June 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Dolphin Research Internship in Portugal LAST PLACES!
by AIMM Internships 06 Jun '17

06 Jun '17

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *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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New publication on the function of dolphin leaps
by Heidi Pearson 05 Jun '17

05 Jun '17

Dear colleagues, I'm pleased to announce the following paper that was recently published in Behaviour. Pearson HC. 2017. Unravelling the function of dolphin leaps using the dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) as a model species. Behaviour 154: 563-581. The article is available on the journal's website: http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/1568539x-0… Alternatively, you may contact me for a pdf: hcpearson(a)alaska.edu The prevalence of leaping across delphinids indicates it has an adaptive beneﬁt. I examined leaping behaviour in dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) according to signalling, social facilitation, and prey capture hypotheses. I quantiﬁed the effect of leaping on group behaviour and ﬁssion-fusion and the behavioural context of leaping. I observed dolphins in Admiralty Bay, New Zealand during 171 focal follows totalling 157 h. Data were analysed using generalized estimating equations. Clean leaping had a positive effect on party ﬁssion (p<0.01) and foraging behaviour (p<0.001). Coordinated leaping caused a short-term wane in foraging behaviour (p<0.01) and had a positive effect on party fusion(p<0.05).Noisy leaping had a negative effect on perpetuating resting and traveling cessation (both p<0.001). The signalling hypothesis was the most strongly supported.The social facilitation and prey capture hypotheses were moderately supported.Leaping may provide adaptive beneﬁts such as reduced scramble competition,increased foraging efﬁciency, and social bonding. cheers, Heidi -- Heidi Pearson, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Marine Biology Department of Natural Sciences, University of Alaska Southeast & College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks Address: 11120 Glacier Hwy, AND 1, Juneau, AK 99801 Phone: 907.796.6271 E-mail: hcpearson(a)alaska.edu Website: https://online.uas.alaska.edu/online/portfolio/HCPEARSON

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NOAA Fisheries proposed incidental take authorizations for G&G surveys in the Atlantic, comment by 07/07/17
by Jonathan Shannon - NOAA Federal 05 Jun '17

05 Jun '17

Good afternoon, Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NOAA Fisheries is charged with the conservation and protection of marine mammals, including the appropriate authorization of otherwise prohibited incidental take. NOAA Fisheries has reviewed five separate requests for authorization <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/oilgas.htm#atlgeo2017> for take of marine mammals incidental to geophysical surveys in support of hydrocarbon exploration in the Atlantic Ocean. The applicants propose to conduct 2-D seismic surveys within the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Mid- and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Planning Areas. NOAA Fisheries proposes to issue authorizations for these surveys with appropriate mitigation and monitoring measures to reduce impacts to marine mammals. We based our decision on extensive reviews of scientific literature on the effects of noise on marine mammals and their habitat as well as public comment received on the applications. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has responsibility for permitting these surveys and is the agency charged with making decisions about energy development in waters of the outer continental shelf. NOAA Fisheries’ role is to ensure we minimize any impacts to marine mammals from these activities. We are accepting public comment on our proposed authorizations until July 7, 2017. You can find the proposed authorizations and links to provide public comment here <https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/06/06/2017-11542/takes-of-ma…> . Jonathan Shannon *Outreach Specialist* *NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources*Office: 301-427-8431 jonathan.shannon(a)noaa.gov <http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/> www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr <http://www.facebook.gov/usnoaafisheriesgov> <http://www.twitter.com/noaafisheries> <http://www.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov>

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New publication: Social structure of oceanic bottlenose dolphins
by ana dinis 05 Jun '17

05 Jun '17

Dear MARMAM 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 United Kingdom: Social structure of a population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the oceanic archipelago of Madeira, Portugal Dinis, A., Alves, F., Nicolau, C., Ribeiro, C., Kaufmann, M., Cañadas, A., & Freitas, L. (2017). Social structure of a population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the oceanic archipelago of Madeira, Portugal. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0025315417000650 In order to investigate social structure, 11 years of individual photo-identification data of bottlenose dolphin were analysed. We examined the type of association indices between pairs of identified individuals; the patterns of affiliation between individual dolphins and the probabilities of association between individuals over time. Between 2001 and 2012, there were 272 encounters which resulted in the identification of 501 individuals. The discovery curve resulting from the photo-identification analysis indicated an open population with regular recruitment of new individuals. All individuals were found to be associated at an association index of <0.05. A total of 291 individuals recorded from 2004 to 2012 were used to assess the temporal pattern of the social structure. The model fit to the Standardized Lagged Association Rate (SLAR) that best described the studied bottlenose dolphin population was ‘casual acquaintances’, and the analysis of associations over time showed a decreasing SLAR curve that falls until reaching the null rate, confirming random associations. The decline of the SLAR curve after ~500 days (1.4 years) suggests disassociation over that time period which can be explained by demographic events such as mortality or emigration. In an open ocean habitat like Madeira this is not unexpected, as there are neither geographic boundaries nor enclosed environments. This population presented a dynamic and fluctuating social structure, where groups change in size and composition. In future conservation efforts this population should be considered as one large community, where individuals associate, disassociate and reassociate with each other over time. Full text is available upon request to first author: ana.dinis(a)ciimarmadeira.org Kind regards, Ana Dinis, PhD CIIMAR-Madeira, ARDITI-OOM Phone:+351291721216http://home.ciimarmadeira.org/index.php?page=anadinis

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1 month left to Apply for University of Miami Graduate School - Marine and Atmospheric Science
by MPS RSMAS 05 Jun '17

05 Jun '17

Good morning! Hope you are having a great beginning to your summer. My name is Josh Coco and I am the Associate Director for the Master of Professional Science at the University of Miami. We know lots of students are making decisions about where they want to go to graduate school and I just wanted to make sure you knew that our option is still available for Fall start date (Apps are due July 1st). The Master of Professional Science (MPS) is an accelerated, graduate degree is intended for students who want to generate innovative solutions to marine, coastal, and climate related issues. Students enrolled in this program are exposed to a unique, multidisciplinary curriculum, including science theory, field and laboratory training, legal and regulatory knowledge, communication and media training, and the development of project management skills, designed to prepare them to address environmental challenges as future global leaders. We have 14 tracks to choose from. The best part of our program is that we help you customize it toward your interests and career goals. *Degree Programs <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/>* o Applied Remote Sensing <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/applied-remote-sensing> o Aquaculture <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/aquaculture> o Broadcast Meteorology <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/broadcast-meteorology> o Coastal Zone Management <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/coastal-management> o Exploration Science <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/exploration-science> o Fisheries Management and Conservation <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/fisheries-conservation-management> o JD/MPS Program <http://www.law.miami.edu/academics/jd-mps.php?op=0> o Marine Conservation <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/marine-conservation> o Marine Mammal Science <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/marine-mammal-science> o Natural Hazard and Catastrophe Analytics <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/natural-hazards-catastrophe> o Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/tropical-marine-ecosystem> o Underwater Archaeology <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/underwater-archaeology> o Weather, Climate and Society <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/weather-climate-society> o Weather Forecasting <http://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/degree-program/weather-forecasting> Applications are due July 1st! Looking forward to speaking with you! Sincerely, Josh Coco, Ed. D. Associate Director, Master of Professional Science (MPS) Tel: (305) 421.4304 Fax: (305) 421.4711 Direct: jcoco(a)rsmas.miami.edu University of Miami RSMAS Campus - MPS Office, Room: S/A 132 *4600 Rickenbacker Causeway <https://exchange.rsmas.miami.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>* *Miami, FL 33149-1031 <https://exchange.rsmas.miami.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>* MPS: mps(a)rsmas.miami.edu

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Marmam: PROFESSOR OR READER AS THE DIRECTOR OF THE MARINE MAMMAL INSTRUMENTATION GROUP, University of St Andrews
by Bernie McConnell 05 Jun '17

05 Jun '17

Greetings, I would like to announce an exciting new post of Professor or Reader as the Director of the Marine Mammal Instrumentation Group at the University of St Andrews. Details are available here<https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/ViewVacancyV2.aspx?enc=mEgrBL4XQK0+l…>. The explicit (and considerably less pithy) URL for the job advert is: https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/ViewVacancyV2.aspx?enc=mEgrBL4XQK0+l… Please spread the word. Any problem accessing the advert then get back to me on bm8(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:bm8@st-andrews.ac.uk> Cheers, Bernie Dr Bernie McConnell, Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, Scotland. Direct +44 (0)1334 463280 Mobile +44 (0)7764 161891 Google Hangout: mcconnell.bernie Skype berniemcconnell

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Marine Mammal Internships with CIIMAR-Madeira, Portugal
by Rita Ferreira 05 Jun '17

05 Jun '17

Dear all, CIIMAR-Madeira is a private, non-profit organization based in Madeira Island, Portugal. It is a unique organization specialized on insular environments, which is currently involved in the development of fundamental and applied scientific research, both in atmospheric and marine sciences. For more information about CIIMAR-Madeira and our research please visit http://home.ciimarmadeira.org/ CIIMAR-Madeira is looking for interns to help with our marine mammals’ research project based in Madeira Island, Portugal. We are currently filling positions for: Summer 2017 (mid August – October) Fall 2017 (November-December) Winter 2018 (January-March) Spring 2018 (April-June) Internship Details: The interns will be enrolled in data collection on board ferries with a fixed route between Madeira Island and Porto Santo Island. Food on board is provided. These positions are unpaid but we encourage candidates to seek grants where we can post as host institution. In order to cover for logistic expenses, there is a monthly fee of 75eur. The internships are generally 2 months in length, although exceptions can be made. Priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods of time. Non-European candidates must cover their own insurance expenses. Internship description: - An intensive training on monitoring protocol, cetacean identification and data processing and analysis; - Sea surveys Madeira-Porto Santo; - Data processing and analysis; - Educational activities in local schools or to the general public (when possible); - Free time to visit Madeira and Porto Santo; - Accident insurance. Successful applicants should possess or be enrolled in a BS or MS course in biology or related, be reliable, dedicated, adaptable and patient, as this work is highly weather dependent and requires consecutive days of work at sea. If you are an undergraduate or graduate student interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal research, this is an excellent opportunity to learn and gain experience at sea. Application deadline is 26th June. If you are interested in interning with CIIMAR-Madeira, please send a CV and a letter of interest to rita.ferreira(a)oom.arditi.pt. Thank you, Rita Ferreira, MsC CIIMAR-Madeira, OOM-ARDITI Phone: +351291721246 <+351%20291%20721%20246>

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New Publication : Identifying prey items from New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) faeces using massive parallel sequencing
by Arsalan Emami-Khoyi 03 Jun '17

03 Jun '17

Dear MARMAM Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in the Journal of Conservation Genetics Resources : *I**dentifying prey items from New Zealand fur seal (**Arctocephalus forsteri**) faeces using massive parallel sequencing**Arsalan Emami-Khoyi** **• **David A. Hartley** **• **Adrian M. Paterson** **• **Laura J. Boren** **• **Robert H. Cruickshank** **• **James G. Ross** **• **Elaine C. Murphy** **• **Terry-Ann Else**5**Abstract * *The New Zealand fur seal (**Arctocephalus forsteri**) is one of many pinniped species that has shown a remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction after cessation of commercial sealing during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is commonly believed that this species competes with recreational and commercial fish- eries. We identified prey items using massive parallel sequencing from New Zealand fur seal faecal samples that were collected throughout the species distribution. The data support generalist feeding behaviour for this species. The diet composition showed significant geographical and inter-seasonal variation. As many as 46 species of fish and 18 species of cephalopod were identified from a single colony. The data suggest cartilaginous species (sharks, rays, and skates) constitute an important part of the New Zealand fur seal diet. Approximately 10 % of the species identified in the seal diet were of significant commercial value, which indicates some qualitative food competition between New Zealand fur seals and commercial fisheries in exploiting marine spec**ies.* The full text is available at the following address or upon direct request to the first author (arsalan(a)pobox.com)* : **https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12686-016-0560-9* Regards Arsalan Emami-Khoyi Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Wildlife Genomics University of Johannesburg_Center for Ecological Genomics and Wildlife ConservationAuckland Park 2006 South Africa Email : Arsalane(a)uj.ac.za Phone :+27 (0)11 559 3373 Cellphone:+27 79 88 14 628 Website :https://sites.google.com/site/drpeterteske/postdocs

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Decompression sickness in a marine vertebrate, the turtle
by Andreas 02 Jun '17

02 Jun '17

Dear colleagues, We would like to announce our new paper on defining risk variables for decompression sickness/Gas emboli in a marine vertebrate, the loggerhead turtle. While this work is about the turtle, it has wide applicability and may be of interest to those interested in these problems in marine mammals. For those interested, the title and abstract are cited below: Scientific Reports: doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-02819-5 TITLE: Defining risk variables causing gas embolism in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) caught in trawls and gillnets AUTHORS: A. Fahlman, J-L. Crespo, B. Sterba-Boatwright, B.A. Stacy, D. Garcia-Parraga ABSTRACT Incidental capture, or ‘bycatch’ in fishing gear is a major global threat to sea turtle populations. A recent study showed that underwater entrapment in fishing gear followed by rapid decompression may cause gas bubble formation within the blood stream (embolism) and tissues leading to organ injury, impairment, and even mortality in some bycaught individuals. We analyzed data from 128 capture events using logistic and ordinal regression to examine risk factors associated with gas embolism in sea turtles captured in trawls and gillnets. Likelihood of fatal decompression increases with increasing depth of gear deployment. A direct relationship was found between depth, risk and severity of embolism, which has not been previously demonstrated in any breath-hold diving species. For the trawl fishery in this study, an average trawl depth of 65 m was estimated to result in 50% mortality in by-caught turtles throughout the year. This finding is critical for a more accurate estimation of sea turtle mortality rates resulting from different fisheries and for devising efforts to avoid or minimize the harmful effects of capture. KEYWORDS: • Animal physiology • Conservation biology • Embolism PDF available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-02819-5 <https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-02819-5> or upon request to: afahlman(a)whoi.edu <mailto:afahlman@whoi.edu>

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The American Cetacean Society - San Francisco Bay Chapter is taking Application Proposals for its 2017 RESEARCH Grants
by Lynette Koftinow 02 Jun '17

02 Jun '17

TheAmerican Cetacean Society - San Francisco Bay Chapter is taking ApplicationProposals for its 2017 RESEARCH Grants Dear colleagues, The American Cetacean Society-San Francisco Bay Chapter ( ACS-SFBay ) would like to encourage students to apply for our upcoming 2017 StudentResearch Grants. ACS - SF BAY Guidelines for Student Research Grant: The San Francisco Bay American CetaceanSociety chapter Grants-in-Aid of Research fund offerssmall research grants for direct costs of scientific, field-based projects focusingon cetaceans. The Society invites proposals from all cetacean-relateddisciplines, including the social sciences, which focus on cetaceansand/or their habitats. SF Bay ACS chapter particularlywelcomes applications from early-career researchers such as graduatestudents and researchers with less than 10 years’ post-doctoralexperience, and researchers whose work focuses on cetaceans on theWest Coast of North American, with emphasis in the Bay Area. The SF Bay American Cetacean Society chapter has a long-standing commitment toproviding young scientists with ‘seed money’ for research projectsin cetacean-related disciplines. Currently, SF Bay ACS chapter grant awardsrange from $100 to $1,000; the Society highly encourages funds to be usedin a ‘match’ program to maximize funding potential. Funding is available to applicants who are themselves active(dues-paying) SF Bay ACS chapter members. SF Bay ACS chapter funds are intendedto strengthen conservation efforts through applied field-based researchand opportunities outside of the laboratory. Funds may not be usedfor salaries, stipends, honoraria, or other compensatory expenses. The National American Cetacean Society and other chapters of ACS alsoparticipate in grant-making initiatives and will also submit Request ForProposals (RFPs) coincident with their funding cycles. Forinformation about specific chapters and their grant-making programs,please visit the Chapter page of the National American CetaceanSociety website: www. acsonline.org. Proposals should include: 1. Application cover sheet, with title of proposal, fieldresearch group, contact information (email, phone and departmentalcontacts) for the faculty lead or principle investigator (PI), second PI(if applicable) and any proposed graduate student participant list (withcontact information). 2. A brief narrative (1-2 pages, single-spaced) describingthe research program, overall purpose, specific research objectives/questions,study timeline and benchmarks, significance of the research in advancingour understanding the biology and conservation of cetaceans and/ortheir habitats, and how the research can or does advance conservationefforts aimed at a particular taxa, species, or habitat. 3. An itemized, one-year budget, including estimated costsfor supplies, equipment, travel, etc. Costs should be kept reasonable. Abudget justification should be included. Budget should not exceedrequested funding amount; however, details of additional funding sourcessupporting the research and how those funds will be used are helpful inevaluating applications. 4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) for each principle investigator. The application deadline for the 2017 San FranciscoBay American Cetacean Society chapter Small Grants-in-Aid of ResearchProgram is Friday, September 29th 2017, and will coverproposed field work to be undertaken through winter of 2018. Funding islimited and proposals will be peer-reviewed for scientificrigor, conservation benefit and cost effectiveness. Awards will be announced on Monday, October 16, 2017. Applications should be sent by email to Lynette R.Koftinow: acs.sfbay(a)gmail.com San Francisco Bay American Cetacean Society chapter Questions regarding the program may also be directed toher. Respectfully, Lynette R. Koftinow San Francisco Bay Chapter American Cetacean Society acs.sfbay(a)gmail.com

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