April 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New information 2017 intermediate distance sampling workshop St Andrews
by Eric Rexstad 03 Apr '17

03 Apr '17

Second announcement: New information contained in this notice: - We are preparing a new version of the Distance for Windows (Distance 7.1) for use in this workshop. It will have additional features for density surface modelling and distance sampling simulation. Follow progress of the new version via the Twitter feed @DistanceSamp - As preparation for this intermediate workshop, we hope to have introductory workshop materials freely-available online before the end of June. Until those introductory materials are available, there are a series (~7) of video lectures at this YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8k5p7gTuzQyvDreXY4F_oHSQ6ycovBw8 - For those unable to travel to St Andrews to attend the intermediate workshop, a limited number of spaces are available to attend the workshop via videoconference link. Participants to the workshop via this medium will have reduced one-on-one interaction with instructors. Consequently, videoconference participants will receive a 25% discount to their registration. Recognise the videoconference will be conducted in real time; if you are in time zones distant from Scotland, your sleep patterns will need to adjust for that week. ---- The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting an intermediate-level workshop in the summer of 2017 in our purpose-built facilities at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. The workshops are taught by leading researchers in the field, including Len Thomas (@len_thom), Dave Miller (@millerdl) and Laura Marshall (@DistanceSamp), using industry-standard software (visit http://distancesampling.org for more details). The five day workshop will start on Monday 31st July at 09:00, with registration from 08:45, at CREEM, and finish on Friday 4th August at 17:00. There are two pre-requisites for this workshop: a) understanding of conventional distance sampling and b) basic competence with the R programming language. Pre-requisite (a) can be fulfilled by understanding of fundamental materials presented in Buckland et al. (2001, Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7) or Buckland et al. (2015, Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6) — e.g., through previous training or by independent study. Pre-requisite (b) can be achieved by either working through instructional materials in R available at https://www.datacamp.com , or by attending a free half-day tutorial preceding the workshop (30 July 2017 1400-1700). (details available at the link below) The first day of the workshop will review fundamental principles of distance sampling, analyses involving conventional distance sampling and survey design. Subsequently, attention will turn to simulation of distance sampling surveys for design purposes (DSsim package), and to survey and analysis methods for dealing with imperfect detection on the trackline (double-observer methods) (MRDS package). Slightly more than two days will be devoted to spatial (density surface) modelling of distance sampling data (dsm package). A blend of the latest version Distance 7 and the R computing language will be employed. Throughout the workshop, there will be unstructured time, with instructors working with participants on their specific problems. Further details and registration instructions can be found at http://creem2.st-andrews.ac.uk/intermediate-level-distance-sampling-trainin… -- Eric Rexstad Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9LZ +44 (0)1334 461833 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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New Publiication: Where humpback whales and vessel traffic coincide, a Colombian Pacific case study
by Isabel Cristina Ávila Jiménez 03 Apr '17

03 Apr '17

My coauthors and I announce the publication of the following article: Avila, I.C., L. M. Correa & K. Van Waerebeek. Where humpback whales and vessel traffic coincide, a Colombian Pacific case study. Boletín del Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Chile 66: 85-99. ABSTRACT: During the austral winter, G-stock humpback whales immigrate and occupy the Bahía Málaga area, Colombian Pacific, to breed and calve. However, due to fishing and whale-watching activities, and proximity to the major Buenaventura seaport, significant vessel traffic transits the Bahía Málaga. We counted the number of whales and boats present h-1 in a 14 km2 area, from a 20 m high shore platform. During 312 daytime hours of observations over 52 days in August-September 2008, we recorded 770 sightings of whale pods (many resampled), 0-15 humpback whales h-1 (mean 4.0 whales h-1) and 0-17 vessel trips h-1 (mean 4.5 trips h-1). Each additional day in the breeding season showed an 1.0% increase in the mean number of sighted whales, due to still arriving whales and new calves. The majority of trips (96%) consisted of small vessels, the rest were medium vessels. Most (71.1%) transited at fast speed (≥16 knots). To evaluate whether the vessels affected the density of whales per hour in the study area, we fitted a Generalized Linear Model with number of whales as dependent variable and vessel size and speed as factors. Number of vessel trips did not have a significant impact on the number of whales sighted h-1. Over the short term (hours), the whales remained in the same area despite the shipping. The evident risk of vessel-whale collisions and potential long-term impact are discussed. To mitigate risk of ship strikes, several measures are recommended, such as a vessel speed below 10 knots in the vicinity of whales. The publication is available at https://issuu.com/mnhn_cl/docs/tr7_avila_et_al or by email to isabelc.avila(a)gmail.com -- Isabel Cristina Avila Biologist Msc

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Marine Mammal Biology Course on Nantucket Island (USA)
by Stephanie Wood 02 Apr '17

02 Apr '17

Apologies for cross listings! Dr. Solange Brault and I are pleased to share the following course announcement: Course: Marine Mammal Biology (BIOL 340/540 - 3 credits) When: 18 June – 1 July 2017 Where: University of Massachusetts, Boston Nantucket Field Station Cost: $1885.00 USD BIOL 340 (includes housing) $2305.00 USD BIOL 540 (includes housing) Instructors: Dr. Solange Brault Dr. Stephanie A. Wood Course Description: A 2-week intensive course in which students will apply the principles and knowledge they’ve acquired so far in different specialties of biology, toward understanding the evolutionary history, adaptations, population ecology, and conservation of marine mammals. The location of this course at the UMass Boston Nantucket Field station will provide opportunities for students to participate in field research (data collection and analyses) and other active learning experiences related to food habits, population monitoring and behavior (topics subject to change). Please see attached flyer for more details. Applications (attached here) are due on 15 May. For more information please contact: stephanie.wood(a)umb.edu<mailto:stephanie.wood@umb.edu> Stephanie A. Wood, Ph.D. UMass Boston, Biology Dept. 100 Morrissey Blvd. Boston, MA 02125 617-287-6600 stephanie.wood(a)umb.edu

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New Publication: Patterns of cetacean vaginal folds yield insights into functionality
by Dara Orbach 02 Apr '17

02 Apr '17

Dear colleagues, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in PLoS One: Orbach DN, Marshall CD, Mesnick SL, Wursig B (2017) Patterns of cetacean vaginal folds yield insights into functionality. PLoS ONE 12(3): e0175037. ABSTRACT: Complex foldings of the vaginal wall are unique to some cetaceans and artiodactyls and are of unknown function(s). The patterns of vaginal length and cumulative vaginal fold length were assessed in relation to body length and to each other in a phylogenetic context to derive insights into functionality. The reproductive tracts of 59 female cetaceans (20 species, 6 families) were dissected. Phylogenetically-controlled reduced major axis regressions were used to establish a scaling trend for the female genitalia of cetaceans. An unparalleled level of vaginal diversity within a mammalian order was found. Vaginal folds varied in number and size across species, and vaginal fold length was positively allometric with body length. Vaginal length was not a significant predictor of vaginal fold length. Functional hypotheses regarding the role of vaginal folds and the potential selection pressures that could lead to evolution of these structures are discussed. Vaginal folds may present physical barriers, which obscure the pathway of seawater and/or sperm travelling through the vagina. This study contributes broad insights to the evolution of reproductive morphology and aquatic adaptations and lays the foundation for future functional morphology analyses. The publication is open access and available at https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0175037 or by email to dnorbach(a)gmail.com Cheers, Dara Orbach, PhD Izaak Walton Killam Postdoctoral Fellow Whitehead Lab Department of Biology Dalhousie University dnorbach(a)gmail.com

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New Publication: Vessel collision injuries on live humpback whales
by Alex 01 Apr '17

01 Apr '17

Dear MARMAM colleagues, It is with great pleasure my co-authors and I would like to announce our recent publication in Marine Mammal Science, available in early view online: Alex N. Hill, Caitlin Karniski, Jooke Robbins, Tom Pitchford, Sean Todd, & Regina Asmitis-Silvia. 2017. Vessel collision injuries on live humpback whales, *Megaptera novaeangliae*, in the southern Gulf of Maine. Marine Mammal Science http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12386/full Abstract North Atlantic humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) in the Gulf of Maine overlap with both recreational and commercial vessel activity. Vessel strikes are one source of anthropogenic impact that has the potential to inhibit the recovery of this protected species. There are currently no regulations or guidelines specifically devised to reduce the likelihood of collisions for vessels transiting in the vicinity of humpback whales, except for vessels actively engaged in whale-watching. To better understand interactions between vessels and humpback whales, we analyzed injuries on 624 individuals photographed in the southern Gulf of Maine from 2004-2013. Multiple reviewers evaluated 210,733 photos for five categories of injury consistent with a vessel strike. In total, 14.7% (n = 92) of individuals photographed showed injuries consistent with one or more vessel strikes. These results likely underestimate vessel collision rates and impacts because multiple events, events resulting in mortality, and those that involved only blunt force trauma could not be detected. Nevertheless, our results indicate that vessel strikes are under-reported and that healing is dependent on the severity and location of the injury. We recommend that a management strategy be developed for all classes of vessels transiting in the vicinity of whales. For more information please send requests to: alexn.hill(a)gmail.com Thank you, Alex Hill

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 01 Apr '17

01 Apr '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 |

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SUBJECT: Internship opportunity in the Azores, Pico Island: May-September 2017
by Nova Atlantis 01 Apr '17

01 Apr '17

SUBJECT LINE: Internship opportunity in the Azores, Pico Island: May-September 2017 The Nova Atlantis Foundation (www.nova-atlantis.org <http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nova-atlantis.org%2F&h=CAQGm…>) is preparing its 18th fieldwork season, dedicated to studying the social ecology of the Risso´s dolphin around Pico island. Next to the continuation of the Risso project we will conduct cetacean monitoring surveys, focusing on the deep diving species such as pilot whales and beaked whales. Pico island is an excellent area to learn and gain experience at sea and to observe over 15 species of cetaceans during the summer season. We are seeking biology students for the period May to September. Candidates should be available for at least 3 months. We may make exceptions for potential participants to apply for a shorter placement. Interns must be self-motivated, with the drive and determination to work independently and responsibly, and with a true interest in marine conservation and animal behaviour. The internship includes: - An intensive training on monitoring protocol, cetacean identification and data processing - Sea-surveys and land based data collection - Data processing - Additional work e.g. boat cleaning and preparation, maintenance of the observation post The 3 month internship requires a payment fee of 1500 € to cover running field work costs. An external insurance to cover your internship period is highly recommended. Expenses for travelling to and from the field worksite, accommodation and food are not included in this fee. The Nova Atlantis Foundation offers accommodation in collaboration with a local family in Santa Cruz das Ribeiras (175 EUR per month, all inclusive-ex food). Interns are free to find their own accommodation in the Ribeiras area as well. Fieldwork is highly weather dependent and requires consecutive long days of work at sea and from land. On a typical field day we split the team in a land crew and a sea crew and work in shifts allowing all to rotate and gain experience in several methodologies. We use rough weather days for data entry or as a day off. Application deadline is the 20th of April, 2017. We will select the most promising students and invite these candidates for a Skype interview during the last week of April. To apply for this position please send a short letter (state which period you prefer) and a short CV to: oceanwatch(a)gmail.com. Thank you very much! -- Karin Hartman, PhD Bestevaerstraat 124 HS 1056 HS Amsterdam 0031-20 772 21 28 0031-618 66 78 40 Nova Atlantis Foundation Risso's Dolphin Research Center Rua Dr. Freitas Pimentel 11 9930-309 Santa Cruz das Ribeiras Lajes do Pico Azores -Portugal www.nova-atlantis.org 00351-292 678 474 00351-915213200

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