August 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

CRRU Summer Field Courses 2017
by Dr Kevin Robinson 05 Aug '17

05 Aug '17

We still have available dates for the Cetacean Research & Rescue Units 2017 Whales and dolphins of the Moray Firth field intern project in Scotland this summer at: http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp Our internships are run in the form of a formal training / educational programme, with structured lectures, seminars and presentations by the research team, practical training in field methodologies and data collection and analysis, and of course direct participation in the research, education and rescue work of this dynamic and outgoing conservation charity. The cost for an 11 day internship in 2017 is £1150, and this will cover you for full board (all your accommodation and food costs), full equipment provision, for boat work etc, and ALL associated field and transport costs during your stay with us in the picturesque heritage fishing village of Gardenstown in Aberdeenshire. You'll simply need to arrange your own travel to Banff in Scotland (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money for treats. For full details, please visit the CRRU project page at www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp <http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp> , or email us directly at info(a)crru.org.uk <mailto:info@crru.org.uk> for further information and a pdf copy of the Project Briefing and booking/application form. For a full list of scientific publications, reports and theses by the CRRU research team, please visit: www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp With all best wishes and thanks Dr. Kevin Robinson Director, CRRU <mailto:kev.robinson@crru.org.uk> kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, PO Box 11307, Banff, AB45 3WB, Scotland, UK | ( +44 (0)1261 851696 | <http://www.crru.org.uk/> www.crru.org.uk Whale and Dolphin Research | Environmental Educational Outreach | Marine Wildlife Rescue | Consultancy | MMO Services Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC035473 <http://www.facebook.com/crru.org.uk> <http://www.twitter.com/crru> <https://www.youtube.com/c/CrruOrgUk_CRRU> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/cetacean-research-&-rescue-unit-crru-> P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

1 0

American Cetacean Society - San Francisco Bay Chapter is taking Application Proposals for its 2017 RESEARCH Grants
by Lynette Koftinow 04 Aug '17

04 Aug '17

American 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. This is a Reminder the Application Deadline is Friday September 29, 2017. Grant announcement date is Monday October 16, 2017 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 4a. In order to apply for a research grant one must be a current ACS-San Francisco Bay chapter member at the time of submission. Application for membership to ACS-SF Bay may be completed by contacting: Anne-Marie Batchelor-Rivers: acs.sfbay.ambrivers(a)gmail.com Applications should be sent by email to Lynette R.Koftinow: acs.sfbay(a)gmail.comSan Francisco Bay American Cetacean Society chapterQuestions regarding the program may also be directed toher. Respectfully, Lynette R. Koftinow American Cetacean SocietySan Francisco Bay Chapter acs.sfbay(a)gmail.com

1 0

The American Cetacean Society - San Francisco Bay Chapter is taking Application Proposals for its 2017 SMM Conference Travel Grants
by Lynette Koftinow 04 Aug '17

04 Aug '17

The American Cetacean Society - San Francisco Bay Chapter istaking Application Proposals for its 2017 SMM Conference TravelGrants Dearcolleagues, The American Cetacean Society-San Francisco BayChapter (ACS-SF Bay) would like to encourage students to apply for ourupcoming 2017 Society of MarineMammology Conference Student Travel Grants. ACS– SF Bay Chapter Guidelines for Student Travel Grant: 1. In order to apply for a travelgrant applicants research posters must be accepted by the 2017 Society ofMarine Mammology conference committee and be attending the conference. 2. Make sure you are a current ACS-San Francisco Bay chaptermember at the time of submission. Application for membership to ACS-SF Baymay be completed at the following website: http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/ 3. If you are not already anACS member, please become a San Francisco Bay ACS chapter member. 4. Be currently enrolled as astudent at a recognized academic institution. 5. Be first author on an acceptedoral or poster presentation. The application deadlineis MondaySeptember 11, 2017. Grant announcement date is Monday September 25, 2017 Proposals should include: 1. Application cover sheet, with title ofproposal, field research group, contact information (email, phone anddepartmental contacts) for the faculty lead or principle investigator (PI), (secondPI if applicable) and any proposed student participant list (with contactinformation). 2. A brief narrative (1-2 pages, single-spaced)describing the research project, overall purpose, specific researchobjectives/questions, study timeline and benchmarks, significance of theresearch in advancing our understanding the biology and conservation ofcetaceans and/or their habitats, and how the research can or does advance conservationefforts aimed at a particular taxa, species, or habitat. This award ($500 each) helps to offset travel expensesenabling the student to attend the Society of Marine Mammology Conference.Attending this conference is very important for the future as a scientist. Notonly are students able to present their accepted research project (poster), butwill meet and connect with the attending marine biologists and scientists thatmay become future teachers/mentors, and/or for prospective job opportunities. Studentsare our future and ACS-SF Bay chapter feels very strongly in supporting them. Applications should be sentby email to LynetteR. Koftinow American Cetacean Society - San Francisco Bay Chapter Questions regarding the program may alsobe directed to her. Respectfully, Lynette R. Koftinow Research ACS-SF Bay chapter (415) 937-0641 (office) acs.sfbay(a)gmail.com

1 1

Job Announcement
by Erin McMichael 04 Aug '17

04 Aug '17

[REMSA-Logo CROPPED 2015] Wanted: ENDANGERED SPECIES OBSERVERS REMSA Inc. Coastal & Marine Division is seeking skilled and experienced Independent Contracting Observers to monitor sea turtles, marine mammals, sturgeons, and birds. REMSA, Inc. has been in business since 1986; our Marine Endangered Species Observer (MESO) Program was established in 1999 to provide service to dredging companies in support of environmental compliance for clam-shell, hopper dredge and other offshore industrial operations requiring compliance monitoring by NMFS approved marine biologists. A position as an endangered species MESO biologist and observer requires someone who is available to travel on short notice, is able to live aboard an off-shore vessel for periods of time and can physicaly work in non-permit confined work spaces. A successful candidate understands marine and dredging operations, and is able to perform the physical and detail oriented requirements of the position. *Sufficient marine mammal and sea turtle experience is mandatory, and the ability to work in various job locations throughout the U.S. is a plus. JOB DESCRIPTION: Marine Endangered Species Observers will conduct protected species observations aboard dredging projects and other marine construction projects on various waterways along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico in the United States. Observers will be required to perform duties in adverse/inclement weather aboard ships at sea for approximately 3-4 weeks at a time. Must be able to work independently and follow technical instructions as required. Duties include, but are not limited to the following: - Identification of marine animals at distance, up close, and in pieces to the correct species for: sea turtles, marine mammals, sturgeons, and saw-tooth fish. - Maintain bridge watch for sea turtles and marine mammals during all operative hours - Physically inspect each dredge load screening basket, and points of intake for evidence of any endangered or threatened species live or dead, in whole, or severely damaged. -Report interactions with endangered/threatened species to various government agencies as determined within the project's specifications. - Data collection, tagging, biopsies, and record keeping of biological sampling data for sea turtles and other species of concern as determined by the project detailed Biological Opinion and Specifications. REQUIREMENTS: Must be a U.S. Citizen or have authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship or restrictions Must have (or be eligible to obtain) Endangered/Protected Species approval from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Must have a valid Driver's License & Clean Driving Record Must be able to lift 50 pounds, operate in confined spaces, and climb ladders aboard ships and crew boats Must have or be able to obtain a Federal TWIC clearance and the physical card in hand prior to accepting any work assignment. Education: - Bachelors Degree in Marine Biology, Biology, Ecology or similar education with at least one year of specialized AT-SEA experience. Extensive exposure and knowledge through experience will be considered. Experience - Extensive hands-on experience with sea turtles and/or marine mammals is required for consideration. - Identification of sea turtles, marine mammals and other protected marine animals to species. - Data collection, biological sampling, identification of bones and body parts to species, necropsy experience a plus - Reporting interactions with endangered/threatened species to various government agencies. - Working independently and able to get along with crew members at sea - Compliance overseer willing to communicate to regulatory officials, program managers, and difficult persons in a clear, competent and non-confrontational manner. BENEFITS & SALARY: This is an Independent Contractor position; salary varies with project location and scope of work. Travel expenses to/from project locations are the responsibility of the observer. Lodging and meals are provided on board at-sea hopper dredge vessels. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Candidates do not need to reside in the local area, but must have a flexible schedule and able to travel to assignments. Candidates living on the East Coast & Gulf of Mexico are strongly preferred. Application Instructions: Interested applicants should send the following application materials: - Detailed resume documenting all relevant experience, NMFS certifications, education, and skills - Cover letter outlining why you would be a good fit for this position. Please indicate if you have worked with REMSA, Inc. before. Submit all materials as attachments: PDF files or MS Word files via email to: emcmichael(a)remsainc.com<mailto:emcmichael@remsainc.com> REMSA Inc. Supports a Drug Free Work Place EOE of Minorities/Females/Vets/Disability Erin McMichael Project Manager MESO Program REMSA, Inc. Office :757-722-0113 Ext 208 Business Cell: 757-775-2020 Fax:757-722-4571 Email: emcmichael(a)remsainc.com<mailto:emcmichael@remsainc.com> Website: http://remsainc.com [cid:image001.jpg@01D2BA7C.5A2A2C30]

1 0

New publication: Amazon river dolphins modify biosonar output level and directivity during prey interception in the wild
by Michael Ladegaard 04 Aug '17

04 Aug '17

Dear colleagues, For those of you interested in toothed whale biosonar, we wish to draw attention to a new publication in Journal of Experimental Biology. We have investigated the biosonar beam dynamics and source parameter adjustments that Amazon river dolphins use as they approach and intercept prey in the first study to report on-axis source parameters for wild toothed whales engaged in prey capture. The prey was tied to a hydrophone, which was lowered in front of a star shaped seven-hydrophone array. If you would like to see an example of one of these prey captures then please follow this link (the camera was located slightly above the hydrophone array centre): http://movie.biologists.com/video/10.1242/jeb.159913/video-1 Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) modify biosonar output level and directivity during prey interception in the wild Michael Ladegaard, Frants Havmand Jensen, Kristian Beedholm, Vera Maria Ferreira da Silva, Peter Teglberg Madsen Journal of Experimental Biology 2017 220: 2654-2665 Abstract Toothed whales have evolved to live in extremely different habitats and yet they all rely strongly on echolocation for finding and catching prey. Such biosonar based foraging involves distinct phases of searching for, approaching, and capturing prey, where echolocating animals gradually adjust sonar output to actively shape the flow of sensory information. Measuring those outputs in absolute levels requires hydrophone arrays centred on the biosonar beam axis, but this has never been done for wild toothed whales approaching and capturing prey. Rather, field studies make the assumption that toothed whales will adjust their biosonar in the same manner to arrays as they will when approaching prey. To test this assumption, we recorded wild botos (Inia geoffrensis) as they approached and captured dead fish tethered to a hydrophone in front of a star-shaped seven-hydrophone array. We demonstrate that botos gradually decrease interclick intervals and output levels during prey approaches, using stronger adjustment magnitudes than extrapolated from previous boto array data. Prey interceptions are characterised by high click rates, but although botos buzz during prey capture, they do so at lower click rates than marine toothed whales, resulting in a much more gradual transition from approach phase to buzzing. We also demonstrate for the first time that wild toothed whales broaden biosonar beamwidth when closing in on prey, as it is also seen in captive toothed whales and in bats, thus resulting in a larger ensonified volume around the prey, likely aiding prey tracking by decreasing the risk of prey evading ensonification. The paper is available here: http://jeb.biologists.org/content/220/14/2654 A copy of the paper can also be requested by emailing michael.ladegaard(a)bios.au.dk<mailto:michael.ladegaard@bios.au.dk>. On behalf of the co-authors, Michael Ladegaard Michael Ladegaard PhD student Mobile: (+45) 4076 4035 Email: michael.ladegaard(a)bios.au.dk<mailto:mail@au.dk> Web: Michael Ladegaard<http://pure.au.dk/portal/en/persons/id(7365cdb9-ab50-4488-9839-034eb5c3cd5e…> Department of Bioscience - Zoophysiology Aarhus University C. F. Møllers Allé 3, building 1131 8000 Aarhus C Email: mail(a)au.dk<mailto:mail@au.dk> Web: http://bios.au.dk/en/

1 0

Cetacean Behavior Toward The Dead and Dying
by Giovanni Bearzi 04 Aug '17

04 Aug '17

Dear colleagues, the short chapter below, published today, is an overview of how cetaceans relate to death. Bearzi G., Eddy L., Piwetz S., Reggente M.A.L., Cozzi B. 2017. Cetacean behavior toward the dead and dying. Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior (J. Vonk and T.K. Shackelford, eds.). Springer International Publishing. DOI 1007/978-3-319-47829-6_2023-1. <https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-47829-6_202 3-1> In case you have trouble accessing the file online, please send me a request and I shall send you a pdf copy of our work. I would welcome any comment and suggestion. Please note that the encyclopedia allowed a maximum of 30 references, which is why so many good articles have not been cited. Sincerely, Giovanni Bearzi - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi, PhD President, Dolphin Biology and Conservation <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/>

1 0

short notice: assistant for Dolphin Innovation Project
by Sonja Wild 03 Aug '17

03 Aug '17

1 0

New publication on Radiographic assessment of dolphin teeth
by Carolina Loch Silva 03 Aug '17

03 Aug '17

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the current issue of Zoological Science: *Radiographic Assessment of Dental Pathology and Abnormalities in Dolphins* Carolina Loch, Liliane J. Grando, Maria I. Meurer, Michella Zastrow, Angela Fernandes and Paulo C. Simões-Lopes doi: 10.2108/zs160151 *Abstract* This study proposes a simple standardized method for the production of analog X-ray images of dolphin teeth, and to explore its potential use as a complementary technique in the evaluation of dental pathology in small cetaceans. We investigated exposure times that produced the best results, and whether radiographs helped in the diagnosis of macroscopic abnormalities. Teeth of six species of dolphins (Delphinidae: T*ursiops truncatus, Steno bredanensis, Sotalia guianensis, Delphinus sp., Stenella coeruleoalba, *and* Stenella frontalis*) were X-rayed in an analog dental X-ray machine operating at 70 kVp and 7 mA. Intraoral size 2 standard films were used, and the focus—film distance was standardised at 35 cm. Those species with smaller teeth (total length 12–20 mm) had the best results when exposed for 0.3 seconds, while species with larger teeth (30–45 mm) had to be exposed for 0.4 seconds for their best result. Three independent examiners analysed all the images taken. The average pairwise percent agreement was 73% (Fleiss' Kappa = 0.229), suggesting fair agreement between examiners. Analog X-ray images produced were useful in complementing the diagnosis of dental pathology and abnormalities in dolphins, in addition to allowing the observation of internal details and lesion depths, which would not be possible with conventional macroscopic methods. The use of analog X-ray imaging is easily applicable to the study of dolphin teeth, with low operating costs and simple logistics compared to other non-destructive analytical approaches such as Micro-CT. Full text is available at: http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.2108/zs160151 Or alternatively, a *pdf* can be requested at: carolina.loch(a)otago.ac.nz Best regards, _______________________________________ Carolina Loch Silva, PhD Lecturer in Oral Biology Department of Oral Sciences Sir John Walsh Research Institute Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago Dunedin 9054, New Zealand Phone: +(64) 03 479-9255 http://www.otago.ac.nz/sjwri/people/profile/index.html?id=2033

1 0

New publication on noise levels received by endangered killer whales
by Marla Holt - NOAA Federal 03 Aug '17

03 Aug '17

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following open-access publication: Holt, M.M *., Hanson, Giles, D.A., M.B., Emmons, and Hogan, J.T. 2017. Noise levels received by endangered killer whales (Orcinus orca) before and after the implementation of vessel regulations. Endangered Species Research 34: 15-26. * DOI: *https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00841* <https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00841> Abstract *:* Whale watching is often conducted from motorized vessels, which contribute to underwater noise pollution and can disturb marine mammals. Protective measures can ameliorate some effects of disturbance, but it is crucial to empirically assess the effectiveness of such measures, particularly for endangered species. We quantitatively compared noise exposure to endangered southern resident killer whales before and after US federal vessel regulations were established to protect this population from disturbance by vessels and sound. We expected to see a reduction in noise exposure to this population from vessel sound propagation loss due to a doubling of the minimum viewing distance relative to a prior state law. Noise levels were empirically measured from digital acoustic recording tags (DTAGs) suction-cup attached to killer whales in transboundary critical habitat. We collected concurrent vessel data during DTAG deployments to relate to received noise levels at the animal. Results of a linear mixed model analysis that included 10 explanatory variables in candidate models revealed that noise was best predicted by animal ID, vessel count, vessel speed category, and year. Vessel count and speed category were positive predictors of noise levels. Vessel regulations (before vs. after implementation), country, and average vessel distance were not significant predictors of noise levels, although only 1 yr of baseline data limited assessment. These findings inform managers about the effectiveness of current regulations for viewing killer whales and are applicable to other cetacean species that are exposed to vessel noise from whale-watching activities. Best, Marla -- _______________________________________________________________________ Marla M. Holt, Ph.D. Research Wildlife Biologist Marine Mammal & Seabird Ecology Team, Conservation Biology Division NOAA/NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center 2725 Montlake Blvd East Seattle, WA 98112 Phone: 206.860.3261, Fax: 206.860.3475 www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/research/divisions/cbd/marine_mammal/marinemammal.cfm

1 0

New publication on Brucella genetic variability in wildlife marine mammals populations
by Gaby Hernandez 03 Aug '17

03 Aug '17

On behalf of the authors, we are pleased to announce a new publication that is available online in Genome Biology and Evolution detailing Brucella genetic variability in wildlife marine mammals populations relates to host preference and ocean distribution. Suárez-Esquivel M, KS Baker, N. Ruiz- Villalobos, G. Hernández Mora, E. Barquero-Calvo, R. González-Barrientos, A. Castillo-Zeledón, C. Jiménez-Rojas, C. Chacón Díaz, A. Cloeckaert, E. Barquero-Calvo, N. R Thomson, E. Moreno, C Guzmán-Verri. Brucella genetic variability in wildlife marine mammals populations relates to host preference and ocean distribution. Genome Biol Evol 2017 evx137. doi: 10.1093/gbe/evx137 or https://academic.oup.com/gbe/article/doi/10.1093/gbe/ evx137/3980255/Brucella-Genetic-Variability-in-Wildlife-Marine? guestAccessKey=ad938736-9a3c-4362-adc7-ecfb325445f8 ABSTRACT: Intracellular bacterial pathogens probably arose when their ancestor adapted from a free-living environment to an intracellular one, leading to clonal bacteria with smaller genomes and less sources of genetic plasticity. Still, this plasticity is needed to respond to the challenges posed by the host. Members of the Brucella genus are facultative-extracellular intracellular bacteria responsible for causing brucellosis in a variety of mammals. The various species keep different host preference, virulence, and zoonotic potential despite having 97-99% similarity at genome level. Here, we describe elements of genetic variation in *B. ceti* isolated from wildlife dolphins inhabiting the Pacific Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Comparison with isolates obtained from marine mammals from the Atlantic Ocean and the broader Brucella genus showed distinctive traits according to oceanic distribution and preferred host. Marine mammal isolates display genetic variability, represented by an important number of IS711 elements as well as specific IS711 and SNPs genomic distribution clustering patterns. Extensive pseudogenization was found among isolates from marine mammals as compared to terrestrial ones, causing degradation in pathways related to energy, transport of metabolites and regulation/transcription. *B. ceti* isolates infecting particularly dolphin hosts, showed further degradation of metabolite transport pathways as well as pathways related to cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis and motility. Thus, gene loss through pseudogenization is a source of genetic variation in *Brucella*, which in turn, relates to adaptation to different hosts. This is relevant to understand the natural history of bacterial diseases, their zoonotic potential and the impact of human interventions such as domestication. A pdf of this manuscript can be downloaded from the Genome Biology and Evolution website: DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evx137 or requests for reprints can be sent to gabbytica(a)gmail.com Cheers, Gabriela Gabriela Hernández Mora Bacteriology Area National Service of Animal Health (SENASA) Costa Rica

1 0