June 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Coll Perske Memorial Fund for Marine Mammals Student Presentation Awards -- SMM Halifax 2017
by Jason Mulsow 20 Jun '17

20 Jun '17

Coll Perske Memorial Fund for Marine Mammals Student Presentation Awards: Call for Applications (Due July 12, 2017) On April 28, 2014, we lost an amazing friend and colleague, Coll Gordon Perske. To honor Coll’s life and unwavering dedication to marine mammals, the National Marine Mammal Foundation established the Coll Perske Memorial Fund for Marine Mammals. The mission of the fund is to improve the lives of marine mammals, with a focus on California sea lions, through scientific research, education, and promotion of ocean stewardship. Award Description The Coll Perske Memorial Fund will be providing two $200 awards for the 22nd Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (October 22-27, 2017). Awards will be given to student members (undergraduate or graduate) of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM) that are selected for oral presentations regarding research with pinnipeds. Award winners will be chosen based on the quality of their abstracts, and the alignment of their research with the interests of the Coll Perske Memorial Fund (see https://CGPfund.org) Special consideration will be given to research projects with California sea lions, which were of special importance to Coll. To apply, please send the following material to cgpfund(a)gmail.com by July 12, 2017: 1. A copy of the abstract submitted to the SMM conference 2. Proof of student registration for the SMM conference 3. Proof of acceptance for an oral presentation Award winners will be notified by August 2017. For more information please visit https://CGPfund.org

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New publication: The blubber adipocyte index: A nondestructive biomarker of adiposity in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)
by Juliana Castrillon Posada 19 Jun '17

19 Jun '17

Dear all We are very pleased to announce our most recent open access publication in Ecology and Evolution Castrillon, Juliana, Wilhelmina Huston, and Susan Bengtson Nash. "The blubber adipocyte index: A nondestructive biomarker of adiposity in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)." *Ecology and Evolution* (2017). http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.2913/full Abstract: The ability to accurately evaluate the energetic health of wildlife is of critical importance, particularly under conditions of environmental change. Despite the relevance of this issue, currently there are no reliable, standardized, nonlethal measures to assess the energetic reserves of large, free-roaming marine mammals such as baleen whales. This study investigated the potential of adipocyte area analysis and further, a standardized adipocyte index (AI), to yield reliable information regarding humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) adiposity. Adipocyte area and AI, as ascertained by image analysis, showed a direct correlation with each other but only a weak correlation with the commonly used, but error prone, blubber lipid-percent measure. The relative power of the three respective measures was further evaluated by comparing humpback whale cohorts at different stages of migration and fasting. Adipocyte area, AI, and blubber lipid-percent were assessed by binary logistic regression revealing that adipocyte area had the greatest probability to predict the migration cohort with a high level of redundancy attributed to the AI given their strong linear relationship (r = −.784). When only AI and lipid-percent were assessed, the performance of both predictor variables was significant but the power of AI far exceeded lipid-percent. The sensitivity of adipocyte metrics and the rapid, nonlethal, and inexpensive nature of the methodology and AI calculation validate the inclusion of the AI in long-term monitoring of humpback whale population health, and further raises its potential for broader wildlife applications. -- *Juliana Castrillon * PhD Candidate *Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program (SOPOPP)* Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan QLD 4111 Australia e: juliana.castrillonposada(a)griffithuni.edu.au <marie.bigot(a)griffithuni.edu.au> / ph: +61 (0) 499 788 830

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Fall 2017 Internship Opportunity in Savannah, Georgia
by Perrtree, Robin 19 Jun '17

19 Jun '17

The Savannah State University Dolphin Sciences Laboratory (SSUDS lab) is accepting applications for Fall 2017 interns. There are 2 positions available. Application deadline is July 6th. The SSUDS lab is located adjacent to the marsh on the campus of Savannah State University in coastal Georgia. The SSUDS lab led by Dr. Tara Cox studies spatial ecology and conservation biology of long-lived marine vertebrates, marine and coastal policy and management, and human interactions with marine mammals. Current projects include: Human-interaction behaviors (particularly begging), stock structure and abundance estimates, life history indices of moms and calves, and genetics of common bottlenose dolphins. In addition, there may be an opportunity to participate in a new manatee project. Interns will support graduate research on common bottlenose dolphins living in the local waterways. There may be additional opportunities to help other marine science graduate students with diverse fieldwork. Dates: Aug 7 - Dec 15 (Start and end dates are flexible) Location: Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia Time: Interns are expected to commit to ~30 hours per week and their time will be split between lab and field work. Dolphin surveys will be conducted 2 days per month. Duties: Lab duties include: photo-identification, data entry and double checking Field duties: assisting with small boat-based photo-identification surveys including sighting dolphins, recording data, photographing dorsal fins, and measuring environmental variables Stranding response: although strandings are rare and unpredictable, you may be asked to help with data collection and necropsies Class: Interns are welcome to sit in on the Marine Mammalogy course taught by Dr. Cox in the fall. Please note that hours spent in class do not count towards lab hours. Extra Opportunities: Local Volunteer Opportunities: Previous interns have taken advantage of their spare time to get involved with our network of marine science researchers in Georgia 1) Other SSU Marine Science Program Labs (field and lab research on sea stars, shrimp, flatfish, stingrays, oyster restoration, etc.) 2) Tybee Island Marine Science Center (environmental education) 3) Skidaway Institute of Oceanography 4) GA DNR Non-game Department (cetacean, manatee, and sea turtle research) Qualifications: * Minimum age of 18 years old * Currently or recently enrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, or related field * Strong interest in marine mammals, the environment, and conservation * Computer proficiency, especially MS Office; MS Access and ArcGIS experience a plus * Enthusiastic and dedicated, with strong interpersonal skills and able to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor * Strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, and attention to detail * Works well in a team environment as well as individually * Ability to work long days in the sun/heat/cold on a small boat To apply please submit the following via email with the subject "SSUDS Internship" to perrtreer(a)savannahstate.edu<mailto:perrtreer@savannahstate.edu>. All attached files must be named starting with your last name (e.g. Lastname-SSUDS_application_fall_2017.doc, Lastname-transcript). Please combine your application materials into 1-2 files. * A cover letter describing why you are interested in this position, how the experience will help you meet your long-term goals, and your dates of availability. * A resume (or curriculum vitae) describing your relevant training and experience. * Current academic transcripts (unofficial are sufficient). * Names and contact information for two references. This position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transport to Savannah, GA. If accepted, we can provide contact information for possible shared housing opportunities with SSU students. This is a great opportunity to work with scientists and graduate students in the field and lab while gaining experience with photo-identification and boat-based marine mammal surveys. Savannah State University offers a Master of Science in Marine Sciences; thus, successful interns may have future opportunities for graduate study in the SSUDS lab. For more information about Marine Sciences at SSU please visit: https://www.savannahstate.edu/cost/mar-env-science/marine-science/index.sht… Robin Perrtree SSUDS Lab Manager Marine Sciences Technician Savannah State University

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PhD studentship at Abertay University and SMRU, Scotland
by Kimberley Bennett 19 Jun '17

19 Jun '17

We are pleased to offer the following PhD studentship: Characterising fat tissue structure and function in grey seals, an animal model of extreme fat deposition and mobilisation, using novel in vivo and in vitro approaches Knowledge of energy balance regulation is central to understanding how animals and humans cope in a changing and increasingly 'obesogenic' environment. Obesity is a major socio-economic and human health problem. As fat cells grow, divide and become distant from the blood supply they become hypoxic and produce reactive species (RS). In humans RS trigger inflammation and further adipogenesis. However, seals can gain large fat depots rapidly without apparent detrimental effects. Understanding the regulation of their adiposity is of crucial importance because body fatness is a key driver of juvenile survival and of adult reproductive fitness. This project thus provides the biological underpinning of the physiological ecology of an important UK top predator and the comparative physiology of adipose function. This project will use novel in vivo and in vitro approaches to understand how and when seal blubber produces and responds to RS. The successful candidate will optimise and use new methods to measure oxygen, pH, RS and temperature in blubber; optimise and use microscopy and immunohistochemistry methods to investigate blubber tissue structure; develop tools to measure gene expression and activation of cell signalling pathways in blubber; and develop and use in vitro methods to establish how redox signalling in fat tissue is altered by manipulation of redox pathways, and consequences for adipose function. Candidates should have a background in biology, zoology, or a related discipline, an honours degree with a strong element of molecular or cell biology or biochemistry and be able to demonstrate clear competence in the laboratory. The successful applicant will show a keen interest in adipose physiology, energy balance or redox biology and should be highly self-motivated with good problem solving skills. Applicants must have excellent written and oral communication skills, strong interpersonal skills and possess competence in statistical approaches. Experience with histological, biochemical or molecular biology techniques will be an advantage. The successful applicant will be expected to undertake necessary field work, visit partner institutions at formal meetings and informally as required, and present the work at international fora in biological sciences, and therefore must be willing to travel within the UK and overseas. A related Masters level qualification is desirable but not essential, but candidates must have, or expect to obtain a first class or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant discipline as detailed above. For applicants who are non-native speakers of English, the University requires IELTS of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.5) or an equivalent qualification accepted by the Home Office. Candidates can expect to develop an excellent working knowledge of redox signalling and adipose biology in a non-model species, gain valuable fieldwork skills, including techniques to investigate whole animal and in vivo physiology, and acquire a range of cutting-edge laboratory skills. The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary team from biology and sports and exercise physiology and will contribute to the growing Comparative and Molecular Physiology group that spans the School of Social and Health Science and the School of Science, Engineering and Technology. You will be expected to undertake limited teaching duties of no more than 70 hours a year. We provide training on this activity and it is a valuable part of career development. The studentship will be based at Abertay University and will maintain and strengthen links with our collaborators at the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews. The PhD studentship includes a fully funded tax free stipend of £14,553 per year over 3 and a half years, tuition fees as well as a travel and equipment budget. Applications will be sought for 5 specific R-LINCS studentship titles and the best (up to) four candidates meeting our quality threshold will be offered the studentship they applied for. Deadline: Midnight (BST) on Sunday 9 July 2017. Submissions after this date will not be considered. Interviews are likely to be held during the weeks 31 July - 11 August. Informal enquiries should be directed to k.bennett(a)abertay.ac.uk<mailto:k.bennett@abertay.ac.uk> Further details and application forms are available here: https://www.hirewire.co.uk/HE/1061263/MS_JobDetails.aspx?JobID=77221 [Image: Abertay University] The UK's first national centre for excellence in computer games education Follow us: Web Site<http://www.abertay.ac.uk> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/AbertayUni> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/AbertayUni> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=12685> [Image: Race Equality Charter Bronze Award] Abertay University is an operating name of the University of Abertay Dundee, a charity registered in Scotland, No. SC016040. Any views or opinions expressed in this email and any attachments are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Abertay University. This email and any attachments may be confidential and are intended solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, you must take no action based on the email or its attachments, nor must you copy or show them to anyone. Please contact the sender if you believe you have received this email in error.

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Request for assistance: A global review of Stranding Guidelines, Policies and Legislation
by Scott Taylor 17 Jun '17

17 Jun '17

Hello MARMAM colleagues: I am conducting research for a marine animal rescue organisation. I am preparing a report focused on National regulations, legislation, and operational guidelines regarding the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals, with a special focus on marine mammals. Can you direct me to relevant publications describing regulations and guidelines regarding these issues? I have searched a variety of websites and found various documents but few seem relevant. The intersection between wildlife protection, stranding recording organisations, activism’s concerns, and scientific research, effectively buries what I am seeking. I am looking for ways to get beneath a lot of obscuring general and/or highly specific information. Our interest is regarding the legalities, requirements, and standards relative to live standings, their care, rehabilitation, and release particularly, but includes policies and guidelines regarding euthanasia, necropsies, and data retention and reporting. Any help you can give is very much appreciated. If you have any questions about this project, or how you might assist our research, please do not hesitate to inquire. Kind regards, Dr. C. Scott Taylor Exec. Dir. Cetacean Studies Institute Australia

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eDNA workshop
by Dennis Heinemann 16 Jun '17

16 Jun '17

A few months ago I sought information on marine mammal research activities involving eDNA. Quite a few people from around the world responded and I found a few others from the literature and on the web. As part of efforts to bring MM eDNA researchers together, I worked with a couple of the respondents to prepare and submit a proposal for an eDNA workshop at the upcoming MMS Biennial Conference in Halifax. Unfortunately, the proposal was not accepted, so we will have to look for another opportunity to bring everyone together. You will hear from me again regarding other efforts to foster communication among eDNA researchers. Thanks again for everyone’s interest. Dennis Heinemann, PhD Director of Science U.S. Marine Mammal Commission email: dheinemann(a)mmc.gov<mailto:dheinemann@mmc.gov> web: www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov/> twitter: @MarineMammalCom Click here<http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=rproolsab&p=oi&m=111922323…> to sign up for the MMC Newsletter The Marine Mammal Commission is an Independent Agency of the Federal Government

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Intermediate distance sampling workshop St Andrews: early bird registration closing soon
by Eric Rexstad 16 Jun '17

16 Jun '17

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

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Cambodia Dolphin Project Internship - corrected email address
by Sarah Tubbs 15 Jun '17

15 Jun '17

Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is Cambodia's longest running volunteer marine conservation organisation, pioneering and leading ocean conservation in Cambodia. MCC have new internship positions available on cetacean research. The Cambodia Dolphin Project was established for the purpose of contributing to scientific knowledge on cetaceans for the conservation and sustainable management of marine biodiversity. Despite high cetacean biodiversity in the region, no long-term studies have taken place here. Therefore, the project aims to fulfill the gaps of missing long-term studies by collecting data on cetacean abundance, distribution and residency patterns in order to delineate critical habitats within Cambodia’s Kep Archipelago. The project provides an excellent opportunity for post-grads, students and individuals interested in gaining more experience and knowledge in the field of cetacean research. We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and hard-working individuals to join our team. The minimum commitment is one month, although for a fuller experience we recommend two or more. A biology background is not mandatory but advantageous, as well as an ability to dedicate yourselves to the study. We will be in the field early in the morning or late into the evening, boat trips can be day long (12 hours), and there is a large amount of data to process and enter. A good level of endurance is necessary as well as the ability to live and work in a multicultural team, living on a basic camp. You will learn about different software used in cetacean research, boat and land survey techniques and photo identification methods amongst other things. There will also be the opportunity for you to contribute to publications we might be working on, get involved in other MCC projects such as our coral gardenor sea horse project and various scientific outreach events. This position is unpaid and requires a contribution fee of US$300/week from the volunteers which covers accommodation, food and project related activities. MCC does not take any profits from this sum, with all money being fed directly back into the project. We have positions available year round and for people staying longer than 3 months there is a discounted price available. To apply please send a cover letter and CV to cambodiadolphinproject(a)gmail.com

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NEW Publication: Mid-summer abundance estimates of fin whales Balaenoptera physalus around the South Orkney Islands and Elephant Island
by Sacha Viquerat 15 Jun '17

15 Jun '17

Dear all! We are very pleased to announce our most recent open access publication in Endangered Species Research ( http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v32/p515-524/) Viquerat, S, Herr, H (2017): Mid-summer abundance estimates of fin whales *Balaenoptera physalus* around the South Orkney Islands and Elephant Island. Endangered Species Research 32:515:524 doi: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00832 Abstract: A line-transect distance sampling survey for fin whales *Balaenoptera *physalus was conducted around Elephant Island and the South Orkney Islands on board a CCAMLR fishing survey for fin fish in January and February 2016. Collected data were used for model-based abundance estimates of fin whales in 2 strata. The minimum average (± SE) density of fin whales was estimated at 0.0268 ± 0.0183 animals km–2 in a 19 750 km2 area around Elephant Island, resulting in a minimum abundance estimate of 528 ± 362 fin whales. In a 13 550 km2 area around the South Orkney Islands, we estimated a minimum density of 0.0588 ± 0.0381 fin whales km–2 and a minimum abundance of 796 ± 516 animals. The results of this study confirm a westerly extension of a recently described high-density area for fin whales in the West Antarctic Peninsula region. In the light of increasing krill fisheries in the local region, we suggest this area for further studies to assess the potential for conflict between recovering whale populations and emerging industrial interests. Cheers, Sacha & Helena

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New Article: Assessing progression of cardiomyopathy in pygmy sperm whales with selenium protein profiling
by Colleen Bryan - NOAA Affiliate 14 Jun '17

14 Jun '17

We are pleased to announce the new publication: Bryan C.E., Davis W.C., Ballihaut G., Kilpatrick L.E., McFee W.E., Long S.E., Bossart G.D., Christopher S.J. 2017. Selenium protein identification and profiling by mass spectrometry: A tool to assess progression of cardiomyopathy in a whale model. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology. 44: 40-49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2017.05.005 Abstract: Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of congestive heart failure and sudden cardiac death in humans and in some cases the etiology of cardiomyopathy can include the downstream effects of an essential element deficiency. Of all mammal species, pygmy sperm whales (*Kogia breviceps*) present the greatest known prevalence of cardiomyopathy with more than half of examined individuals indicating the presence of cardiomyopathy from gross and histo-pathology. Several factors such as genetics, infectious agents, contaminants, biotoxins, and inappropriate dietary intake (vitamins, selenium, mercury, and pro-oxidants), may contribute to the development of idiopathic cardiomyopathy in K. breviceps. Due to the important role Se can play in antioxidant biochemistry and protein formation, Se protein presence and relative abundance were explored in cardiomyopathy related cases. Selenium proteins were separated and detected by multi-dimension liquid chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS), Se protein identification was performed by liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), and Se protein profiles were examined in liver (*n* = 30) and heart tissue (*n* = 5) by SEC/UV/ICP-MS detection. Data collected on selenium proteins was evaluated in the context of individual animal trace element concentration, life history, and histological information. Selenium containing protein peak profiles varied in presence and intensity between animals with no pathological findings of cardiomyopathy and animals exhibiting evidence of cardiomyopathy. In particular, one class of proteins, metallothioneins, was found to be associated with Se and was in greater abundance in animals with cardiomyopathy than those with no pathological findings. Profiling Se species with SEC/ICP-MS proved to be a useful tool to identify Se protein pattern differences between heart disease stages in *K. breviceps* and an approach similar to this may be applied to other species to study Se protein associations with cardiomyopathy. The article can be downloaded from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0946672X16302577 or you can email me for a copy. Cheers, Colleen Bryan -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Colleen E. Bryan, Ph.D. National Institute of Standards and Technology Hollings Marine Laboratory 331 Fort Johnson Road Charleston, SC 29412 e-mail: colleen.bryan(a)nist.gov phone: 843-762-8832 <(843)%20762-8832> fax: 843-762-8742 <(843)%20762-8742> ><>><>><>><>><>><>><>><>><>><>><>><>

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