March 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

13th ‘ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR’ MEETING: JUNE 19th – JUNE 23th 2017
by Gaetan 20 Mar '17

20 Mar '17

Dear all, We are pleased to invite young researcher to present their work in the 13th Ecology and Behaviour Meeting at the CEBC from June 19th to June 23th. The abstract submission deadline is for the 1st of April. Please see the website of the conference for all the details and to contact us: https://eb2017.sciencesconf.org/?forward-action=index&forward-controller=in… Sincerely, Gaetan Richard PhD Student, OrcaDepred Project, Marine predators team, Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé CNRS-ULR France

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CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR CETACEAN MONITORING PROJECT IN THE MACARONESIA (CETUS Project - Isabel Sousa Pinto)
by Raul Fonseca Valente 19 Mar '17

19 Mar '17

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR CETACEAN MONITORING PROJECT IN THE MACARONESIA (CETUS Project - Isabel Sousa Pinto) The Faculty of Sciences from University of Porto (FCUP) / Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) is in its 6th year of cetacean monitoring in cargo ships from Continental Portugal (Porto/Lisbon) to Madeira (Caniçal), Azores (Ponta Delgada/Horta/Praia da Vitória) and to Canary and Cape Verde Islands (Las Palmas/Sal/Boavista/São Vicente/Mauritania). We are seeking for volunteers for the 2017 MMOs team for the following survey periods: 1. Mid-June to August; 2. Mid-August to October 2017. For 2.5 months, the internship includes: - An intensive training on monitoring protocol, cetacean identification and data processing and analysis; - Round-trip sea-surveys departing from Mainland Portugal in the routes stated above; - Educational activities in local schools (when possible); - Data processing and analysis; - Free time to visit Mainland Portugal and the Islands. We encourage the use of this experience for university reports or internships (given that the course director allows it) or for other scientific results (presentation at conferences, scientific papers, ...). The 2.5-month internship requires the payment of 350EUR and includes accommodation for the full period, as well as living expenses when on-board (expenses to and from the ports are not covered). Requirements: - Accident or travel or university insurance that cover foreign countries (specifically Portugal and African Countries); - Yellow fever vaccine. Successful applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology or related, be reliable, dedicated, adaptable and patient, as this work is highly weather dependent and requires consecutive days of work at sea. Relevant experience at sea and with cetacean monitoring is preferable. Application deadline is 21st April. A few volunteers will be selected for Skype interview before final decision. To apply please send a Motivation Letter and a Short Curriculum Vitae (highlight experience in cetacean monitoring) to: ispinto(a)ciimar.up.pt; anamafaldacorreia(a)gmail.com and cetusproject.pt(a)gmail.com. If the email is not sent to the 3 emails requested, the applicant will automatically be excluded from the selection process. For more information feel free to contact us through email (cetusproject(a)gmail.com) facebook (www.facebook.com/CetusProject/ [1]) and check our website (cetusproject.com [2]). ................................................................................................................................................................................ Prof. Dr. Isabel Sousa Pinto Prof. Faculty of Sciences of University of Porto Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research - Director of Coastal Biodiversity Lab Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N 4450-208 Matosinhos Email: ispinto(a)ciimar.up.pt www.ciimar.up.pt [3] -- Raul Fonseca Valente up201206792(a)fc.up.pt Estudante FACULDADE DE CIÊNCIAS DA UNIVERSIDADE DO PORTO Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal www.fc.up.pt [4] Links: ------ [1] http://www.facebook.com/CetusProject/ [2] http://cetusproject.com/ [3] http://www.ciimar.up.pt/ [4] http://www.fc.up.pt

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 19 Mar '17

19 Mar '17

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from May 1 - October 31, 2017. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: · Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; · Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; · Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; · Collection of photo to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2017 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina; · Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); · Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Albufeira; · Meals in restaurants and snacks; · Free time activities; · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); · Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 16; · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; · Be autonomous and flexible; · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; · Speak English; · Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Working experience on research vessels · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification · Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/#!internship-aimm/cw7b After the confirmation e-mail, send your Resume/CV with updated photo and personal statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org with the subject “Internship 2017”. Applicants will be contacted to arrange internship dates and details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association* w <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.pt/>ww.aimmportugal.org

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Antarctica Research Opportunity 2017-2018 Season
by Laura K.O. Smith 19 Mar '17

19 Mar '17

Antarctica Research Opportunity. We have 2 bunk spaces – one each trip (Dec 30 – Jan 27 & Jan 27 – Feb 27 2018). To join us in Antarctica. In the past our research positions hahve been filled by members of the MARMAM community helping phd projects! We hope to continue to be able to support this community. Details are below. Any questions please contact info(a)quixote-expeditions.com. Applications Due April 3 2017 *Antarctica Guest Scientist Program* Quixote Expeditions is excited to announce its 2017-2018 Guest Scientist program for our Dec 30 – Jan 27 and *Jan 27 – Feb 27 2018* Trip to the Antarctic Peninsula. More information is on our website (http://www.quixote-expeditions.com/guest -scientist/) and below: Quixote Expeditions has a Guest Scientist Program where scientists can join any of our regularly scheduled trips in order to help them carry out their active research. This can be anyone working on a master’s or PhD thesis, professors and researchers at universities, and scientists associated with non-profits. We offer a free space onboard any of our scheduled trips for scientists to perform their research. We sail in remote places that are often hard for scientists to get to and for those with limited funding, impossible due to the expensive nature of working in remote areas. We hope that by offering these spaces – one per trip, that amazing and interesting science can be continued here at the end of the world. In exchange we ask that the scientists to contribute the following: · To involve the other guests onboard with the research and data collecting if possible (Its not always possible!). · To present some of their current or past research while onboard. · At the end of the trip to prepare a short write up about the trip and the science that will then be posted on the QuixoteExpeditions Website. · To help operate the vessel (standing watch, helping in the galley, etc). Ocean Tramp, while a large sailboat, is still small compared to a larger research vessel. We ask that all scientists chip in, along with our guests. We can offer free room and board to one scientists per trip. All other related costs are at the expense of the scientists. Please go to our website for the application and full details http://www.quixote-expedition s.com/guest-scientist/ Cheers Laura

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New paper on the acoustic behaviour of Antarctic killer whales
by Elena Schall 19 Mar '17

19 Mar '17

Dear Marmam Community, my co-author Ilse Van Opzeeland and I are very pleased to announce the publication of our newest paper on the acoustic behaviour of Antarctic killer whales: Elena Schall & Ilse Van Opzeeland (2017). Calls Produced by Ecotype C Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) Off the Eskström Iceshelf, Antarctica. Aquatic Mammals, 43(2), 117-126. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.2.2017.117 Abstract: Killer whales (/Orcinus orca/) are highly social top predators distributed throughout the worldʼs oceans. They are divided into different ecotypes according to foraging specializations, phenotype, and social organization. For Northern Hemisphere killer whale ecotypes, acoustic behaviour has been shown to relate to foraging strategies and social organization. In contrast to the intensively studied Northern Hemisphere ecotypes, distribution patterns, social structures, and acoustic behaviour of the Southern Hemisphere killer whale ecotypes are poorly known. One of the Southern Hemisphere ecotypes, the Antarctic Ecotype C killer whale, is known to occur in regions with dense pack ice. The limited accessibility of these areas make passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) methods a very effective investigation tool to derive information on ecotype-specific abundance and distribution. During 2 d in February 2013, it was possible to collect concurrent visual and acoustic information of Ecotype C killer whales off the Antarctic continent. From these events, a call type catalogue was compiled. The 2,238 examined calls were subjectively classified into 26 discrete call types. Ten percent of the examined calls were re-classified by two additional independent observers to examine robustness of the classification. Mean classification accordance among observers was 68%. Most call types were composed of more than one call part. Sixty-five percent of all call types were monophonic, and 35% were biphonic. Almost two-third of all call types started with a short, broadband pulse. The variability within call types was relatively high. The Ecotype C vocal repertoire contained typical acoustic features such as biphonation, high call complexity, and generally high variability in frequency modulation. For future studies, the distinct characteristics of some of the call types described herein could potentially serve as acoustic markers for PAM-based differentiation of killer whale ecotypes in the Southern Ocean. For a PDF version of the paper please contact me (elena_schall(a)web.de) Kind regards, Elena Schall

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Intern coordinator for marine mammals research project in Spain
by Bruno Díaz López 18 Mar '17

18 Mar '17

Intern Coordinator required from July to November 2017 for the Marine Mammals Research project in Spain. The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) <http://www.thebdri.com/>, is a marine science centre dedicated to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat through education and research. The intern coordinator is responsible for assisting the BDRI biologists in the running of the research activities and coordinating the interns and students participating in the project. The project is based in O Grove, North-western coast of Spain since 2014, and offers the participants the chance to work during many steps of the field research and data analysis. The main purpose of this program is to contribute towards a more detailed understanding of the ecology and behaviour of coastal cetaceans, with a focus on ethology, social structure, habitat use, and communication. Furthermore, as the Galician coastline is known for frequent strandings of various marine mammals species, the BDRI is part of an important national network for rescue and data collection from these stranded animals. Start Date: 1st July 2017 End Date: 18th November 2017 (start and end dates could be flexible, lasting a minimum of 4 months) Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: * Assisting the BDRI's biologists in all phases of the research and organization. * Coordinate between the BDRI's biologists and the interns - in charge of the intern shared house. * Assisting the BDRI's biologists in intern basic training of land- and boat based surveys, photo ID studies, Database entry, Bioacoustical analysis, GIS, and more. * Assisting the BDRI's biologists with all aspects of marine mammal stranding response, including live animal health assessment and triage, opportunistic public outreach, biological data collection, and sampling from dead stranded marine mammals. Requirements: - An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in marine mammals research make the most qualified individuals. The successful applicant is expected to have a BSc degree (or higher) and able to demonstrate previous experience in marine mammal research. - The preferred candidate should have a proven track record as a team player as the project will involve working closely with other participants but also must be able to supervise small groups of people as they will be coordinating up to 9 interns. They must also be self-motivated with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly. - Must be of good physical fitness, be able to lift/carry 35lbs (16 kg), walk long distances in difficult terrain, be comfortable on boats in nearshore/offshore waters, able to swim, and work in harsh weather conditions at times. - The intern coordinator must be able to follow written and oral staff directions and protocols effectively. - The intern coordinator must be able to spend many hours on the water, on shore, and working in the lab. Laboratory work days typically last 6 hours and field days typically exceed six hours and occur approximately two-three times per week. There will be one/two days off per week. - Fluent in English. Additional Information This post brings the opportunity to be trained by the BDRI' researchers in data collection and processing. This position is unpaid but accommodation in the intern shared house will be covered. Successful applicants will be responsible of their own expenses, including food and travelling to and from the research centre in O Grove, Galicia, Spain. The intern coordinator is required to attend five days per week, which may include weekends and holidays. The candidate should be prepared to perform in a variety of settings on any given day, including boat-based, land-based, laboratory, and strandings work. To apply: Applicants must be authorized to legally remain in Europe for more than 3 months if they are not European citizens. International applicants will be considered, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to acquire necessary visas and documentation. The internship position requires the commitment for at least 4 months (between July 2017 - November 2017). 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 one reference. Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to: severine(a)thebdri.com Please specify BDRI INTERN COORDINATOR into your subject title. For more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit www.thebdri.com and our Facebook page. Deadline: 31st March 2017. We will process applications as they come in. Interviews (via Skype) will be arranged for selected candidates. Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by the 8th April 2016. Regards, Bruno Díaz López Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Spain www.thebdri.com 0034 684 248552 This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank you for your cooperation.

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Cultural hitchhiking in the matrilineal whales
by Hal Whitehead 18 Mar '17

18 Mar '17

My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of: Whitehead, H., F. Vachon and T.R. Frasier. 2017. Cultural hitchhiking in the matrilineal whales. Behavior Genetics Abstract: Five species of whale with matrilineal social systems (daughters remain with mothers) have remarkably low levels of mitochondrial DNA diversity. Non-heritable matriline-level demography could reduce genetic diversity but the required conditions are not consistent with the natural histories of the matrilineal whales. The diversity of nuclear microsatellites is little reduced in the matrilineal whales arguing against bottlenecks. Selective sweeps of the mitochondrial genome are feasible causes but it is not clear why these only occurred in the matrilineal species. Cultural hitchhiking (cultural selection reducing diversity at neutral genetic loci transmitted in parallel to the culture) is supported in sperm whales which possess suitable matrilineal socio-cultural groups (coda clans). Killer whales are delineated into ecotypes which likely originated culturally. Culture, bottlenecks and selection, as well as their interactions, operating between- or within-ecotypes, may have reduced their mitochondrial diversity. The societies, cultures and genetics of false killer and two pilot whale species are insufficiently known to assess drivers of low mitochondrial diversity. A pdf is available at the lab. website: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/labpub.htm Hal Whitehead Dalhousie University

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University of Florida - summer online Manatee Health & Conservation course
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 17 Mar '17

17 Mar '17

Hi All, Registration is currently open for Summer 2017. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program, is offering the following course for those that may be interested. Class begins May 8th. Registration will remain open until May 9th. Manatee Health and Conservation is an online course (3 credits) that will provide students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) with a detailed overview of manatee natural history, health assessment, and research findings as well as explore conservation issues. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iske Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu> ). Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu

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ECS workshop on Marine Litter
by matteo baini 17 Mar '17

17 Mar '17

Dear MarMam communities, We would like to invite you to participate to the workshop titled: "*Marine litter: an emerging cause of concern for marine mammals*" The workshop will be held on Sunday, April 30th 2017 form 9:00-14:00 in Middelfart, Denmark within the 31st Conference of the European Cetacean Society. Please visit the workshop webpage: http://europeanceta c eansociety.eu/conference/workshops-1 This workshop is organized by Maria Cristina Fossi, Matteo *Baini, *Cristina Panti, and Amy Lusher. The main aim of the workshop is to explore the emerging issue of the impact of marine litter (in particular plastic litter) on marine mammal species. Since most of marine mammal species (more than 66%) are affected by this contamination, the workshop will be devoted to define the impact of marine litter on marine mammals including the current state of knowledge, methodological advances on and through the presentation of the new data available on this topic. The main expected outputs are: - To define harmonized protocols for the analysis of marine litter in stranded organisms - To define new methods to evaluate the exposure to marine litter (in particular plastics) in free-ranging organisms - To identify the most at-risk species to marine litter - To identify hot spot areas for marine mammals interacting with marine debris - To propose mitigation actions for future recommendation To register, please e-mail to Matteo Baini: matteo.baini(a)unisi.it We kindly ask you to sign-up for the workshop by April 13th, 2017. The participation fee is 15 € to be paid in cash on site. We are looking forward to seeing you in Middelfart, Best regards, Matteo (on behalf of the organizers). -- *><)))°> ><)))°> ><)))°> ><)))°> ><)))°> ><)))°>* Matteo Baini, PhD Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Siena Via P.A. Mattioli, 4 53100 - Siena, Italy Phone: +39 0577 232883 Fax: +39 0577 232930 -- *><)))°> ><)))°> ><)))°> ><)))°> ><)))°> ><)))°>* Matteo Baini, PhD Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Siena Via P.A. Mattioli, 4 53100 - Siena, Italy Phone: +39 0577 232883 Fax: +39 0577 232930

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Seeking assistants for the Panglao Sustainable Wildlife Watching Project
by daniella hanf 16 Mar '17

16 Mar '17

Large Marine Vertebrate Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE) is seeking assistants for the Panglao Sustainable Wildlife Watching Project. Panglao is situated in the Bohol Sea, an area of high biodiversity where many deep water cetacean species are encountered close to the coast. With tourist numbers rapidly increasing, the purpose of this project is to collect data that will assist in the development of more sustainable wildlife watching practices. Field research will focus on investigating the interaction between tour boats and spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris). Data on other cetaceans, sea turtles and whale sharks (through citizen science) will also be gathered. Collecting quantitative data to describe the perceptions of tour operators and visitors are also important facets of this project. This project presents a unique learning opportunity for assistants. As well as being involved in field surveys they will also be exposed to social science and stakeholder engagement techniques – skills that are highly sought after in conservation and environmental management sectors. Key duties will include · Boat-based data collection of dolphin behaviour and tourist vessel activity. · Collection of quantitative visitor survey data. · Data entry. · Assisting in the collection and processing of whale shark citizen science sighting data. · Contribution to social media (e.g. monthly blog). We are seeking assistants for a three month period, commencing as soon as possible. Being a non-profit NGO, we ask for assistants to pay a minimal monthly contribution that helps to cover living expenses. Upon expression of interest, a detailed volunteer pack with information will be sent . Essential prerequisites · A good attitude. · Able to collect and transcribe data whilst onboard a boat. · Able to work independently and in a team. · Available to stay for three months, from late March 2017. · Comfortable speaking with tourists and locals. · Comfortable living in a shared house with basic amenities. · Excellent eyesight. · Physically fit and mentally focused enough to spend several hours a day on a boat and in the water, and then complete data entry to a high standard. · Proficient in English. · Strong interest in conservation biology, social science and environmental management. Desirable prerequisites: · A degree in marine science, social science, environmental management or similar. · Biological field research experience. There may also be scope to collect in-water photo-ID and distribution data of green sea turtles. For this reason, excellent swimming/snorkelling skills are also required. To apply for a position please email your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would like to volunteer for this particular project to volunteer(a)lamave.org, using ‘Panglao Project’ in the subject line. We look forward to hearing from you. Daniella Hanf MSc(Res) Primary Investigator, Large Marine Vertebrate Research Institute Philippines www.lamave.com www.facebook.com/largemarinevertebratesproject Principal Consultant / Scientist, Stenella Marine & Social Science daniella(a)stenella.com.au

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