May 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

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

08 Oct '19

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

2 3

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

01 Mar '19

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

1 1

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

25 Feb '19

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

2 7

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

13 Nov '17

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

1 2

New publication on the spatiotemporal distribution of harbour porpoises off Maryland, USA
by Jessica Wingfield 05 Nov '17

05 Nov '17

Hello MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in PLOS ONE: Wingfield JE, O’Brien M, Lyubchich V, Roberts JJ, Halpin PN, Rice AN, et al. (2017) Year-round spatiotemporal distribution of harbour porpoises within and around the Maryland wind energy area. PLoS ONE 12(5): e0176653. Abstract Offshore windfarms provide renewable energy, but activities during the construction phase can affect marine mammals. To understand how the construction of an offshore windfarm in the Maryland Wind Energy Area (WEA) off Maryland, USA, might impact harbour porpoises *(Phocoena phocoena*), it is essential to determine their poorly understood year-round distribution. Although habitat-based models can help predict the occurrence of species in areas with limited or no sampling, they require validation to determine the accuracy of the predictions. Incorporating more than 18 months of harbour porpoise detection data from passive acoustic monitoring, generalized auto-regressive moving average and generalized additive models were used to investigate harbour porpoise occurrence within and around the Maryland WEA in relation to temporal and environmental variables. Acoustic detection metrics were compared to habitat-based density estimates derived from aerial and boat-based sightings to validate the model predictions. Harbour porpoises occurred significantly more frequently during January to May, and foraged significantly more often in the evenings to early mornings at sites within and outside the Maryland WEA. Harbour porpoise occurrence peaked at sea surface temperatures of 5°C and chlorophyll *a* concentrations of 4.5 to 7.4 mg m-3. The acoustic detections were significantly correlated with the predicted densities, except at the most inshore site. This study provides insight into previously unknown fine-scale spatial and temporal patterns in distribution of harbour porpoises offshore of Maryland. The results can be used to help inform future monitoring and mitigate the impacts of windfarm construction and other human activities. The publication can be downloaded from: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0176653 Thank you, Jessica -- Jessica Wingfield Faculty Research Assistant Chesapeake Biological Laboratory 146 Williams Street Solomons, MD, 20688 Tel: (1) 410-326-7225

2 1

MARINE MEGAFAUNA OF THE FALKLANDS - Field helpers recruitment
by Simona Sanvito 08 Sep '17

08 Sep '17

VOLUNTEERS FIELD HELPERS RECRUITMENT ------------------------------------ PROJECT: Long term study of marine megafauna of the Falklands. POSITION: Volunteer (unpaid) field helper. DURATION: about 3 months and a half, two periods: 1) late August 2017 to mid December 2017, and 2) mid December 2017 to late March 2018; exact dates in the field to be established later. LOCATION: Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands, Southern Atlantic. Sea Lion Island on Google maps: https://www.google.com/maps?q=Sea%25Lion%25Island,%2520Falkland%25Islands DUTIES: - Southern elephant seals: counts, marking, mapping, observation of behavior, pup handling, collection of samples, sedation and handling of females for TDR and satellite tag deployment - Killer whales: photoidentification, observation and videotaping of behavior, necropsies of preys - Falklands skuas: counts, nest identification and mapping, observation of behavior - Striated caracaras: counts, nest identification and mapping, observation of behavior - Marine birds: counts and mapping of different species of marine birds (different species of penguins, cormorants, gulls, geese, and ducks) - Environmental monitoring: collection of microclimatic data, habitat classification, collection of GIS data DEADLINE: June 9th 2017; please note that, capabilities being equal, positions will be allocated with a first come first served policy DESCRIPTION Volunteer field helpers are required for the 2017-2018 field season of various long-term research projects on marine megafauna of the Falkland Islands carried out by the Elephant Seal Research Group. The field work site is Sea Lion Island. Successful applicants will receive adequate training and will help with: - a long term project (22 years) on individual life histories and breeding strategies of southern elephant seals - a long term project (4 years) on social and hunting bejaviour of mammal-eating killer whales - a study of Falklands skua demography, behavior and vocal communication - various monitoring projects on the different marine and raptor bird species breeding on Sea Lion Island - general environmental monitoring of the island, including the collection of data for the Sea Lion Island GIS Volunteers will be supervised by the PIs and/or by trained technicians. Previous experience of field work is appreciated but not essential. We are recruiting helpers for two periods; - late August to mid December: focus is elephant seal breeding, killer whale predation on weaned elephant seal pups, establishment of pairs and territories by skuas - mid December to late March: focus is elephant seal moulting, general killer whale activity and behavior, intensive study of skuas behavior and communication, monitoring of breeding of marine birds and raptors, collection of general environmental data Only applicants who can stay for a whole period (about 3 months and a half) can be taken into consideration. No volunteer is allowed to apply to stay for both periods, so please state clearly in your cover letter for which one you are applying (first or second) or, if you are available for both, which of the two you prefer (although we cannot guarantee to meet your preference). Applicants are required to pay all expenses to get to Sea Lion Island, and telephone/Internet expenses while there. Accommodation and food at SLI will be provided by the ESRG. Accommodation on SLI is rather basic and self-catering, but comfortable for a field research setting (heating, hot water, shower, Internet connection hotspot in the nearby lodge). We are asking volunteers a 300 Euro contribution to help us with management expenses and research equipment maintenance. Applicants will be required to work in the field for the whole length of the day, six days per week. Once per week volunteers will not work in the field. That day they will carry out two hours of house keeping and four hours of data processing, being free for the rest of the day. Volunteers are required to help with cooking, cleaning of their cabin and general maintenance tasks . The data collection protocol is complex, the field work is physically very hard, and it is often carried out in bad weather conditions. People without a good tolerance to cold are discouraged to apply. It is a very rewarding, but demanding, experience. The island is a wonderful place with large unspoiled sandy beaches, and a very rich and very tame wildlife, it is the best hot spot for wildlife oriented tourism in the Falklands, it is an Important Birds Area and an Important Plants Area, a RAMSAR convention site, and it is becoming a National Nature Reserve. APPLICATION To apply please send 1) a cover letter describing your interest in the position and summarizing your qualifications for it, 2) a detailed CV, and 3) a copy of an identification document (with picture). Reference letters (3 maximum) are appreciated, but not essential, and should be sent directly to the email address mentioned below. If you think you may have extra documentation that can be relevant (eg, copy of a thesis, certificates, etc.) please mention them in your email, but don't send them unless requested. Please place all documents in a single PDF file, name it as "your_surname - ESRG2017 - application", and email it as an attachment of an email to dr. Filippo Galimberti (fil_esrg(a)eleseal.org) Deadline for first call applications is June 9th, 2017. Due to the limited number of positions available we warmly suggest perspective candidates to apply as soon as possible. Thanks The ESRG team

2 1

The American Cetacean Society - San Francisco Bay Chapter is taking Application Proposals for its 2017 SMM Conference Travel Grants
by Lynette Koftinow 04 Aug '17

04 Aug '17

The American Cetacean Society - San Francisco Bay Chapter istaking Application Proposals for its 2017 SMM Conference TravelGrants Dearcolleagues, The American Cetacean Society-San Francisco BayChapter (ACS-SF Bay) would like to encourage students to apply for ourupcoming 2017 Society of MarineMammology Conference Student Travel Grants. ACS– SF Bay Chapter Guidelines for Student Travel Grant: 1. In order to apply for a travelgrant applicants research posters must be accepted by the 2017 Society ofMarine Mammology conference committee and be attending the conference. 2. Make sure you are a current ACS-San Francisco Bay chaptermember at the time of submission. Application for membership to ACS-SF Baymay be completed at the following website: http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/ 3. If you are not already anACS member, please become a San Francisco Bay ACS chapter member. 4. Be currently enrolled as astudent at a recognized academic institution. 5. Be first author on an acceptedoral or poster presentation. The application deadlineis MondaySeptember 11, 2017. Grant announcement date is Monday September 25, 2017 Proposals should include: 1. Application cover sheet, with title ofproposal, field research group, contact information (email, phone anddepartmental contacts) for the faculty lead or principle investigator (PI), (secondPI if applicable) and any proposed student participant list (with contactinformation). 2. A brief narrative (1-2 pages, single-spaced)describing the research project, overall purpose, specific researchobjectives/questions, study timeline and benchmarks, significance of theresearch in advancing our understanding the biology and conservation ofcetaceans and/or their habitats, and how the research can or does advance conservationefforts aimed at a particular taxa, species, or habitat. This award ($500 each) helps to offset travel expensesenabling the student to attend the Society of Marine Mammology Conference.Attending this conference is very important for the future as a scientist. Notonly are students able to present their accepted research project (poster), butwill meet and connect with the attending marine biologists and scientists thatmay become future teachers/mentors, and/or for prospective job opportunities. Studentsare our future and ACS-SF Bay chapter feels very strongly in supporting them. Applications should be sentby email to LynetteR. Koftinow American Cetacean Society - San Francisco Bay Chapter Questions regarding the program may alsobe directed to her. Respectfully, Lynette R. Koftinow Research ACS-SF Bay chapter (415) 937-0641 (office) acs.sfbay(a)gmail.com

1 1

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

20 Jul '17

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

1 6

PHOTO-ID LAB/FIELD COURSE ON MEDITERRANEAN CETACEANS IN LA MADDALENA NATIONAL PARK, ITALY
by SEAME Sardinia 01 Jul '17

01 Jul '17

PHOTO-ID LAB/FIELD COURSE ON MEDITERRANEAN CETACEANS IN LA MADDALENA NATIONAL PARK, ITALY ------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear MARMAMers, SEA ME Sardinia (http://www.seame.it/en/) is currently accepting application for 1 week-long course from 28th May to the 3rd of June 2017, in the beautiful location of La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, Sardinia, Italy (http://www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.arcip.maddalena/Eindex.php) SEA ME Sardinia is a non-profit organization based in La Maddalena (Italy) with a mission to protect cetaceans in the waters off Sardinia (central Tyrrhenian Sea) through education, research and conservation. We achieve our goals primarily through our core programmes, which include year-round outreach/school activities and boat-based research. PROGRAMME The programme will include classwork, practical sessions and fieldwork, offshore and along North-eastern Sardinian coast. Classwork will introduce you to the theoretical knowledge of diversity, behaviour, ecology and conservation of small to large Mediterranean cetaceans, and how they are adapted to different habitats. Lectures on the diversity, ecology and conservation of Sardinian coastal ecosystems will also be provided, in order to deepen the knowledge on different cetacean habitat uses. The laboratory sessions will focus on how to competently identify and record whales and dolphins at sea, provide training on photo-ID techniques (photo sorting, grading and matching) related to the different species and assist researchers in maintenance of long-term photo-ID catalogues. Special focus will be given to the Cuvier's beaked whale, a species rather common in the study area. A short training in survey design will also be provided. Fieldwork will be made both in coastal (La Maddalena archipelago) and pelagic waters (Caprera Canyon, central-western Tyrrhenian Sea). Surveys will be conducted onboard whale watching and dedicated vessels (11m power catamaran and 6m rubber boat) and divided in two offshore and two coastal surveys in order to be trained in both different habitats and species-related techniques. Fieldwork training will focus on collecting environmental, location (GPS) and behavioural data for dolphin and whale groups. Course schedules may change due to weather constraints. Fieldwork will be an opportunity to gain experience and improve your skills in relation to visual cetacean boat-based survey and photo-ID techniques. GOALS: Participants will be directly involved in contributing to our long-term studies on several cetacean species in the wild. You will assist researchers while working aboard whale watching and dedicated research vessels. This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, enjoy marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travelling and exploring the beautiful Island of Sardinia and the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, enjoying the outdoors of the beautiful Emerald Coast (Sardinia Island, Italy) and helping supporting cetacean research and conservation. During free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visit museums and the amazing islands such as Caprera (with Garibaldi's house, tomb and memorial) or Budelli with its famous pink beach. PROJECT BACKGROUNDS: - The SEA ME _Coastal bottlenose dolphin project_ is an ongoing research project in the waters of the La Maddalena archipelago National Park and Bonifacio Strait, between the islands of Corsica and Sardinia, with a strong interest in the interactions between bottlenose dolphins and human activities in the area. - The _Caprera Canyon Cetacean Pro_ject is the first scientific survey aimed at studying dolphin and whale presence, abundance, distribution and habitat preferences in the Caprera Canyon. Since 2010 we have been investigating the species occurring in this area: striped dolphin, Risso's dolphin, fin whale, Cuvier's beaked whale, sperm whale and short-beaked common dolphin. This is an important region of the central Tyrrhenian Sea, thought to be a hot spot for marine life (e.g. cetaceans, marine birds, mobula rays, sea turtles, red fin tunas, swordfish and basking sharks). Our interest is particularly focused on Cuvier's beaked whale. LANGUAGE: Course will be held in English/Italian. REQUIREMENTS: Prior experience is not required. Participants are expected to: - Be 18 or older, - Speak English or Italian, - Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent, - Be sociable and willing as they are expected to live and work in an international team. This internship experience will have a certificate of completion. Since SEA ME Sardinia is a non-profit and self-funded organization, we rely on donation from our members, volunteers and participants. Participation in this course thus requires a tuition fee. APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINE: To apply or for any further enquiries and details, please email to: info(a)seame.it The applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Early application is recommended due to limited spaces. The application deadline is 10/04/2017 Dr Luca Bittau Course Coordinator, PhD in Environmental Biology SEA ME Sardinia www.seame.it [1] Via delle Ginestre Nº6 07024 La Maddalena (OT) Italy mail: info(a)seame.it Skype: luca.bittau -- Luca Bittau Ph.D President SEA ME Sardinia Onlus Mobile: +39 349 4712348 e-mail: lucabittau(a)seame.it - lukebit(a)inwind.it web: www.seame.it skype: luca.bittau ------------------------- SEA ME Sardinia Onlus - Scientific Education & Activities in the Marine Environment [C.F. 91052810909 - legal head office: Via delle Ginestre 6 (Vil. Piras), 07024 La Maddalena (OT), italy] Links: ------ [1] http://www.seame.it/ -- Mobile: +39 349 4712348 e-mail: info(a)seame.it web: www.seame.it [1] SEA ME Sardinia Onlus - Scientific Education & Activities in the Marine Environment [C.F. 91052810909 - legal head office: Via delle Ginestre 6 (Vil. Piras), 07024 La Maddalena (OT), italy] Links: ------ [1] http://www.seame.it

1 1

New publication: Abundance, residency and potential hazards for coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off a productive lagoon in the Gulf of Mexico
by Eduardo Morteo 13 Jun '17

13 Jun '17

Dear MARMAM readers, We are glad to annouce a new publication in Aquatic Mammals: Morteo E., Rocha-Olivares A., Abarca-Arenas L.G. 2017. Abundance, residency and potential hazards for coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off a productive lagoon in the Gulf of Mexico. Aquatic Mammals, 43(3):308-319. ISSN: 1996-7292, doi: 10.1578/AM.43.3.2017.308 Abstract: Movements of many cetacean species are commonly related to temporal and spatial variations in food resources and human activities. Worldwide evidence shows that anthropogenic pressures faced by coastal dolphin populations are increasing; however, the lack of reliable baseline information generally prevents the assessment of such interactions. We studied the temporal dynamics in abundance, site fidelity, and residency of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off the productive Alvarado lagoon in the Gulf of Mexico, and we assessed the potential hazards posed by human activities and natural predators. This 2-y study (2006 to 2008) was based on the photographic identification of 174 individuals from 871 high-quality dorsal fin photographs obtained during 41 surveys totaling 225.4 h of observation. Overall monthly abundance averaged 125 (SD = 52) dolphins, whereas naturally marked individuals averaged 106 (SD = 25); abundance values were somewhat consistent within and between years, but the community was composed of different dolphins at any given time. Seasonal site fidelity and residency were higher during the dry (March to June) and rainy (July to October) seasons. Previous studies from Alvarado and elsewhere suggest long-term residency (up to 7 y) but also widespread movements (100 to 300 km) for some individuals. Physical evidence of attacks by large predators was exclusively found in nonresident adult dolphins (3.5%), suggesting a seasonal incursion to the area by individuals from deeper waters. Also, dolphins bearing marks of interactions with fisheries were more common in adult residents (11.5%). Despite these threats, dolphins are recurrent in the area, possibly due to high prey abundance and availability, which may constitute the main factors driving their distribution and abundance. The PDF may be downloaded directly from the Aquatic Mammals web-page: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> Or you may send an email to: eduardo.morteo(a)gmail.com <mailto:eduardo.morteo@gmail.com> to request a full PDF. All best, E. Eduardo Morteo, Dr. Head Researcher Marine Mammal Laboratory Institute of Biological Research Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries Universidad Veracruzana 617 Calle Hidalgo, Col. Río Jamapa, Boca del Río, Veracruz, Mexico. CP 94290 Ph: +52 (229) 956 72 27 Ext. 114 Fax: +52 (229) 956 70 70 E-mail: emorteo(a)uv.mx http://www.uv.mx/personal/emorteo/ http://uv-mx.academia.edu/EMorteo https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eduardo_Morteo/?ev=hdr_xprf http://scholar.google.com.mx/citations?user=fDUl-IIAAAAJ

1 1