January 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Research Intern opportunity at The Marine Mammal Center - APPLICATION DEADLINE JAN 6th
by Christine Fontaine 03 Jan '17

03 Jan '17

The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) is a non-profit hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick, injured or orphaned marine mammals. Also integral to the Center's mission are the research and education programs that expand our knowledge of marine mammals, and their ocean environment, and inspire global conservation. Since 1975, TMMC volunteers and staff have responded to more than 18,000 stranded pinnipeds, cetaceans, and sea otters along California's central coast. For more information about TMMC, please visit: www.marinemammalcenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org>. The Science Department at The Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for an unpaid internship position in our research division. There are three intern opportunities, winter, spring and summer. The Science and Research Internship is available at our main hospital in Sausalito. For more information on this internship please visit: http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/Get-Involved/volunteer/internship-opportu… Responsibilities: Some of the projects the successful candidate may participate in are: 1. Assist with necropsies: Necropsies are performed on all animals that die during treatment at the center. Depending on the case, some necropsies require a significant amount of sampling. Primary responsibilities will include: assisting with necropsy sample collection, data collection, archiving samples, stocking necropsy lab, and clean up. 2. Data entry and cleaning: The goal of this project is to improve data integrity, standardization, and volume in the Veterinary Science Department's databases (FileMaker Pro). These data include animal care and medical records, diagnostic results, specimen tracking information, and stranding and disposition details. Intern tasks may include entry of respective data from hard-copy records and data checking and cleaning. 3. Specimen archive project: This project will focus on tracking and optimizing the storage of archived specimens collected from live and dead marine mammals. Intern duties will primarily include: freezer inventory. 4. Library project: This project involves cataloging scientific publications into TMMC's hardcopy and electronic libraries. Intern duties will primarily include: reference entry using EndNote X, restocking hardcopy reprints, and scanning hardcopy publications. 5. Animal Crew: If there is interest, the selected intern will have the opportunity to spend one day on an animal crew. Animal crew's duties include feeding the patients, cleaning the pens, restraining animals for feeds and/or procedures. Training is provided. In addition, the intern will assist with other duties within the Science Department as needed, such as filing paperwork, rescues and releases ________________________________ Intern Qualifications: * All applicants must be 21 years of age or older and engaged or recent completed undergraduate studies. * A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field. * Computer proficiency, especially with Microsoft Office Suite. * Comfortable hiking 5 miles and lifting 50 lbs. * There is no compensation for this internship position and the successful applicant will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. * If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. ________________________________ Christine Fontaine Senior Research Assistant The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Rd Sausalito, CA 94965 T: 415-289-7377 F: 415-754-4078

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U.S. FWS Seeks Proposals from States & US Territories for 2017 Endangered Species Grants
by Tracy Gill - NOAA Federal 03 Jan '17

03 Jan '17

If you know any state/US territory folks who might be interested . . . ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: FWS News and Information <fws-news(a)lists.fws.gov> Date: Tue, Jan 3, 2017 at 2:00 PM Subject: [fws-news] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Proposals from States for 2017 Endangered Species Grants. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Proposals from States for 2017 Endangered Species Grants January 3, 2017 *Contact(s):* Contact: Brian Hires, brian_hires(a)fws.gov, (703) 358-2191 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking proposals from states and U.S. territories for federal financial assistance for conservation activities that benefit the nation’s most imperiled species. The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF), authorized under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act, provides grants to support voluntary conservation projects for listed species and species that are candidates for listing. For fiscal year (FY) 2017, the President’s budget requested $53.495 million for CESCF. The actual amount of funding available is based on Congress passing a final appropriations bill for the Department of the Interior. The Service is seeking proposals in three categories: - *Recovery Land Acquisition Grants**:* provide funds for the acquisition of habitat in support of approved and draft species recovery plans. - *Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance Grants:* provide funds to support the development of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) that protect habitat for listed species while providing for economic growth and development. - *HCP Land Acquisition Grants**:* provide funds to acquire habitat for listed species associated with HCPs. To receive a CESCF grant, a state or territory must have a current cooperative agreement with the Secretary of the Interior and contribute at least 25 percent of the total project cost, or 10 percent when two or more states or territories undertake a joint project. Proposals must be submitted electronically through grants.gov <http://www.grants.gov/>, or to the appropriate Service regional offices by March 17, 2017. For more information and application requirements, contact: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Branch of Recovery and State Grants, 5275 Leesburg Pike MS: ES, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803; tel: 703-358-2171 <(703)%20358-2171>. The CESCF is number 15.615 in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. Learn more about the grants, including details of grants awarded in FY 2016, at www.fws.gov/endangered/grants. ------------------------------ *The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov <http://www.fws.gov/>*. *For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/ <http://www.fws.gov/>. Connect with our Facebook page <https://www.facebook.com/usfws>, follow our tweets <https://twitter.com/usfws>, watch our YouTube Channel <https://www.youtube.com/usfws> and download photos from our Flickr page <http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq/>*. *************************************************************************** You are subscribed to fws-news, an email list for news releases and other official announcements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. News releases are also available online at http://www.fws.gov/news/ To modify or cancel your subscription, please visit https://www.fws.gov/lists/options/fws-news. You may also cancel by sending an email message to fws-news-request(a)lists.fws.gov <fws-news-request@lists> with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line. Questions concerning a particular news release or item of information should be directed to the person listed as the contact. General comments or observations concerning the content of the information should be directed to Malcomb Barsella (malcomb_barsella(a)fws.gov <malcomb_barsella(a)fws.gov?subject=News+Releases>) in the Office of External Affairs. Messages sent directly to this list will not be answered. ***************************************************************************

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Field Research Internships- Whale and Dolphin Conservation, NA - Spring and summer 2017
by Monica Pepe 03 Jan '17

03 Jan '17

WDC North America (NA), located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers internships and field volunteer positions, providing research, policy, education and administration experience in working for an international non-profit organization. We are currently accepting applications for our spring positions (beginning as early as April 1st) AND summer positions (beginning as early as May 1st). The deadline to submit an application for SPRING positions is Sunday, January 29th by 11:59PM EDT. The deadline to submit an application for SUMMER positions is Sunday, March 12th by 11:59PM EDT. Anyone wishing to submit an application for the summer may send theirs in at any time. The focus of the WDC internship/volunteer program is to give participants exposure to all aspects of working with a conservation non-profit organization. Successful candidates are tasked with everything from field research to office administration. All interns gain experience with public speaking by interacting with passengers aboard whale watching vessels, participating in school talks and other public outreach events. Other potential opportunities include writing blogs, water sampling, attending workshops/conferences, and responding to stranded marine mammals, though these are not guaranteed opportunities. This program exposes interns to real world experiences that will help them develop the skills and understanding needed to succeed in the field of marine mammal conversation and research. Participants will gain an in-depth perspective of this field and a better understanding of where their interests lie. Through this internship, a number of skills are developed including analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. As part of the field work experience, interns will learn species identification, behavioral sequencing, data collection and photo identification research techniques on marine mammals in the Gulf of Maine. They will also have the opportunity to go out on commercial whale watching boats several times a week (field season is April through October) to photograph and record sightings of humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as other notable marine wildlife. The frequency of fieldwork is weather dependent. Days not in the field will be spent at the office uploading photos and data into our photo identification database or working on any projects that might be assigned. The internship is a full time position. At the end of the program our hope is that interns will be able to leave with a comprehensive understanding of both the exciting and routine aspects of what it takes to research and conserve marine mammals. There is no fee or compensation for the internship/volunteer positions. Participants must arrange for their own transportation to and from Plymouth and provide their own food. Limited housing with a shared bedroom is available on site for a monthly fee of $300, which is strictly to offset the cost of housing. Assistance can be provided in finding alternate housing at the request of the applicant, and those that can provide their own housing are encouraged to apply. WDC is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university. The program requires a minimum commitment of 12 weeks, with the possibility of extending the term on a case-by-case basis. International applicants interested in the internship program must be able to secure their own travel Visa and other required documentation. Candidate Requirements * Fluency in English. * Must be 18 years or older (preference given to students matriculated in or recently graduated from appropriate graduate or under graduate degree programs.) * Be able to show proof of valid health insurance. * Act effectively as a member of a close-knit team. * Be open to long days in the field or office. * Ability to work on sea going vessels for long hours that may require physical labor. * Good computer skills - familiarity with operating PCs and MACs. * Excellent verbal and written communications skills. * Familiar with literature research protocols is beneficial. * Ability to function well under pressure. * Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups of people of all ages and able to handle unanticipated situations. * Familiarity with DSLR camera, GPS equipment is preferred. * Possession of a valid driver's license is strongly preferred. * Ability to impart information in an understandable way to the public under a variety of conditions. NOTE: You need not be a marine biology student/graduate to apply. There is no requirement for a relevant degree program. How to Apply Please submit the following via e-mail to monica.pepe(a)whales.org<mailto:monica.pepe@whales.org>: 1. Cover letter and resume 2. Contact information for two references including e-mail, phone number, and your affiliation to the reference 3. A supporting document of no more than 500 words answering one of the following: * Do whales die through human's knowledge or ignorance? * Preservation or conservation. Which offers the best route to a sustainable population of an endangered species and why? Applicants should make sure they clearly indicate their availability (specific dates, if possible) in their cover letter. We are currently accepting applications for our spring positions (beginning as early as April 1st) AND summer positions (beginning as early as May 1st). The deadline to submit an application for SPRING positions is Sunday, January 29th by 11:59PM EDT. The deadline to submit an application for SUMMER positions is Sunday, March 12th by 11:59PM EDT. Anyone wishing to submit an application for the summer may send theirs in at any time. Click here for more information on the internship program<http://us.whales.org/wdc-na-field-research-internship-program>. Any additional questions should be directed to Monica Pepe via email at monica.pepe(a)whales.org<mailto:monica.pepe@whales.org> or by calling the office at (508) 746-2522. [http://www.wdcs.org/images/ESM/SignatureImages/Vert_Logo2.png]<http://www.whales.org/> Monica Pepe Policy Manager Conservation and Education Telephone: +1 508 746 2522 Skype monica.c.pepe WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation 7 Nelson Street Plymouth MA 02360-4044 United States 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.org/images/ESM/CampaignImages/USPledgeNever.png]<http://us.whales.org/pledge-never-to-plunge> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC"), Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. WDC, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: +1 (508) 746-2522 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. ________________________________

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Volunteer position 2017 Cetacealab
by CetaceaLab 03 Jan '17

03 Jan '17

Cetacea Lab is a whale research facility located along the remote north coast of British Columbia, Canada. We are now accepting applications for the 2017 field season from mid-May until the end of September. All positions are for 1 to 2 month duration. There is a weekly fee for food. These are volunteer/intern positions to help with the collection of data on the habitat use and abundance of northern resident/transient killer whales, humpback and fin whales. Both the lab and out camp are located in areas of high abundance of all 3 species. Due to our remote location applicants need to be in good physical condition, able to participate with the daily routine of living off the grid and comfortable sleeping in a tent in the wilderness of BC. There is a lot of hard physical work that will come with this position, you must be fit without any physical injuries. There are no roads, very limited Internet access, and power is completely off the grid. - Daily shifts involve scanning for whales, documenting all sightings and when possible to take identification pictures of whales - Listening and recording all whale vocalizations that are transmitted to the lab facility from our network of hydrophone stations - Data entry from land based and marine vessel based surveys - Identification work of all whales from photographs taken in the field - There will also be a lot of heavy lifting and moving over uneven rocky terrain, chopping wood ( our only source of heat) and assistance with the physical maintenance of the hydrophone stations. - Experience with carpentry, electronics, computers, acoustic software programs and environmental communications would be a valuable asset. Interested applicants should send a letter describing why they would like to join our team, CV and letter of reference to cetacealab(a)gmail.com. References will be contacted. More information about our research can be found at www.forwhales.org All the Best, Hermann Meuter

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Field Internships with the Namibian Dolphin Project
by Simon Elwen 03 Jan '17

03 Jan '17

Dear Marmammers - The Namibian Dolphin Project is a research and conservation organization run by several independent scientists based in southern Africa. We are running research internships in 2017 and would like to invite students enrolled in marine biology, ecology and zoology degrees to attend. These 4 week long internships will take place between 25 June to 23 July 2017 and 30 July to 27 August 2017 in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Interns will join an active research programme during an intensive period of field work aiming to tackle a number of research questions including long-term population monitoring (photo ID and static acoustic monitoring), behavioural acoustics of bottlenose dolphins (linking sounds to behaviours), behavioural and acoustic responses to anthropogenic activities and response to strandeded cetaceans (refloatation/data colleciton). Our focal study species are Heaviside's dolphin, a small population of common bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales with additional data collection on right whales, sunfish (Mola mola), African Penguins and sea turtles and of course any other cetaceans that visit. Internships are research focused with an emphasis on learning (and using) field skills used in cetacean research such as photo-identification, acoustic and behavioural data collection, as well as data management and team work. Interns will work closely with the project leaders Dr Tess Gridley and Dr Simon Elwen. We are amenable to students using data collected during internships for student projects. A fee of 2100 USD is associated with this internship, this covers all research training, field work, accommodation and food for each 4 week field period. Please note we have a limited number of spaces available (max 5 interns per 4 week field period). If you are interested in joining our research team during one of these periods please send a letter of motivation and your CV in an email with the subject Research Internship 2017_Namibia to nam.dolphin.edu(a)gmail.com. More information can be found on the Namibian Dolphin Project and our umbrella organisation Sea Search by following these links ( www.namibiandolphinproject.com www.seasearch.co.za) Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions regarding this training opportunity. Kind regards Namibian Dolphin Project Team www.namibiandolphinproject.com namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com

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New Publication: Historical Biogeography of Delphininae Dolphins and Related Taxa (Artiodactyla: Delphinidae)
by Karina Amaral 02 Jan '17

02 Jan '17

Dear MARMAM readers, We are glad to annouce a new publication in Journal of Mammalian Evolution: do Amaral, K.B., Amaral, A. R., Fordyce, R.E., Moreno, I.B. (2016) Historical Biogeography of Delphininae Dolphins and Related Taxa (Artiodactyla: Delphinidae). J Mammal Evol. doi: 10.1007/s10914-016-9376-3 Abstract Delphinine dolphins arose via a recent, rapid radiation, probably within the last four million years. Although molecular phylogenies are increasingly well resolved, patterns of morphology-ecology-geography are hard to link to phylogeny or to translate into taxonomy. Such problems might be tackled through understanding the drivers of the delphinine radiation. Here, we examine delphinine historical biogeography using the phylogeny of McGowen et al. (Mol Phylogenet Evol 53:891– 906, 2009) as our working hypothesis. We used the Spatial Analysis of Vicariance method to delimit modern distribution patterns, including disjunctions involving sister nodes in the Delphininae. The analysis identified disjunct sister nodes, allowing some interpretation of Delphininae biogeography. The Central American Seaway was probably an important gateway for early delphinids, but the succeeding hard barrier of the Panama Isthmus had little influence. Southern African waters form the Atlantic-Indo-Pacific gateway, which is some- times considered a soft barrier because of the variation in the Benguela and Agulhas currents, in turn driven by tec- tonic changes and/or Pleistocene glacial and interglacial cycles. The latter cycles probably fragmented coastal habi- tats, allowing allopatric speciation. Geological patterns of turnover in Southern Ocean diatoms, which link to physical oceanic change, closely match the main cluster of delphinine divergences. The Eastern Pacific Barrier, and perhaps the associated Humboldt Current and equatorial "cold tongue", affect modern distributions, but cause and effect are poorly understood. Future research should involve molecular- morphological phylogenetics for all species, subspecies, and ecomorphs. Complete distributions must be known for all taxa to understand how vicariance and dispersal shaped the distribution of delphinines. Please, send an email to karinabohrerdoamaral(a)gmail.com to request a full PDF. Best regards, Karina.

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North Carolina Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-identification Internship
by Jessica Taylor 02 Jan '17

02 Jan '17

Bottlenose DolphinPhoto-ID Internship/Research Assistant Position for Summer 2017 The Outer Banks Centerfor Dolphin Research (OBXCDR)/Nags Head Dolphin Watch are currently acceptingapplications for the 2017 summer season. One internship position is available.The research season is May 2 – October 6. Successful applicants must be able tocommit for the entire season. The Outer Banks Centerfor Dolphin Research is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to theconservation of bottlenose dolphins in the Outer Banks, NC. Our program’s goalis to gain an understanding of the population dynamics, movement patterns, andbehavioral ecology of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the sounds and coastalwaters near the Outer Banks. The OBXCDR currently conducts aphoto-identification monitoring study of bottlenose dolphins in Roanoke,Croatan, Albemarle, Pamlico and Currituck Sounds. Data is collected viadedicated small boat surveys as well as opportunistically from a local dolphinwatch. This study is a continuation of the long-term study initiated by theNags Head Dolphin Watch in 1997. Information from the long-term monitoringstudy will provide a basis for studies involving habitat utilization, socialassociations, and anthropogenic effects on the dolphins as well as aid in effortsto examine bottlenose dolphin stock structure and movement patterns along theU.S. Atlantic coast. Interns will gain experience in field data collection,photo-identification of dolphins, and environmental education. For moreinformation about the OBXCDR, please visit: obxdolphins.org. The internshipposition will consist of bottlenose dolphin photo-identification,opportunistic/dedicated field research, and environmental education. Responsibilitiesinclude: § Mate/naturalistduties aboard the Nags Head Dolphin Watch: This involves the implementation of educational programs,including public speaking aboard the eco-tours (using a microphone andone-on-one) to educate others about local dolphin biology and marineconservation, as well as additional mate duties. The mate/naturalist will alsocollect opportunistic photo-identification data aboard the eco-tours(photographing dorsal fins, measuring environmental parameters, and recordingsighting data), organize opportunistic data for inclusion in thephoto-identification catalog, and assist in general maintenance of fieldequipment. For additional information about the Nags Head Dolphin Watch,please see www.nagsheaddolphinwatch.com (50% of time) § Photo-identificationof dolphins in the lab:This includes photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, andassisting in maintenance of the long-term OBX photo-id catalog using the MSAccess database FinBase. Additional timewill also be spent completing an independent project in which the intern willmatch the OBX catalog to the Mid-Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Catalog (MABDC) toexamine seasonal movement patterns. The MABDC is a long-term collaborativeeffort to gain a greater understanding of the stock structure and movementpatterns of bottlenose dolphins along the U.S. Atlantic coast. This independentproject should be completed within the span of the internship. The final productof this project will be a final project report (40% of time) § Boat-basedphoto-identification: The intern willassist with boat-based photo-identification surveys to examine abundances, sitefidelity, and prevalence of skin lesions of bottlenose dolphins in RoanokeSound. Responsibilities include operating a small vessel during transectsurveys and sightings, assisting with photo-identification, collectingenvironmental, location, and behavioral data for dolphin groups, and general maintenanceof field equipment. (10% of time) This internshiprequires a minimum commitment of 36 hours per week, consisting of eco-tours,lab photo-identification, and dedicated surveys. The intern will carry outmate/naturalist duties and opportunistic photo-identification aboard the NagsHead Dolphin Watch for 3-4 days per week throughout the field season while 1-2days per week will be spent conducting photo-identification in the lab.Abundance surveys will be conducted 1-2 times per month from April throughOctober. Salary: Thisinternship is a paid position. Applicants will receive an hourly salary for thenaturalist position on the dolphin watch. Tips aboard the dolphin tours areexpected, but not guaranteed. Housing: Although housing is not provided, we will assist you in finding housingaccommodations in the Outer Banks. Interns are responsible for their owntransportation to and from the Outer Banks as well as to and from the fieldsites and lab. The successfulapplicant would ideally have the following qualifications: § Minimum of 18 years of age and recentlyenrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in marine biology, biology,zoology, or related field § Strong interest in the marine environment andconservation § Ability to swim § Basic proficiency in MS Access, Word, Excel,and Picture Manager § Enthusiasm, attention to detail, responsible, independent,focused, and dedicated § Works well in a team environment as well asindividually § Experience in boating and marine field datacollection § Experience in environmental outreach preferredbut not required § Experience in photo-identification preferredbut not required § First AID/CPR certification preferred but notrequired § Due to employment aboard the dolphin eco-tours,all candidates must be U.S. citizens NOTE: The UnitedStates Coast Guard requires all passenger vessels to be drug free workenvironments. In order to work aboard the dolphin eco-tours, the intern will berequired to pass a pre-employment drug test and to participate in random drugtesting during the period of the research season. Application Process: Please submit coverletter, resume, and contact information for 3 references via email to:obxcdr@hotmail.com Use “Dolphin photo-id internship” in thesubject line of the email. Applicants must apply by February 17th tobe considered for this position. Applications will be reviewed in the orderreceived, and those received by January 17th will be given toppriority. Jessica Taylor President/PrincipalInvestigator, Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research P.O. Box 7721 Kill Devil Hills, NC27948 Obxdolphins.org

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Last call for applicants - Research Assistant for bottlenose dolphin monitoring project in Cardigan Bay, UK with Sea Watch Foundation
by Kathy James 02 Jan '17

02 Jan '17

We're looking for a Research Assistant to help us run our Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project and to assist with the national cetacean sightings network and the deadline for applications is midnight on 8th January 2017. For more details, please visit http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/internships/. We look forward to hearing from you! Kathy James Sightings Officer For correspondence between November and April: Aberystwyth Business Hub 21 Bridge Street Aberystwyth Ceredigion SY23 1PZ Tel: 01970 623906 (please bear in mind I will be working in an office shared with other organisations and that you should ask for me by name) www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk <https://www.facebook.com/seawatchfoundation/C:/Users/Sea%20Watch%20Foundati on/Documents/ADMIN%20MISC> facebook <https://twitter.com/SeaWatchersUK> twitter Ever shop online? Sign up for <https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/seawatch/> Easy Fundraising and raise money for the Sea Watch Foundation while you shop at no cost to you! All your donations directly support our research!

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Influence of environmental parameters on movements and habitat utilization of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Madagascar breeding ground.
by Laurène Trudelle 02 Jan '17

02 Jan '17

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Royal Society Open Science. Trudelle L, Cerchio S, Zerbini AN, Geyer Y, Mayer FX, Jung JL, Hervé, MR, Pous S, Sallée JB, Rosenbaum HC, Adam O, and Charrassin JB, 2016. Influence of environmental parameters on movements and habitat utilization of humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) in the Madagascar breeding ground. R. Soc.open sci. 3: 160616. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.160616 Abstract: Assessing the movement patterns and key habitat features of breeding humpback whales is a prerequisite for the conservation management of this philopatric species. To investigate the interactions between humpback whale movements and environmental conditions off Madagascar, we deployed 25 satellite tags in the northeast and southwest coast of Madagascar. For each recorded position, we collated estimates of environmental variables and computed two behavioural metrics: behavioural state of ‘transiting’ (consistent/directional) versus ‘localized’ (variable/nondirectional), and active swimming speed (i.e. speed relative to the current). On coastal habitats (i.e. bathymetry<200m and in adjacent areas), females showed localized behaviour in deep waters (191±20 m) and at large distances (14±0.6 km) from shore, suggesting that their breeding habitat extends beyond the shallowest waters available close to the coastline. Males’ active swimming speed decreased in shallow waters, but environmental parameters did not influence their likelihood to exhibit localized movements, which was probably dominated by social factors instead. In oceanic habitats, both males and females showed localized behaviours in shallow waters and favoured high chlorophyll-a concentrations. Active swimming speed accounts for a large proportion of observed movement speed; however, breeding humpback whales probably exploit prevailing ocean currents to maximize displacement. This study provides evidence that coastal areas, generally subject to strong human pressure, remain the core habitat of humpback whales off Madagascar. Our results expand the knowledge of humpback whale habitat use in oceanic habitat and response to variability of environmental factors such as oceanic current and chlorophyll level. Kind Regards, Laurène Trudelle -- ------------------------------------------------------------------- Laurène Trudelle, Ph.D NeuroPSI/LOCEAN Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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New Publication: Shift of grey seal subspecies boundaries in response to climate, culling and conservation
by Katharina Fietz 02 Jan '17

02 Jan '17

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce our recent publication in Molecular Ecology: Shift of grey seal subspecies boundaries in response to climate, culling and conservation. Abstract: Identifying the processes that drive changes in the abundance and distribution of natural populations is a central theme in ecology and evolution. Many species of marine mammals have experienced dramatic changes in abundance and distribution due to climatic fluctuations and anthropogenic impacts. However, thanks to conservation efforts, some of these species have shown remarkable population recovery and are now recolonizing their former ranges. Here, we use zooarchaeological, demographic and genetic data to examine processes of colonization, local extinction and recolonization of the two northern European grey seal subspecies inhabiting the Baltic Sea and North Sea. The zooarchaeological and genetic data suggest that the two subspecies diverged shortly after the formation of the Baltic Sea approximately 4200 years bp, probably through a gradual shift to different breeding habitats and phenologies. By comparing genetic data from 19th century pre-extinction material with that from seals currently recolonizing their past range, we observed a marked spatiotemporal shift in subspecies boundaries, with increasing encroachment of North Sea seals on areas previously occupied by the Baltic Sea subspecies. Further, both demographic and genetic data indicate that the two subspecies have begun to overlap geographically and are hybridizing in a narrow contact zone. Our findings provide new insights into the processes of colonization, extinction and recolonization and have important implications for the management of grey seals across northern Europe. The article is available online at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.13748/full Kind regards, Katharina and Morten -- Katharina Fietz PhD candidate Natural History Museum of Denmark University of Copenhagen, Centre for GeoGenetics Oester Voldgade 5-7 1350 Copenhagen, DK

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