January 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammals Research Association Expedition from Montenegro to Turkey
by aylin akkaya 29 Jan '18

29 Jan '18

Marine Mammals Research Association Expedition from Montenegro to Turkey, May 2018 We are looking for two experienced researcher on board to join our expedition between Montenegro and Turkey, starting on the 30th April 2018 for a month, with the Sailing Boat: Chance Discovery. The expedition aims to explore areas where there is little known on cetaceans and collect data on spatial and behavioural distribution as well as conduct acoustic recordings of species. The expedition will be conducted in four legs: Leg 1 Montenegro to Corfu. Departs 30.04.18 Leg 2 Corfu to Sounion, Athens via the Corinth Canal. Departs 08.05.18 Leg 3 Athens to Crete. Departs 16.05.18 Leg 4 Crete to fethiye. Departs 24.05.18 The researcher must have previous experience on boat surveys, cetacean identification, behavioural and acoustic data collection as well as public speech and will be responsible on spatial, behavioural and acoustic data collection as well as guiding the guests whenever sighting took place. As Marine Mammals Research Association is a non-profit organisation with limited financial resources, the researcher has to cover his/her flights to and from start and end location, travel insurance (Mandatory, please provide proof), food on board (5 euro) and necessary visas. The researcher should bring his/her passport with any necessary visas for the countries that will be visited, sleeping bag, towel, binoculars, laptop and camera. To apply send us your CV and cover letter to: info(a)dmad.org.tr or akkayaaylinn(a)gmail.com before February 30th 2018. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON BOARD SOON Dr. Aylin Akkaya BasScientific DirectorDeniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD)Marine Mammals Research Association+90 5337739867skype: aylin.akkaya3info(a)dmad.org.trwww.dmad.org.tr

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Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Project Eco-volunteer Opportunities
by info＠dolphinresearchaustralia.com 29 Jan '18

29 Jan '18

Dear Marmammers, Dolphin Research Australia Inc. is a marine research, education and conservation charity. We are pleased to announce that we have eco-volunteer opportunities available for participants to join our Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Expeditions in 2018. We have one or two week eco-volunteer expeditions available between May and June 2018. The project offers a unique learning experience for those passionate about dolphins and the marine environment who want to contribute to increasing knowledge, awareness and improving conservation efforts while supporting the research efforts. The research project focuses on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and Australian humpback dolphins and aims to assess and monitor the abundance and health of these populations in the Moreton Bay Marine Park and South East Queensland region. Participants have the opportunity to join the research team and have a hands-on and participatory experience working from small research vessels whilst being based at the University of Queensland Moreton Bay Research Station on the beautiful North Stradbroke Island located near Brisbane, Australia. Participants will assist in collecting data on the behaviour, acoustics and habitat use of coastal dolphins. No previous experience is required and all training will be provided to participants. Participants, however, do need to have the following; - An enthusiastic and positive attitude - Willingness to learn and work with a small team - General interest in dolphin biology and ecology - Be able to work long-hours on a small vessel (not susceptible to chronic sea sickness) - Ability to communicate fluently in English (both written and oral) - Good fitness level (the work requires agility to work on small vessels and participants will be required to regularly get on and off small boats, move around the vessel whilst underway and at times in choppy conditions) Please check our website www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org> or email us directly at info(a)dolphinresearchaustralia.org for more information, prices and dates. Kind Regards Liz Elizabeth Hawkins, PhD Executive Officer Founding Director Dolphin Research Australia, Inc. PO Box 1960 Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 E-mail: info(a)dolphinresearchaustralia.org <mailto:info@dolphinresearchaustralia.org> Ph: (02) 6676 1473 Website: www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org> ABN: 42095866467 ** Dolphin Research Australia Inc. is a marine conservation, education & research charity -find out more about us & how you can help at <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org> www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org **

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Fwd: Workshop
by Andreas 28 Jan '18

28 Jan '18

Dear All The Oceanografic Foundation are organizing a workshop on biosensors that may be of interest to some marine mammal enthusiasts. The workshop includes 4 lectures on Tuesday (January 31) by the following researchers: Carlos Duarte: CAASE: a new approach to ocean observation Rory Wilson: Tracking marine life Mark Meekan: Movement of large animals at the Ocean scale Muhammad Hussain: New technology in animal wearables The lectures will be streamed live starting at 18:00 (European standard time) and please join us at the following link: https://www.oceanografic.org/oceanoexpertos/ <https://www.oceanografic.org/oceanoexpertos/> > > <https://www.oceanografic.org/oceanoexpertos/> > >

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New Publication: Spatial and Temporal Baseline Information on Marine Megafauna off Cornwall
by info＠sevenseasmarine.nl 28 Jan '18

28 Jan '18

NEW PAPER: Spatial and Temporal Baseline Information on Marine Megafauna - Data Facilitated by a Wildlife Tour Operator Dear Colleagues, I am pleased to announce the following paper recently published in the Open Journal of Marine Science De Boer, MN, Jones, D., Jones, H., Knee R. (2018).Spatial and Temporal Baseline Information on Marine Megafauna - Data Facilitated by a Wildlife Tour Operator. Open Journal of Marine Science, 8, 76-113. <https://doi.org/10.4236/ojms.2018.81005> Abstract The protection of marine megafauna within Europe is rather fragmented. Developing conservation measures for highly mobile species presents definite challenges, particularly due to the many knowledge gaps. Recent studies have shown that these gaps can be filled in by Platforms of Opportunity (PO) which create low-cost approaches. However, the number of wildlife tour operators actively collecting PO data related to distribution and relative abundance of marine fauna remains limited. In this study, we investigated whether effort-corrected data on marine megafauna facilitated by a wildlife tour operator afforded robust long temporal data (2011-2015). Sightings data, collected in the wider Mount’s Bay area (southwest Cornwall, UK), along with a GPS application, were collected to accurately record survey effort. In addition, radial sighting distances and detection curves were computed to explore the robustness of the data. Density maps of marine megafauna indicated that encounters occurred throughout the area in all three seasons but the temporal distribution was significantly different with numbers peaking in autumn. Odontocetes were mostly recorded during autumn, basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) and ocean sunfish (Mola mola) were more abundant during summer and leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) were recorded occasionally. Our data showed that this shallow coastal environment is particularly important as a nursing area for harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) showed a high semi-residency pattern for adults with calves within one core-habitat. As such, the study provides important spatial and temporal baseline data that are essential for the protection of marine megafauna through the development of an ecological network of marine protected areas within UK waters. Although, data facilitated by wildlife operators have certain shortcomings we highlight that the protocols developed here secured efficient and precise data. Such collection protocols can be implemented on a larger scale, ultimately enhancing research monitoring efforts and marine ecosystem management. The paper can be downloaded from the Open Journal of Marine Science: <https://doi.org/10.4236/ojms.2018.81005> Kind Regards, Marijke de Boer, Ph.D <Marijke.deboer(a)wur.nl>Wageningen Marine Research, Den Helder, Netherlands

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new publication
by Bouveroux Thibaut 26 Jan '18

26 Jan '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce a recent publication in Marine Mammal Science: Bouveroux Th, Caputo M., Froneman PW & Plön S. 2018. Largest reported groups for the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) found in Algoa Bay, South Africa: Trends and potential drivers. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12471. Abstract: This study investigates how group size of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) changes temporally, spatially, and/or with predominant behavior at two discreet sites along the Eastern Cape coastline of South Africa: Algoa Bay and the Wild Coast. The mean group size of bottlenose dolphins was large with an average of 52 animals. Significantly larger groups were observed in Algoa Bay ( = 60, range = 1–600) than off the Wild Coast ( = 32.9, range = 1–250). In Algoa Bay, the mean group size increased significantly over the study period, from an average 18 animals in 2008 to 76 animals in 2016. Additionally, the largest average and maximum group sizes ever reported both in South Africa and worldwide, were recorded in Algoa Bay (maximum group size = 600). Neither season nor behavior had a significant effect on mean group size at both sites. Similarly environmental variables such as the depth and substrate type also had no influence on group size. It remains unclear which ecological drivers, such as predation risk and food availability, are leading to the large groups observed in this area, and further research on abundance and distribution of both predators and prey is necessary. The paper is available online here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12471/full <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12471/full> Feel free to contact me directly for a PDF copy: tbouveroux(a)gmail.com <mailto:tbouveroux@gmail.com> Best regards, Thibaut Bouveroux Marine Apex Predator Research Unit Nelson Mandela University (NMU) PO Box 77000 Port Elizabeth, 6031 South Africa

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Intermediate Marine Mammal Biologist
by Allen, Ainsley 26 Jan '18

26 Jan '18

Intermediate Marine Mammal Biologist Description Golder Associates is looking for an Intermediate Marine Mammal Biologist to join our Environmental Assessment and Biological Sciences Division in BC. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading, developing and managing project work in support of marine-based environmental impact assessments (EIA), environmental management planning, and environmental baseline studies for complex development projects in the marine sector, including oil and gas developments, port and harbours, and marine construction projects in British Columbia, the Canadian Arctic, Atlantic Canada and abroad. The candidate will serve as marine mammal technical lead on large multi-disciplinary projects in BC and across Canada, overseeing a variety of marine mammal monitoring programs and targeted field studies. The candidate will be responsible for providing strategic advice to internal and external clients related to EIA, best management practices, mitigation strategies, and environmental monitoring programs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Design and application of marine mammal census/population surveys, behavioral studies, and monitoring programs * Preparation of technical reports based on current scientific knowledge, peer-reviewed literature, targeted studies, and monitoring programs * Contribute to the coordinated development of business opportunities in the field of marine sciences with a focus on marine mammals * Preparing permits/regulatory approval applications and representing Golder at technical, regulatory agency and client meetings * Maintaining a strong rapport with applicable regulatory agencies, technical organizations and relevant subcontractors * Developing proposals, work plans, and budgets for marine-based field programs and desktop studies * Providing mentoring and training to existing junior and intermediate staff Qualifications The successful candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications: * Minimum Master's degree in marine ecology, marine biology, zoology, or equivalent * Five or more years of relevant work experience, ideally with two or more years of relevant experience in a professional consulting context * Experience leading teams and providing mentorship and training to junior staff for successful project delivery is desired * Experience in project development, project management, proposal writing, budget development and budget management is desired * Specialized skill set in marine mammal sciences, bioacoustics, and/or marine ecology * Demonstrated experience in study/survey design specific to marine field studies, environmental monitoring programs, census surveys, biological inventories and habitat offsetting/compensation programs * Proven skills in technical writing, statistical analysis and interpreting technical documents * Experience with analytical software packages such as R and MATLAB is an asset * Working knowledge of federal and provincial environmental legislation as related to coastal development projects and potential impacts on marine resources * Demonstrated experience preparing regulatory permit applications and authorizations * Demonstrated knowledge of the environmental assessment process in at least one Canadian jurisdiction and industry-standard EIA methodology used to assess project-related effects on valued marine ecosystem components * Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability to work in a team environment * Demonstrated ability to communicate with clients, senior management, fellow team members, regulatory agencies, local stakeholders, First Nations, and Inuit organizations * Strong commitment to Health and Safety * Membership or eligibility to register as a Professional Biologist in the Province of British Columbia Regularly ranked as one of the best companies to work for At Golder Associates, we strive to be the most respected global group specializing in ground engineering and environmental services. Employee-owned since our formation in 1960, we have created a unique culture with pride in ownership, resulting in long-term organizational stability. Our professionals take the time to build an understanding of our clients' needs and of the specific environments in which they operate. Golder has experienced steady growth in the number of people we employ and our technical capabilities. We now employ over 9,000 people who operate from more than 180 offices across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Our staff benefit from: * An option to purchase shares in Golder associates * Career and personal development opportunities and support of personal growth * Employee mentoring program * Competitive benefits and remuneration packages Primary Location: CA-BC-VICTORIA Schedule: Full-time Apply to posting: https://golder.taleo.net/careersection/globalcareersection/jobdetail.ftl?jo…

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New paper on Blainville’s beaked whale strandings in the Philippines
by Wojtek Bachara 26 Jan '18

26 Jan '18

Dear Readers, My co-author and I are pleased to announce a recent report about Blainville's beaked whale strandings in the Philippines: Bachara, W. and Blatchley, D. 2018. Blainville’s beaked whale strandings in the Philippines. Unpublished report to Cetal Fauna. Report WB2018/2. 5 pp Abstract: Little is known about the occurrence of Blainville’s beaked whales in South Asia. The present paper reports 15 strandings of the species in the Philippines. Available at: http://independent.academia.edu/WojtekBachara If you have any questions, please contact me: ziphiid(a)gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/wojtek.bachara Regards, Wojtek

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New paper on demographic insights on sperm whale populations off the Crozet and Kerguelen Islands
by guillemette labadie 26 Jan '18

26 Jan '18

Hi MARMAM, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Mammal Science: Labadie, G., Tixier, P., Barbraud, C., Fay, R., Gasco, N., Duhamel, G. and Guinet, C. 2018. First demographic insights on historically harvested and poorly known male sperm whale populations off the Crozet and Kerguelen Islands (Southern Ocean). Marine Mammal Science 1–21. ABSTRACT Age and sex dependent spatial segregation has resulted in limited knowledge of the ecology and demography of sperm whale adult males feeding seasonally in high latitudes. This study focused on adult males interacting with the Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) fishery operating off the Kerguelen and Crozet Archipelagos. Demographic parameters were estimated using a 10-yr-long photo-identification data set paired with multistate closed robust design capture-mark-recapture models. The examination of a set of 29,078 photographs taken from fishing vessels during sperm whale depredation events resulted in identification of 295 individuals with nine visiting both study areas. Dispersal between both study regions was estimated to be 1% per year. The mean annual number of interacting sperm whales was estimated to n = 82 (95% CI 58–141) in Crozet and n = 106 (95% CI 76–174) in Kerguelen. Transient proportions were 13% in Crozet and 26% in Kerguelen. Corrected for transience, apparent survival estimates were 0.953 (95% CI 0.890–0.993) in Crozet, and 0.911 (95% CI 0.804–0.986) in Kerguelen. These survival and population size estimates are the first for depredating adult males in high latitudes, and can be used in evaluating the current conservation status of this historically harvested stock and to investigate depredation trends in both Crozet and Kerguelen Islands. The paper is available online at onlinelibrary.wiley.com <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/> Feel free to contact me directly for a PDF copy. Cheers, Guillemette Labadie PhD Student in Biology Université Laval, Qc, Canada guillemette.labadie(a)gmail.com

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2nd Announcement of the 2018 DCLDE Workshop, 4-8 June, Paris, FRANCE
by Olivier ADAM 26 Jan '18

26 Jan '18

Dear MARMAM Community, Some fresh news about the 8th session of the International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization, and Density Estimation of marine mammals using passive acoustics (2018 DCLDE Workhsop): 1. If you want to participate to our challenge, the dataset is now online! Please go to http://sabiod.univ-tln.fr/DCLDE/ and select the tab "challenge" If you have any question, feel free to send me an email (olivier.adam(a)upmc.fr) 2. We also change the important dates. Now, please consider the following ones: April 1st, 2018: Deadline for abstract submission April 15, 2018: Notification of abstract status (accepted or declined) April 29, 2018: Deadline for early registration 3. To submit your abstract, please use the form that you can find on line. Go to http://sabiod.univ-tln.fr/DCLDE/ and select the tab "Oral and poster presentations". Then, please send it to me (olivier.adam(a)upmc.fr) 4. You can also proceed to your registration now directly on line. Go to http://sabiod.univ-tln.fr/DCLDE/ and select the tab "Registration". You will find Paypal buttons for it. If any question/problem, please send an email to olivier.adam(a)upmc.fr I hope to see in France for this conference. I will be at the Sorbonne University (www.upmc.fr or www.sorbonne-universite.fr/) from the 4th to the 8th of June! All the best, Olivier ADAM

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First Call: Training Course - An Introduction To Using GIS/QGIS In Biological Research, 9-10 April 2018
by Colin D. MacLeod 26 Jan '18

26 Jan '18

This is the firs call for attendees for our upcoming introductory training course for those who wish to learn how to use GIS in biological research, and it will provide an introduction to using GIS in a wide variety of biological research situations, including marine mammal research, and the course includes two marine-mammal-specific practical exercises (one based around calculating the observed abundance per unit survey effort of dolphins using a grid-based approach, and one based around mapping species richness for North Atlantic beaked whales). It is primmarily based around a GIS software package called QGIS, which is free to use. As a result, it is one of the best options for doing GIS for self-employed MMOs, small environmental consultancies, NGOs, those working on small marine mammal research projects with limited budgets for purchasing software licences and students working at universities who do not have access to commercial GIS software packages. The course will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, on the 9th and 10th of April 2018, and it will be taught by Dr Colin D. MacLeod, who has more than 15 years experience in using GIS for a wide variety of biological purposes. For those who cannot attend this course in person, a shorter online course based on the same materials is available from our sister site www.GISforBiologists.com. The course will primarily be based around QGIS (also known as Quantum GIS), which provides a user-friendly, open-source, free alternative to commercial GIS software packages, and it is becoming increasingly widely used in both academic and commercial organisations As a result, it is aimed at both those with no GIS experience, but wish to learn how to do GIS with QGIS, and also those who are familiar with using commercial GIS software, such as ArcGIS, but who wish to learn how to use QGIS as an alternative. However, this course is taught using software-independent approach, and it is also open to those who wish to learn how to use ArcGIS to do biological GIS. The practical exercises on this course will be based on those in the recently published GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates by Dr MacLeod, and a free copy of this book will be provided to all participants. Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 15 people, and the course will cost £295 per person (£200 for students, the unwaged and those working for registered charities). The course fees can be paid by bank transfer, PayPal, credit/debt card, Bitcoin, Etherium, Litecoin or through your institution. To book a place, or for more information, email info(a)GISinEcology.com. Glasgow has great transport links and is within half a days travel by car or by fast train links from most cities in the UK. For example, it can be reached in as little as 4h 30mins from London by train. It can also be reached by direct flights from many European cities and the flight time is generally under four hours. The course will be held in central Glasgow at the IET Glasgow Teacher Building (14 St Enoch Square, Glasgow, G1 4DB, UK). Attendees will be responsible for their own accommodation. However, Glasgow provides a wide range of accommodation options to fit most budgets. ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates; RRP: £24.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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