May 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on abundance of humpback whales in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean
by Heloíse Pavanato 23 May '17

23 May '17

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in Ecological Modelling: Pavanato HJ, Wedekin LL, Guilherme-Silveira FR, Engel MH, Kinas PG. 2017. Estimating humpback whale abundance using hierarchical distance sampling. Ecological Modelling, 358: 10-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. ecolmodel.2017.05.003 Highlights - A hierarchical Bayesian framework is proposed to model distance sampling data. - The method accounts for covariate effects to variation on density. - Approach useful for evaluating whether concentration areas change across years. - Humpback whale density was higher at 65–86 km from the shore. - Results suggest population is reaching its carrying capacity. Abstract We developed a Bayesian distance sampling analysis using a hierarchically structured model parameterization to estimate humpback whale abundance in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (Breeding Stock A). We included covariates that affect detection (altitude and sighting cue) and occurrence probability (year and distance from shore). Population sizes for 2008, 2011 and 2015 were estimated to be 7,689 (P.I.95% = 6,585–8,931), 8,652 (P.I.95% = 7,696–9,682), and 12,123 (P.I.95% = 10,811–13,531), respectively. The results indicate an aggregation of humpback whales in an intermediate distance from shoreline, an increasing in density from 2008 to 2001 and a substantial overlap between posterior distributions of density for 2011 and 2015, which suggests a stabilization of population growth over the last year. Our parameterization provided a clear view of observational and ecological processes and illustrates that the Bayesian hierarchical line transect approach provides a flexible tool to account for and evaluate various sources of uncertainty. The article can be downloaded here: https://authors.elsevier.com/a /1V56115DJ~pjqM or you can email hpavanato(a)maths.otago.ac.nz to request a copy or further inquiries. Best regards, Heloise

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 22 May '17

22 May '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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Identiftying 'Areas of Interest' for Whale Heritage Sites in Africa
by Dylan Walker 22 May '17

22 May '17

Dear Marmamers, The World Cetacean Alliance is requesting your help with an important online survey <https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2ZNDVDV> to submit any ‘Areas of Interest <https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2ZNDVDV>’ in the African region that you think could qualify for Whale Heritage Site status in future. Whale Heritage Sites are land and sea areas where people and cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) live close together, and where respectful and sustainable practices lead to responsible tourism, sustainable development, research and education, and the protection of marine species and habitats. The results of this survey will be discussed at the Whale Heritage Sites Summit, Durban, South Africa, on 28-29 June 2017, and will form the basis for further dialogue and efforts to encourage the establishment of Whale Heritage Sites across the region. The survey is open to any interested person, and includes locations across coastal Africa and adjacent island states in the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. To complete the survey in just 5 minutes, click here! <https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2ZNDVDV> To find out more about the Whale Heritage Sites Summit <http://worldwhaleconference.org/programme/whs-summit-2017/> click here. Please share this survey if you know of interested experts in the region not on the Marmam list. Many thanks. Dylan Walker Chief Executive Officer *World Cetacean Alliance * *T *+44 (0)1273 355011* M *+44 (0)7900 471490* S *dylan.wca *E *dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org* W *worldcetaceanalliance.org *W2 *whaleheritagesites.org *W3 *worldwhaleconference.org <http://www.worldwhaleconference.org> *A *Studio 3, Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK [image: http://worldwhaleconference.org/] <http://worldwhaleconference.org/> *The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 90 non-profit organisations, whale and dolphin watching tour operators and individuals in 40 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity no. 1160484. * *The content of this e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware that forwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately.* *Please consider the environment before printing this email or it's attachments. *

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Training Events in June
by Stephanie Barnicoat 21 May '17

21 May '17

Dear All, Please take note of our up and coming courses next month PAM L1 course 7-9th June, Devon UK, 14-16th June, Monterey Bay, USA- If you want to achieve your professional PAM Operator qualification, and take your marine mammal observation skills to the next level, this course is for you! Follow this link to our website to book now: http://seichetraining.com/pam-course-level-1 Marine Mammal Observer course (MMO), 5-6th June, Devon, UK. We don't just teach you how to be a Marine Mammal Observer, on our JNCC-accredited MMO courses, we get you out on the water so you can put the theory into practice. Book now to secure your place on this popular course: http://seichetraining.com/jncc-mmo-course Approved BOEM/BSEE approved Protected Species Observer (PSO) course 12-13th June, in Monterey Bay, USA, where you will be trained in monitoring marine wildlife and mitigation procedures. Book now http://seichetraining.com/boem-bsee-pso-course Marine Acoustics 20-22nd June, Seattle, USA- If your job involves wading through reports generated as a result of environmental legislation on underwater noise, our Marine Acoustics course will help you understand how noise impacts marine wildlife and get to grips with the regulations aimed at protecting our natural environment. Bookings for our next course are now open: http://seichetraining.com/underwater-acoustics-the-marine-environment Any enquiries, please email info(a)seichetrainng.com<mailto:info@seichetrainng.com> Seiche Ltd Stephanie Barnicoat Business Support Seiche Ltd Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom T: +44(0)1409 404050 E: s.barnicoat(a)seiche.com W: www.seiche.com Registered in England & Wales No. 3475558, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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Two early fall volunteer positions left for cetacean monitoring in Berau, Indonesia-19 -30 Sept
by Danielle Kreb 21 May '17

21 May '17

The Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia is offering l two final positions for motivated volunteers and/or students to engage in the Berau large marine vertebrates program for period 19-30 September. This long-term program (since 2007) aims to protect a high diversity of large marine vertebrates including cetaceans, turtles, whale sharks and manta rays in the Marine Park of Derawan Archipelago, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Besides raising awareness and engaging local communities in sustainable handycraft and ecotourism activities, part of the conservation program includes a long-term monitoring program of large marine vertebrates in the area. Surveys are being conducted by the local NGO Yayasan Konservasi RASI (under guidance of Dr. Danielle Kreb and Ir. Budiono. The research team involves experienced RASI staff, local students, as well as local and overseas (student) volunteers. Volunteers are welcome to join the program for 12 days and conduct an eight-days boat-based monitoring survey in the beautiful and protected landscape of the Berau archipelago.We will collect data to determine relative abundance, assessing seasonal species diversity and site fidelity as well as habitat usage of large marine vertebrates. Besides photo-id collection of cetaceans, we will also take photo-id of whale sharks. For 2017 we will focus our monitoring effort on three areas (Derawan, Maratua, Biduk-Biduk) that are assigned as ecotourism area to assess long-term distribution patterns and recommendations to local governments based on megavertebrates distribution/ activity patterns. We also conduct coral reef monitoring at several locations during the survey days by snorkling. Cetacean species directly encountered during the surveys so far include, (dwarf)spinner-, spotted-, Fraser’s-, Risso’s-, rough-toothed-,long-beaked common dolphins as well as common bottlenose and Indo-Pacific bottlenose-dolphins, Irrawaddy and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, dwarf sperm whale-, melon-headed- and false killer whales, sperm-, fin- and humpback whales..Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn theory and practice of Reefcheck monitoring for the Indo-Pacific. We also include the opportunity to do recreational things such as snorkling in the stingless jelly fish lake of Kakaban, visiting caves in Maratua Island, exploring the famous Mirror lake (Labuan Cermin), Angel waterfall (Air Terjun Bidadari), snorkling near Manta Rays and/or whale sharks following good practice protocols. Deadline for applying: 31 May 2017. For this survey, first applying suitable candidates will be prioritized until all positions are filled. Day by day schedule, qualifications for volunteers and costs involved (10% discount to students at all degrees or finished no longer than one year after their degree) can be downloaded from a flyer posted on our website at: http://www.ykrasi.org/coastal.html. (click '* read more about this volunteer opportunity*'). We are looking forward to your participation! Regards, Danielle and Budiono -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Scientific Program Advisor Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 52 Samarinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.org Facebook group/page: Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Member of IUCN/SSC Cetacean Specialist Group *“To the dolphin alone, nature has given that which the best* *philosophers seek: friendship for no advantage. Though it has no* *need of help from any man, it is a genial friend to all and has helped mankind.”* *–Plutarch*

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PSO / MMO Training in Boston, MA June 10-11
by Angela Bostwick 21 May '17

21 May '17

MPSC is holding Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) training on June 10-11 in Boston, Massachusetts. This class will meet in downtown Boston, and will include a cruise to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the top whale-watching destinations in the world! This will provide opportunity to gain experience identifying the animals while at sea. We will also practice using SLR cameras and discuss manual settings for wildlife photography. This BOEM/BSEE-compliant PSO certification course covers the regulations for reducing seismic survey impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, documenting animal behavior, and how to visually locate and identify the animals. Course comprehension is measured with examinations on regulations and animal identification. Successful completion of this course provides professional Protected Species Observer Certification. Lunch is provided and included in the course fee (college/graduate/government discounts available), along with various identification guides and regulatory documents (which will be yours to keep), a whale-watching cruise to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, and advice on applying to PSO positions. If you would like to see a PSO training course in your area, or are interested in private training, please contact Angela at ABostwick(a)PSOCertifications.com, by phone at 832-523-2402, or visit the website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/. Thank you, Angela Bostwick Founder / Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AND JOURNALS AVAILABLE
by Thomas Jefferson 21 May '17

21 May '17

¡VIVAVaquita! (a non-profitorganization) has many marine mammal books, reprints, monographs, and journalsthat are available for a donation to the organiation. All funds raised will be actively used forresearch and conservation work on the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), the world’s most endangered marine mammal species. The global population of this species nownumbers less than 25 individuals and is decling at about 50%/year. Visit ourwebsite at www.vivavaquita.org for more details. Below is a sample of what we have. For a full list of books available, or if youhave any marine mammal literature you would be interested in donating or‘selling’ to us, please contact Tom Jefferson at sclymene(a)aol.com. HC=harcover, PB=paperback. Baker, A.N. (1999) Whales and Dolphins of New Zealand andAustralia: An Identification Guide, Victoria University Press (3rd edition). Donovan, G.P. (1982) Aboriginal/Subsistence Whaling (WithSpecial Reference to the Alaska and Greenland Fisheries). 86 pp. Reports of theInternational Whaling Commission. FAO (1978) Mammals in the seas: Volume I. Report of the FAOAdvisory Committee on Marine Resurces Research. FAO (1979) Mammals in the seas: Volume II. Pinniped speciessummaries and report on sirenians. Ford, J.K.B. & Ellis, G.M. (1999) Transients:Mammal-Hunting Killer Whales of British Columbia, Washington, and SoutheasternAlaska, Univ. British Columbia Press. Ford, J.K.B., Ellis, G.M. & Balcomb, K.C. (2000) KillerWhales: The Natural History and Genealogy of Orcinus orca in British Columbiaand Washington State, Univ. British Columbia Press (2nd edition). Gaskin, D.E. (1972) Whales, Dolphins, and Seals, WithSpecial Reference to the New Zealand Region, Heineman Educational Books. Hershkovitz, P. (1966) Catalog of living whales. Bulletin ofthe United States National Museum, 246, 259 pp. Jefferson, T.A., Leatherwood, S. & Webber, M.A. (1993)Marine Mammals of the World: FAO Species Identification Guide, United NationEnvironment Programme and Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN. Jefferson, T.A., Webber, M.A. & Pitman, R.L. (2008)Marine Mammals of the World: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Identification. 573pp. Jefferson, T.A., Webber, M.A. & Pitman, R.L. (2015)Marine Mammals of the World: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Identification. 608pp. Morzer Bruyns, W.F.J. (1971) Field Guide of Whales andDolphins, Uitgeverij Tor. Norris, K.S. (1991) Dolphin Days: The Life and Times of theSpinner Dolphin, Norton. Norris, K.S., Würsig, B., Wells, R.S. & Wursig, M.(1994) The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin, University of California Press. Perrin, W.F. (1975) Variation and taxonomy of spotted andspinner porpoise (genus Stenella) in the eastern tropical Pacific and Hawaii.Bulletin of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 21, 206 pp. Perrin, W.F., Donovan, G.P. & Barlow, J. (1994) Gillnetsand Cetaceans. In, p. 617+ pp. Reports of the International Whaling Commission. Pilleri, G. (ed). Investigations on Cetacea. Complete set (25 regular volumes, plus 5 supplements). Ridgway, S.H. & Harrison, R.J. (1981) Handbook of MarineMammals, Vol. 2: Seals. 359 pp. Academic Press. Scheffer, V.B. (1958) Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses: AReview of the Pinnipedia, Stanford University Press. Scientific Reports of the Whales Research Institute. (nearlycomplete, but missing several issues). Scientific Reports of the WhalesResearch Institute, 1-34. Truitt, D. (1974) Dolphins and Porpoises: A ComprehensiveAnnotated Bibliography of the Smaller Cetacea, Gale Research Co.

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New Publication - Dead useful; methods for quantifying baseline variability in stranding rates
by Mariel ten Doeschate 20 May '17

20 May '17

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in the Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK: Mariel T.I. ten Doeschate, Andrew C. Brownlow, Nicholas J. Davison, and Paul M. Thompson *Dead useful; methods for quantifying baseline variability in stranding rates to improve the ecological value of the strandings record as a monitoring tool. *JMBA. doi:10.1017/S0025315417000698 *ABSTRACT: **The ecological value of the stranding record is often challenged due to the complexity in quantifying the biases associated with multiple components of the stranding process. There are biological, physical and social aspects that complicate the interpretation of stranding data particularly at a population level. We show how examination of baseline variability in the historic stranding record can provide useful insights into temporal trends* *and facilitate the detection of unusual variability in stranding rates. Seasonal variability was examined using harbour porpoise strandings between 1992 and 2014 on the east coast of Scotland. Generalised Additive Mixed modelling revealed a strong seasonal pattern, with numbers increasing from February towards a peak in April. Profiling seasonality this way facilitates detection of unusual elevations in stranding frequencies. With this study we aim to demonstrate that a described baseline in strandings allows the detection of abnormalities at an early stage. This methodology thereby provides means to quantify and partition the variability associated with strandings data and is a useful first step towards improving the stranding record as a management resource.* If you would like a PDF of this article or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on marielten.doeschate(a)sac.co.uk or marieltdoeschate(a)gmail.com Cheers, *Mariel ten Doeschate *Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme SRUC Veterinary Services Inverness IV2 4JZ +44 (0) 7990513589 www.strandings.org

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ACS-LA Research Grants for Southern California Researchers - Reminder: Deadline is May 25th!
by ACS-LA.Grants 19 May '17

19 May '17

** Attn Southern California Researchers! — Reminder: Grant Applications are due 25th of May @ Midnight, Pacific Time!! ** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter: Applications for 2017 Research Grants Deadline: May 25 (Midnight PDT, GMT -7) The American Cetacean Society protects cetaceans and their habitats though conservation, education and research. ACS funds research projects that address some of the most pressing issues facing cetaceans. ACS-LA is pleased to announce the availability of two research grants, in the amount of $1,000.00 each, to established researchers or student researchers attending school in the greater Los Angeles area whose work focuses on marine mammals. 1) The John E. Heyning Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000. John Heyning was a brilliant and prolific scientist. He was Deputy Director of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where he built a collection of marine mammal specimens second only to Smithsonian and where he curated the Masters of the Ocean Realm exhibit that traveled to 22 countries. He was an authority on beaked whales, published the work that separated common dolphins into two separate species, and described the countercurrent heat exchange in whale tongues, among many other accomplishments. John was a strong supporter of ACS and its mission; he served on the organization’s Board of Scientific Advisors and taught the Whalewatch naturalist class for many years. 2) The Bill Samaras Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000.00. Bill Samaras was a geologist by training but his first love was whales. He taught science at Carson High School for 30 years, helped shape the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium into the institution it is today and led the excavation of a gray whale skeleton during the construction of the Harbor Freeway in San Pedro. Bill was a lifelong supporter of ACS, an organization that he served in many capacities. Guidelines for Research Grants: The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society offers small research grants in support of operating research projects focusing on marine mammals. ACS-LA has a long-standing commitment supporting local research on cetaceans and other marine mammals. The two $1,000 research grants will be awarded to researchers or students exhibiting an outstanding commitment to furthering the understanding of marine mammals in California. Priority will be given to applicants working or attending school in Southern California and/or conducting their marine mammal research in Southern California. Eligibility: 1. Applicant should be a researcher or a student living and/or attending school in California. OR 2. Current research focus should be on Marine Mammals located in or around California with priority being given to work conducted in Southern California Applications: Applications should include the following: 1. Cover sheet with: a) Title of Proposal and Research Area of interest including focal species b) Field Research Group Information (Name, Address, E-mail, and Phone numbers and departmental contacts) or Current School, Major, and Name(s) of Supervisor and Department c) Names and contact information of Lead or Principal Investigator (PI), Second PI, and any student participants 2. A one-page CV or Resume for Principal Investigator and Secondary Investigators 3. A 1-2 page narrative (single spaced) describing your research organization or program, details, and justification for your specific research topic including objectives, details on geographical area being investigated, hypotheses, and total project timeline including temporal benchmarks for the work. How will your research contribute to our understanding and/or benefit the species being studied? Is this a species-based effort or a habitat and/or conservation based study? Please include your estimated 1-year budget and budget justifications. All applications will be reviewed for scientific value and overall conservation benefit. Requirement For Recipients: Recipients of the awards will be asked to present their research sometime in the next year at ACS-LA’s monthly speaker series. Please be prepared to present your work, to the ACS-LA community. Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 25th May 2016 (Midnight PDT, GMT -7) Awards will be announced by 5th June 2016 Please feel free to contact ACS-LA Grants Chair Christina Tombach Wright with any questions, ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:ACSLA.Grants@gmail.com>. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:ACSLA.Grants@gmail.com>. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>. To join ACS-LA, please go to http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/ <http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/> and specify the Los Angeles Chapter. For further information about specific chapters and other grant-making programs, please visit the Chapter page of the National American Cetacean Society website: www.acsonline.org <http://www.acsonline.org/>. ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants(a)gmail.com <mailto:acsla.grants@gmail.com> www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>

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New Publication: A timely opportunity to protect North Atlantic right whales in Canada
by Tonya Wimmer 19 May '17

19 May '17

Dear MARMAM readers, My co-authors and I would like to announce our recent publication in Marine Policy: Brillant, S.W., Wimmer, T., Rangeley, R.W. and C.T. Taggart. 2017. A timely opportunity to protect North Atlantic right whales in Canada. Marine Policy 81: 160-166. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2017.03.030 ABSTRACT The survival of federally protected North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) requires an immediate reduction in the risk of entanglement in commercial fishing gear. This paper argues that at least a 30% reduction in risk is needed to meaningfully contribute to the conservation of right whales. The argument follows from risk estimates calculated using time and space intersections of right whales and fishing gear in Canadian waters. Almost all the risk occurs during July, August and September (12%, 50%, 37% respectively) and the groundfish fishery contributed the greatest proportion (86%) of annual risk. Given that efforts in the USA to reduce entanglement risk through modified fishing gear have been unsuccessful to date, we address the alternative option of restricting certain fishing gear at times and locations where entanglement risk is elevated. There are many options that Canada could employ to achieve the above risk reduction and our results clearly point to the most effective and efficient action being seasonally restricted fishing in two relatively small regions; the Grand Manan Basin and the Roseway Basin. Fully a third (34%±4%) of the annual risk is associated with these two basins, though fishery catch estimates in the basins are relatively small and declining. If you cannot download the publication, you can request a pdf by emailing Sean Brillant: seanb(a)cwf-fcf.org Cheers Tonya PS. Don't forget to register for SMM2017 to be held October 22-27th in Canada's Ocean Playground: Halifax, Nova Scotia! Abstract acceptance notifications will go out June 5th. Follow us on Facebook: Tonya and Hilary plan SMM2017 or Twitter: TnHplanSMM2017! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "From space, the planet is blue. From space, the planet is the territory, not of humans, but of the whale" - Heathcote Williams ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tonya Wimmer, MSc. Director, Marine Animal Response Society 1-866-567-6277 www.marineanimals.ca<http://www.marineanimals.ca> & Conference Co-Chair, SMM2017 http://www.smmconference.org/ & Whitehead Lab Dalhousie University, Halifax ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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