July 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Bycatch workshops at the Halifax Biennial, including Sunday afternoon!
by Ellen M Hines 09 Jul '17

09 Jul '17

Greetings! For those interested in bycatch, there are a series of workshops at the Halifax Biennial: On Saturday the 28th, from 0800-1700, there is an all day workshop: Marine mammal mortality in global fisheries: Assessment, mitigation, and capacity building On Sunday the 29th, from 0800-1200, a morning workshop: Development and implementation of low-cost methods to reduce cetacean bycatch in small scale gillnet fisheries On Sunday afternoon, from 1300-1700 is another workshop: Getting to the bottom of bycatch: a toolbox for place-based risk assessment of marine mammal bycatch I've pasted the abstract for this workshop below. We'd love to have a good showing of scientists from around the world! Please take this workshop into consideration when making travel plans. Let me know any questions! Thanks so much, Ellen Marine mammal bycatch, a major threat, poses particular challenges in developing countries. Data to document bycatch and the effects of bycatch are often lacking as research takes limited time, money, and training. We have designed a suite of spatial tools that enable scientists to conduct place-based bycatch risk assessments that can be used in sites with varying gaps in data. The tools are hosted on a website and have open-source processing. We will demonstrate and train delegates to use the toolbox with existing data from our fieldsites in Southeast Asia. We will also ask delegates to come with a summary of their current abundance, distribution and fisheries data. Then in mixed groups, we will determine data gaps, needs, and commonalities, such as needs for training, outside consultants, regional workshops, funding or technology. We will also evaluate each site using interdisciplinary methods as found in Teh et al (2015) to determine how socio-cultural and economic dynamics contribute to bycatch. Our output will be a joint article that will summarize our discussions as a first global view of how these methods will support practitioners to estimate marine mammal population abundance, bycatch, fisheries and find effective measures to reduce bycatch to sustainable levels. Teh, SLL, Teh, CLL, Hines, E., Junchumpoo, C., and R. Lewison. 2015. Contextualizing the coupled socio-ecological conditions of marine megafauna bycatch. Ocean and Coastal Management 116: 449-465. Ellen Hines, PhD Associate Director and Professor of Geography & Environment Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies San Francisco State University 3150 Paradise Dr. Tiburon, CA 94920 415 338 3512, ehines(a)sfsu.edu<mailto:ehines@sfsu.edu> http://rtc.sfsu.edu/research/in_hines.html

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Announcement of Sirenian Symposium
by nicole adimey 08 Jul '17

08 Jul '17

We are pleased to announce the following Symposium to be held in conjunction with the 22nd Biennial Conference of the Marine Mammal Society on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. The Eighth International Sirenian Symposium is an all-day meeting to foster communication between researchers, managers, and policy makers on all aspects of Sirenian Conservation. Individuals are invited to present *novel* research on Sirenian conservation and management, stranding response and medical assessment, monitoring applications, and general biology and research. The symposium will include presentations, a poster session, and a panel discussion. Sirenian items will be available for purchase to raise funds for travel grants. The cost of this workshop has been supplemented by outside funding sources, therefore, *participants will only be charged $25 USD. *Please register early, as this symposium has limited seating. After July 13th the cost for each participant will increase to *$35 USD.* Those interested in presenting research should submit an abstract (300 word limit, 12pt font) to Nicole Adimey (adimey22(a)gmail.com) by* August 18, 2017. *Preference will be given to speakers conducting research or addressing conservation issues outside the United States of America. Travel grants may be available for individuals from outside the United States of America; contact Nicole Adimey directly via email for more information.

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Experienced UAV pilot wanted for South Georgia right whale cruise
by Jackson, Jennifer A. 07 Jul '17

07 Jul '17

Dear Marmam, We are looking for an experienced UAV pilot to be part of our EU BEST research project cruise to South Georgia and Shag Rocks, departing from Stanley (Falkland Islands) on 22 January 2018 for four weeks. The work will be focused on collection of overhead images, photogrammetry measurements and microbiome samples from southern right whales using APH-22 and Inspire drones. The research platform will be RV Song of the Whale [http://www.marineconservationresearch.co.uk/rv-song-of-the-whale/] Applications will only be considered from certified UAV pilots who have over 15 hours flight experience on the APH-22 and are experienced in the setting up and deployment of drones for cetacean work. Evidence of pilot training (school and in field) and certification must be supplied. Pilots must also have demonstrated experience safely operating in close proximity to humans, vessels and animals. Additionally, more general cetacean field survey experience is required, particularly from sailing vessels. Experience of troubleshooting drone equipment in the field and of sailing on small yachts is also advantageous. Please provide a quote for costs per day and CV demonstrating suitability for the requirements set out above. Application deadline Monday 17th July 2017. Thanks and best wishes, Jen Dr Jen Jackson Molecular Geneticist British Antarctic Survey High Cross Madingley Road Cambridge CB3 0ET Tel +44- 1223-221358 ________________________________ This message (and any attachments) is for the recipient only. NERC is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the contents of this email and any reply you make may be disclosed by NERC unless it is exempt from release under the Act. Any material supplied to NERC may be stored in an electronic records management system. ________________________________

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Experienced satellite tagger wanted for South Georgia right whale cruise
by Jackson, Jennifer A. 07 Jul '17

07 Jul '17

Dear Marmam, We are looking for an experienced satellite tagger to be part of our EU BEST research project cruise to South Georgia and Shag Rocks, departing from Stanley (Falkland Islands) on 22 January 2018 for four weeks. The work will be focused on satellite tag deployments on southern right and humpback whales. The research platform will be RV Song of the Whale [http://www.marineconservationresearch.co.uk/rv-song-of-the-whale/] Tags will be deployed directly from this boat. Applications will only be considered from field biologists who have >5 years of experience deploying transdermal implantable satellite tags on large whales, and in particular on right whales. Evidence of experience with setting up and troubleshooting equipment, as well as directing satellite tagging campaigns, is required. Sailing experience and experience collecting biopsy samples and photo-identification data is also an advantage. Please provide a quote for costs per day and CV demonstrating suitability for the requirements set out above. Application deadline Monday 17th July 2017. Thanks and best wishes, Jen Dr Jen Jackson Molecular Geneticist British Antarctic Survey High Cross Madingley Road Cambridge CB3 0ET Tel +44- 1223-221358 ________________________________ This message (and any attachments) is for the recipient only. NERC is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the contents of this email and any reply you make may be disclosed by NERC unless it is exempt from release under the Act. Any material supplied to NERC may be stored in an electronic records management system. ________________________________

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Sound Analysis Workshop & scholarships, Oct 2017, Ithaca, NY, USA
by Liz D. Rowland 07 Jul '17

07 Jul '17

The Bioacoustics Research Program (BRP) at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology will be presenting a five-day Introduction to Sound Analysis Workshop 2 - 6 October 2017 at the Cornell Lab in Ithaca, New York, USA. The workshop is intended primarily for biologists interested in analysis, visualization, and measurement of animal sounds. The workshop covers basic principles of spectrographic analysis and measurement of animal sounds, as well as specific tools and techniques in Raven Pro<http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/raven/>, a sound analysis application program developed by BRP. A limited number of partial scholarships for participants from developing countries are available. Scholarship applications are due 14 July. Further information about the workshop and scholarship opportunity are available here<http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/education/>. Liz Rowland Research Analyst Elephant Listening Project +1 (607) 254-2136 Elephant Listening Project<http://www.birds.cornell.edu/brp/elephant/>

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New publication on dolphin vertebral morphology (MC Marchesi)
by María Constanza Marchesi 07 Jul '17

07 Jul '17

I would very much appreciate if you could add this message in a future issue. <Dear MARMAM members, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce that our latest article has been published online as an Early View in Marine Mammal Science: Marchesi, M. C., M. S. Mora, L. E. Pimer, E. A. Crespo, and R. N. P. Goodall. 2017. Can habitat characteristics shape vertebral morphology in dolphins? An example of two phylogenetically related species from southern South America. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12432. Abstract: Fast swimming pelagic cetacean species have osteological characteristics that promote a more stable spine in comparison to that of coastal species. The Peale’s dolphin (Lagenorhynchus australis) and the hourglass dolphin (Lagenorhynchus cruciger) have a close phylogenetic relationship and are found in coastal and pelagic waters in the Southern Hemisphere, respectively. The aim of this work was to study the relationship between the vertebral column’s morphology and its flexibility, across these species of contrasting habitats. Vertebral counts and multiple measurements of each vertebra were used to infer intervertebral flexibility. Bivariate plots and discriminant multivariate analyses were employed to compare each functional region along the vertebral column. Both species displayed a regionalization of the column into three stable regions and two flexible areas, which statistically differ in the proportion of the skeleton occupied in each species. While the Peale’s dolphin has rounder vertebrae, associated with higher flexibility, the hourglass dolphin has disk-shaped vertebrae and strongly inclined processes related to high stability. Although the species are closely related phylogenetically, vertebral morphology is influenced by a diverse set of ecological and behavioral factors, reflecting a high degree of vertebral plasticity within the genus. You can access the article at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12432/full If you cannot download the publication, you can request a pdf by emailing to: marchesimc(a)gmail.com Best wishes, Lic. María Constanza Marchesi Becaria Doctoral/Doctoral Fellow, Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC-CONICET). Bernardo Houssay 200, CP V9410BFD, Ushuaia. Teléfono (Phone): +54 (2901) 433320 ext. 153>>>>>> Thank yo very much Lic. María Constanza Marchesi Becaria Doctoral/Doctoral Fellow, Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC-CONICET). Bernardo Houssay 200, CP V9410BFD, Ushuaia. Teléfono (Phone): +54 (2901) 433320 ext. 153

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Sea Otter Research Internship
by Andrew Johnson 07 Jul '17

07 Jul '17

Sea Otter Research and Conservation Research Intern Winter-Spring 2018 The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sea Otter Research and Conservation program is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist staff with field observations and data collection of wild sea otters along the Monterey Peninsula of coastal California. Project responsibilities include, but are not limited to, data collection in the field from shore and occasionally on a small boat using radio telemetry equipment and making visual observations with spotting scopes. Interns will record daily re-sights, movement patterns, foraging observations and activity budget data on marked individual wild sea otters. Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment as well as independently without direct supervision, and must have good communication skills. Required * At least 18 years of age * Current undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university * Must be a student during the term immediately preceding the internship * Must submit a resume of courses and/or experience related to the position * Must provide a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation from college/university professors or faculty staff * 3.0 Minimum cumulative GPA * 6-month commitment of 24 hours each week * Valid driver's license * Personal vehicle to use while in the field * Cell phone * Willingness to perform project task assignments on a flexible schedule, including weekends and late evenings * Previous experience in a field work setting or on behavioral data collection Desired Skills * Strong interest in and awareness of animal behavior, natural history and marine science/ecology * Willingness to stand out in the elements for up to 6 hours at a time * Attention to detail * Able to lift up to 50 pounds and walk short distance over hilly terrain * Ability to multi-task * Good organizational skills * Interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively with colleagues * Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access software * Proficiency with SharePoint a plus but not necessary * Boat handling skills appreciated but not necessary * Experience in behavioral observations a plus All internship opportunities are Unpaid or STEM Internships (STEM may include funding provided through your educational institution). College credit may be available. Please refer to your College/University's student services division. To apply for this internship, please navigate to this link<https://montereybayaquarium.snaphire.com/jobdetails?ajid=NUM28> or visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium's job page<http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/about/job-opportunities>.

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Compound Specific Stable Isotope Workshop - 22nd Biennial Conference
by Luis Huckstadt 07 Jul '17

07 Jul '17

Dear all, We are pleased to announce we will be running hosting a one day workshop entitled "Application and validation of compound-specific stable isotope analysis in studies of marine mammal ecology and eco-physiology" at the upcoming 22nd Biennial Conference of the Marine Mammal Society on Saturday, October 28th from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) of amino and fatty acids offers advantages over traditional analysis of bulk tissues. CSIA is a potentially powerful tool to study marine mammal eco-physiology, movement, and foraging ecology. While this approach has been validated in numerous studies of invertebrates and fishes, application of CSIA to study marine mammal ecology and eco-physiology is relatively under-utilized. Building on two workshops held prior to the 2015 SMM biennial conference in San Francisco, we propose a 1-day workshop on this topic and invite submission of abstracts from researchers who have used CSIA to study any aspect of marine mammal ecology (e.g. foraging, migration, distribution), or who have conducted validation studies with more traditional bulk tissue isotope analysis to help clarify how this method can be applied in both wild and captive settings. The workshop will consist of informal talks and presentations of data, and group discussions of uncertainties and limitations that need to be addressed through further study. In particular, students are invited to submit proposals for talks and poster presentations; we will host a small poster session if there is enough interest. Cost: $80 (Before July 13th) $90 (After July 13th) Registration for the workshop should be done through the conference website (https://www.xcdsystem.com/smm/member/index.cfm) Kind regards, Cory Matthews Seth Newsome Emma Elliott Smith Luis Huckstadt

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Experienced acousticians wanted for South Georgia right whale cruise Jan-Feb 2018
by Jackson, Jennifer A. 07 Jul '17

07 Jul '17

Dear Marmam, We are looking for two experienced cetacean acousticians to be part of our EU BEST research project cruise to South Georgia and Shag Rocks, departing from Stanley (Falkland Islands) on 22 January 2018 for four weeks. The work will be focused on real-time detection, localisation and tracking of southern right whales using DiFAR sonobuoys. The research platform will be RV Song of the Whale (http://www.marineconservationresearch.co.uk/rv-song-of-the-whale/) Applications will only be considered from acousticians who are experienced in the setting up, deployment, data acquisition and analysis of acoustic data derived from DIFAR sonobuoys using PAMGuard, in order to locate and track baleen whales. Addtionally, more general cetacean field survey experience is required, particularly from sailing vessels. Experience of troubleshooting acoustic hardware and software in the field is also necessary. Data acquisition, analysis and whale tracking will be conducted 24/7 in real-time to maximize sighting opportunities. Sailing experience, and experience of right whale acoustics would be an advantage. If you wish to apply, please respond with a quote for costs and CV demonstrating suitability for the requirements set out above. Application deadline Monday 17th July 2017. Thanks and best wishes, Jen Dr Jen Jackson Molecular Geneticist British Antarctic Survey High Cross Madingley Road Cambridge CB3 0ET Tel +44- 1223-221358 ________________________________ This message (and any attachments) is for the recipient only. NERC is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the contents of this email and any reply you make may be disclosed by NERC unless it is exempt from release under the Act. Any material supplied to NERC may be stored in an electronic records management system. ________________________________

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Anouncement: SMM Workshop - Killer whales in western North Pacific and the Okhotsk Sea
by Yoko Mitani 06 Jul '17

06 Jul '17

Dear all, We are organizing a workshop on killer whales in western North Pacific and the Okhotsk Sea at the Biennial conference in Halifax. If you are attending the conference please consider participating in this workshop: Title: Killer whales in western North Pacific and the Okhotsk Sea Summary Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are distributed in all oceans of the world, and those in the Northwest US and western Canada have been well studied since 1970’s. Whereas on the opposite side of the Pacific, Russian Far East killer whales are studied since late 1990’s, and intensive studies have just started in the eastern Hokkaido, Japan since 2010. The studies in Japanese waters have revealed many killer whales are observed in Nemuro Strait in early summer, and off Kushiro in fall, and photo identification, acoustic and tracking studies are currently underway. Although their social structure and prey preferences are still unknown, this population seems to migrate along Kuril islands and share the same calls with Russian waters. The goal of this workshop is to begin discussion among people studying killer whales in the North Pacific and the Okhotsk Sea focusing on similarities and differences between locations. Date/Time: Sunday, October 29, 2017; 08:00-12:00 If you have any question, please email to the following address: *Notification: I am on board until 13th July, internet access is limited. So my reply may get delayed. until 13th July, <mitani040(a)oshoro.fish.hokudai.ac.jp> from 13th July, yo_mitani(a)fsc.hokudai.ac.jp Cost: $50 (Early Bird); $60 (After September 15, 2015) We look forward to seeing participants at the conference. Yoko -- 三谷曜子　Yoko Mitani 北海道大学北方生物圏フィールド科学センター水圏ステーション函館臨海実験所生態系変動解析分野〒040-0051 北海道函館市弁天町20番5号函館市国際水産・海洋総合研究センター内219号室 Tel: 0138-85-6558; Fax: 0138-85-6625 Email: yo_mitani(a)fsc.hokudai.ac.jp Yoko MITANI Laboratory of Marine Ecosystem Change Analysis Hakodate Marine Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University Hakodate Research Center for Fisheries and Oceans 20-5 Benten-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0051, JAPAN TEL: +81-138-85-6558; FAX: +81-138-85-6625 E-mail: yo_mitani(a)fsc.hokudai.ac.jp

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