February 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

River dolphin internships in the Brazilian Amazon
by Tony 08 Oct '19

08 Oct '19

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazon State, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak excellent Spanish, in addition to English. There can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria, and this is counter-productive. Please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 60 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially a harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking two people to commence work as soon as possible, and we would also like to hear from people available in mid-late 2016. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 600 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend (approx $150 US). Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. They must also have adequate medical insurance. Please do not apply unless you know that you can obtain the airfare to reach Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Internships offer the opportunity of a lifetime. They reward hard work and dedication with unique experiences and a chance to stand out from the crowd in subsequent applications for higher degrees and employment. Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience, especially in the use of photo-ID Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com) Closing date is 24 November 2015. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 4 days of the closing date, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 November latest.

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New publication: From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
by Joan Giménez Verdugo 01 Mar '19

01 Mar '19

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in "Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology": Giménez, J., Ramírez, F., Almunia, J., Forero, M. G., de Stephanis, R. (2016) From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 475:54-61. *Abstract:*One of the most common applications in isotopic ecology is the assessment of animal's assimilated diet through mass-balance mixing models. Its applicability relies on the use of accurate diet to tissue discrimination factors and turnover rates, which are known to vary as a function of several factors including taxon or tissue type. To date, few studies have assessed isotopic discrimination factors and turnover rates in cetacean species under controlled conditions. Previous experimental studies focused on blood, a difficult sample to obtain in the wild, or on a more appropriate tissue, the skin, but assessed in short experimental trials without arriving to the isotopic equilibrium. We carried out the longest controlled feeding experiment available (350 days) in bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in order to assess discrimination factors and turnover rates in skin. Animals' isotopic composition was first stabilized by maintaining individuals under an isotopically constant diet during 172 days. Afterwards, diet was shifted and maintained during 178 days to calculate isotopic discrimination and turnover rates. Estimates for isotopic discrimination factors were 1.01 ± 0.37‰ (mean ± sd) for *δ*13C and 1.57 ± 0.52‰ for *δ*15N. Half-life turnover rates were estimated to be 24.16 ± 8.19 days for carbon and 47.63 ± 19 days for nitrogen. This is the first time that applicable values are available to assess the diet of free ranging small cetaceans through stable isotope mixing model analysis. You can download the paper in: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098115300514 or visit my ResearchGate (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2) Kind Regards, Joan Giménez -- *Joan Giménez Verdugo* *PhD Student* *Severo Ochoa* Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC) Department of Conservation Biology Americo Vespucio Ave, s/n 41092 Sevilla (Spain) www.ebd.csic.es --- Research Gate: Joan Giménez <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2> Phone: +34 619 176 849 ü Please consider the environment before printing this E-mail

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Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2017 Florida, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas
by Kelly Melillo Sweeting 25 Feb '19

25 Feb '19

Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2017 Florida, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently seeking two interns for the summer of 2017. These internships have field and office components, both of which are mandatory, and total 9-12 weeks, depending on DCP's schedule. DCP looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions focus primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. Interns will spend the field portion of this internship at our Bimini, Bahamas, research site, where we study wild Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. An abbreviated publication list is available at the end of this post. Responsibilities In the field: --Travel to and assist for approximately 6 weeks at our Bimini research site (exact dates TBD, likely beginning in late, following the office component) --Assist gathering data (general observations, photographs) during 4-6 hour/day boat excursions (weather and schedule dependent) --Complete photo-identification of dolphins from still photography and video as well as other data entry and analysis tasks --Assist with on-board and outreach education as well as web-based projects --Represent DCP in an enthusiastic, responsible, mature and respectful manner At the office: --Travel to and assist for 4-5 weeks at our Port Saint Lucie, Florida (FL) office (exact dates TBD, likely prior to field component, beginning in late May) --Process and analyze data, including, but not limited to: photo-identification of individuals from other DCP research sites, event sampling from video data for behavioral analyses, and acoustic analysis of dolphin sounds --Assist in the development and implementation of education programs for schools and the general public, as needed Requirements Successful interns must have basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Current enrollment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required. The successful candidates will be comfortable on a boat for several hours at a time in varying conditions, including extreme heat. They will also be proficient swimmers with the desire to improve snorkeling and free-diving skills. They will be able to work as a team both in a small office and in a fairly remote and isolated field setting. Good writing and public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to details. Interns must be at least 18 years of age. Although international applicants are invited to apply, all applicants should know that interns are responsible for their own daily transportation to/from the FL office and public transportation is limited in this area; therefore, all interns should have their own transportation while in FL. Expenses and Compensation This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Bimini and Florida. There is a $1,100.00 fee that will cover housing in the field (on-island transportation not needed). Room, board and transportation while in Florida are the responsibility of the intern. Although assistance in finding housing may be available, the ability to find suitable housing in Florida is ultimately the interns’ responsibility. We recommend all applicants complete a preliminary housing search in advance of submitting their applications. Interested applicants should review information at this link: http://dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/get-involved/internships. Please read this page thoroughly before applying or emailing questions . Send a completed application (downloadable and detailed at the link above) to kelly(a)dcpmail.org. Applications are due 28 February 2017. Due to field schedules, only electronic applications will be accepted. Interviews (via telephone or Skype) will be arranged for selected candidates in early March. For more information, please contact Kelly Melillo Sweeting at kelly(a)dcpmail.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selected Refereed Publications: (for a full list of publications by DCP researchers, please visit: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/about-dolphins/scienti…) Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., Würsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. Dudzinski, K.M., M. Sakai, M., Masaki, K., Kogi, K., Hishii, T., Kurimoto, M. 2003. Behavioral observations of adult and sub-adult dolphins towards two dead bottlenose dolphins (one female and one male). Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 108-116. Gregg, J.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Smith, H.V. 2007. Do dolphins eavesdrop on the echolocation signals of conspecifics? International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 20: 65-88 Dudzinski, K.M., Thomas, J. Gregg, J.D. 2008. Communication. In (W.F. Perrin, B. Würsig, H.C.M. Thewissen, eds) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, second edition. Academic Press, Inc. Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291 Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Paulos, R.D., Kuczaj, S.A. 2010. A comparison of pectoral fin contact behaviour for three distinct dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 84: 559-567. Greene, W., Melillo-Sweeting, K., Dudzinski, K. 2011. Comparing object play in captive and wild dolphins. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 24(3):292-306. Dudzinski, KM, Gregg, JD, Melillo-Sweeting, K, Levengood, A, Seay, B., Kuczaj II, SA. 2012. Tactile contact exchanges between dolphins: self-rubbing versus inter-individual contact in three species from three geographies. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 25:21-43. Dudzinski, KM, Danaher-Garcia, N, Gregg, JD. 2013. Pectoral fin contact between dolphin dyads at Zoo Duisburg, with comparison to other dolphin study populations. Aquatic Mammals. 39(4): 335-343. Melillo-Sweeting, K, Turnbull, S and Guttridge, T. 2014. Evidence of shark attacks on Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off Bimini, The Bahamas. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12082 Melillo-Sweeting, K., Yeater, D., Dudzinski, KM. 2015. Dolphin sightings near the coast of Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003 – 2013. Aquatic Mammals 41.3: 245-251. DOI: 10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.245. _______________________________ Kelly Melillo Sweeting Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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JNCC MMO (UK) and BOEM PSO (Gulf of Mexico) Training Courses
by Alison Gill 13 Nov '17

13 Nov '17

Intelligent Ocean Ltd (http://www.intelligentocean.com/) is running the following training courses in January in Kings Lynn, UK for which we have spaces available. Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Training for UK - 21st January 2016 - £130 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Protected Species Observer (PSO) Training for Gulf of Mexico, USA - 22nd January 2016 - £60 (when taken in conjunction with the JNCC MMO course). To book a place please use our online booking system at this link http://www.intelligentocean.com/booking.php Alison Gill Intelligent Ocean Ltd www.intelligentocean.com

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Announcement of the Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, 26-29 March 2015
by Laela Sayigh 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Dear colleagues, This message is to announce the upcoming Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, to be held 26-29 March 2015 in Massachusetts (location TBA). This symposium will consist of a combination of invited and contributed presentations on all aspects of marine mammal bioacoustics, including communication, echolocation, hearing, methods in marine mammal bioacoustics, effects of noise on marine mammals, and bioacoustics as a tool in marine mammal conservation. There will also be a session on Bill Watkins' legacy to marine mammal bioacoustics. Further announcements will follow with more specifics, but registration and abstract submissions are expected to commence in the fall of 2014. For more information, contact Laela Sayigh, lsayigh(a)whoi.edu.

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Wild Lens- Vaquita Resource Awareness Film
by Sean Bogle 12 Apr '17

12 Apr '17

Good day MARMAMers, We are a non-profit wildlife documentary film organization called Wild Lens, wildlensinc.org <http://wildlensinc.org/>. We have just released two language versions of our short film about the vaquita porpoise which is the most endangered marine mammal on the planet. Our film documents the struggle to save the vaquita from extinction. The purpose of this short film is to engage people about the vaquitas story while we now focus on a 30 minute film for television. We also will release a full feature film in 2018 as we document the occurrences during the two year gillnet ban in the Upper Gulf of California that the Mexican government has implemented to stop illegal fishing and the extinction of the vaquita. The videos are for everyone to use as an awareness tool, so please use it on your websites, presentations or anywhere where people can learn and get involved to save the vaquita. We want the vaquita to be the symbol of hope for all species on this planet. It will take the international community’s involvement to really have a positive impact on this issue and other issues facing our natural environment. To learn more about our project visit: vaquitafilm.com <http://vaquitafilm.com/> Below are two language version which we just released: English Version: vimeo.com/wildlens/vaquita <http://vimeo.com/wildlens/vaquita> Spanish Version: https://vimeo.com/166899979 <https://vimeo.com/166899979> If there are any questions or concerns please contact me at sean(a)wildlensinc.org. Viva Vaquita! Sean Sean Bogle, Project Director Eyes on Conservation Wild Lens, Inc. Cell: 435.790.9593 Office:208.297.6536 ext.502 wildlensinc.org <http://www.wildlensinc.org/> <http://wildlensinc.org/film-projects/eyes-on-conservation/> <http://www.wildlensinc.org/eyes-on-conservation.html> <http://www.wildlensinc.org/eyes-on-conservation.html> <http://wildlensinc.org/> <http://wildlensinc.org/> <https://www.facebook.com/WildLensInc> <https://twitter.com/WildLensInc> <https://www.youtube.com/user/WildLensInc> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens>

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Marine Animal Entanglement Response Specialist - Provincetown, MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 28 Feb '17

28 Feb '17

Marine Animal Entanglement Response Specialist Full Time (40 hours per week) The Center for Coastal Studies (Provincetown MA) is seeking a response specialist for its Marine Animal Entanglement Response program. CCS is a private, non-profit institution with an emphasis on marine mammal research and conservation. Response specialists are on call to disentangle whales and sea turtles following strict protocols that emphasize human safety and data collection. Specialists participate in at-sea operations, data processing, administrative tasks and supervision of trainees. They are expected to interface with the public and professional mariners and to participate in other CCS research programs as needed. CCS is searching for level-headed candidates that can work calmly and problem solve under stressful conditions. Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in a biological field; at least one year of at-sea working experience; small boat handling experience; excellent computer and communication skills; strong focus and attention to detail; the ability to work and communicate well at sea and in a wide range of weather conditions. Prior experience working with large animals and database management skills are desirable. Applicants must be physically able to execute the work of the position. Weekends and scheduling flexibility required. This position is full-time, year-round, with the potential for annual renewal. It is open to citizens of the United States of America and those authorized to work in the US. Interested candidates please submit cover sheet, resume and two references to: Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 5 Holway Ave. Provincetown, MA 02657 Email: srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org Applications will be accepted till March 31, 2017. -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113 f. (508) 487-4495 “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” -Rachel Carson

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New paper on killer whale foraging behaviour using Dtag data
by Wright, Brianna 27 Feb '17

27 Feb '17

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the release of the following publication in Movement Ecology: Wright BM, Ford JKB, Ellis GM, Deecke VB, Shapiro AD, Battaile BC & Trites AW. 2017. Fine-scale foraging movements by fish-eating killer whales (Orcinus orca) relate to the vertical distributions and escape responses of salmonid prey (Oncorhynchus spp.). Movement Ecology 5:3. DOI 10.1186/s40462-017-0094-0 The paper is Open Access and can be downloaded via the following link: http://rdcu.be/ppu4 PDF copies are also available upon request to: Brianna.Wright(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca Abstract: Background: We sought to quantitatively describe the fine-scale foraging behavior of northern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca), a population of fish-eating killer whales that feeds almost exclusively on Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.). To reconstruct the underwater movements of these specialist predators, we deployed 34 biologging Dtags on 32 individuals and collected high-resolution, three-dimensional accelerometry and acoustic data. We used the resulting dive paths to compare killer whale foraging behavior to the distributions of different salmonid prey species. Understanding the foraging movements of these threatened predators is important from a conservation standpoint, since prey availability has been identified as a limiting factor in their population dynamics and recovery. Results: Three-dimensional dive tracks indicated that foraging (N = 701) and non-foraging dives (N = 10,618) were kinematically distinct (Wilks' lambda: λ16 = 0.321, P < 0.001). While foraging, killer whales dove deeper, remained submerged longer, swam faster, increased their dive path tortuosity, and rolled their bodies to a greater extent than during other activities. Maximum foraging dive depths reflected the deeper vertical distribution of Chinook (compared to other salmonids) and the tendency of Pacific salmon to evade predators by diving steeply. Kinematic characteristics of prey pursuit by resident killer whales also revealed several other escape strategies employed by salmon attempting to avoid predation, including increased swimming speeds and evasive maneuvering. Conclusions: High-resolution dive tracks reconstructed using data collected by multi-sensor accelerometer tags found that movements by resident killer whales relate significantly to the vertical distributions and escape responses of their primary prey, Pacific salmon. Sincerely, - Brianna Wright Brianna Wright, MSc. Aquatic Science Biologist Marine Mammal Section Pacific Biological Station Fisheries and Oceans Canada Brianna.Wright(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:Brianna.Wright@dfo-mpo.gc.ca> 1-250-756-7253

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Marine Project in the Caspian Sea
by Lotte Wijnants 27 Feb '17

27 Feb '17

Hello Everyone! For a project in the Caspian Sea we are currently seeking a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) with a Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) certificate / experience to support the team there. At the moment there is a project where a lot of noise/sound is produced. Limits that could potentially be dangerous to the marine mammals are already known but it is unknown how much noise is produced by the machines. Due to this it is required that the sounds are recorded several times a day. Additionally it is important that the marine mammals are observed. Details of the project: - Duration: 10 - 12 weeks in August / September (or April) - Flight, accommodation and your stay will be paid for (additional to the salary) - A requirement(!) is that you live in The Netherlands, Belgium or Germany and you speak Dutch fluently (or English) If you are interested and meet the requirements, you can contact me via phone (+31(0)345 - 516100 / +31(0)6 - 53136768) or by E-mail (l.wijnants(a)deltamilieu.nl<mailto:l.wijnants@deltamilieu.nl>). Details of the company who is hiring is: http://deltamilieu.nl/projecten Thank you in advance! Kind regards/Met vriendelijke groet, Lotte Wijnants [cid:image013.png@01D29102.76A850B0] Lotte Wijnants Ecoloog, Delta Milieu 0345 - 516100 | 06 - 53136768 l.wijnants(a)deltamilieu.nl<mailto:l.wijnants@deltamilieu.nl> | www.deltamilieu.nl<http://www.deltamilieu.nl/> Varkensmarkt 9, Culemborg [cid:image014.jpg@01D29102.76A850B0]<http://www.linkedin.com/in/lotte-wijnants-06b7215a?trk=hp-identity-photo> Volg ons ook via [cid:image015.jpg@01D29102.76A850B0] <http://www.facebook.com/deltamilieu/?fref=ts> [cid:image014.jpg@01D29102.76A850B0] <http://www.linkedin.com/in/lotte-wijnants-06b7215a?trk=hp-identity-photo> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Op alle aanbiedingen, opdrachten en overeenkomsten met de opdrachtgever zijn onze Algemene Voorwaarden<http://www.deltamilieu.nl/voorwaarden/algemene-voorwaarden> (AV) van toepassing. De AV zijn gedeponeerd bij de Kamer van Koophandel Rivierenland onder dossiernummer 11028825 en 11019952 d.d. 11 juli 2007. ---------------------------- DISCLAIMER ----------------------------- De informatie verzonden met dit e-mail bericht is uitsluitend bestemd voor de geadresseerde. Openbaarmaking, vermenigvuldiging, verspreiding en/of verstrekking aan derden is niet toegestaan. Gebruik van deze informatie door anderen dan de geadresseerde is verboden. U wordt verzocht bij onjuiste adressering de afzender direct te informeren door het bericht te retourneren.

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Undergraduate or Master's Level Student Needed for Beluga Acoustics Research Project
by Audra_Ames 27 Feb '17

27 Feb '17

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