December 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

new book on dolphin behavior
by Ann Weaver 20 Dec '17

20 Dec '17

[image: Inline image 1] Dear Fellow Marine Mammal Aficionados, I am pleased to announce the publication of my book on dolphin behavior, *Secrets behind the Dolphin Smile – 25 Amazing Things Dolphins Do*. I thank Hal and Luke for inspiration from their work on cetacean culture, and Wiebke Finkler for encouragement from her MMS Nova Scotia seminar on getting marine mammal science together with the public. If you are interested in the idea of cetacean culture, or compelled by it as I am, *Secrets behind the Dolphin Smile *is a good read. The behaviors it describes could be cultural differences across different bottlenose dolphin study areas, and in my view probably are. Here is the link on amazon.com: eBook $10, paperback $25: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1973500361/ref=rdr_ext_tmb Reference: Weaver, A. (2017). Secrets behind the Dolphin Smile – 25 Amazing Things Dolphins Do. Jaasas Academic Press. 149 pp. ISBN-10: 1973500361. ISBN-13: 978-1973500360. Have the greatest of holidays! -- *Upon seeing the shore, the little wave cried,* *"We're going to crash!"* *So the sea whispered back,* *"Don't you know you are not a wave, little one?* *You are part of the ocean."* *Ann* Ann Weaver, Ph.D. Ethologist/Biostatistician annstats54(a)gmail.com goodnaturedstatistics.com Good-Natured Statistics Consulting *Discreet, Friendly Data Handling and Tutoring - **Even Friendlier Prices!* Office Hrs M -Th 10-6 EST, Sat 10-2 EST *Secrets behind the Dolphin Smile – 25 Amazing Things Dolphins Do* https://www.amazon.com/dp/1973500361/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

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Faculty Position: Marine Vertebrate Physiological Ecologist
by Walters, Eric L. 20 Dec '17

20 Dec '17

Vertebrate Physiological Ecologist The Department of Biological Sciences at Old Dominion University invites applications for a tenure-track position in vertebrate physiological ecology at the assistant professor level. Applicants who examine physiological responses of mammals to environmental conditions, particularly in marine systems, are highly preferred. Teaching responsibilities include a graduate-level course in physiological ecology and undergraduate courses in animal nutrition, mammalogy, and/or the candidate's specialty. In addition to a strong commitment to teaching excellence, the candidate is expected to develop an internationally recognized, extramurally funded research program. Minimum requirements include a Ph.D. in biology or related field, postdoctoral experience, and strong writing and communication skills. The Department offers competitive salaries and start-up packages. Interested individuals should submit a cover letter describing their qualifications for the position, a curriculum vitae, a statement of research achievements and research plans, a teaching statement, and the contact information (name, address, e-mail address, and phone number) of four references electronically through the Vertebrate Physiological Ecologist job title posting at https://jobs.odu.edu/. The Department is committed to building a culturally diverse faculty and encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply. Review of applicants will begin on January 15, 2018 and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position can be directed to Dr. Ian Bartol, Search Committee Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University at vertphys(a)odu.edu. Old Dominion University (www.odu.edu<http://www.odu.edu>) is a minority-serving, state-supported, Carnegie doctoral higher research activity institution enrolling approximately 25,000 students, including 6,000 graduate students. It is located in Norfolk, a historic waterfront city in southeastern Virginia offering outstanding quality of life (www.norfolk.gov<https://www.norfolk.gov/>). The Department of Biological Sciences has a vigorous graduate program with over 100 students enrolled. Information about the Department is available at https://www.odu.edu/biosci. Old Dominion University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution and requires compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational, and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, gender, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or genetic information. https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/7251

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New publication: Quantifying parasite presence in relation to biological parameters of harbour porpoises
by Mariel ten Doeschate 19 Dec '17

19 Dec '17

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following research article in Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 127: *Quantifying parasite presence in relation to biological parameters of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded on the Dutch coast.* - Mariel T.I. ten Doeschate, Lonneke L. IJsseldijk, Sjoukje Hiemstra, Els A. de Jong, Arjen Strijkstra, Andrea Gröne, Lineke Begeman (2017) *The aticle is available under the following link:* https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03182 *ABSTRACT:* *Harbour porpoises are often found to be infected by endoparasites in several organs **including the lungs and stomach as well as the heart, liver and ears. Nevertheless there is still little knowledge about the impact, ecology, transmission, and virulence of these parasitic infections. Here, we profile the presence of parasites in 4 frequently infected organs (lungs, stomach, liver and ears) in relation to biological parameters of harbour porpoises stranded along the Dutch coastline between December 2008 and December 2013. We found that parasites were common, with prevalence of 68% in lungs, 74.4% in ears, 26% in stomach and 23.5% in liver. We used generalised linear models to further quantify parasite presence in relation to biological data gathered during necropsy (sex, body length and nutritive condition). Body length (used as a proxy for age) was significant in explaining parasite presence for all organs with increasing probability of having the parasite with increasing body length. For the parasitic infections in the ears and stomach the nutritive condition was an additional significant factor, with a higher probability of parasite presence in porpoises in a poorer nutritive condition. The results of this study can be used as a baseline for assessing parasite presence in harbour porpoises and are a first step towards linking parasite infections to basic biological data gathered during necropsy.* If you have any issues accessing the paper or have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch by sending an email to marielten.doeschate(a)sac.co.uk or marieltdoeschate(a)gmail.com Many thanks, and I'll take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and all the best for 2018! Cheers, mariel *Mariel ten Doeschate **MSc* Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme SRUC Veterinary Services Inverness IV2 4JZ www.strandings.org +44 (0) 7990513589

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2018 Marine Mammal Internship Opportunities at California Wildlife Center
by Heather Henderson 18 Dec '17

18 Dec '17

2018 Marine Mammal Rescue & Rehabilitation Internship Announcement California Wildlife Center is excited to announce the following internship opportunities for 2018! California Wildlife Center is located in Malibu, California, and responds to reports of stranded marine mammals 365 days a year. Our rehabilitation facility is active during the region’s period of highest stranding activity, which is January through July. Each rotation is 8-weeks: Session II: February 1st to the end of March Session III: March 1st to the end of April Session IV: April 1st to the end of May Session V: May 1st to the end of June Time Commitment: 40 hours per week. Summary/Program Description The California Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned and sick native wildlife. CWC fulfills this mission through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, and treatment of avian and terrestrial wildlife in our rehabilitation hospital. This internship will provide an exciting and challenging educational experience in the marine mammal field, and may allow for additional hands-on experience with other native California wildlife. The interns will be working closely with the Marine Mammal program staff in all aspects of stranding response and rehabilitation, including logistics, assessment, capture/restraint, transportation, husbandry, and public relations. Please visit our website for more information: http://cawildlife.org/volunteer/internshipsexternshipspreceptorships/ Heather A. Henderson Stranding Coordinator California Wildlife Center P.O. Box 2022 Malibu CA 90265 310-458-WILD (9453) www.cawildlife.org<http://www.cawildlife.org/>

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Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship Call for Applications
by Lindsay Porter 18 Dec '17

18 Dec '17

We are pleased to announce that the Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship is now accepting proposals through 25 January 2018. Please see the link below for more information on how to apply: https://www.marinemammalscience.org/funding-and-awards/louis-m- herman-research-scholarship-now-accepting-proposals/ Lindsay Porter Awards and Scholarship Sub-Committee Society Marine Mammalogy

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Marine Ecology Faculty Position at LSU Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences
by Michael J Polito 18 Dec '17

18 Dec '17

Dear MARMAM, LSU Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences is hiring a tenure-track assistant professor with a marine ecology focus. It is defined broadly and as such we are encouraging applicants from a variety of research backgrounds to apply. Applicants with expertise in tagging and spatial movement ecology, trophic dynamics, population and community ecology, and resource conservation biology are of interest but we are open to a broad range of focuses including marine mammal ecology and conservation. Please feel free to contact myself or the hiring committee co-chair Dr. Steve Midway (smidway(a)lsu.edu<mailto:smidway@lsu.edu>) if you have specific questions. Our first review of applicants will begin on January 1st, and after this time we will be reviewing new applicants on a rolling basis. If you chose to submit an application after January 1st I would recommend contacting Dr. Midway to let him know when your application will be available for review. In addition, please share the job ad with interested individuals in your networks and let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for helping to spread the word. Thank you! Mike Michael J. Polito, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences Louisiana State University 1239 Energy, Coast & Environment Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Office: 225-578-9403 mpolito(a)lsu.edu<mailto:mpolito@lsu.edu> | lsu.edu | www.oceanography.lsu.edu/politolab/<http://www.oceanography.lsu.edu/politolab/> ------------------------------------------ Ecologist (Assistant Professor) Louisiana State University, Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences Description: Candidates for this position must be from an academic background in ecology, including, but not limited to fisheries ecologist, feeding relationships, environmental drivers, resource supply and demand and population, community and ecosystem level processes. Candidates who conduct empirical research related to spatial management, coastal, estuarine, or marine trophic dynamics at spatial scales ranging from estuaries to the deep ocean are encouraged to apply. Duties include: Develop and maintain a rigorous, externally funded research program that emphasizes trophic ecology in the marine environment, including coastal systems, using contemporary empirical (field and/or lab) methods, statistical tools, and other relevant approaches. Collaboration in multidisciplinary research projects with marine, coastal, and wetland scientists is expected. Teach courses that emphasizes the quantitative assessment of fishery resources and other related focus areas. Mentor graduate students. Provide service and advice to state and federal agencies and the University as necessary. The Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences includes faculty with expertise in wetland ecology, coastal fisheries, biophysical modeling, as well as biological, physical, chemical and geological oceanography. Located in Baton Rouge, LSU is only an hour from the Lake Pontchartrain estuary and a few hours from extensive saltmarsh and mangrove wetlands and the Gulf of Mexico. Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in science field. Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in ecology, marine science, or related field. Postdoctoral experience is encouraged. Review of applications: Will begin on January 1, 2018. Attach a cover letter, CV, a Statement of Research, and a Statement of Teaching with your application. Also, provide a list of three professional references including name, title, phone number and e-mail address. Applications are not considered complete unless they include all requested documents. LSU is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity / equal access employer. For the complete and official position announcement and to apply: External applicant link: https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU/job/2179-Energy-Coast-and-Environment… Internal applicant link: https://www.myworkday.com/lsu/d/inst/9925$5110/rel-task/2998$16774.htmld Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or emailed HR(a)lsu.edu<mailto:HR@lsu.edu>. Questions specific to the position can be directed to the search committee co-chair, Dr. Steve Midway, smidway(a)lsu.edu<mailto:smidway@lsu.edu>.

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New paper on assessment of beach-cast cetaceans in Pakistan
by Ross Culloch 18 Dec '17

18 Dec '17

Dear MARMAM subscribers, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the recent publication: Assessment of beach-cast cetaceans in Pakistan: implications for conservation and management M.A. GORE, R.M. CULLOCH, H.W.I. GRAY, R. HOELZEL, C. LOCKYER, M.S. KIANI, U. WAQAS, B. HUSSAIN, A. RAHIM, A. SHAH AND R.F.G. ORMOND. The Journal of Cetacean Research and Management, 16: 1-7, 2017 Abstract Until recently, little was known about the distribution and species occurrence of marine cetaceans in Pakistani waters, an area which needed to be addressed exigently given its inclusion in the Indian Ocean Whale Sanctuary. Boat-based surveys (2005–09) carried out along the coast of Pakistan identified 12 species of cetaceans. Although these surveys can be very useful for providing information on species presence and distribution, estimates of the age and sex of these groups can be more uncertain. Consequently, this present study undertook complementary beach-based surveys over the same period across all accessible regions of the Pakistani coast and created a community reporting scheme for stranded and beach-cast remains of cetaceans. Tissue samples and/or skeletal material were collected over three years from 37 individual specimens, with DNA successfully extracted from 24. Using molecular techniques, a total of seven species were identified and there was an indication that the majority of the samples were from males. An analysis of teeth collected from 12 beach-cast odontocetes showed an age range between neonatal and 17 years. The results of this study corroborate the presence of species observed during the boat-based surveys and identified a further three species. The data also provide additional information on age and sex. A comparison with similar studies suggests that the stranding rate is low in Pakistan. No mass strandings occurred during the seven year monitoring period. The results indicate that beach-based surveys are effective for gathering data on species presence in regions where resources are limited, the terrain is harsh and availability of data is low. Ultimately, the results of this work will help with assessing the conservation status and management requirements of the region’s cetaceans, both locally and internationally with respect to the Indian Ocean Whale Sanctuary. The paper is available to download from the following link: https://archive.iwc.int/pages/view.php?search=%21collection15&k=&modal=&dis… <https://archive.iwc.int/pages/view.php?search=!collection15&k=&modal=&displ…> If you have any issues accessing the paper or have any questions, please do not hesitate in contacting either the corresponding author, Pal Schmitt, or any co-author. Best wishes, Ross Dr. Ross Culloch Marine Mammal Scientist Marine Scotland Science Scottish Government Marine Laboratory 375 Victoria Road Aberdeen AB11 9DB

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Cetacean Job Opportunity
by Peter Evans 16 Dec '17

16 Dec '17

JOB OPPORTUNITY HARBOUR PORPOISE ACTION PLAN COORDINATOR Three regional Action Plans have been developed for the conservation of the harbour porpoise in northern Europe under UNEP’s CMS Agreement, ASCOBANS. These are a Recovery Plan for Harbour Porpoises in the North Sea, another for harbour porpoises in the Baltic Proper (Jastarnia Plan), and, most recently, a Conservation Plan for the Harbour Porpoise Population for the area between – i.e. the Western Baltic, the Belt Sea and the Kattegat (WBBK), administered by the Jastarnia Group. We are looking to appoint a part-time coordinator of these three Action Plans, working under the supervision of the Chairs of the respective Steering Groups, Drs Peter Evans and Ida Carlén. Terms of Reference: a) Qualifications The co-ordinator should have a background in marine nature conservation as well as experience and a proven understanding of the political and legal context and of scientific issues concerning harbour porpoise conservation in the North, Belt and Baltic Seas. He or she should be an effective communicator, able to establish and maintain relations with and to represent ASCOBANS positions vis-à-vis the various stakeholders. Knowledge and experience of porpoise research, particularly relating to fisheries interactions and life history aspects is favoured. b) Tasks Reporting to the Jastarnia and North Sea Groups, the Coordinator would, in particular, have to perform the following tasks: 1. Provide technical support at meetings of the Regional Coordination Group which will develop the regional implementation of the fisheries Data Collection Framework (DCF), assuming this is practically feasible; 2. Review progress under the North Sea, Jastarnia and WBBK Plans and make proposals for amending the Action Points in advance of the meetings of the Groups; 3. Review latest available information on harbour porpoise bycatch from the fleets operating in the North, Belt and Baltic Seas; 4. Collate regional information on life history parameters (e.g. age structure, age at sexual maturity, reproductive information) for harbour porpoises in the areas covered in the three plans, ensuring synergies with other fora; 5. Provide technical support at the ICES WGBYC annual meetings and other relevant fora (e.g. the North Sea Advisory Council, Baltic Sea Advisory Council, HELCOM, OSPAR); 6. Provide advice on appropriate funding mechanisms for the long-term implementation of the three action plans and support fundraising efforts; 7. Coordinate efforts to deliver the action plans, identifying synergies and opportunities for efficiency savings. c) Duration of Consultancy & Working Hours The consultancy will last 12 months. It is expected that the Coordinator will require an initial one month phase of full time work, after which the work would average 2.5 days per week. Office facilities will be available in West Wales (UK). Start date would be as early as possible in 2018. d) Remuneration The part-time coordinator would be paid a consultancy fee of £15,000 for the 12 months. There will also be a travel budget available. Anyone interested in this post should apply to Dr Peter Evans at peter.evans(a)bangor.ac.uk<mailto:peter.evans@bangor.ac.uk> sending their CV and a cover letter outlining their most relevant qualifications and experience. Deadline for applications: 31 Dec 2017. 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Two new papers on Soviet whaling
by Yulia Ivashchenko - NOAA Affiliate 15 Dec '17

15 Dec '17

The following two papers have just been published: Ivashchenko, Y.V., Clapham, P.J. & Brownell, R.L. Jr. 2017. New data on Soviet blue and right whale catches in the North Pacific. * Journal of Cetacean Research and Management* 17: 15-22. ABSTRACT: Details are provided on 17 previously unreported catches of blue whales, and 93 catches of North Pacific right whales, all taken illegally by the former USSR. The blue whale catches were made between mid-July and mid-September 1972 in the eastern North Pacific at distances of from 96 to 626 nautical miles from the US west coast (Oregon and Washington); they highlight the inadequacy of the International Observer Scheme, as implemented in 1972, to report or detect illegal whaling. These previously unknown blue whale catches bring the Soviet total to 1,638 for the period 1948–1972. The 93 right whale catches were made during the period 1951–62 around the Kuril Islands, which brings the known total of takes of this species from 1935–1971 to 775 (including 10 taken for scientific research and officially reported at the time). Ivashchenko, Y.V. & Clapham, P.J. 2017. Evaluation of the accuracy of reported noon positions from Soviet whaling factory ships. * Journal of Cetacean Research and Management* 17: 23-28. ABSTRACT: It has generally been assumed that the noon positions reported to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) by Soviet factory ships were accurate, despite that nation’s extensive falsification of catch records. In this paper, Soviet whaling industry reports are used to investigate this issue. Comparison of available track data from the reports with information submitted to the IWC through the BIWS shows that the officially reported data provide a reasonably accurate idea of general whaling effort, with minor discrepancies attributable to differences in precision or to geo-referencing. However, the Soviet report tracks sometimes include unreported excursions for the purpose of illegal whaling, and these were omitted from the data sent to the IWC. Both should be downloadable from the IWC website: https://archive.iwc.int/pages/view.php?ref=6607&k= ...or I can send pdfs if you contact me directly. Happy holidays everyone! -- Yulia V. Ivashchenko, Ph.D. Associate Scientist National Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115, USA Tel: +1 206 526 4037 Email: *yulia.ivashchenko(a)noaa.gov <yulia.ivashchenko(a)noaa.gov>* *http://www.moscowproject.org <http://www.moscowproject.org>*

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New paper on how vessel noise cuts down communication space of Bryde’s whales (Rosalyn Putland)
by Rosalyn Luisa Putland 15 Dec '17

15 Dec '17

Subject: New paper on how vessel noise cuts down communication space of Bryde’s whales (Rosalyn Putland) Dear All, We are pleased to announce that the following paper has been published which may be of interest to Marmamers: Putland, R.L., Merchant, N.D., Farcas, A., Radford, C.A. (2017) Vessel noise cuts down communication space for vocalizing fish and marine mammals. Global Change Biology. Advanced Online Publication 12 December 2017. 1365-2486 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13996 Abstract Anthropogenic noise across the world’s oceans threatens the ability of vocalizing marine species to communicate. Some species vocalize at key life stages or whilst foraging, and disruption to the acoustic habitat at these times could lead to adverse consequences at the population level. To investigate the risk of these impacts, we investigated the effect of vessel noise on the communication space of the Bryde’s whale Balaenoptera edeni, an endangered species which vocalizes at low frequencies, and bigeye Pempheris adspersa, a nocturnal fish species which uses contact calls to maintain group cohesion while foraging. By combining long-term acoustic monitoring data with AIS vessel-tracking data and acoustic propagation modelling, the impact of vessel noise on their communication space was determined. Routine vessel passages cut down communication space by up to 61.5% for bigeyes and 87.4% for Bryde’s whales. This influence of vessel noise on communication space exceeded natural variability for between 3.9 and 18.9% of the monitoring period. Additionally, during the closest point of approach of a large commercial vessel, < 10 km from the listening station, the communication space of both species was reduced by a maximum of 99% compared to the ambient soundscape. These results suggest that vessel noise reduces communication space beyond the evolutionary context of these species and may have chronic effects on these populations. To combat this risk, we propose the application or extension of ship speed restrictions in ecologically significant areas, since our results indicate a reduction in sound source levels for vessels transiting at lower speeds. Please email me if you would like a PDF copy of the paper or if you have any questions regarding the work. Best regards, Rosalyn rput037(a)aucklanduni.ac.nz<mailto:rput037@aucklanduni.ac.nz> Institute of Marine Science University of Auckland

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