October 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

MARIME MAMMAL RESEARCH AND LEARNING PROGRAMME IN CAPE VERDE
by AIMM Internships 18 Oct '17

18 Oct '17

*MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH AND LEARNING PROGRAMME IN CAPE VERDE, AFRICA* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve) and Boa Vista, Cape Verde. This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) and the rough-toothed (*Steno bredanensis*) although more than 14 species of cetacean were describe to the Cape Verde region. Sea turtle could be also find in the ocean, mostly the Green turtle (*Chelonia mydas*), Loggerhead turtle and Leatherback turtle (*Dermochelys coriacea*). AIMM participants are hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. *WHERE:* Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde, África *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of March to 31st of May, 2017. The minimum attendance is 14 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in an opportunistic platforms (commercial whale-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the whale-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of season, but are fulfilling and good fun. The participants will be trained to: · Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence · Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS · COllect data on behavior, group size, species, etc. · Collection of photos to photo-identification and underwater videos while on-board *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs. This Learning Programme requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on the fees for the 2018 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org with the title “CAPE VERDE LEARNING PROGRAMME” *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina · Fieldwork on a commercial whale-watching vessels *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde · Meals / food · Visa · Free time activities · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance) · Personal expenses *PARTICIPANTS** ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 18 · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment · Be autonomous and flexible · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea · Speak English · Participate for minimum 2 weeks *Preference will be given* to those who have: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Availability to stay for longer periods of time · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification *LEARNING PROGRAMME APPLICATION: * Applicants should send an e-mail to interns(a)aimm-portugal.org, subject “*CAPE VERDE LEARNING PROGRAMME*” with your Resume/CV, personal statement on which are your expectations and the period of time that you want do the programme. You will received an e-mail with the availability for the programme and all the others details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association* w <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.pt/>ww.aimmportugal.org

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European Cetacean Society 2018 conference announcement
by Rebecca Boys 17 Oct '17

17 Oct '17

Dear MARMAM readers, We are pleased to announce that the 32nd annual European Cetacean Society conference will be taking place in La Spezia, Italy in April 2018. The theme of this years conference is: 'Marine Conservation – Forging Effective Strategic Partnerships.' The achievement of effective marine conservation measures requires more than good science and the theme of the 2018 ECS conference is intended to help explore the role that partnerships with all other stakeholders have in this. Participants in the 2018 conference are encouraged to bring presentations that relate to this theme or otherwise consider how this issue affects their work, although as usual scientific submissions on all issues relating to marine mammals are welcome. Keynote speakers will help to elaborate the theme along with special focal sessions. WORKSHOPS: Friday 6, Saturday 7 April 2018 CONFERENCE: Sunday 8 – Tuesday 10 April 2018 Further information about the conference will updated in due time on the conference website. We look forward to seeing many of you there! Best wishes, The Local Organizers and ECS Council -------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca Boys Marine Biologist ECS Student Representative IMAR - Dept. Oceanography and Fisheries University of the Azores 9901-862 Horta, Faial, Azores

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New paper on long-finned pilot whale vocalizations
by Elizabeth Zwamborn 17 Oct '17

17 Oct '17

Dear All, We are pleased to announce the pre-publication of our new article in Behaviour: Zwamborn EMJ, Whitehead H. 2017. The baroque potheads: modification and embellishment in repeated call sequences of long-finned pilot whales. Behaviour DOI:10.1163/1568539x-00003451 *http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568539x-00003451 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568539x-00003451>* Abstract: Vocal variation within calls that are generally stereotyped suggests multiple simultaneous functions. These vocal cues may be especially important for group-living species. We describe two fundamental call transition types within repeated call sequences of long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas): embellishment — discrete changes to a specific part of a call — and morphing — non-discrete small changes across a call. Of transitions between consecutive calls, 31% were embellished and 20% morphed. Modifications between pairs of consecutive calls were often followed by another modification of the same type, with sequences of embellished transitions generally alternating between ornamentation and simplification. Ten classes of embellishment varied in rate of occurrence as well as temporal location within a call. Most common were the addition/deletion of pulsed or tonal elements. Functions of these modifications could include conveying information on location or the emotional state of the signaller, or they could be products of vocal innovation. Please direct all questions to: elizabeth.zwamborn(a)dal.ca Cheers, Elizabeth **************************** Elizabeth Zwamborn MSc PhD Student Whitehead Lab Dalhousie University Halifax, NS http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/ <http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/>

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Training events
by Stephanie Barnicoat 17 Oct '17

17 Oct '17

Dear All, Seiche Training is pleased to offer a New Zealand Experienced PAMO assessment running Monday 30th October - Wednesday 1 November in Devon, UK. This assessment is approved by the New Zealand Department of Conservation and is for current PAM operators who have had 12 weeks experience in the field and would like to become certified to work in New Zealand. For more information, please email s.hancock(a)seiche.com<mailto:s.hancock@seiche.com> Additionally, next month Seiche Training is running a JNCC approved MMO course, (27th-28th Nov), PSO course (28th Nov), PAM Level 1 (29th Nov-1st Dec) in Devon, UK. To book follow the link to our courses http://www.seichetraining.com/courses/our-courses Seiche Ltd Stephanie Barnicoat Business Support Seiche Ltd Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom T: +44(0)1409 404050 E: s.barnicoat(a)seiche.com W: www.seiche.com Registered in England & Wales No. 3475558, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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Announcement of a New Book on the Botos of the Cerrado
by Samuel Hung 16 Oct '17

16 Oct '17

Dear all, A new photographic book about the botos of the Cerrado (savanna of central Brazil) will make its debut at the upcoming SMM biennial conference in Halifax. The book contains many stunning photographs of the botos feeding and exhibiting very unusual behaviours such as aerial urination and feeding on catfish that are more than a meter long (or >3.3 ft.). To purchase a copy of the book, please visit the booth of the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society during the biennial conference (booth no. 3). All proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to support ongoing boto research. The author (Ms. Claryana Araújo-Wang) will also be at the booth regularly if you would like a signed copy or to chat with her about the photographs and her research. She has conducted research on the botos of the Araguaia and Tocantins rivers for more than a decade and published the first scientific papers on the botos from this region. There will be a limited number of copies available for purchase in Halifax for $15 USD or $20 CAD (also a free boto sticker with the purchase of a book). To ensure you get a copy in Halifax, please send an e-mail to pre-order (botosdocerrado(a)gmail.com)

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Areas of Interest for Whale Heritage Sites in Africa
by Dylan Walker 16 Oct '17

16 Oct '17

Dear Marmamers, The World Cetacean Alliance is pleased to report on an online survey we requested Marmam subscribers to complete in June 2017 to identify 'Areas of Interest' for Whale Heritage Sites across Africa. Whale Heritage Site (WHS) status is granted to those places around the world where cetaceans are celebrated through art, education, research and cultural events; where sustainable practices and livelihoods are continually improved to ensure the health of cetacean habitats and the long-term economic health of human communities; and where respectful coexistence with cetaceans is supported through law, policy and cooperation. The full report is available here: http://whaleheritagesites.org/thirty-three-potential-whs-identified-in-afri… In summary, the survey highlighted the following: 1. Thirty three Areas of Interest were identified across 22 African countries. 2. Respondents included: Whale watch industry 18.4%, NGOs 15.8%, Travel industry 11.8%, Universities 6.6%, and Local authority 5.3% 3. Humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*), spinner dolphin (*Stenella longirostris*) and bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus / aduncus*) were listed most regularly. 4. Of 35 cetacean species reported across the Areas of Interest, IUCN list 3 species as Endangered, 1 species as Near Threatened, 2 species as Vulnerable, 14 species as Data Deficient, and 15 species are of Least Concern. 5. The top four impacts on cetaceans were listed as: 1. Fishing practices (including bycatch); 2. Pollution; 3. Noise pollution; and 4. Ocean plastics. 6. African respondents highlighted the following strengths in meeting the WHS criteria: - Application of responsible whale watching guidelines, with commercial operators supporting research programmes. - Ancient cultural links with cetaceans; historical whaling heritage; artistic associations; and whale festivals. - Cetacean related education programmes delivered to local communities. - Cetacean based conservation research and policy. - Sustainable livelihoods are created, generating local employment, local communities take part in decisions, and responsible tourism management ensures active and ongoing improvement towards sustainability. - Marine and terrestrial ecosystems are maintained and enhanced. The survey results were presented at the Whale Heritage Sites Summit, Durban, South Africa, on 28-29 June 2017 by Graham Drucker (compiled by Beth Hinton). A workshop followed in which we tested the criteria for Whale Heritage Sites on a number of African sites and found that it was possible for these sites to meet the criteria even if financial and other resources were limited. For more information about Whale Heritage Sites contact: WHS(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org With thanks to everybody who took part in the survey. Dylan Walker Chief Executive Officer *World Cetacean Alliance * *T *+44 (0)1273 355011* M *+44 (0)7900 471490* S *dylan.wca *E *dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org* W *worldcetaceanalliance.org *W2 *whaleheritagesites.org *W3 *worldwhaleconference.org <http://www.worldwhaleconference.org> *A *Studio 3, Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK *The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 90 non-profit organisations, whale and dolphin watching tour operators and individuals in 40 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity no. 1160484. * *The content of this e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware that forwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately.* *Please consider the environment before printing this email or it's attachments. *

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Linear transect surveys of abundance and density of cetaceans in the north-western Black Sea
by Elena Gladilina 16 Oct '17

16 Oct '17

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce a new paper in the journal *Vestnik zoologii*, Ukraine: Linear transect surveys of abundance and density of cetaceans in the area near the Dzharylgach Island in the north-western Black Sea. Abstract: The first assessment of cetacean density and abundance by linear transect survey was conducted in 2016 and 2017 in the shallowest coastal area of the Ukrainian sector of the north-western Black Sea, in the Dzharylgach Gulf and the northern Karkinit Gulf, total area up to 259 km2. Three cetacean species were found present in the area in summer, and the harbour porpoise was the most abundant species with the abundance of at least a few hundred animals (estimated as 175 individuals in the Dzharylgach Gulf), whereas the common dolphins (59) and bottlenose dolphins (31) were present in lesser numbers. Common and bottlenose dolphins showed the clearest patterns of habitat preferences, being restricted respectively to the Dzharylgach and the northern Karkinit Gulf; an unusual trait is the preference of the shallowest habitat by common dolphins. Recorded density of harbour porpoises in the Dzharylgach Gulf is among the highest in the whole Black Sea. Thus, the studied area may be an important summer habitat for cetaceans. The full citation is Gladilina, E. V., Vishnyakova, K. A., Neprokin, O. O., Ivanchikova, Yu. F., Derkacheva, T. A., Kryukova, A. A., Savenko, O. V., Gol’din, P. E. (2017) Linear transect surveys of abundance and density of cetaceans in the area near the Dzharylgach Island in the north-western Black Sea. *Vestnik zoologii*, 51(4): 335-342. DOI 10.1515/vzoo-2017-0038 Feel free to request a copy from me at el.gladilina(a)gmail.com Best regards, Elena Gladilina PhD Candidate

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Second Announcement for SMM 2017 Workshop: Not All is Black and White
by Elizabeth Zwamborn 16 Oct '17

16 Oct '17

Dear All, The SMM 2017 conference is almost here and we would like to draw your attention to the following workshop to be held on Saturday October 28th, 2017 at the upcoming SMM conference in Halifax. Title: Not all is black and white: Identifying research challenges and solutions for the lesser known blackfish Summary: This workshop will facilitate a gathering of scientists who study blackfish species (pilot whales, false killer whales, pygmy killer whales, melon-headed whales, and lesser known killer whale populations). Innovative technology and study methods are leading to exciting new research possibilities within this group of cetaceans. However, given their generally pelagic or rural distribution, many populations of blackfish species are poorly understood.The goal of this workshop is threefold: to identify gaps in research effort and the challenges that arise while researching these species, to present new and exciting observations, and to encourage collaboration amongst the scientists who study them. This day will consist of series of presentations (morning – 20 minutes in length by invited speakers and 5 minutes by additional workshop participants) and a group discussion identifying common research challenges and possible solutions (afternoon), with time allotted for networking (late afternoon). The outcome of this workshop will be a document - with the goal of publication - reviewing recent advances in our understanding of these species with suggestions for future work, as well as working collaborations amongst those who study these species worldwide. We invite any researchers involved in work with blackfish species around the world. In addition to the invited speakers, we will have a few 5 minute presentation slots open for other workshop participants to share their current research. Please email elizabeth.zwamborn(at)dal.ca if you would be interested in one of these or have any other questions regarding this workshop. All the best, Elizabeth ********************************* Elizabeth Zwamborn MSc PhD Student Whitehead Lab Dalhousie University

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Reminder: Survey on gender-specific experiences in marine mammal science
by Amanda Bradford - NOAA Federal 15 Oct '17

15 Oct '17

Dear MARMAM Community, Thank you so much to all of you who have participated in our anonymous survey to evaluate gender-specific experiences in marine mammal science. To those of you who haven’t yet participated, there is still time! While we will be presenting results through 15 October 2017 at the Women in Marine Mammal Science <https://www.marinemammalscience.org/outside-conferences-workshops-symposia/…> Workshop, we have decided to keep the survey active through the month of October so that we can continue to seek participation during the conference period. A reminder that this brief survey is in intended for anyone seeking or pursuing a career in or associated with marine mammal science, regardless of gender or place of residence/origin or participation in the conference or workshop. To begin the survey, click here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMP6vBO1aZ8JmPu5G40B3ZSIncvih0_aj…> or copy the following address into your web browser: https://goo.gl/EzYmBx. More details are included in the original email (below.) Thank you, WIMMS Workshop Organizers Erin Ashe Amanda Bradford María Marchesi Natalie Mastick Frances Robertson Mridula Srinivasan @womeninmmsci ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Amanda Bradford - NOAA Federal <amanda.bradford(a)noaa.gov> Date: Sun, Oct 1, 2017 at 6:33 PM Subject: Survey on gender-specific experiences in marine mammal science To: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca Dear MARMAM Community, In preparation for the Women in Marine Mammal Science: Breaking Down Barriers to Success <https://www.marinemammalscience.org/outside-conferences-workshops-symposia/…> workshop at the upcoming SMM Biennial in Halifax, we are conducting an anonymous survey to better understand gender-specific experiences in marine mammal science and would greatly appreciate your participation. This survey is intended for anyone, regardless of gender or place of residence/origin, seeking or pursuing a career in or associated with marine mammal science. It has received ethics approval by the Research Ethics Board at Simon Fraser University and should take no more than 20 minutes of your time. Results from this survey will contribute to both the workshop and a subsequent publication, although please note we are seeking broad participation within the field of marine mammal science and would value your input, even if you are not planning to attend the conference or workshop. To begin the survey, click here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMP6vBO1aZ8JmPu5G40B3ZSIncvih0_aj…> or copy the following address into your web browser: https://goo.gl/EzYmBx. The survey will be active until 15 October 2017. Please email Dr. Frances Robertson at francesr(a)sfu.ca if you any questions about the survey or us at womeninmmsci(a)gmail.com if you have any questions about the workshop. Thank you, The WIMMS Workshop Organizers Erin Ashe Amanda Bradford María Marchesi Natalie Mastick Frances Robertson Mridula Srinivasan Website: https://wimms.weebly.com <http://wimms.weebly.com> Twitter: @womeninmmsci Hashtag: #womeninmmsci

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Announcement of the 2018 DCLDE Workshop in Paris, FRANCE
by Olivier ADAM 15 Oct '17

15 Oct '17

Dear All, The 8th session of the International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization, and Density Estimation of marine mammals using passive acoustics (DCLDE Workhsop) will be held from 4 to 8 June 2018, in Paris, FRANCE. Scientific topics given by oral presentations and posters will be: - detection of pulsed and harmonic sounds - classification of diverse sounds including clicks, whisles and vocalizations - localization of marine mammals - estimation of population density - acoustic propagation models - innovative engineering including new materials and tools - big data analytics - study of sound generator of marine mammals - underwater soundscapes: description of environmental acoustics and sounds from human activities The important dates are: Nov 1st, 2017: Opening of participant registration Nov 1st, 2017: Opening of the data set for the Challenge Feb 1st, 2018: Deadline for abstract submission March 1st, 2018: Notification of abstract status (accepted or declined) April 1st, 2018: Deadline for early registration June 4th: 2 Thematic tutorial sessions: detection/classification, and Density Estimation June 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th: Oral presentations, posters, exhibitions As part of this conference, we are also organizing a computer challenge aimed at automatically detecting and classifying sound events describing underwater acoustic landscapes. Please contact Prof. Hervé Glotin (glotin(a)univ-tln.fr <mailto:glotin@univ-tln.fr> ) for any question. Finally, for this new session of the DCLDE Workshop in Paris, we are happy to welcome public and private companies to come and present their products and services. Feel free to contact me directly (olivier.adam(a)upmc.fr <mailto:olivier.adam@upmc.fr> ). Please find all the information on our website: http://sabiod.univ-tln.fr/DCLDE/ Hope to see you next year in Paris! Olivier ADAM

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