December 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication - Tsai and Mead 2018 Gambia Caperea
by Tsai, CH 17 Dec '18

17 Dec '18

Dear colleagues Jim and I are very pleased to announce a new paper - reporting the first stranding of *Caperea* in the Northern Hemisphere - from the coast of The Gambia, Africa. Tsai C.-H. and Mead J.G. 2018. Crossing the equator: a northern occurrence of the pygmy right whale. *Zoological Letters *4:30 doi:10.1186/s40851-018-0117-8 Abstract Here we document the first stranding record of the pygmy right whale in the Northern Hemisphere—on the coast of The Gambia, Africa (NE Atlantic Ocean, around latitude 13° N)—a location in stark contrast to its current distribution exclusively south of the equator. The original specimen is now missing and untraceable, but a photo found in the files of the Marine Mammal Program, Smithsonian Institution shows sufficient diagnostic features that allow it to be taxonomically identified as the pygmy right whale, *Caperea marginata*, including: small body size; streamlined overall body shape; generally dark skin coloration; arched rostrum along the lateral margin; triangular and narrow rostrum in dorsal view; lack of head callosities; some fringes on the dorsal surface of the tongue; small and relatively posteriorly positioned dorsal fin; and small and dark-colored flipper. On the whole, a stranding of the pygmy right whale in the Northern Hemisphere, although likely to be a chance event, calls for more detailed studies of how climate change and ocean currents affect the evolution and distribution (re-patterning) of marine mammals and, ultimately, the entire marine ecosystem. The paper could be freely available: https://zoologicalletters.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40851-018-011… Alternatively, if the link does not work, please just email me for a pdf copy: whaletsai(a)ntu.edu.tw or craniata(a)gmail.com Regards and all the best, Tsai 蔡政修（Cheng-Hsiu Tsai さいまさのぶ) Lab of evolution and diversity of fossil vertebrates（古脊椎動物演化及多樣性實驗室） Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University（台灣大學生命科學系） No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 106-17, Taiwan（台灣 106-17 台北市羅斯福路 4 段 1 號） Email: whaletsai(a)ntu.edu.tw; craniata(a)gmail.com; cheng-hsiu.tsai(a)otago.ac.nz

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New publication: Timing of antisynchronous calling in a harbor seal pup
by Andrea Ravignani 17 Dec '18

17 Dec '18

Dear colleagues, My paper on interactive call timing in a harbor seal pup has just been published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology. The paper is available on the journal webpage: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/com0000160 . If you would like to obtain a PDF, do not hesitate to contact me at: andrea.ravignani(a)gmail.com . Kind regards, Andrea Ravignani, A. (2018). Timing of antisynchronous calling: A case study in a harbor seal pup (Phoca vitulina). Journal of Comparative Psychology. Advance online publication. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/com0000160 Alternative mathematical models predict differences in how animals adjust the timing of their calls. Differences can be measured as the effect of the timing of a conspecific call on the rate and period of calling of a focal animal, and the lag between the two. Here, I test these alternative hypotheses by tapping into harbor seals’ (Phoca vitulina) mechanisms for spontaneous timing. Both socioecology and vocal behavior of harbor seals make them an interesting model species to study call rhythm and timing. Here, a wild-born seal pup was tested in controlled laboratory conditions. Based on previous recordings of her vocalizations and those of others, I designed playback experiments adapted to that specific animal. The call onsets of the animal were measured as a function of tempo, rhythmic regularity, and spectral properties of the playbacks. The pup adapted the timing of her calls in response to conspecifics’ calls. Rather than responding at a fixed time delay, the pup adjusted her calls’ onset to occur at a fraction of the playback tempo, showing a relative-phase antisynchrony. Experimental results were confirmed via computational modeling. This case study lends preliminary support to a classic mathematical model of animal behavior—Hamilton’s selfish herd—in the acoustic domain. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved) Andrea Ravignani Research Dpt., Sealcentre Pieterburen AI-Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel ravignani.wordpress.com

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New Publication: View From Below: Inferring Behavior and Physiology of Southern Ocean Marine Predators From Dive Telemetry
by Giulia Roncon 16 Dec '18

16 Dec '18

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following Review paper in Frontiers in Marine Science: "View From Below: Inferring Behavior and Physiology of Southern Ocean Marine Predators From Dive Telemetry ” Roncon, G., Bestley, S., McMahon, C. R., Wienecke, B., & Hindell, M. A. (2018). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2018.00464 Abstract:Air-breathing marine animals, such as seals and seabirds, undertake a special form of central-place foraging as they must obtain their food at depth yet return to the surface to breathe. While telemetry technologies have advanced our understanding of the foraging behavior and physiology of these marine predators, the proximate and ultimate influences controlling the diving behavior of individuals are still poorly understood. Over time, a wide variety of analytical approaches have been developed for dive data obtained via telemetry, making comparative studies and syntheses difficult even amongst closely-related species. Here we review publications using dive telemetry for 24 species (marine mammals and seabirds) in the Southern Ocean in the last decade (2006–2016). We determine the key questions asked, and examine how through the deployment of data loggers these questions are able to be answered. As part of this process we describe the measured and derived dive variables that have been used to make inferences about diving behavior, foraging, and physiology. Adopting a question-driven orientation highlights the benefits of a standardized approach for comparative analyses and the development of models. Ultimately, this should promote robust treatment of increasingly complex data streams, improved alignment across diverse research groups, and also pave the way for more integrative multi-species meta-analyses. Finally, we discuss key emergent areas in which dive telemetry data are being upscaled and more quantitatively integrated with movement and demographic information to link to population level consequences. This article is open access and available online. For any questions do not hesitate to contact me at: giulia.roncon(a)gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Giulia Roncon, DVM Ph.D. Candidate Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) University of Tasmania Office: IMAS Waterfront Building, 20 Castray Espl, Battery Point Mail: University of Tasmania, Private Bag 129, HOBART TAS 7001 E *giulia.roncon(a)utas.edu.au <giulia.roncon(a)utas.edu.au>* M +61448614441

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Health condition analysis of southern right whales
by Jennifer Jackson 15 Dec '18

15 Dec '18

Dear Marmam, We urgently require the services of a skilled analyst to carry out an assessment of southern right whale body condition using photographs collected at South Georgia/Islas Georgias del Sur. These photographs have been taken side-on to the animals. The analyst must be very experienced at working with right whales, right whale photo-ID and conducting visual assessments to identify individuals and to assess health. This contract is for four weeks of work, with a full health assessment report to be provided by the 31st March 2019. Please contact me on the email address below with a quote for costs for this activity, cc-ing also Dr Michael Moore. Quotes must be received by Friday 21st December 2018. Thanks and best wishes, Jen Dr Jen Jackson, British Antarctic Survey: jeck(a)bas.ac.uk Dr Michael Moore, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute: mmoore(a)whoi.edu

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travel grant to 2nd World Marine Mammal Science Conference/23rd Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals
by Carlos Olavarria 14 Dec '18

14 Dec '18

Dear MARMAMers, On behalf of LAJAM editors, we are pleased to announce the following information: YAQU PACHA, an organization that promotes aquatic mammal protection, conservation, and research in South America and sponsors LAJAM (Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals), has generously offered SOLAMAC (the Latin American Society of Specialists in Aquatic Mammals) two travel grants to assist students attending the 2nd World Marine Mammal Science Conference/23rd Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. The conference will take place at the International Convention Centre of Catalonia in Barcelona, Spain, on December 9-12th, 2019. This meeting will be hosted jointly by the Society for Marine Mammalogy and the European Cetacean Society, together with the active involvement of SOLAMAC, effectively bringing together experts in the field from every continent. The gathering of interdisciplinary scientists will enable discussion amongst the marine mammal research community and policy makers, and will facilitate collaboration and training of the next generation of scientists and practitioners. Travel grant eligibility To be eligible for one of the grants, an applicant must: - Submit a manuscript as first author to LAJAM by March 31, 2019. Late applications will not be accepted. The manuscript will have to be accepted to be considered for one of the grants. - Attach a certificate showing that he/she is enrolled as a student (graduate or undergraduate level) at the time of submission. - Indicate in the cover letter of the manuscript that he/she meet the above criteria and would like to be considered for the scholarship. What does the travel grant cover? Each grant will cover airfare, accommodation, and registration to the upcoming World Marine Mammal Conference for the student author of the best two manuscripts accepted for publication in LAJAM´s first issue of 2019. Evaluation An independent panel of experts will be appointed by LAJAM’s Editor-in-Chief to evaluate all manuscripts submitted by eligible students to LAJAM, and will deliver their results by the end of June 2019. The decision of the panel will be unappealable. Manuscripts will be judged by the originality of the research, the quality of manuscript, and the potential impact of the study on the conservation of aquatic mammals in Latin America. Questions regarding this travel grants should be directed to lajam.editors(a)gmail.com -- Dr. Carlos Olavarria Director Ejecutivo Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Aridas - CEAZA Raúl Bitrán 1305, La Serena, Chile T: +56 51 2 204378 C: +56 9 5 6483157 E: carlos.olavarria(a)ceaza.cl, carlitos.olavarria(a)gmail.com www.ceaza.cl

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Marine Mammal Commission Vacancy Announcement - Program Specialist
by Vicki Cornish 14 Dec '18

14 Dec '18

The Marine Mammal Commission has just posted a vacancy announcement for a Program Specialist GS-12/13 on USAJOBS. Responsibilities include communication, outreach, and Congressional affairs with respect to Commission programs. Links to the postings on USAJOBS are below. The vacancy announcement contains details regarding the position responsibilities and instructions for applying. The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, 28 December 2018. All U.S. Citizens: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/519398800 Current or former federal employees: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/519400000 The USAJOBS announcement number is MASB-DE-10361782-19-TRD. Best, Vicki Cornish [cid:image002.jpg@01D493BC.6C34A070] Marine Mammal Commission 4340 East-West Highway, Room 700 Bethesda, MD 20814 Office: 301.504.0087 www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov/> The Marine Mammal Commission is an independent agency of the U.S. Government. Follow us on Twitter: @MarineMammalCom. Click here<https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001z7sliqmIZeC5pxPfB…> to sign up for our newsletter!

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Outreach and Research Volunteer Placement with HWDT
by Pippa Garrard 14 Dec '18

14 Dec '18

OUTREACH AND RESEARCH VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (https://hwdt.org/) is looking for a small group of dedicated people to assist our work on the Scottish Isle of Mull, between the 25th March and the 29th September 2019. Our volunteer programme will offer you a unique combination of visitor engagement experience; data collection in the field; as well as the chance to join a live-aboard research expedition on our specialist yacht, Silurian as a crew member. ROLE DETAILS: - The main focus of your placement will be to deliver interpretation and engagement activities within our Discovery Centre in Tobermory. - Outside of the centre, you will guide the public to observe marine wildlife during local headland watch events, in addition to manning stalls at shows and supporting the delivery of talks. - You will also take part in active research carrying out land-based marine mammal monitoring, providing boat-based support for data collection partner Sea Life Surveys, and crewing a research expedition on board Silurian. Full job description available at https://hwdt.org/vacancies/volunteerplacement DATES: Monday 25th March - Sunday 29th September 2019. This role requires volunteer support 5 days a week (7.5 hrs per day), including weekends and occasional evenings. Ideally you will be able to commit to the full placement length, however, there is a small amount of flexibility, so outstanding applicants who may only be able to join us for a few months are also encouraged to apply. TO APPLY: Please send a covering letter and CV outlining why you are applying for the opportunity to Pauline Massey, at shop(a)hwdt.org. Application deadline is Monday 14th January, 12 noon. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Skype interview in the week commencing 2nd February 2019. Pippa Garrard Community Engagement Manager Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust +44 (0)1688 302620 | www.hwdt.org<http://www.hwdt.org/>

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New publication: What if there were no fishing? North Atlantic right whale population trajectories without entanglement mortality
by Robert Kenney 14 Dec '18

14 Dec '18

The following note (the supplemental tables are three times the length of the paper) was published recently. Kenney, R.D. 2018. What if there were no fishing? North Atlantic right whale population trajectories without entanglement mortality. *Endangered Species Research *37:233-237. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00926 ABSTRACT: The North Atlantic right whale *Eubalaena glacialis*, one of the world’s rarest mammals, experienced an alarming level of mortality in 2017. The estimated abundance as of 2016 was 451 animals. After 20 yr of relatively steady but slow growth, the population has declined since 2010. Mortality and serious injury from entanglement in commercial fishing gear have had a significant impact on recovery. Despite legal requirements to reduce fishery-related mortality, little or no real progress has been made over the last 2 decades. Here I took a relatively simple approach to estimate what the population trajectory since 1990 might have been under 4 different scenarios of reduced entanglement mortality. Under the best-case scenarios, the population at the end of the time-series would have been 25−30% higher than observed at present. If the population had not experienced nearly 3 decades of increasing entanglement, it could have been much more resilient to a disaster year like 2017. The paper is available as open access at https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v37/p233-237/ Cheers, Bob Kenney ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> Robert D. Kenney, Ph.D. Emeritus Marine Research Scientist & Adjunct Professor in Residence University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography Narragansett Bay Campus Box 40 215 South Ferry Road Narragansett, RI 02882-1197, U.S.A. TEL: (401) 874-6664; (401) 524-4290 (mobile) FAX: (401) 874-6523 (alternate 874-6160) EMAIL: rkenney(a)gso.uri.edu, rkenney(a)uri.edu, rkenney(a)mail.uri.edu WEB: web.uri.edu/gso/robert-d-kenney/ ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})> ><}})>

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IUCN Call for Applications - WGWAP Panel Members 2019-2021 (8 positions)
by BERZINA-RODRIGO Anete 14 Dec '18

14 Dec '18

Dear colleagues, I would like to raise your attention to the IUCN's Call for Applications for Panel Members' positons of IUCN's Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel (WGWAP) for 2019-2021 (8 positions). All interested and qualified experts are invited to submit their applications in English by 20 January 2019. For more details, please see the full announcement here.<https://www.iucn.org/news/western-gray-whale-advisory-panel/201812/iucn-see…> We are proud of the WGWAP accomplishments over the last 14 years and look forward to receiving applications. Please feel free to share this Call for Applications widely within your respective networks. To learn more about the Panel's work, please see www.iucn.org/wgwap<http://www.iucn.org/wgwap>. Kind regards, Anete Anete Berzina-Rodrigo Manager - Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel Global Marine & Polar Programme & Global Business & Biodiversity Programme IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) 28 rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland Tel. +41 22 999 0703; Fax +41 22 999 0002 www.iucn.org<http://www.iucn.org/> [cid:image001.png@01D492EE.018CE670] [cid:image002.jpg@01D22541.8305C0E0]<http://twitter.com/iucn> [cid:image003.jpg@01D22541.8305C0E0] <http://www.facebook.com/iucn.org> ________________________________ This communication, together with any attachment, may contain confidential information and/or copyright material and is intended only for the person(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or if you received it in error, you are asked to kindly delete it and promptly notify us. Any review, copying, use, disclosure or distribution of any part of this communication, unless duly authorized by or on behalf of IUCN, is strictly forbidden.

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Marine mammal technician position at Stony Brook University
by Lesley Thorne 14 Dec '18

14 Dec '18

We are seeking an Instructional Support Technician to lead marine mammal line transect and photo-ID surveys in the New York Bight. Brief Description of Duties: The SoMAS Instructional Support Technician provides scientific support for offshore monitoring surveys and research cruises in the New York Bight. Duties will include: - Leading line transect surveys for marine mammals in offshore waters of the New York Bight. - Performing statistical analyses on gathered data and samples, ensuring quality quality control of processes and materials used. - Working with a transdisciplinary team of ecologists and physical and chemical oceanographers during field work and analysis. - Project planning and participation in field research programs and oceanographic cruises, including sample collection, setting up equipment and materials. - Organizing and analyzing data related to marine mammal abundance and distribution from research cruises. - Preparing progress and final reports for funded activities. - Presenting research results and programmatic results for sponsors, the public, at conferences and to the NYSDEC. - Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission. Required Qualifications (evidenced by an attached resume): Bachelor’s Degree in biology, ecology, oceanography, fisheries science or a related field. Two (2) years of full-time experience conducting marine mammal surveys or research. Experience conducting line transect surveys. Marine mammal identification skills. Experience surveying marine mammals. Marine mammal photo-ID experience. Preferred Qualifications: Master's of Science in biology, ecology, oceanography, fisheries science or a related field. Boat operating experience. Experience creating and working with databases. Experience working with ArcGIS. Experience writing formal reports and/or publications. For further information or to apply for this position online, please visit Stony Brook Jobs and reference positing 1803867 (link below). Contact Dr. Lesley Thorne (lesley.thorne(a)stonybrook.edu) with any questions. https://stonybrooku.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=1803867&tz=… ____________________________________________________ Lesley Thorne, Assistant Professor School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000 631.632.5117 www.thornelab.com

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