May 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

IOGP Joint Industry Programme on Sound and Marine Life - Requests for proposals announcement
by Campbell, John, IOGP 19 May '17

19 May '17

The Joint Industry Programme on E&P Sound and Marine Life is please to release its latest Requests for Proposals document. The topic is "Field Work/Model Tool - Low Visibility Detection Techniques". Details on how to respond to this request are in the attached document along with the submission deadlines. JOHN A CAMPBELL JIP Coordinator John Campbell Technical Director email: jac(a)iogp.org phone: +44 20 3763 9707 International Association of Oil & Gas Producers City Tower, 40 Basinghall Street, London, EC2V 5DE, UK reception: +44 20 3763 9700 web: www.iogp.org [IOGP logo] <https://twitter.com/IOGP_News> Follow @IOGP_News This e-mail was sent by The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP). IOGP is registered in England. Registration number: 1832064. Registered office: City Tower, 40 Basinghall Street, London, EC2V 5DE

1 0

New publication on the vocal repertoire of Mediterranean Monk Seal
by Isabelle Charrier 18 May '17

18 May '17

Dear MARMAM readers, My co-authors and myself are pleased to announce the publication of our paper on the Mediterranean Monk seal vocal repertoire in Endagered Species Research: *Charrier I, Marchesseau S, Dendrinos P, Tounta E, Karamanlidis AA Individual signatures in the vocal repertoire of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal: new perspectives for population monitoring.* ABSTRACT: The Mediterranean monk seal/Monachus monachus/is considered Endangered by the IUCN, and is the most endangered pinniped in the world. Increasing our knowledge of this species is crucial in order to further our understanding of its social behaviour, but also to develop new methods to monitor and protect it. In many species, acoustic communication plays a major role in social interactions, and vocal signals convey important information about the emitter; understanding the diverse information encoded in vocalizations is helpful in wildlife monitoring. In the present study, we used passive, audio-video surveys to describe the aerial vocal repertoire of the Mediterranean monk seal during the pupping season. An exhaustive analysis was performed on the different call types, and individual vocal signatures were investigated. A total of 5 call types were identified: bark, chirp, grunt, short scream and scream, with bark and scream being the 2 main call types. A discriminant function analysis based on 10 acoustic variables revealed that all call types except grunts can be correctly classified, with an average rate of 86.7%. Furthermore, the individual vocal signature investigated in barks and screams revealed that both call types are individually specific, showing average correct classification rates of 54.2 and 66.1% respectively. Based on these findings, future research should focus on collecting new recordings from well-identified seals to develop a new passive acoustic monitoring system based on individual identification. This system will enable the evaluation of annual pup production and thus provide essential information on the conservation status of the Mediterranean monk seal in Greece. You can download the paper from: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v32/p459-470/ A supplementary video can be seen at: http://www.int-res.com/articles/suppl/n032p459_supp/ Best regards, Isabelle Charrier -- ************************************************************************ Isabelle CHARRIER Equipe Communications Acoustiques, Department Cognition & Behaviour Institut des Neurosciences Paris Saclay (NeuroPSI), UMR 9197 Université Paris Sud, Bat.446, 91405 Orsay, FRANCE Tel:(33-1).69.15.68.26 Fax:(33-1).69.15.77.26 Email: isabelle.charrier(a)u-psud.fr Isabelle's website: http://www.cb.u-psud.fr/pinniped/ Bioacoustics Team website: http://www.cb.u-psud.fr https://twitter.com/bioacteam ************************************************************************

1 0

New publication: Marine megafauna of the tropical SW Indian Ocean
by Sophie Laran 18 May '17

18 May '17

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Frontiers in Marine Science, section Marine Megafauna: A comprehensive survey of pelagic megafauna: their distribution, densities and taxonomic richness in the tropical Southwest Indian Ocean, by Sophie Laran, Matthieu Authier, Olivier Van Canneyt, Ghislain Dorémus, Pierre Watremez, Vincent Ridoux, /Abstact: The distribution and density of pelagic megafauna (marine mammals, seabirds, elasmobranches, and sea turtles) are important indicators of marine biodiversity, reflecting the condition of the underlying ecosystems. A dedicated aerial survey was conducted in the tropical Southwest Indian Ocean to map their distribution, the taxonomic diversity, and to estimate their densities to serve as a baseline for the area. This large survey across three ecological sub-regions revealed contrasting spatial distributions: maps of taxonomic richness of marine mammals and seabirds revealed different “hotspots” in the area. Densities were estimated for eight cetacean taxa with small and large Delphininae, or small Globicephalinae dominating, and for seven seabird taxa, with terns and noddies dominating. At the community level, the Southwest Indian Ocean megafauna was structured by the marine environment with strong differences between the Mozambique Channel and the Mascarene Islands, or between shelf and slope/oceanic habitats. Our results illustrate how multi-taxa aerial surveys are relevant and cost-effective monitoring tools for marine megafauna, allowing a community-wide approach./ To view the online publication, please click here: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2017.00139/full?&utm_s… Best regards Sophie Laran -- Sophie Laran (PhD) Observatoire PELAGIS - UMS 3462 Université de La Rochelle - CNRS Pôle Analytique - 5 allées de l'Océan 17 000 LA ROCHELLE - FRANCE TEL : +33 (0)5 16 49 67 15 (LD) TEL : +33 (0)5 46 44 99 10 (STD) http://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr

1 0

New publication: Identifying the Relevant Local Population for Environmental Impact Assessments of Mobile Marine Fauna
by Delphine Chabanne 18 May '17

18 May '17

Dear MARMAM readers, My co-authors and I would like to announce our recent publication in Frontiers in Marine Science: Chabanne, D.B.H., Finn, H. and Bejder, L. (2017). Identifying the Relevant Local Population for Environmental Impact Assessments of Mobile Marine Fauna. Frontiers in Marine Science, 4: 148. DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2017.00148<http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2017.00148/full> ABSTRACT Environmental impact assessments must be addressed at a scale that reflects the biological organization for the species affected. It can be challenging to identify the relevant local wildlife population for impact assessment for those species that are continuously distributed and highly mobile. Here, we document the existence of local communities of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) inhabiting coastal and estuarine waters of Perth, Western Australia, where major coastal developments have been undertaken or are proposed (Figure 1). Using sighting histories from a 4-year photo-identification study, we investigated fine-scale, social community structure of dolphins based on measures of social affinity, and network (Half-Weight Index-HWI, preferred dyadic association tests, and Lagged Association Rates-LAR), home ranges, residency patterns (Lagged Identification Rates-LIR), and genetic relatedness. Analyses revealed four socially and spatially distinct, mixed-sex communities. The four communities (Figures 2 and 3) had distinctive social patterns varying in strength, site fidelity, and residency patterns. Overlap in home ranges and relatedness explained little to none of the association patterns between individuals, suggesting complex local social structures. The study demonstrated that environmental impact assessments for mobile, continuously distributed species must evaluate impacts in light of local population structure, especially where proposed developments may affect core habitats of resident communities or sub-populations. Here, the risk of local extinction is particularly significant for an estuarine community because of its small size, limited connectivity with adjacent communities, and use of areas subject to intensive human use. In the absence of information about fine-scale population structure, impact assessments may fail to consider the appropriate biological context. You can access the article at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2017.00148 If you cannot download the publication, you can request a pdf by emailing to: D.Chabanne(a)murdoch.edu.au Delphine Delphine Chabanne Ph.D. candidate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University, Western Australia Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia http://mucru.org/group-members/delphine-chabanne/ http://mucru.org/research-projects/coastal-and-estuarine-dolphin-project/

1 0

internship position available Canada August/September 2017
by Christian Ramp 18 May '17

18 May '17

Internship opportunity at Mingan Island Cetacean Study (MICS) Francophone Intern needed for the period 1 August – 30 September. MICS is a non-profit organization funded in 1979 that conducts research on marine mammals in the Gulf of St Lawrence, Quebec, with a particular focus on baleen whales. For our upcoming 2017 summer field season we are looking to fill one, possibly two intern positions at our research station based in Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan (Quebec, Canada). MICS focuses on the photo-identification of blue, fin, humpback and minke whales. In particular, MICS is the curator of the North Atlantic blue whale catalogue. For more information about our research, the current projects and a list of peer-reviewed articles, please visit our web page:www.rorqual.com. MICS also runs two main outreach programmes open to the public. Weekly ecotourism trips where participants get a chance to join us in our daily research activities and learn more about cetaceans through in-depth information about our research. Additionally, MICS offers guided tours of its cetacean museum that introduces visitors to their biology and ecology, as well as our research. Interns spend a considerable proportion of their time assisting in these outreach programs. The internship The intern will assist in field work tasks including, but not limited to: • visual surveys of our study area • note-taking and data recording • data entry • photo-identification (matching) • equipment maintenance • guided tours of the museum • informing tourists at the front desk Conditions The intern must be at least 18 years of age, must be fluent in French, due to a majority of francophone visitors. Previous experience is preferable but not essential. Due to the non-profit nature of the organisation, MICS is unable to offer monetary compensation for the internship – it is an unpaid internship. Applicants will have to make their own way to the field station in Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan (Quebec North Shore). Transport to and from nearest airport (Sept-Iles) can be arranged. Interns will share a house (4-5 at a time) and will have to cover the costs of food and lodging. The latter is about 50-75$ CAN/week. Interns must be resilient and able to work as part of a team in tough working conditions (7-days a week, long hours at sea, potentially cold weather…) Interns are likely to be 1-2 days per week on the water, depending on weather and rotation. Most work is land based. Learning outcomes Interns will gain experience and insights into conducting marine-based field work and will gain confidence and experience in public speaking. A successful internship often leads to recruitment into the research team the following year. Applying Please send a CV and short cover email tomics(a)rorqual.com If you have any question about the internship, please send them to the same address. Looking forward to reading your CVs. The MICS Team. -- Mingan Island Cetacean Study 378 Bord de la Mer Longue Pointe de Mingan G0G 1V0, Qc Canada mics(a)rorqual.com Phone/Fax: +1-418-949-2845 www.rorqual.com Facebook (French): fb.me/MICSbaleines Facebook (English):fb.me/MICSWhales Twitter: @MinganWhales Instagram minganwhales

1 0

New review paper on respiratory function and mechanics in pinnipeds and cetaceans
by Andreas 17 May '17

17 May '17

Dear colleagues, We would like to announce our review paper on respiratory function and physiology in marine mammals For those interested, the title and abstract are cited below: The Journal of Experimental Biology: doi: 10.1242/jeb.126870 Title: Respiratory function and mechanics in pinnipeds and cetaceans Authors: A. Fahlman, M. Moore , D. Garcia-Parraga Abstract In this Review, we focus on the functional properties of the respiratory system of pinnipeds and cetaceans, and briefly summarize the underlying anatomy; in doing so, we provide an overview of what is currently known about their respiratory physiology and mechanics. While exposure to high pressure is a common challenge among breath-hold divers, there is large variation in respiratory anatomy, function and capacity between species – how are these traits adapted to allow the animals to withstand the physiological challenges faced during dives? The ultra-deep diving feats of some marine mammals defy our current understanding of respiratory physiology and lung mechanics. These animals cope daily with lung compression, alveolar collapse, transient hyperoxia and extreme hypoxia. By improving our understanding of respiratory physiology under these conditions we will be better able to define the physiological constraints imposed on these animals, and how these limitations may affect the survival of marine mammals in a changing environment. Many of the respiratory traits to survive exposure to an extreme environment may inspire novel treatments for a variety of respiratory problems in humans. Keywords: Compliance, marine mammal, lung function, respiratory flow, tidal volume, residual volume, total lung capacity, respiratory frequency, alveolar collapse PDF available upon request to: afahlman(a)whoi.edu

1 0

Abstract Submission Deadline is Approaching for the 4th International Symposium on Acoustic Communication by Animals
by Acoustical Society of America 17 May '17

17 May '17

Book It .... July 18-21, 2017 View this email in your browser (http://mailchi.mp/acousticalsociety/4th-international-symposium-onacoustic-…) ** 4th International Symposium on Acoustic Communication by Animals (http://acousticcommunicationbyanimals.org/) ------------------------------------------------------------ July 18-21, 2017 Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.A. The Acoustical Society of America has partnered with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to bring together a diverse community of scientists, engineers, teachers and students to the Fourth International Symposium on Acoustic Communication by Animals, to be held July 18-21, 2017 on the grounds of the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.A. This four-day symposium is designed to address contemporary topics in animal acoustic communication across a wide range of taxa, including arthropods, lizards and amphibians, as well as birds, fish and terrestrial and marine mammals. The emphasis will be to share ideas, data, and methodologies in the area of animal bioacoustics and communication and to promote networking opportunities in this ever-growing discipline. Please plan to attend, participate and share your work. ** When and Where? ------------------------------------------------------------ Dates: July 18-21, 2017 Location: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.A. For more information regarding the location, please visit the 4th International Symposium Website (http://acousticcommunicationbyanimals.org/) . Desert Dome, Henry Doorly Zoo ============================================================ Pre-Symposium Workshop The scientific program of the 4th International Symposium will be preceded on Monday, 17 July 2017, by a half-day workshop (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) in which key questions related to The Impact of Anthropogenic Noise on Animal Acoustic Communication will be discussed. The specific goal of the event is to objectively identify problem areas related to the influence of anthropogenic noise in diverse ecosystems, as well as consideration of strategies to mitigate scientifically-validated, adverse consequences of exposure to man-made noise. The ultimate goal of the workshop is the development of a guide to enable noise mitigation strategies to promote and/or restore natural soundscapes. The workshop is free to all registrants. Omaha, Nebraska Call for Abstracts We invite you to participate in the 4th International Symposium. Those interested in giving an oral or poster presentation must submit an abstract by May 31^st, 2017. The abstract submission period is now open. Two-page extended abstracts must be submitted using the format of the template provided on the abstract submission website. For details on the submission process and to submit an abstract, please visit the ** 4th International Symposium Website (http://acousticcommunicationbyanimals.org/) . Important Dates Workshop: July 17, 2017 (1-5 pm) Symposium: July 18-21, 2017 Abstract Submission Deadline: May 31, 2017 Early Registration Deadline: June15, 2017 Hotel Reservation (special rates) Deadline: June 21, 2017 Keynote and Invited Speakers We have an extraordinary slate of keynote and invited speakers, covering a broad range of topics and taxa, including: * Ximena Bernal (Purdue Univ.) * Dan Blumstein (Univ. of California Los Angeles) * Henrik Brumm (Max Planck Institute for Ornithology) * Jakob Christensen-Dalsgaard (Univ. of Southern Denmark) * Eileen Hebets (Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln) (keynote) * Vincent Janik (Univ. of St. Andrews) (keynote) * Laura Kloepper (St. Mary's College) * Georg Klump (Univ. of Oldenburg) * Geoff Manley (Univ. of Oldenburg) * Marta Manser (Univ. of Zurich) (keynote) * Laura May-Collado (Univ. of Vermont) * Cory Miller (Univ. California San Diego) * Susan Parks (Syracuse Univ.) * Colleen Reichmuth (Univ. of California Santa Cruz) * Johannes Schul (Univ. of Missouri) * Brad Story (Univ. of Arizona) * Frédéric Theunissen (Univ. of California Berkeley) (keynote) For more information, please visit the ** 4th International Symposium Website (http://acousticcommunicationbyanimals.org/) . Registration is Now Open Early registration is now open and the deadline for special, discounted rates is June 15th, 2017. For details regarding registration fees and to register for the symposium, please visit the ** 4th International Symposium Website (http://acousticcommunicationbyanimals.org/) . Key Links ** Symposium Website (http://acousticcommunicationbyanimals.org/) ** Abstract Submission (http://acousticcommunicationbyanimals.org/abstracts/) ** Registration (http://acousticcommunicationbyanimals.org/symposium-registration/) ** Hotel Reservation (http://acousticcommunicationbyanimals.org/hotel_res/) Scientific Program Organizing Committee * Mark Bee (University of Minnesota) * Kirsten Bohn (Johns Hopkins University) * Micheal Dent (University at Buffalo, SUNY) * Robert Dooling (University of Maryland) * Christine Erbe (Curtin University) * JoAnn McGee (Boys Town National Research Hospital) * Julie Oswald (University of St. Andrews) * Ed Walsh (Boys Town National Research Hospital) (Chair) Advisory Committee * Whitlow Au (University of Hawaii) * Susan E. Fox (Acoustical Society of America Executive Director) * David Mellinger (Oregon State University) * Cynthia Moss (Johns Hopkins University) * Charles Schmid (Former Acoustical Society of America Executive Director) * Andrea Simmons (Brown University) Contact Information For more information or questions, please contact Edward Walsh at 1-402-498-6701 or ** Edward.Walsh(a)boystown.org (mailto:Edward.Walsh@boystown.org) . ** AcousticCommunicationByAnimals.org (http://AcousticCommunicationByAnimals.org/) Designed by ** ASA Web Development Office (http://www.asaweboffice.org/) | Powered by ** Acoustical Society of America (http://www.acousticalsociety.org/) ** (http://www.twitter.com/) ** (http://www.facebook.com) ** (http://mailchimp.com) Copyright © 2017 Acoustical Society of America, All rights reserved. 4th Symposium Acoustic Communication by Animals Our mailing address is: Acoustical Society of America 1305 Walt Whitman Road Melville, NY 11747 USA Want to change how you receive these emails? You can ** update your preferences (http://acousticalsociety.us6.list-manage.com/profile?u=2607cc3d8d5d4a7ac3d1…) or ** unsubscribe from this list (http://acousticalsociety.us6.list-manage2.com/unsubscribe?u=2607cc3d8d5d4a7…)

1 0

Conservation Plan for Strait of Gibraltar killer whales
by Pauline Gauffier 17 May '17

17 May '17

Dear Marmam subscribers, I would like to send the communication below on behalf of Dr. Renaud de Stephanis. For more information, please contact him directly at renauddestephanis(a)gmail.com All the best, Pauline ************** Dear friends, I would like to draw your atention to the following link https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2017/05/17/pdfs/BOE-A-2017-5474.pdf. In this document you can get the Conservation Plan for killer whales of the Strait of Gibraltar, just accepted by the Spanish Ministry of Environment, so the document is officially official. It is the first conservation plan for a cetacean species in the Med as far as I know, and all the document is based on science. With these lines I would like to acknowledge all the persons that made this possible. Especially to Dr Ruth Esteban Pavo. It is the result of more than 20 years of work, 9 papers, 4 PhD, more than 80.000 nm sailed, 300.000 dorsal fin analysed (for only 60 individuals...). Thanks also to the anonymous reviewers and editors of the journals that made all the papers publishable. Thanks again Renaud de Stephanis PD: Sorry for my english!!! ***************

1 0

Internship Openings - Deadline Approaching: Field Response Team Interns on the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii
by Jon Gelman at Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance 16 May '17

16 May '17

HAWAII MARINE ANIMAL RESPONSE (Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance): Announcing internship openings on our Field Response Team on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii. Deadline for Fall 2017 is July 31, 2017. ABOUT US Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR) is the field operations arm of Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance and is Hawaii’s largest non-profit marine species response organization. We cover approximately 300 miles of coastline on the islands of Oahu and Molokai with our team of over 100 volunteers, interns and staff. We are a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, conservation and stewardship of Hawaii’s protected marine species. Under a partnership with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), HMAR provides important species preservation, conservation and recovery support for the highly endangered Hawaiian monk seal as well as the endangered and threatened marine turtle species inhabiting Hawaiian waters. Our Field Response Team spends thousands of hours each year on surveys for animals, or responding to specific sightings, so we may document the condition of specific animals, identify potential health issues and record other data needed for species population and recovery research. We save protected marine animals from deaths and injuries caused by disease, hookings, entanglement in marine debris and potentially dangerous or inappropriate interaction with humans and pets. We engage in animal intervention activity, stranding support and marine animal rescue to enable medical treatment, rehabilitation and release. And we use our significant field response presence to teach sustainable human, pet and fishery behaviors to the public resulting in improved stewardship for these animals to support long-term species preservation and recovery. INTERN ACTIVITY — Perform surveys for, or respond to, sightings of Hawaiian monk seals and marine turtles and provide shoreline response to haul-outs or strandings. — Report on animal behavior, provide animal assessment information, provide photo-documentation and other important data used in protected species research, health management and species recovery efforts. — Assist in escalated or emergency field response, marine species intervention activity and stranding support. — Engage with the public to teach sustainable human interaction and fishery behaviors and encourage stewardship of these protected species. — Participate in dispatch, reporting and data entry activity. LOCATION These internship positions are located on the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii and require significant travel on the island. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS -- This is an un-paid internship opportunity. The intern is responsible for all living and transportation costs associated with the internship. -- U.S. citizenship or possession of passport and all applicable visas and work permits needed prior to and during the internship period. -- 18 or more years of age. -- English language fluency and an interest and desire to engage with the public. -- Must be a degree-seeking student or a graduate of a college or university program associated with one of the following courses of study: marine biology, marine ecology, conservation or a related field. -- Minimum grade point average (GPA). For college/university graduates - a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to the internship. For current students - a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to and during the internship. -- College credit: If college credit for this internship is desired it is the intern’s responsibility to obtain necessary approvals from the applicable college or university. -- Attend mandatory in-field or classroom training sessions as required. -- Must have access to a reliable car or truck. Truck preferable. Motorcycles or scooters will not be sufficient. -- Possession of a valid driver’s license. -- Proof of automobile insurance carrying Hawaii minimum liability coverage levels. -- Access to a cellular phone (4G service required). -- Access to binoculars with at least a 10X magnification level or access to a digital camera (not smartphone) with at least a 35X zoom lens -- Ability to walk at least 2 miles over shoreline beach and rocky conditions. -- Ability to lift and carry at least 50 pounds over a distance of 100 feet. -- Acceptance of Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance Intern Policies, Waivers, Releases and Indemnifications. -- Background check. INTERNSHIP ACTIVITY EXPECTATIONS -- Internship term: minimum of 3 months during the internship period (see below). Internship may be extended for up to 1 year upon mutual agreement. -- Hours per week: 35 hours minimum (travel time to training, survey or response locations is not included in minimum hours) -- The intern must also be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays. The intern is expected to be available for response anywhere on the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. INTERNSHIP PERIODS AND APPLICATION DEADLINES — UPCOMING DEADLINE: Internship period - September 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, application deadline July 31, 2017. — Internship period - January 1, 2018 to April 30, 2018, application deadline is October 31, 2017. — Internship period - May 1, 2018 to August 31, 2018, application deadline is March 31, 2018. APPLICATION PROCESS Go to http://www.h-mar.org/apply to complete an online internship application. In addition to the online application, please send the following via email to info(a)h-mar.org <mailto:info@hi-mma.org>. (1) A cover letter of interest, maximum of 1 page, including your availability (i.e. for which internship period you are applying). (2) Confirmation that you have, or will have, access to a reliable car or truck (truck preferable) during the internship period. (3) A resume describing your training, experience, relevant skills and GPA (maximum of 2 pages). (4) Names and contact information for three references. For more information about Hawaii Marine Animal Response and Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance, please visit our website at http://www.h-mar.org.

1 0

New Online GIS Course For Biologists
by Colin D. MacLeod 16 May '17

16 May '17

GIS In Ecology is pleased to announce the launch of its new online training course for biologists who wish to learn how to use geographic information systems (GIS) in their research, but who cannot afford to attend any of our regular in-person training courses. This short course, hosted on our new sister site www.GISforBiologists.com, aims to provide a basic, but practical, introduction to using GIS in biological research, and is aimed at the complete beginner who needs a hand working out where to get started, or at those who have previously used commercial GIS software packages, such as ArcGIS, and who wish to learn how to use QGIS, the leading free, open source GIS software package. Being free, QGIS is one of the best options for doing GIS for self-employed MMOs, small environmental consultancies, NGOs, those working on small marine mammal research projects with limited budgets for purchasing software licences, and students working at universities who do not have access to commercial GIS software packages. As a result, we believe that this new course will be of interest to many Marmammers. The course consists of just over three hours of on-demand videos split across three practical exercises (how to make your first map, how to create your own feature data layers and how to work with raster data layers) based around real biological examples, and we estimate it will take up to nine hours to complete (although some will complete it in a substantially shorter periods of time). The practical exercises in the course are based around those found in our book GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates and cover the same content as you would be taught on the first day of our popular in-person course An Introduction To Using QGIS In Biological Research. A subscription to the videos costs US$30 and lasts for three months, giving you more than enough time to complete all three exercises (and indeed come back and do them again, if you so wish). You do have to purchase a copy of the book separately (although you could probably get away with just working from the videos), but this still represents a substantial saving on learning the same GIS skills on our in-person course (which would costs up to £295 in course fees, excluding associated travel and accommodation costs). The software which is used for the course is QGIS, and we selected it for this online course because it is freely available, meaning that there is no additional cost for software licences for those who wish to learn how to use GIS in biological research. It is also the software package that we recommend novice biological GIS users start with. However, the skills that you learn can be easily transferred to other GIS software packages, including ArcGIS, the leading commercial one. This course represents the start of a new phase in the development of GIS In Ecology, and we aim to make more of our training materials available online through www.GISforBiologists.com over the next year or so. By doing this, we hope to further promote the use of GIS as an important tool for the modern-day biologist, no matter where in the world they are working, or what field they are working in. ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates; RRP: £24.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

1 0