October 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Estimating morphometric attributes of baleen whales from small UASs
by Barlow, Dawn Renee 05 Oct '18

05 Oct '18

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper in Marine Mammal Science: Burnett, J. D., Lemos, L., Barlow, D. R., Wing, M. G., Chandler, T. E., Torres, L. G. (2018). Estimating morphometric attributes of baleen whales with photogrammetry from small UAS: a case study with blue and gray whales. Marine Mammal Science. doi:10.1111/mms.12527 ABSTRACT: Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUASs) are fostering novel approaches to marine mammal research, including baleen whale photogrammetry, by providing new observational perspectives. We collected vertical images of 89 gray and 6 blue whales using low cost sUASs to examine the accuracy of image based morphometry. Moreover, measurements from 192 images of a 1 m calibration object were used to examine four different scaling correction models. Results indicate that a linear mixed model including an error term for flight and date contained 0.17 m less error and 0.25 m less bias than no correction. We used the propagation uncertainty law to examine error contributions from scaling and image measurement (digitization) to determine that digitization accounted for 97% of total variance. Additionally, we present a new whale body size metric termed Body Area Index (BAI). BAI is scale invariant and is independent of body length (R2 = 0.11), enabling comparisons of body size within and among populations, and over time. With this study we present a three program analysis suite that measures baleen whales and compensates for lens distortion and corrects scaling error to produce 11 morphometric attributes from sUAS imagery. The program is freely available and is expected to improve processing efficiency and analytical continuity. The full article is open access, and is available online: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.12527 Furthermore, the code for the analysis programs are freely available, and can be accessed via the supplemental materials. Cheers, Dawn Dawn Barlow PhD Student Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab> dawn.barlow(a)oregonstate.edu

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New publication: From banana fields to the deep blue: Assessment of chlordecone contamination of oceanic cetaceans in the eastern Caribbean
by Paula M.F. 05 Oct '18

05 Oct '18

Dear MARMAM members, We are pleased to announce our novel article about the controversy pesticide, Chlordecone, in the marine mammals of the French Antilles. Paula Méndez-Fernandez, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Michael R. Heithaus, Andria Beal, Gaëlle Vandersarren, Florence Caurant, Jérôme Spitz, Satie Taniguchi, Rosalinda C. Montone (2018) From banana fields to the deep blue: Assessment of chlordecone contamination of oceanic cetaceans in the eastern Caribbean. Mar Pollut Bull 137: 56-60 Abstract In the French West Indies (Caribbean), the insecticide<https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/insectici…> Chlordecone<https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/k…> (CLD) has been extensively used to reduce banana weevil<https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/w…> (Cosmopolites<https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/c…> sordidus) infestations in banana plantations<https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/p…>. Previous studies have shown high CLD concentrations in freshwater and coastal communities of the region. CLD concentrations, however, have not yet been assessed in marine top predators. We investigated CLD concentrations in cetacean<https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/cetacean> blubber tissues from Guadeloupe, including Physeter macrocephalus, Lagenodelphis hosei, Stenella<https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/s…> attenuata and Pseudorca crassidens. Chlordecone was detected in all blubber samples analysed, with the exception of four P. macrocephalus. Concentrations (range: 1 to 329 ng·g−1of lipid<https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/lipid> weight) were, however, lower than those found in species from fresh and brackish water<https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/brackish-…>. Ecological factors<https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/ecologica…> (open ocean habitat), CLD kinetics, and cetacean metabolism (high or specific enzymatic activity) might explain low concentrations found in cetacean blubber. Future analyses that include internal organ sampling would help to confirm CLD levels observed in this study. The following link provides 50 days' free access to the paper: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1Xr1-,ashq8PC Best regards Paula Méndez-Fernandez Observatoire Pelagis (http://observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr)

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VAQUITA book now available worldwide
by Brooke Bessesen 04 Oct '18

04 Oct '18

Dear MARMAMers, Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez (foreword by Carl Safina) is now available in hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook versions through Amazon <https://www.amazon.com/Vaquita-Science-Politics-Crime-Cortez-ebook/dp/B07F1 MX9X5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1534624186&sr=8-1&keywords=vaquita+science> , AmazonMx <https://www.amazon.com.mx/Vaquita-Science-Politics-Crime-Cortez-ebook/dp/B0 7F1MX9X5/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1531952295&sr=8-2&keywords=vaquita> , AmazonUK <https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vaquita-Science-Politics-Crime-Cortez/dp/161091931 9/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1534624080&sr=8-1&keywords=vaquita%3A+scien ce> , AmazonCa <https://www.amazon.ca/> , and all other national Amazon platforms. Hardcovers are also available direct from the publisher, Island Press, at 50% off <https://islandpress.org/books/vaquita> until 10/7. In 2006, the last of Chinas Yangtze river dolphinsbaijisuccumbed to functional extinction, and la vaquita marina, a diminutive porpoise endemic to the Upper Gulf of California, quietly and without fanfare inherited the title of worlds most endangered marine mammal. Unlike many critically endangered species, the vaquita is not hunted. Nor is its habitat disappearing of degraded. The species is even protected by law. Why then have its numbers plummeted to near extinction? The answer lies in a shadowy mix of international cartels, fishermen entrapped by politics and culture, and an unlikely fish called totoaba. In this haunting story, Brooke Bessesen sets out to untangle the intricacies behind the vaquitas decline. She interviews townspeople, fishermen, scientists, and activists, teasing apart a complex story filled with villains and heroes, a story whose outcome is unclear. This beautifully written account of the forces driving extinctions around the world asks us to face a hard question: What will we do now? PRAISE FOR VAQUITA Passionate...a heartfelt and alarming tale. Publishers Weekly Intrepid conservation detective story. Nature Compelling. Library Journal A lucid, informed, and gripping account...a must-read. Science A well-told and moving tale of environmentalism and conservation. Kirkus Wonderful, heartbreaking beautifully written. Nature Conservancy If you teach biology, ecology, conservation, political science, environmental law, or a related subject and would like to include this informative and fast-paced narrative in your coursework, you can request an exam copy <https://islandpress.org/request-exam-copy> . ¡Viva vaquita! Brooke Bessesen Research Fellow Osa Conservation 480.860.0700

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Vet Lab Fellowship-Alaska SeaLife Center
by Anna Pullins 04 Oct '18

04 Oct '18

The Alaska SeaLife Center is recruiting for a Veterinary Laboratory Fellow!!! Find out more and apply at http://www.alaskasealife.org/fellowships *Veterinary Laboratory Fellow * *Date for this fellowship is: 1/2/2019-4/30/2019* *Position requirements: 75% of time per week will be spent in vet lab and 25% of time per week supporting the Interpretation department* Fellow will learn about the diagnostics and instruments commonly used in a veterinary laboratory specializing in Alaskan marine mammals, birds and fish. Fellow will be exposed to the methods used to maintain a clean and efficient laboratory. Skills and procedures learned will include: blood analysis, urine and fecal analysis, fecal coliform water quality analysis, sample collection during animal exams or necropsy, and maintaining veterinary records and sample inventory. Under guidance of Laboratory staff, the Fellow will be trained and expected to perform the following duties: - Assist with set up and processing routine blood samples. Work with laboratory technicians to perform plasma/serum separations, prepare blood slides, and assist with performing serum chemistries and cell counts using an automated analyzer. - Assist with maintaining laboratory and veterinary clinic cleanliness and routine maintenance of equipment. - Assist with weekly water quality testing. - Assist with maintaining sample inventory - Assist with shipping samples to outside researchers - Assist with maintaining medical and laboratory records and logs. - Assist with organizing and inventorying consumable supplies for the laboratories. - Assist with front of house operations as assigned Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas. Applicants must be comfortable working with database computer programs and sensitive equipment. Must be willing to work with frozen samples and in walk-in freezers and able to lift 50 pounds. Job duties will vary from day to day. *Although tasks will be in direct support of animal welfare, there is very little direct contact with animals in this position.* -- <https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaSeaLifeCenter> <https://twitter.com/alaskasealife> <http://instagram.com/alaskasealifecenter> <https://www.youtube.com/user/AKSeaLifeCenter> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/alaska-sealife-center> *Anna Pullins* *Human Resources Coordinator*Alaska SeaLife Center P.O. Box 1329 • 301 Railway Ave • Seward, AK 99664 <https://maps.google.com/?q=1329%C2%A0%E2%80%A2+301+Railway+Ave%C2%A0%E2%80%…> Direct: 907-224-6327 Mobile: 907-362-7773 Fax: 907-224-6320 www.alaskasealife.org

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NOW AVAILABLE: MMPA Bycatch Working Group webinar recording and two-pager products description
by Emily Knight 04 Oct '18

04 Oct '18

For: MARMAM listserv The Lenfest Ocean Program recently hosted a webinar featuring the Ocean Modeling Forum Working Group to Develop Recommendations for Estimating Bycatch for the MMPA Import Provisions on August 15, 2018. Please see two resources that may be of interest to this group: * The webinar recording: http://bit.ly/2Lf2Exy * Two-pager description of the products the group is now working to produce: http://bit.ly/2Pd48uY For next steps, the Working Group will have it's next workshop on November 19 - 21, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. Please don't hesitate to contact me (Emily Knight, Manager, Lenfest Ocean Program, eknight(a)pewtrusts.org<mailto:eknight@pewtrusts.org>) if you have any questions or wish to discuss the group further. Best, Emily Emily Knight Manager, Lenfest Ocean Program [LenfestOceanProgram-Logo-Color-(2)] 901 E Street NW, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20004 SIGN UP<http://www.lenfestocean.org/en/about-us/contact-us/newsletter-subscription> FOR LENFEST OCEAN NEWS w: 202-540-6389 | c: 202-384-6534 | e: eknight(a)pewtrusts.org<mailto:eknight@pewtrusts.org> www.lenfestocean.org<http://www.lenfestocean.org/>|twitter: @lenfestocean<https://twitter.com/LenfestOcean>

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Music playback research
by Giovanni Damiani 04 Oct '18

04 Oct '18

Dear Marmamers, I have been unable to find any studies in the literature that have conducted musical playback experiments to marine mammals, either in captivity or in the wild. I am looking for evidence regarding behavioural or physiological responses of marine mammals to various types of human music as part of a documentary film. Could anyone point me in the right direction? Any help much appreciated. Best regards, Giovanni Damiani

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New publication: Empirical measures of harbor seal behavior and avoidance of an operational tidal turbine.
by Ruth Joy 04 Oct '18

04 Oct '18

Dear MARMAM-Users, We are pleased to announce that the following new paper has been published online: "Empirical measures of harbor seal behavior and avoidance of an operational tidal turbine" : Joy, Ruth, Jason D. Wood, Carol E. Sparling, Dom J. Tollit, Andrea E. Copping, and Bernie J. McConnell. "Empirical measures of harbor seal behavior and avoidance of an operational tidal turbine." *Marine Pollution Bulletin* 136 (2018): 92-106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.08.052 ABSTRACT There is global interest in marine renewable energy from underwater tidal turbines. Due to overlap in animal habitat with locations for tidal turbines, the potential for collisions has led to concern around strike risk. Using data from tagged harbor seals collected before construction and after operation of the SeaGen tidal turbine in Northern Ireland, this study quantifies risks of an operational turbine to harbor seals by taking into account turbine characteristics, tidal state, and seal behavior. We found 68% spatial avoidance (95% C.I., 37%, 83%) by harbor seals within 200 m of the turbine. When additionally accounting for variation in seal occupancy over depth and tidal flows, there is an overall reduction in collision risk from 1.29 to 0.125 seals per tidal cycle (90.3% reduction; (95% C.I., 83%, 98%)) compared to risk calculated under assumptions of uniform habitat use. This demonstrates the need to incorporate environmental conditions to properly assess strike risk. Free access to the article will be available until the end of October 2018, via the following link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1XiSy,ashq8Ak For any questions do not hesitate to contact me at: rj(a)smruconsulting.com Best regards, Ruth Joy. http://www.sfu.ca/~rjoy/ http://www.smruconsulting.com/

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MMO/PAM job vacancies - Europe (urgent)
by Małgorzata Fojcik 04 Oct '18

04 Oct '18

We need MMOs & PAM operators for work in Europe. Please contact us via e-mail (please include your CV): biuro(a)oceansense.eu <mailto:biuro@oceansense.eu> or phone: +48 600 413 885 Best regards, Ocean Sense Maciej Fojcik ww.oceansense.eu

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MMO Range-Finder Version 4 available for iOS
by James Keating 04 Oct '18

04 Oct '18

Dear fellow MARMAM'ers, Version 4.0.1 of the MMO Range-Finder has been field-tested and is now available for iOS devices through your app store or follow this link; https://appsto.re/au/PRVblb.i I've made comprehensive changes to the app to include data logging and export, mapping, configuring settings within the app, great-circle distance between animal and source and much much more (spoiler alert... you can set your ships map-icon to be the Ramform Hyperion if you're lucky enough to be onboard). For more info check out the website at; https://spatial-exploration.com/marine-ex…/mmo-range-finder/ <https://spatial-exploration.com/marine-exploration/mmo-range-finder/> Most importantly, once you've used the app please leave a review on the app store and send me any feedback positive or negative and I will ensure to respond ASAP. You can do both through the app itself. Last but not least, I would love to know where the app has been used and add it to the map on the website. If you wish to share an approximate latitude/longitude and type of survey please get in touch (no client or survey name will be recorded or shown). There is a rumor of some free swag for those who contribute :) p.s. version 3 of the Android version is still available through the Google Play store. I will update this in due course. Many thanks, James James Keating, PhD *Marine Ecological Consultant* Perth, Western Australia Phone: +61 475 075 340 Email: keating.marine(a)gmail.com ABN: 46550792461

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Biological Scientist- Manatee Research and Rescue Job Posting
by Garrett, Andy 03 Oct '18

03 Oct '18

OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907293 Date: Sep 28, 2018 Location: PORT CHARLOTTE, FL, US, 33954 Apply now ><https://jobs.myflorida.com/talentcommunity/apply/508988500/?locale=en_US> https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/PORT-CHARLOTTE-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-FW… Requisition No: 45303 Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907293 Position Number: 77907293 Salary: $13.50 per hour Posting Closing Date: 10/12/2018 Job Description The successful candidate will assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery of marine mammal carcasses for the Port Charlotte Field Lab (MMPL)/Southwest field station (Southwest region: ten county area along the southwest Florida coast). This is a 40 hour per week position which includes one weekend day and some holidays in rotation with other SWFL staff members for the purpose of responding to marine mammal emergencies as needed or assigned. Incumbent will be expected to respond to marine mammal strandings outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. Duties include but are not limited to: * Fielding calls from FWC Law Enforcement, other agencies, and the general public regarding marine mammals, particularly manatees and cetaceans; * Verification of mortalities and distressed manatees and cetaceans, potentially in need of rescue * Recovery and transportation of those carcasses to the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory (in St. Petersburg) for necropsy; participation in rescues and transportation of sick and injured manatees and cetaceans to appropriate facility; * Performing and assisting with field necropsies when appropriate * Vehicle, trailer and boat maintenance * Photographing and sketching manatees at winter refugia and known warm weather habitat areas on the southwest coast * Entering and/or mapping data such as carcasses using software such as ArcGIS, Excel, Access and Word * Completing paperwork including time sheets, manatee carcass and rescue reports, and technical reports * Participate in manatee aerial surveys and tracking projects, assisting with manatee outreach programs such as presentations for local groups and agencies as time permits * General cleaning of office and equipment, attend trainings, seminars and meetings Minimum Requirements A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Preferred Experience Applicants having live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience may be given preference. Desired Knowledge, Skill(s), and Abilities * Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal legislation protecting manatees * Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of research and analysis * Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques * Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses * Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques * Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers, and watercraft vessels up to 26' in length * Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26' in length and smaller * Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions * Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs., and be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself * Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions * Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships * Be comfortable speaking to the public * Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver's license within a month of employment WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory * Workers' Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program - voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * Any form of paid leave * Paid holidays * Participation in the Florida Retirement System * Reinstatement rights or retention rights The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Nearest Major Market: Fort Myers https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/PORT-CHARLOTTE-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-FW…

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