, ecological dataset as part of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act's Take Reduction Planning process. Structural Equation Models revealed that stakeholder perceptions were significantly and positively related to positive ecological outcomes. Also, perceived success and ecological performance rankings of the Take Reduction Plans were comparable for three of the five plans examined. This analysis suggests that for this particular policy instrument, stakeholder perception aligns well with ecological outcomes, and this positive relationship is likely the result of a commitment and support for stakeholder education and engagement. However, even within a single policy analysis, there was variability suggesting that the relationship between stakeholder perceptions and policy out comes must continue to be evaluated. This study suggests that stakeholder perception can be an accurate reflection of ecological outcomes, but not necessarily a predictor of them. Citation: McDonald, S.L., R.L. Lewison, S.E. Roady, R. Kramer, D. Rigling-Gallagher, and A.J. Read. 2016. Comparing stakeholder perceptions with empirical outcomes from negotiated rulemaking policies: Is participant satisfaction a proxy for policy success? Marine Policy 73:224-230. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like additional information. Cheers, Sara ***************************** Sara McDonald, Ph.D. SFW Fisheries Scientist P 831-644-7510 Monterey Bay Aquarium 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 www.montereybayaquarium.org Our mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean.

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Request for high-sample-rate marine recordings/spectrograms
by Michael Stocker 01 Sep '16

01 Sep '16

Dear MARMAM subscribers, Increasingly various ocean enterprises are introducing high frequency communication signals into marine habitats in the 20kHz to 100kHz range. These signals are used for many tasks including navigation beacons, locating/orienting signals, current profilers, tidal altimeters, and multi-nodal communication networks for autonomous equipment monitoring and control. These frequencies overlap odontocete bio-sonar frequencies and depending on the task and required broadcast reach, signals from some of this equipment exceeds regulatory noise exposure thresholds for marine mammals. Unfortunately much of the long-term acoustical monitoring of marine environments is performed at a sample rates well below the broadcast frequencies of concern and thus these signals are going unnoticed. But we do have some spectrograms that have been sampled at a higher rate - 92kHz and above where continuous high frequency signals are quite apparent - and persistent. We have some good ideas about where these technologies can be found, and a rough idea on how fast these technologies are proliferating globally. But due to the cost associated with marine reconnaissance we don't have a lot of empirical data. We are seeking recordings or spectrograms that would help us characterize/quantify the development and proliferation of signals that overlap this bioacoustic niche. Thanks in advance for your assistance. Michael Stocker http://www.planetwhale.com/img/618ocr_logo_041510_v51297800494.jpg Michael Stocker, Director Ocean Conservation Research P.O. Box 559 Lagunitas, CA 94938 Mobile: 415-488-0553 Email: <mailto:mstocker@ocr.org> mstocker(a)ocr.org <http://www.ocr.org/> http://www.ocr.org

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New publication on erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae isolation in southern rigth whales
by Carla Daniela Fiorito 01 Sep '16

01 Sep '16

Dear Marmamers My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new article in Disease of Aquatics Organisms: Fiorito CD, Bentancor A, Lombardo D and Bertellotti M. (2016) Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae isolated from gull-inflicted wounds in southern right whale calves. Diseases of Aquatics Organisms Vol. 121: 67–73, 2016. doi: 10.3354/dao03041 Abstract: Southern right whales Eubalaena australis from Peninsula Valdés, Argentina, show wounds produced by kelp gulls Larus dominicanus that feed on the whales’ dorsal skin and blubber. During the 2013 whale season, several calves were reported showing kelp gull injuries with a swollen area surrounded by rhomboid-shaped raised edges. Samples from 9 calves were taken in order to establish the etiology of these rhomboid-shaped wounds; 2 calves (one living, one dead) showed gull-inflicted injuries with rhomboid-shaped edges. Samples from the dead calf were histologically characterized by the presence of dermal congestion, suppurative dermatitis and panniculitis, necrotizing vasculitis and vascular thrombosis. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was detected by culture and PCR in samples from both calves. In this study we report, for the first time to our knowledge, the isolation of E. rhusiopathiae from wounds produced by gull attacks on southern right whale calves, supplying evidence that these wounds may act as an entry route for pathogens. This work provides new information about the consequences of gull-inflicted injuries for whale health. Full text is aviable at: http://www.int-res.com/articles/dao2016/121/d121p067.pdf or email me directly for a PDF copy: carlafiorito(a)gmail.com Best regards!! -- *Carla D. Fiorito, Veterinaria.* *Ecofisiología Aplicada al Manejo y Conservación de la Fauna Silvestre.* *Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR)Centro Nacional Patagónico (CENPAT - CONICET)Bv. Brown 2915, U9120ACF. Puerto Madryn,Chubut, Argentina. * *Tel: + 54 280 4883184 (int. 1603)* *Cátedra de Histología y Embriología Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias Universidad de Buenos Aires * *“Una necropsia es un mensaje de sabiduría de los muertos hacia los vivos”* *"Mortus vivos docent"*

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New publication on bottlenose dolphin social networks in Golfo Dulce
by Kelsey Moreno 01 Sep '16

01 Sep '16

Dear Marmam Subscribers, My co-author and I are pleased to announce a new publication in Royal Society Open Science describing the patterning of social networks in Golfo Dulce and testing the impact of feeding behaviors on that social structure by comparing patterning between behavioral states. Moreno K, Acevedo-Gutiérrez A. 2016 The social structure of Golfo Dulce bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and the influence of behavioural state. R. Soc. open sci. 3: 160010.http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.160010 The paper is open access and is available at http://rsos. royalsocietypublishing.org/cgi/content/abstract/rsos.160010 Or full text can be found at the following links: HTML Full Text: http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/ cgi/content/full/rsos.160010?ijkey=G23wcOlbWPwLQLS&keytype=ref PDF: http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/cgi/reprint/rsos.160010?ijkey= G23wcOlbWPwLQLS&keytype=ref Abstract - Ecological factors such as habitat and food availability affect the social structure of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.). Here, we describe the social structure of bottlenose dolphins (T. truncatus) in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, a semi-enclosed, fjord-like tropical embayment resembling a pelagic system. We also examine behaviour-linked social strategies by comparing social structure relative to behavioural state: feeding versus non-feeding. We analysed 333 sightings over 210 days from boat-based surveys. Despite the uniqueness of the area, the 47 analysed adults had a social structure similar to other populations: a well-differentiated fission–fusion society with sex-specific patterns of associations and aggression. These results indicate that differences in social structure relative to other populations were a matter of degree. Association strength of dyads was highly correlated across behavioural states, indicating constraints on social fluidity. Males displayed a marked difference in lagged association rate and females displayed a small difference in association homogeneity between states. We suggest this difference in population-wide social connections between behavioural states, particularly for males, was due to mating strategies, a pressure which is strongest during non-feeding behaviour and relaxed during feeding. This finding highlights the importance of considering behavioural state when examining individual bonds and the behavioural plasticity for which the bottlenose dolphin is well known. Kelsey R. Moreno, B.S. MA/PhD Student Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Laboratory University of Southern Mississippi Email: Kelsey.Moreno(a)usm.edu or Kelsey.R.Moreno(a)gmail.com

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Announcement of availability of tissue samples collected from stranded marine mammals within the Gulf of Mexico
by DWHMammal Samples - NOAA Service Account 01 Sep '16

01 Sep '16

*Announcement of availability of tissue samples collected from stranded marine mammals within the Gulf of Mexico * During and after the* Deepwater Horizon* oil spill, numerous biological samples were collected from stranded cetaceans found in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Due to the unique nature of these samples being collected following the *Deepwater Horizon* oil spill, NOAA recognizes that these samples may be of particular interest to the broader research community. NOAA intends to make a portion of the samples from this collection available to the scientific community. Samples are primarily from bottlenose dolphins, though tissues from some other species may be available. Samples were collected from strandings between the Florida Panhandle and Louisiana from 2010 to early 2016. There are 2 types of samples addressed in this email. Those that will be made available in the near time through this request, and those that will go to the National Marine Mammal Tissue Bank (NMMTB) for archival and can be requested in the future. *Near-term sample availability: * Certain types of tissues will be available for distribution this fall. These include formalin-fixed tissues from fresh dead and moderately decomposed cetaceans (code 2 & 3 cases), as well as a limited number of whole stomachs and teeth. A limited number of samples from severely decomposed cetaceans (code 4) may be available including frozen skin, blubber, and muscle. Organizations interested in obtaining tissues (per 50 CFR 216.22 and/or 216.37) should complete the attached sample request form and *return it by September 19, 2016* to *DWHmammalsamples(a)noaa.gov <DWHmammalsamples(a)noaa.gov>*. Requests received in a different format or after this date may not be able to be processed. Please let us know on the attached form what types of samples you are interested in (tissue type, fixative, species, geographic area, strand date range). Requesters must have or be in the process of applying for authorization to receive marine mammal parts under 50 CFR 216.22 or 216.37 (e.g., parts authorization letter, marine mammal permit, stranding agreement). Requesters will be responsible for all shipping fees. Tissues can only be distributed to researchers within the United States. *Future sample availability:* In early 2017, frozen tissue samples collected from fresh dead and moderately decomposed cetaceans (code 2 & 3, e.g. small frozen tissue samples collected for analyses such as virology, Brucella, PAH, and biotoxins) stored at the NMMTB will be available for research requests. A future notification about how to access these tissues will be issued later in the fall of 2016. Questions regarding this process can be emailed to DWHmammalsamples(a)noaa.gov .

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Seeking whale and dolphin sightings from Namibian waters
by Tess Gridley - Namibian Dolphin Project 01 Sep '16

01 Sep '16

Dear Marmam community, The Namibian Dolphin Project (www.namibiandolphinproject.com) in association with Sea Search Africa (www.seasearch.co.za) are collating cetacean sightings records from Namibian waters for an ongoing study investigating the occurrence of marine mammals in this region. Of particular interest are sightings made since the year 2000. If you have, or know someone who has, cetacean sightings data we would love to hear from you. Please contact Dr Tess Gridley on nam.dolphin.project(a)gmail.com, to discuss this project in further detail. We look forward to hearing from you, The Namibian Dolphin Project Team -- --------------------------------------------------- Tess Gridley PhD Namibian Dolphin Project & Sea Search www.namibiandolphinproject.com www.seasearch.co.za Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa Tel: 021 788 1206 Cell: 0794292702 Skype: tess.gridley

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PhD and MSc opportunities in Cetacean Ecology
by Guido Parra Vergara 31 Aug '16

31 Aug '16

Dear MARMAM readers, The Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL<http://www.cebel.org.au>) at the School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University (South Australia)<http://www.flinders.edu.au/science_engineering/biology/>, is currently seeking two highly motivated students: 1) a MSc student to investigate the population demographics of bottlenose dolphins in the North West Cape, Western Australia; and 2) a PhD student to investigate the underlying behavioural mechanisms and the function(s) of interspecific interactions and mixed species associations in sympatric inshore dolphins. Both projects on offer will make use of an already available three-year dataset, new data to be collected during the project and integrative methodologies including focal follows, behavioural observations, biopsy sampling, mark-recapture and ecological modelling. These projects are part of a collaborative research program between CEBEL<http://www.cebel.org.au/> and Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU<http://www.mucru.org/>) which is aimed at enhancing our understanding of natural populations of inshore dolphins and using this knowledge to improve the scientific basis behind their conservation and management. The successful applicants will commence in 2017 and be supervised by Dr. Guido J. Parra (CEBEL) and Professor Lars Bejder (MUCRU). We are interested in students who are able to secure an Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship (APAS)/Flinders University Research Scholarships (FURS) or are able to secure a scholarship from and alternative source (e.g. home government in the case of international students). APAS/ FURS scholarships are available to Australian, New Zealand and Australian permanent residents or international students who have completed an honours or equivalent qualification at an Australian University no more than three years prior to the application closing date. Both positions will be available pending the selected students gain MSc and PhD scholarships. Requirements: * BSc(Hons 1) or Masters, or equivalent in an appropriate subject, such as ecology, animal behaviour, marine biology, biology, oceanography, or a related field is required for enrolment in the PhD program. * A BSc(Hons 1) in an appropriate subject, such as ecology, animal behaviour, marine biology, biology, oceanography, or a related field is required for enrolment in the MSc. program. * Applicants should have at least one year of experience in collecting and processing ecological data and a strong background in analytical, quantitative and statistical techniques. * Proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Access and familiarity with computer packages such as R, MARK and ArcGIS will be advantageous. * Previous field experience including boat handling, behavioural observations and photo-identification of dolphins. * Applicants must be willing to relocate to Exmouth, Western Australia, for periods of up to 6 months while doing fieldwork. * An Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Certificate of Competency as a Coxswain or the willingness to obtain one. Application Details: Interested applicants should send an expression of interest to Dr. Guido J. Parra (guido.parra(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:guido.parra@flinders.edu.au>) no later than 19th September. Please send a single PDF file containing: 1. A letter of intent specifying your interest in the specific MSc or Ph.D. Project position 2. Curriculum vitae 3. Names and contact details of two references familiar with your research work and work ethics, including your current or past academic supervisor. References will be requested for short listed applicants. 4. A transcript of subjects taken and grades obtained. An official transcript is not necessary - a copy is sufficient. We aim to contact shortlisted candidates by 26th September. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship Closing Date: 31-10-2016. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the documentation needed for scholarship application so that they are prepared to meet application deadlines. For scholarship information, see below: Australian, New Zealand, Australian permanent residents or international students who have completed an honours or equivalent qualification at an Australian University no more than three years prior to the application closing date see: Flinders University Research Scholarships (FURS)<http://www.flinders.edu.au/scholarships-system/index.cfm/scholarships/displ…>. Closing Date: 31-10-2016. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. All the best, Guido ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Guido J. Parra, PhD Senior Lecturer | School of Biological Sciences Flinders University Research leader | Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) * Staff: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/guido.parra * Lab: www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> School of Biological Sciences Flinders University Sturt Road, Bedford Park 5042 SA, Adelaide GPO Box 2100 Adelaide, SA 5001 Australia * +61 8 8201 3565|* guido.parra(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:guido.parra@flinders.edu.au> [http://www.lmf.bgu.tum.de/images/pers/koerner/ResearchGate.png]<http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Guido_Parra>[cid:image002.png@01D16284.AB221E00]<https://www.facebook.com/CEBELresearch> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ P Please consider the environment before printing this email CRICOS Registered Provider. The Flinders University of South Australia|CRICOS provider Number: 00114A

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