February 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication : Environmental and anthropogenic factors modulate dolphins' social play
by agathe serres 27 Feb '17

27 Feb '17

Dear colleagues, My co-author, Fabienne Delfour and I are pleased to announce the publication of our work which focused on the impact of different environmental and anthropogenic factors on social play in under human care dolphins. The article is the following one: Serres, A., Delfour, F., 2017. Environmental changes and anthropogenic factors modulate social play in captive bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). Zoo biology. Version of record online : 21 Feb 2017, DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21355 *Abstract* Social play varies among species and individuals and changes in frequency and duration during ontogeny. This type of play is modulated by environmental changes (e.g., resource availability). In captivity, cetaceans and their environment are managed by humans, and training sessions and/or public presentations punctuate the day as well as other frequent or occasional events. There is a lack of research on the effects of environmental events that occur in captivity and might affect dolphins’ behavior. We studied the context in which nine bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) played socially and the events that could potentially impact this social interaction. The dolphins’ social play behavior was significantly more frequent and lasted longer in the morning than in the afternoon and was present before and after interactions with their trainers with a non-significant tendency to be more frequent before and after a training session than a public presentation. In an experimental paradigm using familiar environmental enrichment, our results demonstrated that environmental enrichment tended to increase social play duration whereas temporary noisy construction work around the pool and display of agonistic behaviors by members of the group significantly decreased it. These results contribute to better understand the social play distribution in captive bottlenose dolphins and the impact of different events within their daily lives. Since play decreases or disappears when animals are facing unfavorable conditions, the evaluation of social play may relate to the animals’ current well-being. We suggest that social play has potential to become an indicator of bottlenose dolphins’ current welfare state. The paper can be found here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/zoo.21355/full You can send any requests for copies of the PDF directly to agathe.serres11(a)gmail.com Best regards, Agathe Serres -- Agathe Serres Etudiante Master 2 Ethologie fondamentale et comparée Université Paris 13, France agathe.serres11(a)gmail.com 0631798152

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Training Events in March
by Stephanie Barnicoat 26 Feb '17

26 Feb '17

Dear All, Please take note of our up and coming courses next month PAM L1 course 8-10th March, Devon UK- If you want to achieve your professional PAM Operator qualification, and take your marine mammal observation skills to the next level, this is for you! Follow this link to our website to book now: http://seichetraining.com/pam-course-level-1 Fundamental Acoustics 27th March, Exeter-This course is perfect for regulators, environmental consultants, researchers, policy or environmental professionals and anyone who needs to understand the basics of acoustics. This course outlines the main concepts of underwater acoustics and how to measure and analyse sound! Follow this link to our website to book now: http://seichetraining.com/fundamentals-of-underwater-acoustics Marine Acoustics 27-30th March, Exeter- Combine lectures with hands-on learning to explore the ocean environment and get to grips with the rules and measurement models used in Marine Acoustics. Bookings for our next course are now open: http://seichetraining.com/underwater-acoustics-the-marine-environment Marine Sonar 27-31st March, Exeter- Spend five days in lectures and practical workshops discovering the latest developments in acoustics and marine sonar. Book now to secure you place: http://seichetraining.com/underwater-acoustics-sonar-systems CPD recognised by @The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). In association with the @University of Bath. Any enquiries, please email info(a)seichetrainng.com<mailto:info@seichetrainng.com> Seiche Ltd Stephanie Barnicoat 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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Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Project EcoVolunteer Opportunities 2017 available
by Liz Hawkins 26 Feb '17

26 Feb '17

MORETON BAY DOLPHIN RESEARCH PROJECT ECO-VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 2017 Dolphin Research Australia Inc. is a marine research, education and conservation charity. We are pleased to announce that we have eco-volunteer opportunities available for participants to join our Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Expeditions in 2017. We have one or two week eco-volunteer expeditions available between May and July 2017. The project offers a unique learning experience for those passionate about dolphins and the marine environment who want to contribute to increasing knowledge, awareness and improving conservation efforts while supporting the research efforts. The research project focuses on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and Australian humpback dolphins and aims to assess and monitor the abundance and health of these populations in the Moreton Bay Marine Park and South East Queensland region. Participants have the opportunity to join the research team and have a hands-on and participatory experience working from small research vessels whilst being based at the University of Queensland Moreton Bay Research Station on the beautiful North Stradbroke Island located near Brisbane, Australia. Participants will assist in collecting data on the behaviour, acoustics and habitat use of coastal dolphins. No previous experience is required and all training will be provided to participants. Participants, however, do need to have the following; - An enthusiastic and positive attitude - Willingness to learn and work with a small team - General interest in dolphin biology and ecology - Be able to work long-hours on a small vessel (not susceptible to chronic sea sickness) - Ability to communicate fluently in English (both written and oral) - Good fitness level (the work requires agility to work on small vessels and participants will be required to regularly get on and off small boats, move around the vessel whilst underway and at times in choppy conditions) Please check our website www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com or email us directly at info(at)dolphinresearchaustralia.com for more information, prices and dates. Kind Regards Liz Elizabeth Hawkins, PhD Executive Officer Founding Director Dolphin Research Australia, Inc. PO Box 1960 Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 E-mail: liz(a)dolphinresearchaustralia.com Ph: 0407 646 069 Website: www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com/> ABN: 42095866467 ** Dolphin Research Australia Inc. is a marine conservation, education & research charity -find out more about us & how you can help at <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com> www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com **

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MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AVAILABLE
by Thomas Jefferson 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AVAILABLE ¡VIVAVaquita! (a non-profitorganization) has many marine mammal books, reprints, monographs, and journalsthat are available for a donation to the organiation. All funds raised will be actively used forresearch and conservation work on the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), the world’s most endangered marine mammal species. The global population of this species nownumbers less than 30 individuals and is decling at about 50%/year. Visit ourwebsite at www.vivavaquita.org formore details. For a full list of booksavailable, or if you have any marine mammal literature you would be interestedin donating or ‘selling’ to us, please contact Tom Jefferson at sclymene(a)aol.com. HC=harcover, PB=paperback. Andrews, R.C. (1916 (1925)) Whale Hunting With Gun and Camera, D. Appleton and Co., NewYork. HC. Arseniev, V.A. & Panin, K.I. (1971) Pinnipeds of theNorth Pacific. 274 pp. VNIRO. PB. Brandt, J.F. (1849) Contributions to Sirenology, BeingPrincipally an Illustrated Natural History of Rhytina, De L'Imprimerie de'Academie Imperiale des Sciences. PB. Fraser, F.C. (1934) Report on Cetacea stranded on theBritish coasts from 1927 to 1932, British Museum (Natural History). PB. Fraser, F.C. (1946) Report on Cetacea stranded on theBritish coasts from 1933 to 1937, British Museum (Natural History). PB. Fraser, F.C. (1953) Report on Cetacea stranded on theBritish coasts from 1938 to 1947, British Museum (Natural History). PB. Fraser, F.C. (1974) Report on Cetacea stranded on theBritish coasts from 1948 to 1966, British Museum (Natural History). PB. Gaskin, D.E. (1972) Whales, Dolphins, and Seals, WithSpecial Reference to the New Zealand Region, Heineman Educational Books. HC. Geraci, J.R. & Lounsbury, V.J. (2005) Marine MammalsAshore: A Field Guide for Strandings, Texas A&M Sea Grant (Second Edition).HC. Gray, J.E. (1850) Catalogue of the Specimens of Mammalia inthe Collection of the British Museum. Part I. Cetacea. Part II. Seals,Trustees of the British Museum. HC. Harrison, R.J. (1974) Functional Anatomy of Marine Mammals,Volume 2. 366 pp. Academic Press. HC. Hershkovitz, P. (1966) Catalog of living whales. Bulletin ofthe United States National Museum, 246, 259 pp. PB. Jefferson, T.A., Leatherwood, S. & Webber, M.A. (1993)Marine Mammals of the World: FAO Species Identification Guide, United NationEnvironment Programme and Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN. PB. Kenyon, K.W. (1969) The sea otter in the eastern PacificOcean. North American Fauna, 68, 352 pp. PB. Marine Mammal Science (1985-2013) 29 year run (complete).Marine Mammal Science, 1-28. PB. Mead, J.G. & Gold, J.P. (2002) Whales and Dolphins inQuestion, Smithsonian Institution Press (hardcover). HC. Mitchell, E.D. (1975) Porpoise, dolphin and small whalefisheries of the world. IUCN Monograph, 3, 129 pp. PB. Mitchell, E. (1975) Review of biology and fisheries forsmaller cetaceans. In: Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada, pp.879-1242. PB. Morzer Bruyns, W.F.J. (1971) Field Guide of Whales andDolphins, Uitgeverij Tor. HC. Norman, J.R. & Fraser, F.C. (1949) Field Book of GiantFishes, Whales, and Dolphins, G. P. Putnam's Sons. HC. Norris, K.S. & Prescott, J.H. (1961) Observations onPacific cetaceans of Californian and Mexican waters. University of CaliforniaPublications in Zoology, 63, 291-402. PB. Perrin, W.F. (1975) Variation and taxonomy of spotted andspinner porpoise (genus Stenella) inthe eastern tropical Pacific and Hawaii. Bulletin of the Scripps Institution ofOceanography, 21, 206 pp. PB. Perrin, W.F., Donovan, G.P. & Barlow, J. (1994) Gillnetsand Cetaceans. 617+ pp. Reports of the International Whaling Commission. HC. Pilleri, G. (1980) The Secrets of the Blind Dolphins, ElitePublishers Ltd. HC. Ridgway, S.H. & Harrison, R.J. (1981) Handbook of MarineMammals, Vol. 2: Seals. 359 pp. Academic Press. HC. Ridgway, S.H. & Harrison, R. (1999) Handbook of MarineMammals, Vol. 6: The Second Book of Dolphins and the Porpoises. 486 pp.Academic Press. HC. Scheffer, V.B. (1958) Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses: AReview of the Pinnipedia, Stanford University Press. HC. Scientific Reports of the Whales Research Institute (1900s)(nearly complete). Scientific Reports of the Whales Research Institute,1-34. $250. HC/PB. Truitt, D. (1974) Dolphins and Porpoises: A ComprehensiveAnnotated Bibliography of the Smaller Cetacea, Gale Research Co. HC. Turner, W. (1912) The Marine Mammals in the AnatomicalMuseum of the University of Edinburgh, MacMillan and Co. HC. Vladykov, V.D. (1944) Etudes sur les mammiferes aquatiques.III. Chasse, biologie et valeur economique du marsouin blanc ou beluga (Delphinapterusleucas) du leuve et du golfe Saint-Laurent, Department of Fisheries,Quebec, Canada. PB. Vladykov, V.D. (1947) Etudes sur les mammiferes aquatiques.IV. Nourriture du Marsouin Blanc ou beluga (Delphinapterusleucas) du fleuve Saint-Laurent. Contributions de l'Institut de Biologiegenerale et de Zoologie, 19, 1-129. PB. Würsig, B., Jefferson, T.A. & Schmidly, D.J. (2000) TheMarine Mammals of the Gulf of Mexico, Texas A&M University Press. HC.

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Hawaiian Humpback Whale Field Research Internship (College Credit)
by Chelsey Gloor 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

Ocean Mammal Institute (OMI) is a non-profit organization that pioneers the way in two of the most important fields of study in the 21st century: Environmental Studies and Ecological Psychology (Ecopsychology). Together we can turn the tide of extinction. Dates: 2 Jan 2018 arrive, 19 Jan 2018 depart Location: Maui, Hawaii Internship title: Hawaiian Humpback Whale Field Research Internship Internship description: Get out into nature in beautiful Maui and learn how to conduct field research on humpback whales. Research the impact of boats on these magnificent mammals and how boats change whale habitat and behavior. The reading material covers whale behavior, how humans affect that and all environmental issues around the oceans. Additionally, we look at other human impacts on the oceans and how human psychology affects the decisions we make about the environment. Learn how we can create meaningful change and raise consciousness about environmental issues. An OMI research intern is expected to do the following: 1. Study the biology and behavior of humpback whales while you observe and record their spectacular behaviors. 2. Learn and apply the principles of field research design. 3. Gain a personal understanding of the politics of protecting endangered species. 4. Learn about current research on whales and dolphins around the world and related conservation issues. 5. Be introduced to the field of Ecopsychology, which studies the relationship between humans and the natural world. 6. Learn how we can create meaningful change and raise the consciousness about environmental issues. What a typical day is like: • As part of a team, conduct shore-based data collection. This involves tracking whales and boats with a theodolite and recording whale behaviors. All this is conducted approximately 4 hours every day in the Maui sun. • As part of a team, plot and graph the field data daily. • Read and discuss articles for the evening class. There are about 70 short articles in addition to the paperback text. Evening discussions are conducted every night and last approx 2 hours. Additional requirements: • Take 2 written exams (midterm and final). • Write a team research paper using the field data your team obtained. Living arrangements: • 4 to 5 students in a beautifully furnished condo on the ocean. • Condo’s have a full kitchen, living area, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. Administrative Info: • Take this course as an Independent Study or Internship Course, through your college. If taking this course for credit you receive your credit from your school, not OMI. • Arrive in Maui 2 Jan 2018, depart Maui 19 Jan 2018 • Price - $2850.00 (Includes rental of research equipment, transportation, and accommodations in peak tourist season.) This fee does not include airfare or food. Requirements: This is a basic field research course open to any college student, any major may apply. Students must be able to walk up a hill and sit in the Maui sun 4 hours a day as they gather field data on the whales. Application: Online application is available on our website at: www.oceanmammalinst.org<http://www.oceanmammalinst.org/>/ Limited slots available. If not selected deposit is refunded. Applications will be accepted until all the slots are filled. Questions contact: Chelsey Gloor Chief Operations Manager Ocean Mammal Institute Email: chelseyg956(a)hotmail.com

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Part time job vacancy (Marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response)
by Alexander Costidis 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

Hello Marmamm community, The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach, VA is currently seeking a year around (non-seasonal) PT Assistant Stranding Technician – Operations Assistant I. Job duties include marine mammal (dolphin, whale, seal) and sea turtle stranding response, necropsy and rehabilitation. The Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program has been operating for 25 years and currently responds to approximately 300 strandings per year. The position closes at 12:01 AM on March 10. Please visit http://www.vbgovcareers.com/ for more information or to apply. Kind regards, Alexander M. Costidis, Ph.D. Stranding Response Coordinator Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Email: acostidi(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:acostidi@virginiaaquarium.com> Office phone: 757.385.6482 Stranding hotline: 757.385.7575 Evening hotline: 757.385.7576

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CRRU Summer Training Courses 2017
by Dr Kevin Robinson 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

The field dates for the CRRUs 2017 Whales and dolphins of the Moray Firth project in Scotland this summer (running from May to October) are currently listed at: http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp These field courses are run in the form of a formal training / educational programme, with structured lectures, seminars and presentations by the research team, practical training in field methodologies and data collection and analysis, and direct participation in the research, education and rescue work of this dynamic and outgoing conservation charity. The cost for the 11 day field course in 2017 is £1150, and this covers full board (all accommodation and food costs), full equipment needs for the boat work etc, and ALL associated field costs during your stay with us in the heritage fishing village of Gardenstown in Banff, Aberdeenshire. You'll simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to us in Banff, Scotland (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money (minimal). For full details of our courses, please visit the CRRU project page at www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp <http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp> or email us directly at info(a)crru.org.uk <mailto:info@crru.org.uk> for further information and a pdf copy of the project briefing and/or booking/application forms. For a list of scientific publications and reports by the research team, please visit: www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp With all best wishes and thanks. We look forward to meeting you Dr. Kevin Robinson Director, CRRU <mailto:kev.robinson@crru.org.uk> kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, PO Box 11307, Banff, AB45 3WB, Scotland, UK | ( +44 (0)1261 851696 | <http://www.crru.org.uk/> www.crru.org.uk Whale and Dolphin Research | Environmental Educational Outreach | Marine Wildlife Rescue | Consultancy | MMO Services Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC035473 <http://www.facebook.com/crru.org.uk> <http://www.twitter.com/crru> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/cetacean-research-&-rescue-unit-crru-> P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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Summer Internships with New England Aquarium
by Brendon Dempsey 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

Good morning everyone, The New England Aquarium is currently seeking candidates for Summer 2017 internships! Applications are being accepted for all positions, but links to our Marine Mammal internship, Marine Mammal Education and Research internship, and Visitor Education internship are below. We hope to receive your application soon! Applications consist of a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript, and an optional letter of recommendation. The links to begin your application are at the bottom of the position descriptions. Internships are 2-3 days per week for 12-16 weeks and all positions are unpaid. The priority application date was listed as January 31st but we continuing to accept applications! Marine Mammal Internship<http://serve.neaq.org/HOC__CMSContent?CMSId=a0Uo0000002U4CeEAK> Marine Mammal Education and Research<http://serve.neaq.org/HOC__CMSContent?CMSId=a0Uo0000002U4XlEAK> Visitor Education Internship<http://serve.neaq.org/HOC__CMSContent?CMSId=a0Uo0000002U4JwEAK> If you have any questions please feel free to reach out or see the links in my signature, below. Best wishes, Brendon Dempsey Coordinator, Internships & Professional Development New England Aquarium tel 617.973.5235 BDempsey(a)neaq.org<mailto:BDempsey@neaq.org> www.neaq.org<http://www.neaq.org/> Applying for Internships<http://serve.neaq.org/HOC__cmscontent?CMSId=a0Uo0000002S8jLEAS> Internship Positions<http://serve.neaq.org/HOC__cmscontent?CMSId=a0Uo0000002S8o6EAC> Have questions? Internship FAQ<http://neaquarium.force.com/HOC__cmscontent?CMSId=a0Uo0000002S8jQEAS> [btn_liprofile_blue_80x15]<https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendondempsey>

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New paper on short first click intervals in odontocetes
by Charlotte Dunn 24 Feb '17

24 Feb '17

MarMam - My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication in JASA: Short first click intervals in echolocation trains of three species of deep diving odontocetes. Abstract All odontocetes produce echolocation clicks as part of their vocal repertoire. In this paper the authors analysed inter-click-intervals in recordings from suction cup tags with a focus on the first inter-click interval of each click train. The authors refer to shorter first inter-click intervals as short first intervals (SFIs). The authors found that the context of SFI occurrence varies across three deep-diving species. In Blainville's beaked whales, 87% of click trains that were preceded by a terminal buzz started with SFIs. In Cuvier's beaked whales, only sub-adult animals produced notable amounts of SFIs. In contrast, sperm whales were much more likely to produce SFIs on the first click train of a dive. While the physiological and/or behavioural reasons for SFI click production are unknown, species differences in their production could provide a window into the evolution of odontocete echolocation. The full citation is: Dunn, C., Tyack, P., Miller, P., and Rendell, L. 2017. Short first click intervals in echolocation trains of three species of deep diving odontocetes. JASA 141(900). doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1121/1.4976084 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1121/1.4976084>. You can download the manuscript from: http://asa.scitation.org/doi/pdf/10.1121/1.4976084 <http://asa.scitation.org/doi/pdf/10.1121/1.4976084>, or email me for a pdf copy (cdunn(a)bahamaswhales.org <mailto:cdunn@bahamaswhales.org>). kind regards Charlotte Charlotte Dunn, PhD Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organisation www.bahamaswhales.org <http://www.bahamaswhales.org/> Research Fellow, University of St Andrews +1 242 366 4155 +1 242 577 0655 (cell) http://www.facebook.com/BMMRO <http://www.facebook.com/BMMRO> my publications <https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&view_op=list_works&gmla=AJsN-F4X…>

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New paper on abundance of cetaceans in Hawaiian waters
by Amanda Bradford - NOAA Federal 23 Feb '17

23 Feb '17

Aloha MarMam community - My coauthors and I would like to let you know that the following paper has recently been published in Fishery Bulletin: Bradford, A. L., K. A. Forney, E. M. Oleson, and J. Barlow. 2017. Abundance estimates of cetaceans from a line-transect survey within the U.S. Hawaiian Islands Exclusive Economic Zone. Fishery Bulletin 115:129–142. *Abstract*: A ship-based line-transect survey was conducted during the summer and fall of 2010 to obtain abundance estimates of cetaceans in the U.S. Hawaiian Islands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Given the low sighting rates for cetaceans in the study area, sightings from 2010 were pooled with sightings made during previous line-transect surveys within the central Pacific for calculating detection functions, which were estimated by using a multiple-covariate approach. The trackline detection probabilities used in this study are the first to reflect the effect of sighting conditions in the central Pacific and are markedly lower than estimates used in previous studies. During the survey, 23 cetacean species (17 odontocetes and 6 mysticetes) were seen, and abundance was estimated for 19 of them (15 odontocetes and 4 mysticetes). Group size and Beaufort sea state were the most important factors affecting the detectability of cetacean groups. Across all species, abundance estimates and coefficients of variation range from 133 to 72,528 and from 0.29 to 1.13, respectively. Estimated abundance is highest for delphinid species and lowest for the killer whale (*Orcinus orca*) and rorqual species. Overall, cetacean density in the Hawaiian Islands EEZ is low in comparison with highly productive oceanic regions. You can download a PDF of the paper here <http://fishbull.noaa.gov/1152/bradford.pdf>, or I'm happy to send you one directly upon request. I know that abundance estimation, while important, is generally not the most exciting of topics! If you'd like to ease into learning more about our line-transect surveys in Hawaiian waters and how we use the resulting abundance estimates, I've posted a non-technical summary of the published paper on our blog <https://pifscblog.wordpress.com/2017/02/23/counting-whales-and-dolphins-in-…> . Kind regards, amanda -- *Amanda L. Bradford, Ph.D.* Research Ecologist, Cetacean Research Program Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries (808) 725-5714 Mailing address: NOAA IRC NMFS/PIFSC/PSD/Amanda Bradford 1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176 Honolulu, HI 96818

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