July 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

SMM WORKSHOP: U.S. Marine Mammal Research Permitting
by Amy Sloan - NOAA Federal 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

We would like to announce a half-day workshop on Saturday, October 28, 2017, from 8 am -noon titled: "U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act research permitting." The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) oversee issuance of permits for take, import, and export of marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES; FWS only). NMFS has jurisdiction over cetaceans and pinnipeds, except walrus. FWS has jurisdiction over dugong, manatees, polar bears, sea otters, marine otter, and walrus. The Marine Mammal Commission (the Commission) provides independent oversight of the MMPA permitting programs. Each agency will provide an overview of their program for processing scientific research and other permits including how to submit a complete application, review of applications by the agencies (including ESA and other consultations) and the Commission, and important updates for permit holders and applicants. Updates include changes underway to streamline permitting (e.g., updated application instructions, development of standardized research methods, and programmatic ESA consultations). The first half of the workshop will be dedicated to NMFS permits and the second half to FWS permits including CITES. Representatives from each agency will be available for questions. Please register via the conference website: http://www.smmconference.org/WorkshopDescriptions We hope you will join us, Amy Sloan (NMFS), Mary Cogliano (FWS), and Tiffini Brookens (the Commission) Amy Sloan Deputy Chief / Research Permit Program Lead Permits and Conservation Division, F/PR1 NMFS Office of Protected Resources 1315 East-West Hwy, SSMC3 Rm 13824 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Email: Amy.Sloan(a)noaa.gov

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New publication: A common bottlenose dolphin prey handling technique for marine catfish in the northern Gulf of Mexico
by Errol Ronje 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

Dear colleagues, Please find our new publication entitled: A common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) prey handling technique for marine catfish (Ariidae) in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Ronje EI, Barry KP, Sinclair C, Grace MA, Barros N, Allen J, Balmer B, Panike A, Toms C, Mullin KD, Wells RS (2017) PLoS ONE 12(7): e0181179. Abstract: Few accounts describe predator-prey interactions between common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus* Montagu 1821) and marine catfish (*Ariopsis felis* Linnaeus 1766, *Bagre marinus* Mitchill 1815). Over the course of 50,167 sightings of bottlenose dolphin groups in Mississippi Sound and along the Florida coast of the Gulf of Mexico, severed catfish heads were found floating and exhibiting movements at the surface in close proximity to 13 dolphin groups that demonstrated feeding behavior. These observations prompted a multi-disciplinary approach to study the predator-prey relationship between bottlenose dolphins and marine catfish. A review was conducted of bottlenose dolphin visual survey data and dorsal fin photographs from sightings where severed catfish heads were observed. Recovered severed catfish heads were preserved and studied, whole marine catfish were collected and examined, and stranding network pathology reports were reviewed for references to injuries related to fish spines. Photographic identification analysis confirms eight dolphins associated with severed catfish heads were present in three such sightings across an approximately 350 km expanse of coast between the Mississippi Sound and Saint Joseph Bay, FL. An examination of the severed catfish heads indicated interaction with dolphins, and fresh-caught whole hardhead catfish (*A*. *felis*) were examined to estimate the presumed total length of the catfish before decapitation. Thirty-eight instances of significant trauma or death in dolphins attributed to ingesting whole marine catfish were documented in stranding records collected from the southeastern United States of America. Bottlenose dolphins typically adhere to a ram-feeding strategy for prey capture followed by whole prey ingestion; however, marine catfish skull morphology may pose a consumption hazard due to rigid spines that can puncture and migrate through soft tissue, prompting a prey handling technique for certain dolphins, facilitating consumption of the posterior portion of the fish without the head. The paper is open access and available for download here: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0181179 If unable to download, please make a request for copies to: errol.ronje(a)noaa.gov Regards, Errol Ronje Fisheries Biologist IAP World Services Contractor NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC - Mississippi Labs

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cetacean tissue samples available for collaborative analysis
by Russell Fielding 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

Dear MARMAM list, My lab has a set of tissue samples collected from cetaceans caught for human consumption by the whaling operation in St. Vincent, West Indies. We are currently analyzing the samples for concentrations of Hg (total and organic) and HOCs. Sufficient portions of each individual sample remain for additional research. If your lab is interested in using small portions of these samples, please contact me at russell.fielding(a)sewanee.edu. We have muscle, blubber, kidney, and liver tissues from *Globicephala macrorhynchus*, *Orcinus orca*, *Stenella longirostris*, *Grampus griseus*, and *Pseudorca crassidens *but not every tissue type is represented for each species. Thanks, Russell Fielding --- Russell Fielding, Ph.D. Department of Earth and Environmental Systems The University of the South Sewanee, TN 37383 USA office: Snowden Hall 211B phone: 931-598-1815 email: russell.fielding(a)sewanee.edu web: sewanee.edu/faculty/fielding

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SMM WORKSHOP: Flukebook an online platform for data analysis
by Shane 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

For SMM participants working with PhotoID, genetic samples, sightings data, and/or tag data: No researcher can cover the range over which whales operate, we need the tools to work on oceanic and global scales to conserve marine species over biologically relevant scales. Flukebook (http://www.flukebook.org) is the first web platform that engages both the research and citizen science aspects of cetacean conservation. Flukebook is groundbreaking because it connects everyone, including the animals, in the same social network for the first time. It builds living stories, about animals and the people who want to interact with them, but it also grows useful data streams and provides powerful tools to the researchers who study them. The Flukebook platform is first and foremost for professional researchers. It provides researchers with the advanced tools needed for scientific analysis and enables transboundary and multi-institutional collaboration without sacrificing interactivity or approachability for citizen scientists wanting to engage with the species and its conservation. In Flukebook, researchers have access to data management tools, A.I.-trained photo-matching computer vision algorithms, a global catalog of individuals, and easy connectivity to common analytical software for mark-recapture, genetic, and socio-ecological studies (MARK, WinBugs, Socprog, GeneAIEx, ARC, GoogleMaps, Genepop among others). At the research level, secured data sharing is accomplished on a peer-approval basis which allows users to access tools without the requirement of sharing data; but promotes a growing inclusiveness and respect for data rights. For citizen scientists, Flukebook enables participants to receive automatic and comprehensive profile updates on individuals they have sighted, transforming "data" into learning and encouraging repeat participation and engagement in conservation initiatives in those regions. The half-day workshop to be hosted from 8:00am to 12:00pm on October 28th will enable participants to learn more about this growing collaborative community, the functionality of the research tools, how to upload and export their data, examine and test the automated matching algorithms, learn more about how data is secured and shared online, and the future developments of the platform. What we are hoping to do is build a community of researchers, commercial naturalists, and public enthusiasts who are committed to these species and collaborating for marine conservation. We are looking for people like you to help us shape the future of Flukebook and develop the platform further into a tool that is practical, accessible, and useful for all levels. We hope to see you there! Jason Holmberg Digital Architect and Director at WildMe (http://www.wildme.org) Shane Gero Flukebook user and Co-Founder

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New publication on the use of the Robust Design on a small island associated population of Tursiops aduncus
by Violaine Globice 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

Dear all, I am pleased to announce the publication of the article entitled " Identifying Key Demographic Parameters of a Small Island–Associated Population of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Reunion, Indian Ocean)" in Plos One. The article is open access and can be downloaded from the following links: <https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0179780> https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0179780 Citation: Dulau V., Estrade V. Fayan J. 2017. Identifying Key Demographic Parameters of a Small Island–Associated Population of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Reunion, Indian Ocean). Plos One. 12(6): e0179780. Abstract: Photo-identification surveys of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins were conducted from 2009 to 2014 off Reunion Island (55ÊE33'/21ÊS07'), in the Indian Ocean. Robust Design models were applied to produce the most reliable estimate of population abundance and survival rate, while accounting for temporary emigration from the survey area (west coast). The sampling scheme consisted of a five-month (June±October) sampling period in each year of the study. The overall population size at Reunion was estimated to be 72 individuals (SE = 6.17, 95%CI = 61±85), based on a random temporary emigration (γº) of 0.096 and a proportion of 0.70 (SE = 0.03) distinct individuals. The annual survival rate was 0.93 (±0.018 SE, 95% CI = 0.886±0.958) and was constant over time and between sexes. Models considering gender groups indicated different movement patterns between males and females. Males showed null or quasi-null temporary emigration (γº = γ' < 0.01), while females showed a random temporary emigration (γº) of 0.10, suggesting that a small proportion of females was outside the survey area during each primary sampling period. Sex-specific temporary migration patterns were consistent with movement and residency patterns observed in other areas. The Robust Design approach provided an appropriate sampling scheme for deriving island-associated population parameters, while allowing to restrict survey effort both spatially (i.e. west coast only) and temporally (five months per year). Although abundance and survival were stable over the six years, the small population size of fewer than 100 individuals suggested that this population is highly vulnerable. Priority should be given to reducing any potential impact of human activity on the population and its habitat. Best regards, Violaine Dulau (PhD) GLOBICE-Reunion

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job announcement
by Miriam Brandt 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

Job advertisement Position for marine and environmental projects We are offering a position for a biologist/statistician (MSc or comparable qualification) for projects in the marine environment, with the main focus on data analyses and report-writing. Most projects are based on visual and acoustic detection and registration methods regarding marine mammals (e.g. harbour porpoise) and seabirds in the German North and Baltic Sea. Sound knowledge of statistics, modelling and scientific data analyses are a main condition. Further emphasis lies in scientific concepts and environmental assessments. Good identification skills (in particular seabirds) as well as working experience in spatial planning are an advantage. The position is for one year, but a longer employment is envisaged. Desired qualifications of the applicant: graduated in biology or related science (Diploma or Master); working experience (or PhD) in zoology, marine biology, biological consultancy or a closely related field; profound knowledge in statistical analyses and modelling (preferred R); special skills in databank management; experience in autonomous / self-dependent scientific work; good knowledge of marine mammals, seabirds and marine biology; strong writing and communication skills; good English skills (good skills in German or willingness to learn); ability to work in a team. We offer: a motivated team; an exciting field of activity; an appropriate salary; pleasant surroundings in a small town next to the Wadden Sea. *BioConsult SH *is a team consisting of biologist and landscape ecologists, with long-term experience in ecological research. The roots of both our personal interests and our work are within ecological research and conservation. Through qualified scientific work, we aim to establish the basis upon which decisions related to both conservation concepts and impact assessments can be made, as well as resolving conflicts. More information can be found at www.bioconsult-sh.de <http://www.bioconsult-sh.de>. Application is requested by email to bewerbung(a)bioconsult-sh.de <mailto:bewerbung@bioconsult-sh.de>(1 file, < 2 MByte) until July 30^th 2017. -- Miriam Brandt, PhD BioConsult SH GmbH & Co.KG Schobüller Str. 36 25813 Husum Germany ph.: (+49) 04841-6632928 fax: (+49) 04841-6632919 email: m.brandt(a)bioconsult-sh.de www.bioconsult-sh.de www.miriambrandt.de BioConsult SH GmbH & Co.KG. Sitz der Gesellschaft: Husum. Amtsgericht Flensburg: HRA 6160 FL. Geschäftsführer: BioConsult SH Verwaltungs-GmbH. Sitz der Gesellschaft: Husum. Amtsgericht Flensburg: HRB 7148 FL. Geschäftsführer: Dr. Georg Nehls.

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New publication on dolphins associating with a trawl fishery
by Simon Allen 13 Jul '17

13 Jul '17

G��day Marmamers, My co-authors and I are pleased to have had the following paper published in Scientific Reports: ��Preliminary estimates of the abundance and fidelity of dolphins associating with a demersal trawl fishery��. The authors are Allen SJ, Pollock KH, Bouchet PJ, Kobryn HT, McElligott DB, Nicholson KE, Smith JN and Loneragan NR, and the abstract reads as follows: The incidental capture of wildlife in fishing gear presents a global conservation challenge. As a baseline to inform assessments of the impact of bycatch on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) interacting with an Australian trawl fishery, we conducted an aerial survey to estimate dolphin abundance across the fishery. Concurrently, we carried out boat-based dolphin photo-identification to assess short-term fidelity to foraging around trawlers, and used photographic and genetic data to infer longer-term fidelity to the fishery. We estimated abundance at �� 2,300 dolphins (95% CI = 1,247�C4,214) over the �� 25,880-km2 fishery. Mark-recapture estimates yielded 226 (SE = 38.5) dolphins associating with one trawler and some individuals photographed up to seven times over 12 capture periods. Moreover, photographic and genetic re-sampling over three years confirmed that some individuals show long-term fidelity to trawler-associated foraging. Our study presents the first abundance estimate for any Australian pelagic dolphin community and documents individuals associating with trawlers over days, months and years. Without trend data or correction factors for dolphin availability, the impact of bycatch on this dolphin population��s conservation status remains unknown. These results should be taken into account by management agencies assessing the impact of fisheries-related mortality on this protected species. This dolphin-fishery interaction research follows on from: Allen et al. 2014. Patterns of dolphin bycatch in a North-Western Australian trawl fishery. PLoS ONE 9: e93178, and Allen et al. 2016. Genetic isolation between coastal and offshore, fishery-impacted bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops spp.) populations. Molecular Ecology 25: 2735-2753. doi: 10.1111/mec.13622. The full citation is: Allen et al. 2017. Preliminary estimates of the abundance and fidelity of dolphins in a demersal trawl fishery. Scientific Reports 7: 4995. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05189-0 Go ahead and treat yourself to your very own PDF at http://rdcu.be/t5Y2<http://em.rdcu.be/wf/click?upn=KP7O1RED-2BlD0F9LDqGVeSP5tQHNT2k-2BDz-2FiwQv…> All the best and hope to cross paths with many in Halifax. Kind regards, Simon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Simon Allen, PhD School of Biological Sciences | Oceans Institute University of Western Australia Crawley WA 6009 Mob: (61-0) 416 083 653 Email: simon.allen(a)uwa.edu.au<applewebdata://006C211F-965E-4B11-879F-544A520C4A7B/s.allen@murdoch.edu.au> Web1: http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org<http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org/> Web2: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Simon_Allen2 [cid:FF9965AC-0085-409C-B926-5F807662A1EB] Recent papers: Alliance behaviour and mating access in an open social network of bottlenose dolphins (2017): http://www.nature.com/articles/srep46354 Abundance of tropical inshore dolphins in the Kimberley (2016): http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2016.00004 Bycatch and population structure of bottlenose dolphins (2016): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.13622/full Cooperation or ��tug-of-war�� between dolphins (2016): https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10071-016-1026-x North West Cape humpback dolphin demographics (2017): http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v32/p71-88

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Free marine mammal texts and journals near Seacoast, NH
by Erika Zollett 12 Jul '17

12 Jul '17

I am moving across the country and will be parting with my Marine Mammal Science journals that date between 2002 and 2012 and also some FAO and IWC bound publications related to marine mammal science and/or bycatch. If anyone is near Portsmouth, NH and would like these books, please let me know. I am happy to pass them to someone who might be able to use them. Contact Erika at erika.zollett(a)mragamericas.com

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SMM 2017 WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT: Experimental science in wild and captive marine mammals
by Jason Bruck 12 Jul '17

12 Jul '17

Dear All, We are pleased to announce the following workshop to be held on Saturday October 28th, 2017 at the upcoming SMM conference in Halifax Title: Experimental Science in wild and captive marine mammals Given the difficulty working with marine mammals, research programs often have a long-term focus on favored populations, which can separate scientists that work with wild populations from those focusing on animals in facilities. However, the body of marine mammal research shows that findings from both sources are critical to understanding marine mammal cognition, communication, physiology, biology, and conservation challenges. This workshop includes lectures from prominent scientists who have published on both facility-managed and wild animals (Sam Ridgway, Gerry Kooyman, Peter Tyack, Vincent Janik, Kathleen Dudzinski, Terrie Williams, Michael Moore, Paul Ponganis, Xavier Manteca, Cynthia Smith and Kelly Jaakkola). The workshop will provide insights into experimental science used in facilities and the wild to show how both approaches can complement each other. For example, including interrelated zoos can give greater data independence and controls absent in the wild; however, wild populations allow the evaluation of ecology on biology/behavior. Some animals in facilities are studied in the field, bridging differences between the methods. The speakers will discuss which settings are suited to provide data for scientific problems related to conservation, pathology, physiology, behavior, cognition and communication. Speakers will also discuss welfare in the wild and in facilities and make recommendations for the best approaches to solve conservation issues. This will be a great forum to ask questions of and gather insight from some of the best experimental scientists in the field of marine mammalogy. We look forward to seeing you in Halifax. Register today! Andreas Fahlman and Jason Bruck Jason Bruck Ph.D. Marie Curie Research Fellow Scottish Oceans Institute School of Biology University of St. Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK jb296(a)st-andrews.ac.uk +44 7711883011

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Job posting - Biologist with NMRWB
by Mark Basterfield 12 Jul '17

12 Jul '17

The Nunavik Marin Region Wildlife Board (NMRWB) is looking for someone to join our team in Inukjuak. The Nunavik Marine Region Wildlife Board (NMRWB) is an institution of public government established subsequent to ratification of the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement, and the main instrument of wildlife management for the Nunavik Marine Region. As a biologist with the NMRWB, you will deal with a wide array of topics including commercial fisheries, species at risk, subsistence harvesting, Inuit Traditional Knowledge, protected areas, industrial development activities, and inter-jurisdictional negotiations. Issues regarding the management and conservation of marine mammals will account for greater than 50% of the biologist's workload. Beluga and polar bear topics take up the majority of this time. Other marine mammals of importance in the Nunavik Marine Region include walrus, narwhal, minke whale, ringed seal, bearded seal, and harp seal. The full posting and job description can be found at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e83n8vig4fw1iqm/AACb7IwbJ8ZfSpUuSK4_Rleaa?dl=0 <https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e83n8vig4fw1iqm/AACb7IwbJ8ZfSpUuSK4_Rleaa?dl=0> Please circulate this positing to anyone who may be interested, and apologies in advance for cross postings. Applications are due July 19th at midnight, EST. We welcome any questions related to the position. Thank you, Mark Basterfield Wildlife Biologist Nunavik Marine Region Wildlife Board P.O. Box 433, Inukjuak, QC, J0M 1M0 Tel: (819) 254-8667 Cell: (705) 930-5810 Fax: (819) 254-8816 Email: mbasterfield(a)nmrwb.ca <mailto:markbasterfield@gmail.com> Web: www.nmrwb.ca <http://www.nmrwb.ca/>

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