February 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Acoustic differentiation between two types of short-finned pilot whale in the Pacific Ocean
by Amy Van Cise 06 Feb '17

06 Feb '17

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm happy to announce the publication of the following paper in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America: Van Cise AM, Roch MA, Baird RW, Aran Mooney T, Barlow J (2017) *Acoustic differentiation of Shiho- and Naisa-type short-finned pilot whales in the Pacific Ocean.* The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 141, 737–748. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1121/1.4974858 Abstract Divergence in acoustic signals used by different populations of marine mammals can be caused by a variety of environmental, hereditary, or social factors, and can indicate isolation between those populations. Two types of genetically and morphologically distinct short-finned pilot whales, called the Naisa- and Shiho-types when first described off Japan, have been identified in the Pacific Ocean. Acoustic differentiation between these types would support their designation as sub-species or species, and improve the understanding of their distribution in areas where genetic samples are difficult to obtain. Calls from two regions representing the two types were analyzed using 24 recordings from Hawai‘i (Naisa-type) and 12 recordings from the eastern Pacific Ocean (Shiho-type). Calls from the two types were significantly differentiated in median start frequency, frequency range, and duration, and were significantly differentiated in the cumulative distribution of start frequency, frequency range, and duration. Gaussian mixture models were used to classify calls from the two different regions with 74% accuracy, which was significantly greater than chance. The results of these analyses indicate that the two types are acoustically distinct, which supports the hypothesis that the two types may be separate sub-species. You can access this paper online at http://asa.scitation.org/ doi/abs/10.1121/1.4974858, or email me directly for a pdf copy. Best regards, Amy <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< <*)))>< Amy Van Cise PhD Candidate NSF Graduate Research Fellow https://amyvancise.wordpress.com Scripps Institution of Oceanography Ritter Hall 117 781-686-6753 <(781)%20686-6753> avancise(a)ucsd.edu NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive 858-546-5648 <(858)%20546-5648> avancise(a)gmail.com

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New publication on the nature of social relationships in bottlenose dolphins: assessing associations and the role of affiliative, agonistic, and socio-sexual behaviors
by Briana Seay 06 Feb '17

06 Feb '17

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to inform you of our recent publication in Behavioural Processes: Harvey, B. S., Dudzinski, K. M., & Kuczaj, S. A. (2017). Associations and the role of affiliative, agonistic, and socio-sexual behaviors among common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). *Behavioural Processes*, *135*. Little is known about the specific behavioral exchanges that occur on a day-to-day basis between dyads of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). This study assesses the proportion of time dyads spend in proximity (within ∼2 m) and the proportion of time spent in affiliative, agonistic, or socio-sexual contexts within and between age/sex dolphin pairings to better understand their social relationships. Observations of bottlenose dolphins housed at the Roatan Institute of Marine Sciences provided 10.5 h of underwater footage from which to examine association coefficients and inter-individual interactions. These data suggest similar patterns to previous studies on bottlenose dolphins: mother-calf dyads shared the highest coefficients of association, followed by male-male, female-female, and male-female dyads. Four classes of association coefficients were defined for the population including low, medium, medium-high and high. This study is the first to quantitatively assess association patterns concurrently with affiliative, agonistic, and socio-sexual behaviors for bottlenose dolphins. The predominant relationships were affiliative. The paper can be accessed free of charge at https://authors.elsevier. com/a/1UJxc1LenM57rJ (until February 21st) or you may e-mail harveybn(a)eckerd.edu to request a copy. Sincerely, Briana Harvey Briana Harvey, M.A. Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Lab University of Southern Mississippi

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Harbour and Grey seal internship and volunteer opportunities (A Seal, Holland)
by vincent serbruyns 06 Feb '17

06 Feb '17

Harbour and Grey seal internship and volunteer opportunities (A Seal, Holland) A Seal, a rescue center for Harbour- and Grey seals in Stellendam, Holland is accepting applications for internship and volunteer positions from Summer 2017 onwards A Seal is a nonprofit organization that aims to be a centre of expertise for marine mammals with a focus on rehabilitation of the Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) and the Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) which are the most common marine mammals of the dutch part of the North Sea. A Seal’s Internship Program is structured and designed to provide students in animal care and veterinary assistance(undergraduate degree and intermediate vocational degree) with hands-on experience in the field of seal rehabilitation. Responsibilities: * Assisting during all phases of seal rehabilitation (intake; quaranteens; inside baths; outside baths and release at the Dutch coast). * (Force- and tube-) feeding of the seals * Food preparation * Cleaning of pens and common facilities Qualifications: . Must possess a strong work ethic, have high attention to detail and the ability to work with limited supervision . Must be self-motivated, enthusiastic, friendly and able to work in a team of volunteers . Must be 18 or older . Must be available on weekends, holidays and during the evening hours . During this internship the intern will experience physical activity, such as: lifting, restraining and moving animals. Prior experience is not required and all training is provided. This is an unpaid position. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Housing facilities (shared kitchen and bathroom with other interns), 250 meters from A Seal, can be rented at limited charge. Those who can work full-time hours for at least 10 weeks will be given preference. Please visit www.aseal.nl for more information on our center (in dutch). Application with full CV can be sent to: More information can be acquired from: Vincent Serbruyns (Team leader and Intern coordinator) A Seal - Zeehondenopvang Stellendam Haringvlietplein 3a, 3251 LD Stellendam Holland, Europe E-mail : vincent.serbruyns(a)aseal.nl Office: 0031 (0)88 27 47 780 www.aseal.nl<http://www.aseal.nl> Connect with us on social media! Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/stichtingaseal/?fref=ts

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New study investigating the isotopic niche of Icelandic killer whales
by Filipa Samarra 05 Feb '17

05 Feb '17

Dear colleagues, We are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Intra-population variation in isotopic niche in herring-eating killer whales off Iceland Filipa I. P. Samarra, Morgana Vighi, Alex Aguilar and Gísli A. Víkingsson Marine Ecology Progress Series 564: 199-210 The paper is available online at http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v564/p199-210/ or you can contact me at fipsamarra(a)gmail.com for a reprint or if you have any questions. This study is part of the Icelandic Orca Project, a long-term research project dedicated to the study of killer whales in Iceland. You can find out more about the project on www.icelandic-orcas.com Abstract Among-individual variation in dietary preferences can impact community dynamics and be a driving force for evolutionary divergence, although it can be difficult to assess in free-ranging marine mammal populations. In this study, we investigate the existence of variation in isotopic niche within a population of putative herring-specialist killer whales. Isotopic ratios of carbon and nitrogen were measured in 67 skin biopsy samples from 56 individual killer whales, sampled in herring overwintering (winter) grounds and spawning (summer) grounds in Iceland when the whales were presumably feeding on herring. Whales that appeared to follow herring year round (n = 31) had lower δ15N values, consistent with a diet predominantly composed of herring. This supports the existence of herring specialists in the population. In contrast, whales that were only photo-identified either in winter or in summer (n = 25) had larger variation in δ15N values. A discriminant function analysis clearly distinguished between putative herring specialists and whales seasonally travelling to Scotland in summer (n = 3), which exhibited distinctly larger δ15N values indicative of a diet including higher trophic level prey. This study shows that herring-eating killer whales in Iceland exhibit intra-population ecological variation, whereby individuals or groups differ in the proportional contribution of different prey items to their diet. This variation occurs in the absence of social and, potentially, reproductive isolation. Although further information will be required to assess the degree of structuring within the population, such heterogeneity should be taken into account in future conservation and management plans. Best regards, Filipa Samarra Postdoctoral Researcher Marine Research Institute Skúlagata 4 121 Reykjavík, Iceland Tel: +354-5752082 www.icelandic-orcas.com https://icelandic-orcas.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/icelandic.orcas

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Vancouver Aquarium Veterinary Externship announcement
by Barbara Linnehan 04 Feb '17

04 Feb '17

Vancouver Aquarium Veterinary Externship announcement Located in the heart of beautiful Stanley Park in Vancouver Canada, the Vancouver Aquarium is internationally recognized as one of Canada’s foremost centers for aquatic education, research and conservation. We have an exciting opportunity for veterinary students to work in our Animal Health Department. Veterinary externs will work closely with the Vancouver Aquarium’s veterinary staff, which includes a board-certified veterinarian, veterinary intern, and two veterinary technicians, in the medical management of a large captive display collection that includes marine mammals, terrestrial mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and a large variety of native and tropical fish. The veterinary extern will also assist the veterinary medical staff in providing medical management for approximately 150 live-stranded marine mammals (mostly harbour seals) which are cared for by the Vancouver Aquarium. Program Description / Application Deadline The veterinary externship program is open to students that will be in their third or fourth year of veterinary studies at the time of their stay at the Vancouver Aquarium. The student is encouraged to develop and pursue a learning objective that can be carried out at the aquarium over their stay and include those ideas in the letter of intent. Externships are offered from April 1 to October 15 of each year. Students should plan to spend two to four weeks at the Vancouver Aquarium. Priority for choosing time slots is according to rank during the selection process. *Externship applications are due by March 30, ONE year prior to the planned externship*. For example, applications for summer 2018 externships are due by *March 30, 2017*. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please note these dates are subject to change. Essential Responsibilities *Veterinary Medicine* Assist veterinarians and veterinary staff with monitoring cases, participating in daily rounds, developing treatment options, and diagnostic and surgical procedures as required. Maintain complete patient records. Students should be aware that the number of clinical cases requiring hands-on care is low at a public display facility and the majority of time is spent developing health management programs for the collection animals. Students should be prepared to take advantage of unsupervised “down time” to read relevant literature and to pursue learning objectives. *Husbandry* Each student is required to assist husbandry personnel with their duties. *Science* Each student is required to participate in necropsies including record keeping, data entry, sample taking and storage, and cleaning. The student is also invited to assist with ongoing research projects. *Laboratory* Duties include processing blood samples, water quality analysis, and performing routine laboratory analyses. *Stranding* Assist the Marine Mammal Rescue program with the rescue, transport and care of stranded marine mammals as required. The student will spend at least one day every week at the rehabilitation facility. *Project* Students will be responsible for doing a literature review on a veterinary topic of their choice relevant to the Vancouver Aquarium externship experience. They will present their findings to the husbandry staff during their last week in the form of a noon hour PowerPoint presentation. Accommodation / Transportation All candidates are expected to find their own accommodation and transportation in Vancouver. For more information on accommodation and maps, please find resources like the “Student Guide for Living in Vancouver” on our intern webpage: http://www.vanaqua.org/volunteer/internships.html Public transportation in Vancouver is quite accessible. Please refer to the weblink for more detailed information: http://www.translink.ca/ How to Apply A complete application should include the following: resume, letter of interest, and two reference letters. Your letter of interest should include what experience you have, what you hope to gain from the placement, how you heard about the placement and your career goals. The student is encouraged to develop and pursue a learning objective that can be carried out at the aquarium over their stay and include those ideas in the letter of intent. Applications may be submitted via email using ‘Veterinary Externship Application’ as the title to Martin.Haulena(a)vanaqua.org and Barbara.Linnehan(a)vanaqua.org You may also submit applications via fax (604-659-3469) or mail: Martin Haulena, DVM, MSc, Dipl. ACZM Head Veterinarian, Vancouver Aquarium PO Box 3232 Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 3X8 Canada Students will be notified of their acceptance into the program by June 30th, one year prior to the planned externship. Good luck to all our applicants. *Thank you for your interest in the Vancouver Aquarium’s externship program!* Martin Haulena, DVM, MSc, Dipl. ACZM Barbara Linnehan, DVM Head Veterinarian Veterinary Fellow Martin.Haulena(a)vanaqua.org Barbara.Linnehan(a)vanaqua.org

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Opportunity: Sanctuary seeking Advisory Council members
by Tracy Gill - NOAA Federal 03 Feb '17

03 Feb '17

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument <nwhi(a)list.woc.noaa.gov> Date: Thu, Feb 2, 2017 at 9:26 PM Subject: [PMNM] Opportunity: Sanctuary seeking Advisory Council members [image: Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument] *The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuaryis seeking* *Sanctuary Advisory Council members * The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is currently recruiting for the following Sanctuary Advisory Council seats during the February 1 - February 28 recruitment period: Business/Commerce (Primary) Molokaʻi Island (Primary) Molokaʻi Island (Alternate) Native Hawaiian (Primary) Oahu Island (Primary) Oahu Island (Alternate) Tourism (Primary) More information and the application package can be found at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/council/council_app_accepting.html. # # # *Mahalo for your Support!* [image: wave] *Latest Monument News* [image: News] <http://papahanaumokuakea.gov/news/welcome.html> See the latest news about Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Learn more <http://papahanaumokuakea.gov/news/welcome.html> *Features* [image: Features] <http://papahanaumokuakea.gov/education/monument_features.html> Take a look at some of Papahānaumokuākea's amazing natural and cultural features. Learn more <http://papahanaumokuakea.gov/education/monument_features.html> *About* [image: About] <http://papahanaumokuakea.gov/about/welcome.html> Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is the largest fully protected area under the U.S. flag, and one of the largest in the world. Learn more <http://papahanaumokuakea.gov/about/welcome.html> *Main Office* NOAA/Daniel K. Inouye Regional Center NOS/ONMS/PMNM 1845 Wasp Blvd, Building 176 Honolulu, HI 96818 Phone: 808-725-5800 <(808)%20725-5800> Fax: 808-455-3093 <(808)%20455-3093> Email: hawaiireef(a)noaa.gov *Stay Connected **[image: Facebook icon]* <http://www.facebook.com/Papahanaumokuakea>*[image: Facebook icon]* <https://twitter.com/hawaiireef>*[image: Facebook icon]* <https://www.flickr.com/photos/papahanaumokuakea> To SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to this announcement list, click here <https://list.woc.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/nwhi>. Visit our website at www.papahanaumokuakea.gov <http://papahanaumokuakea.gov/welcome.html>. _______________________________________________ NWHI mailing list NWHI(a)list.woc.noaa.gov https://list.woc.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/nwhi _______________________________________________

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Paper on the effect of cardiac output on decompression sickness risk
by Andreas 02 Feb '17

02 Feb '17

Dear Colleagues The paper below may be of interest for those in the community that are interested in understanding the potential of gas emboli and decompression sickness in marine mammals. The study used previously published data from experiments on land mammals to model how the risk of decompression sickness scales between species of different size and for different air dive profiles. The main conclusion is that the majority of symptoms in air breathing mammals are related to variation in cardiac output. In breath-hold diving mammals the story is a bit more complicated, but there are some conclusions that can be made that are also valid for marine mammals: the risk of decompression sickness 1) changes with animal size, and 2) variation in blood flow significantly alters risk, 3) but there is no difference in susceptibility between species. Abstract: A probabilistic model was used to predict decompression sickness (DCS) outcome in pig (70 and 20 kg), hamster (100 g), rat (220 g) and mouse (20 g) following air saturation dives. The data set included 179 pig, 200 hamster, 360 rat, and 224 mouse exposures to saturation pressures ranging from 1.9–15.2 ATA and with varying decompression rates (0.9–156 ATA • min−1). Single exponential kinetics described the tissue partial pressures (Ptiss) of N2: Ptiss = ∫(Pamb – Ptiss) • τ−1 dt, where Pamb is ambient N2 pressure and τ is a time constant. The probability of DCS [P(DCS)] was predicted from the risk function: P(DCS) = 1−e−r, where r = ∫(PtissN2 − Thr − Pamb) •Pamb–1 dt, and Thr is a threshold parameter. An equation that scaled τ with body mass included a constant (c) and an allometric scaling parameter (n), and the best model included n, Thr, and two c. The final model provided accurate predictions for 58 out of 61 dive profiles for pig, hamster, rat, and mouse. Thus, body mass helped improve the prediction of DCS risk in four mammalian species over a body mass range covering 3 orders of magnitude. A copy of the paper can be downloaded at: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep40918 or by sending an e-mail to: afahlman(a)whoi.edu Reference: Fahlman, A. (2017). Allometric scaling of decompression sickness risk in terrestrial mammals; cardiac output explains risk of decompression sickness. Scientific Reports 7, 1-9. DOI: 10.1038/srep40918 Sincerely, Andreas

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Call for volunteers in Scotland, CRRU
by Dr Kevin Robinson 02 Feb '17

02 Feb '17

The field dates for the Cetacean Research & Rescue Units 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 Our field teams are run in the form of a highly organised and 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 an 11 day internship in 2017 is £1150, and this will cover you for full board (all your accommodation and food costs), your full equipment needs for 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. For full details, 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 booking/application form. 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 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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MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AND REPRINTS SOUGHT
by Thomas Jefferson 01 Feb '17

01 Feb '17

MARINEMAMMAL BOOKS AND REPRINTS SOUGHT ¡VIVAVaquita! (a non-profit organization) is seeking marinemammal books, reprints, monographs, and journals. Literature can be donated or we can purchasesets of books, reprints, and journals. We compile and then make the literature available to colleagues workingon marine mammals, getting it into hands where it will be actively used, and inthe process help to raise funds for research and conservation work on thevaquita (Phocoena sinus), the World’smost endangered marine mammal species. Donations are tax-deductible, and we maybe able to arrange pick-up of large libraries (and possibly even to providesome payment for more valuable items). We are interested in issues of Marine Mammal Science only from vol. 27 (2011)onwards. As you may haveheard, the global population of this species now numbers less than 50individuals and is decling at > 30%/year. We are currently collecting literature as part of our efforts to helpfund our education and public awareness work, in a last-ditch effort to avoidthe extinction of this species in the next couple of years! Visit our website at www.vivavaquita.orgfor more details. If you have any marinemammal literature you would be interested in donating or ‘selling’ to us,please contact Tom Jefferson at sclymene(a)aol.com.

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2017 Research Internships in Maui, Hawai‘i
by PWF Research Department 01 Feb '17

01 Feb '17

Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF), based in Maui, Hawai‘i, is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine life through research, education, and conservation. Our researchers have studied whales and dolphins throughout the Pacific for over 30 years and currently conduct projects in Hawai‘i, Australia, and Ecuador. For more information about Pacific Whale Foundation and our research please visit www.pacificwhale.org *Commitment* PWF seeks performance-driven and dedicated individuals for long-term internships based out of our Maalaea, Maui offices. Interns are expected to be available on a full-time basis, including weekends as needed. *Responsibilities* Primary responsibilities are office-based and may include: - Photo-identification matching of whale flukes and/or dolphin dorsal fins; - Data entry and archival tasks; - Data processing and analysis; - General operational tasks. Additional responsibilities include field work: year-round boat surveys for odontocetes and marine debris, and, during the winter, land-based surveys for humpback whales using a theodolite. Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures, hiking into remote areas, and carrying heavy loads of equipment. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur approximately 1-3 times per week. Each intern may be assigned to a specific project according to skill set and availability. Interns also assist staff with other projects, such as outreach events, as the need arises. *Requirements* - Be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates in biology or a related field (if you are seeking college/university credit please indicate so in your application); - Be available to volunteer on a full-time basis for the entire internship period and must be available for all field work; - Have a mature attitude towards research; - Be proficient with computers and data entry; specifically using PCs and the Microsoft Office suite of products; - Willingness to spend long hours in front of a computer doing repetitive tasks; - Have a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and superior organizational skills; - Have the ability to work well both in a team and independently; - Have the ability to admit to mistakes; - Be adaptable and a fast-learner; - Be able to collect data in a detail-oriented manner; - Have experience collecting data in the field; - Speak, read and write English fluently; - Must be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized remain in Hawai’i for the internship period. International applicants will be considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation. *Compensation* There is no financial compensation for these positions and no housing is provided. Interns are responsible for their own travel and living expenses. There is public transportation available on the island. *Application process* Interested candidates should submit an application with the following: - A cover letter including your availability, i.e. preferred time period (1 page only); - A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills (2 pages only); - Names and contact information of three references. Please specify in your cover letter which internship period you are applying for. *Season* *Internship Period* *Application Deadline* Winter-Spring January 1 – April 30 September 30 Summer May 1 – August 31 February 28 Fall September 1 – December 31 June 30 Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to research(a)pacificwhale.org - No phone calls or drop-ins, please! Mahalo, *Research Department* Pacific Whale Foundation 300 Ma'alaea Rd., Suite 211 Wailuku, HI 96793, USA Phone: +1 808-856-8338 Email: research(a)pacificwhale.org Website: www.pacificwhale.org -- CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic mail transmission and any accompanying attachments contain information belonging to the sender which may be confidential and legally privileged. This information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom this electronic mail transmission was sent as indicated above. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or action taken in reliance on the contents of the information contained in this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this transmission and all attachments. Thank you!

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