September 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

NWTT SEIS_OEIS - Scoping Comment Ext News Release
by Murray, Sheila A CIV Navy Region NW, N00P 15 Sep '17

15 Sep '17

Good afternoon. Attached and pasted below is a press release for consideration in your media format. The U.S. Navy is extending the public comment period for the Supplement to the Northwest Training and Testing Environmental Impact Statement to allow the public more time to submit substantive comments. The Navy is accepting comments throughout the extended public comment period, which began Aug. 22, 2017, and now runs until Oct. 6, 2017. All comments must be postmarked or received online by Oct. 6, 2017, for consideration in the development of the Supplemental EIS/OEIS. To submit substantive comments online or for additional information, visit the project website at: www.NWTTEIS.com. Very Respectfully, Sheila Sheila Murray Deputy, Public Affairs Navy Region Northwest 1100 Hunley RD, Rm 213 Silverdale,WA 98315- 1100 (360) 396-4981 (w) (360) 340-5398 (c) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- NAVY EXTENDS PUBLIC SCOPING COMMENT PERIOD FOR NORTHWEST TRAINING AND TESTING SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT/OVERSEAS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SILVERDALE, Wash. - The U.S. Navy is extending the public scoping comment period for the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/ Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS) through Oct. 6, 2017, to allow the public more time to submit substantive comments. Scoping, which is conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, is a process where the public is encouraged to participate in the development of an environmental impact statement by identifying the scope of the analysis, including potential environmental issues and viable alternatives. The Navy is preparing a supplement to the 2015 NWTT Final EIS/OEIS to assess the potential environmental effects associated with military readiness activities conducted within the NWTT EIS/OEIS Study Area (hereafter referred to as the "Study Area"). Military readiness activities include training and research, development, testing, and evaluation (hereafter referred to as "training and testing"). Scoping Comment Period Extension for the Supplemental EIS/OEIS: The Navy is accepting comments throughout the extended public comment period, which began Aug. 22. 2017, and now runs until Oct. 6, 2017. All comments must be postmarked or received online by Oct. 6, 2017, for consideration in the development of the Supplemental EIS/OEIS. Comments may be submitted online at www.NWTTEIS.com, or by mail to: Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest Attention: NWTT Supplemental EIS/OEIS Project Manager 3730 North Charles Porter Ave., Building 385 Oak Harbor, WA 98278-3500 Public meetings are planned to occur following the release of the Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS in early 2019. For additional project information, please visit the project website at www.NWTTEIS.com. Background: The Navy completed an EIS/OEIS in 2015 for training and testing activities occurring within the same Study Area, for which a Record of Decision was signed in October 2016. The supplement to the 2015 Final EIS/OEIS is being prepared to support future activities conducted at sea and in associated airspace within the same Study Area beyond 2020. As part of this process, the Navy will seek the issuance of federal regulatory permits and authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. Proposed training and testing activities are generally consistent with those analyzed in the previous EIS/OEIS and approved in the 2016 Record of Decision, and are representative of activities the Navy has been conducting in the Study Area for decades. Proposed Action: The Proposed Action is to conduct training and testing activities at sea and in associated airspace within the Study Area. At-sea activities include the use of active sound navigation and ranging (sonar) and explosives while employing marine species protective measures. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to maintain a ready force, which is needed to ensure the Navy can accomplish its mission to maintain, train, and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression, and maintaining freedom of the seas, consistent with Congressional direction in section 5062 of Title 10 of the U.S. Code. To achieve and maintain military readiness, the Navy proposes to: . Conduct training and testing activities at sea and in associated airspace to support military readiness requirements beyond 2020; and . Accommodate evolving mission requirements, including those resulting from the development, testing, and introduction of new vessels, aircraft, and weapons systems into the fleet. The Study Area remains unchanged from the 2015 Final EIS/OEIS. The Study Area is comprised of established maritime operating areas and warning areas in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, including areas within the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound, and the Western Behm Canal in southeastern Alaska. The Study Area includes air and water space within and outside Washington state waters, air and water space outside state waters of Oregon and Northern California, and Navy pierside locations. Visit the project website at www.NWTTEIS.com to view a map of the Study Area, learn more about the project, and submit substantive comments online. Should you have trouble accessing the project website, please email ProjectManager(a)nwtteis.com for assistance. For other information about your Navy in the Northwest Region, please visit the Navy Region Northwest website at www.cnic.navy.mil/cnrnw. Please help inform your community by sharing the information in this press release. -USN-

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Aquatic Mammals issue 43.5 available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 15 Sep '17

15 Sep '17

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 43, issue 5, 2017) of Aquatic Mammals. The online issue is now available at this link: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=cate… <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=cate…> For individuals with a print subscription, the double print copy of 43.5/43.6 will be mailed in late November. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php <http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php> If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> Please do not contact the listserv editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe <http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe> or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Links to a purchase page for each article are also included below. Please see list below for Volume 43, issue 5 contents. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Aquatic Mammals 43.5 Articles Blake A. Miller, Paolo Nanni, Claudia Fortes, Jonas Grossmann, Maria R. Arreola, Maria Vences, Rocio Canales, Roberto Sanchez-Okrucky, André M. de Almeida, and Don R. Bergfelt. (2017). Plasma Proteome and Clinical Biochemistry Associated with Performance-Based Physical Activity in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 453-464. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.4.2017.453 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.4.2017.453> Suwat Jutapruet, Atichat Intongcome, Xianyan Wang, Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong, and Shiang-Lin Huang. (2017). Distribution of Three Sympatric Cetacean Species Off the Coast of the Central-Western Gulf of Thailand. Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 465-473. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.465 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.465> Rita Ferreira, Filipe Alves, Claudia Gomes, Daniel Jardim, Judith Kok, and Ana Dinis. (2017). First Confirmed Record of Northern Bottlenose Whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) in Madeira Archipelago, Northeast Atlantic. Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 474-478. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.474 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.474> Analía Bombau and Diana Szteren. (2017). Seasonal Variability of South American Fur Seals (Arctocephalus australis) and Sea Lions (Otaria flavescens) in Two Haulouts and Interactions with Small-Scale Fisheries Off the Coast of Montevideo, Uruguay. Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 479-491. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.479 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.479> Bertha García-Capitanachi, Yolanda Schramm, and Gisela Heckel. (2017). Population Fluctuations of Guadalupe Fur Seals (Arctocephalus philippii townsendi) Between the San Benito Islands and Guadalupe Island, Mexico, During 2009 and 2010. Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 492-500. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.492 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.492> Thamires de Mello Neto, Israel de Sá Maciel, Rodrigo Hipólito Tardin, and Sheila Marino Simão. (2017). Twisting Movements During Feeding Behavior by a Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni) Off the Coast of Southeastern Brazil. Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 501-506. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.501 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.501> Luana Nara, Ana Carolina Oliveira de Meirelles, Luciano Raimundo Alardo Souto, Jose Martíns Silva-Jr, and Ana Paula Cazerta Farro. (2017). An Initial Population Structure and Genetic Diversity Analysis for Stenella clymene (Gray, 1850): Evidence of Differentiation Between the North and South Atlantic Ocean. Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 507-516. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.507 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.507> Monet S. Meyer, Siobhan S. Rickert, Hadley L. Pearce, Omar A. Khan, William van Bonn, Shawn P. Johnson, and Garet P. Lahvis. (2017). Social Interactions of Stranded and Recovering Immature California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus). Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 517-529. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.517 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.517> Daniela Pivari, Helena M. Pacca, and Talita de C. G. Sebrian. (2017). Occurrence of Boto-do-Araguaia (Inia araguaiaensis) in a Region of the Araguaia River, Brazil, Documented for an Environmental Impact Study for a Hydroelectric Dam. Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 530-536. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.530 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.530> Leanna P. Matthews, Christine M. Gabriele, and Susan E. Parks. (2017). The Role of Season, Tide, and Diel Period in the Presence of Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) Breeding Vocalizations in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 537-546. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.537 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.537> Ayanna Carla N. Phillips and Rod Suepaul. (2017). Nasitrema Species: A Frequent Culprit in Melon-Headed Whale (Peponocephala electra) Strandings in Trinidad. Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 547-557. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.547 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.547> Barbie L. Byrd & Aleta A. Hohn. (2017). Differential Risk of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Bycatch in North Carolina, USA. Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 558-569. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.558 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.558> Historical Perspectives Annalisa Berta. (2017). Experiences, Future Directions, and Lessons Learned in Marine Mammal Evolutionary Biology. Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 570-582. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.570 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.570> Book Review Robert D. Kenney. (2017). Book Review: North Atlantic Right Whales: From Hunted Leviathan to Conservation Icon (David W. Laist). Aquatic Mammals, 43(5), 583-584. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.583 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.5.2017.583>

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New Paper on Cuvier's beaked whales and Navy Sonar
by Greg Schorr 15 Sep '17

15 Sep '17

We are pleased to announce the following article that was recently published in Royal Society Open Science, and is available open source at: http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/4/8/170629 Title: Diving behaviour of Cuvier's beaked whales exposed to two types of military sonar. Authors: Erin A. Falcone, Gregory S. Schorr, Stephanie L. Watwood, Stacy L. DeRuiter, Alexandre N. Zerbini, Russel D. Andrews, Ronald P. Morrissey, and David J. Moretti. Abstract: Cuvier's beaked whales (*Ziphius cavirostris*) have stranded in association with mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) use, and though the causative mechanism linking these events remains unclear, it is believed to be behaviourally mediated. To determine whether MFAS use was associated with behavioural changes in this species, satellite tags were used to record the diving and movements of 16 Cuvier's beaked whales for up to 88 days in a region of frequent MFAS training off the coast of Southern California. Tag data were combined with summarized records of concurrent bouts of high-power, surface ship and mid-power, helicopter-deployed MFAS use, along with other potential covariates, in generalized additive mixed-effects models. Deep dives, shallow dives, and surface intervals tended to become longer during MFAS use, with some variation associated with total amount of overlapping MFAS during the behaviour. These changes in dives and surface intervals contributed to a longer interval between deep dives, a proxy for foraging disruption in this species. Most responses intensified with proximity and were more pronounced during mid-power than high-power MFAS use at comparable distances within ~ 50 km, despite the significantly lower source level of mid-power MFAS. However, distance-mediated responses to high-power MFAS, and increased deep dive intervals during mid-power MFAS, were evident up to ~100 km away. Regards, Greg -- Greg Schorr, Research Biologist Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research 2420 Nellita Rd NW, Seabeck WA 98380 206-931-4638 www.marecotel.org Follow MarEcoTel on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/marecotel/> Follow MarEcoTel on Twitter <https://twitter.com/marecotel>

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PhD positions: Dolphin Alliance Project
by Stephanie King 14 Sep '17

14 Sep '17

The Dolphin Alliance Project (www.sharkbaydolphins.org<http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org>) is seeking high calibre students for two PhD projects to start in 2018. The first project will use acoustic, behavioural and genetic data to investigate the ontogeny of alliance formation in the Shark Bay dolphin population, focussing on juvenile and adult dolphins. The second project will explore how ecology, particularly the acoustic properties of the environment, contributes to variation in alliance behaviour and mating success in this remarkable population. The students will be based at the University of Western Australia (UWA) under the supervision of Dr Stephanie King (UWA), and will be co-supervised by Professor Michael Krützen (University of Zürich), Professor Richard Connor (UMass Dartmouth) and Dr Simon Allen (UWA). Students will work in a dynamic research environment with access to a behavioural and demographic database spanning 30+ years, biopsy samples from 700+ individuals, and acoustic data from 15 well-documented alliances. Applications are open to both domestic and international students, who should be eligible for an RTP scholarship: http://www.science.uwa.edu.au/future-students/scholarships. Exceptional students are encouraged to apply for the Dean's Excellence in Science PhD Scholarships: http://www.science.uwa.edu.au/future-students/scholarships/deans-excellence, as well as the Keiran McNamara World Heritage PhD Top-Up Scholarship: http://www.scholarships.uwa.edu.au/search?sc_view=1&id=5521&all=1&page=27. General requirements include a background in evolutionary and behavioural biology, a BSc (Hons) or MSc degree (first class) in a relevant discipline, and fieldwork experience (preferably with marine mammals and/or primates). Knowledge or experience in bio-acoustics and/or small boat handling skills would be advantageous. Ideal candidates will have strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work and share ideas in a highly collaborative setting. International students, in particular, should have at least one peer-reviewed publication. Applicants should send an expression of interest and CV, including the contact details of two academic referees, to Dr Stephanie King (stephanie.king(a)uwa.edu.au<mailto:Stephanie.king@uwa.edu.au>) by 7th October 2017. Successful candidates will be informed prior to the 21st October to ensure scholarship applications are submitted prior to the 31st October deadline. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Stephanie L. King, PhD Society in Science - Branco Weiss Fellow Centre for Evolutionary Biology School of Biological Sciences University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009 Ph 0864881773 (W) 0447 265840 (M) www.sharkbaydolphins.org [49454AF0-085F-47E1-BF1C-A677692EEBF4.png] Please visit my homepage<http://slking.weebly.com/> to find out more about my research. “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” — Jack Kerouac

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MMO & PAM operator vacancies
by Recruitment 14 Sep '17

14 Sep '17

Dear MMOs and PAM Operators, OSC has contract vacancies for one MMO and one PAMO. The MMO position is for a project in Ireland, with an anticipated start date towards end of September for an estimated 10 days (plus or minus), then another mobilisation around mid October for an estimated 10 days (plus or minus), and perhaps work later also. The PAM position is for a project in the Mediterranean with an anticipated mobilisation sometime after 20th September, for an estimated duration of 30 days. This PAMO would need to be competent and experienced with PAM installation and operation, and would also undertake MMO duties. If you are interested and available, and not already on OSC's database, please provide copies of your CV, passport, driving licence (probably not needed, but useful for future reference), offshore survival and medical certificates, degree certificates. For documents not already in electronic format, please scan these, as photos are not accepted. Please apply by email only to recruitment(a)osc.co.uk; recruitment enquiries to other OSC email addresses will not be considered. Please feel free to circulate this email amongst colleagues seeking work. Thanks and kind regards, Recruitment Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. http://www.avg.com

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 14 Sep '17

14 Sep '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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Viewpoint on Temporal Resolutions in Species Distribution Models of Highly Mobile Marine Animals
by Laura Mannocci, Ph.D. 14 Sep '17

14 Sep '17

Dear all, We are delighted to announce the publication of our paper as a Biodiversity Viewpoint in Diversity and Distributions. Title: Temporal Resolutions in Species Distribution Models of Highly Mobile Marine Animals: Recommendations for Ecologists and Managers. Authors: Laura Mannocci, Andre M. Boustany, Jason J. Roberts, Daniel M. Palacios, Daniel C. Dunn, Patrick N. Halpin, Shay Viehman, Jerry Moxley, Jesse Cleary, Helen Bailey, Steven J. Bograd, Elizabeth A. Becker, Beth Gardner, Jason R. Hartog, Elliott L.Hazen, Megan C. Ferguson, Karin A. Forney, Brian P. Kinlan, Matthew J. Oliver, Charles T. Perretti, Vincent Ridoux, Steven L. H. Teo, Arliss J. Winship. Abstract: While ecologists have long recognized the influence of spatial resolution on species distribution models (SDMs), they have given relatively little attention to the influence of temporal resolution. Considering temporal resolutions is critical in distribution modelling of highly mobile marine animals, as they interact with dynamic oceanographic processes that vary at time-scales from seconds to decades. We guide ecologists in selecting temporal resolutions that best match ecological questions and ecosystems, and managers in applying these models. We group the temporal resolutions of environmental variables used in SDMs into three classes: instantaneous, contemporaneous and climatological. We posit that animal associations with fine-scale and ephemeral features are best modelled with instantaneous covariates. Associations with large scale and persistent oceanographic features are best modelled with climatological covariates. Associations with mesoscale features are best modelled with instantaneous or contemporaneous covariates if ephemeral processes are present or interannual variability occurs, and climatological covariates if seasonal processes dominate and interannual variability is weak. This article is the outcome of a workshop that brought together 23 international experts at Duke University in December 2014. The paper can be downloaded at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.12609/full If you do not have full subscription to the journal I'll be happy to email the paper to you. All the best, Laura Mannocci (laura.mannocci(a)duke.edu) Postdoctoral Associate Duke University Marine Geospatial Ecology Laboratory https://mgel.env.duke.edu/people/laura-mannocci/

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SCB Marine Section Small Grants Program open
by SCB Marine Section 13 Sep '17

13 Sep '17

The Society for Conservation Biology Marine Section is pleased to announce the 2017-2018 cycle of our Conservation Research Small Grants Program! The program will provide funding ($500 – 700 USD) to marine conservation research projects in areas of acute need, especially for research in the developing world or for organizations with limited access to conservation funding. Applicants must be members of the Society for Conservation Biology and the SCB Marine Section. If you are not a member yet, not to worry, joining is simple! Go to: *https://conbio.org/membership/become-a-member/ <https://conbio.org/membership/become-a-member/>*. Then, log in to the member area, and in the vertical bar on the right-hand side of the webpage under “My Society Involvement”, click “Join a Section”. Next, choose Marine! (Note: SCB members may join up to two sections). To apply, go to: http://birenheide.com/scbmarinegrants/index.php Applications are being accepted now through 7 October 2017. For program background, application guidelines, and previous recipients, go to: *https://conbio.org/groups/sections/marine/small-grants <https://conbio.org/groups/sections/marine/small-grants>* Questions should be directed to: Tom Good SCB Marine Section Science Officer scbmarinegrants(a)conbio.org

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New paper on fossil baleen whale from Peru
by Felix Marx 13 Sep '17

13 Sep '17

Dear colleagues, please find below the abstract and link to our recently published, open access paper on a new fossil baleen whale from Peru, and its implications for the origin of cetotheriids: Marx F.G., Lambert O., de Muizon C. 2017 A new Miocene baleen whale from Peru deciphers the dawn of cetotheriids. R Soc Open Sci 4, 170560. Link: http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/4/9/170560 Abstract: Cetotheriidae are an iconic, nearly extinct family of baleen whales (Mysticeti) with a highly distinct cranial morphology. Their origins remain a mystery, with even the most archaic species showing a variety of characteristic features. Here, we describe a new species of archaic cetotheriid, Tiucetus rosae, from the Miocene of Peru. The new material represents the first mysticete fromthe poorly explored lowest portion of the highly fossiliferous Pisco Formation (allomember P0), and appears to form part of a more archaic assemblage than observed at the well-known localities of Cerro Colorado, Cerro los Quesos, Sud-Sacaco and Aguada de Lomas. Tiucetus resembles basal plicogulans (crown Mysticeti excluding right whales), such as Diorocetus and Parietobalaena, but shares with cetotheriids a distinct morphology of the auditory region, including the presence of an enlarged paroccipital concavity. The distinctive morphology of Tiucetus firmly places Cetotheriidae in the context of the poorly understood ‘cetotheres’ sensu lato,and helps to resolve basal relationships within crown Mysticeti. Kind regards, Felix Marx _____________________________ *Felix G. Marx* PhD Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow *Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium *Monash University, Melbourne, Australia *Museum Victoria, Melbourne, Australia Address: School of Biological Sciences, Monash University 18 Innovation Walk, VIC 3800, Australia Tel. +61 (0)3 9905 1190 (Monash University) or +61 (0)3 8341 7346 (Museum Victoria)

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ACS-LA: Student Travel Grants for Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial Conference in Halifax, October 2017
by ACS-LA.Grants 12 Sep '17

12 Sep '17

The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce the opening of applications for 2017 Student Travel Grants for the 22nd Biennial Conference of the Society for Mammalogy. The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society (ACS-LA) is offering two travel grants, in the amount of $500.00 each, to students working or attending school in Southern California who will be presenting at the 22nd Biennial conference on the Biology of Marina Mammals, hosted by the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM), in Halifax, NS, Canada, this October 2017. The two $500 travel grants will be awarded to two students exhibiting an outstanding commitment to research on marine mammals. Students should either be attending school in Southern California and/or conducting their marine mammal research in Southern California, with priority being given to those attending school and/or conducting research in the greater Los Angeles area. Eligibility: 1. Applicant must be a currently enrolled student (undergraduate or graduate) and must be presenting (oral or poster) at the SMM Biennial. 2. Applicant should be attending an accredited institution and/or conducing research in Southern California (priority will be given to students living in, or whose research is focused in, the greater Los Angeles area). Applications: Applications should include the following: 1. Cover sheet with: a) Title of presentation (either oral or poster) being given at the SMM Biennial Conference b) Full copy of the abstract submitted (and accepted) by the SMM committee c) Applicant Contact Information (Name, Mailing Address, E-mail, and Phone numbers) d) Current school and major including current supervisor and department 2. Proof that applicant is a student (photo of the front and back of current student ID card) 3. A one-page CV or Resume Deadlines: Deadline for submission: 25 September 2017. Awards will be announced: 3 October 2017. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>. To join ACS-LA, please go to http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/ <http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/> and specify the Los Angeles Chapter. For further information about specific chapters and other grant-making programs, please visit the Chapter page of the National American Cetacean Society website: www.acsonline.org <http://www.acsonline.org/>. ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants(a)gmail.com www.acs-la.org

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