February 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Searching for meaning in marine mammal shared data
by Giovanni Bearzi 20 Feb '18

20 Feb '18

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce the publication of the opinion piece below: Bearzi G., Gimenez O. 2018. Searching for meaning in marine mammal shared data. Ethics in Science and Environmental Politics 18:9-13. It is open access and freely available at: http://www.int-res.com/articles/esep2018/18/e018p009.pdf ABSTRACT - The sharing of marine mammal data is a worthwhile practice, but there are caveats. Data interpretation may be difficult, sometimes resulting in misleading information or inappropriate formulation of research questions. Here, we point out some of the challenges when dealing with shared marine mammal datasets. We emphasize the importance of collecting, publishing and sharing data in ways that can produce unbiased and meaningful knowledge, ultimately inspiring and directing management action. Finally, we suggest that bridging the gap between data sharing and data reuse will require enhanced spatially referenced online databases as well as direct collaboration between the data analysts and the field researchers who possess relevant place-based expertise. - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi, PhD President, Dolphin Biology and Conservation <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/>

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Collaborative Project seeks to improve response to marine mammal strandings globally
by Moore, Katie 20 Feb '18

20 Feb '18

Dear Colleagues, Every year, hundreds of dolphins, whales, porpoises and seals strand along coastlines around the world. Fortunately in some locations, networks of scientists, vets, and volunteers are able to respond to these animals and rescue some that come ashore alive. Through these rescue events, scientists are also able to investigate what may have caused the animals to strand. These efforts have led to an understanding of the role of marine mammals in the marine ecosystem, the identification of emerging diseases (some zoonotic), and details of the natural history, distribution, biology and health of endemic marine mammal populations. Furthermore, the study of both live and dead animals have led to significant improvements in the care, treatment and survival of stranded animals. The insights gained have also aided in the global management and conservation of marine mammal species. However, there are still miles of coastline around the world where strandings remain uninvestigated and animals are unable to be rescued in time. As a result, the welfare of live stranded animals suffers and vast amounts of data are lost. Over the last several years, a group of acclaimed marine mammal scientists from the International Fund for Animal Welfare, (IFAW), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries and The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) committed to improve the rescue, survivability and investigation of stranded marine mammals globally. This is not the first attempt to help develop stranding networks in other places, but this effort is different. For many years, marine mammal scientists from around the world travelled to key locations to provide training in stranding response protocols. However, the one-off trainings, though well-intentioned, were often unsuccessful in establishing effective, sustainable stranding networks. In 2014, leaders in stranding response efforts from NOAA Fisheries, IFAW, TMMC and other institutions came together to address these issues and develop a model for the establishment of marine mammal stranding networks from inception to long-term viability and growth. With the help of 34 international experts from 12 countries worldwide, the team of IFAW, NOAA Fisheries, WHOI and TMMC has completed the first phase of the program, known as the Global Marine Animal Stranding Training toolkit or GMAST (http://gmast.org<http://gmast.org/>/). This phase is basic, providing an introduction to the investigation and rescue of stranded marine mammals. Built into the toolkit is also a series of resources, such as , examples of protocols for field response, primers on euthanasia and large whale stranding response, care of live animals, and investigation of deceased animals (materials are freely available with registration at https://darchive.mblwhoilibrary.org/handle/1912/8695) One of the best aspects of the toolkit is access to experts in all of the various related fields to support these emerging networks as they grow. GMAST is not only a series of trainings or protocols, but also a plan for each step in building a successful network - including topics such as, recommended training curriculum, volunteer recruitment and training, field response protocols and data collection. Our objective is to communicate globally accepted best practices for marine mammal stranding response, and identify and equip key local personnel to be trainers. In principle, as the network expands, so will the pool of knowledgeable and skilled experts available to share their knowledge and experience and ultimately build a global stranding response community that is prepared to identify, understand, and address present and future threats to marine mammal populations Even as we are beginning to deploy this tool and evaluate efficacy, we are looking for support to develop Phase 2, which will be an intermediate level set of training materials to bring networks to the next level. Our goal is for this toolkit to be an open resource that, with the help of a core group of experts, can be quickly deployed around the world with local partners to establish strong stranding networks. LINKS GMAST: http://gmast.org/ WHOAS: (There is a two-step registration and authentication process) https://darchive.mblwhoilibrary.org/handle/1912/8695 For more information, please contact Katie Moore (kmoore(a)ifaw.org<mailto:kmoore@ifaw.org>) or Mridula Srinivasan (mridula.srinivasan(a)noaa.gov<mailto:mridula.srinivasan@noaa.gov>) Katie Moore Deputy Vice President Conservation and Animal Welfare ___________________________________________________________ IFAW - International Fund for Animal Welfare International Operations Center 290 Summer Street, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 tel. 1.508.744.2276 email. kmoore(a)ifaw.org<mailto:kmoore@ifaw.org> www.ifaw.org<http://www.ifaw.org/> Rescuing and protecting animals around the world www.ifaw.org<http://www.ifaw.org/> Watch videos of our work at... http://g.ifaw.org/IFoundAWay The content of this email is intended only for the use of the above-named addressee and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, and/or legally privileged. Please notify the sender if you received this email in error.

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Research Assistant, Trainee Consultant, & Report Writer vacancies at Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. (OSC)
by Sophie Cox 20 Feb '18

20 Feb '18

Dear MARMAM members, OSC is an international research and technology-focused marine science company involved principally in the global supply of underwater noise measurement and modelling, marine mammal detection, and risk mitigation services. OSC reinvests > 80% of profits into Research & Development (R&D), orientated primarily towards high-level research on the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and other marine life interactions with offshore installations, improving marine mammal and environmental monitoring standards worldwide, and underwater noise. This has resulted in several peer-reviewed publications (www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers<http://www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers>) and a non-profit book entitled the Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook (www.pelagicpublishing.com/the-marine-mammal-observer-and-passive-acoustic-m…<http://www.pelagicpublishing.com/the-marine-mammal-observer-and-passive-aco…>). Ocean Science Consulting Ltd. (OSC) is looking to expand its dynamic team with three new vacancies; Research Assistant Trainee Consultant Report Writer (management position) Full job descriptions and how to apply can be found on; http://www.osc.co.uk/careers/vacancies/ Please note these positions are based in Dunbar, Scotland, UK. Applications and supporting documents should be emailed to publications(a)osc.co.uk<mailto:publications@osc.co.uk> Kind Regards, OSC Recruitment Team

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New Publication: Group characteristics, site fidelity, and photo-identification of harbor porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, in Burrows Pass, Fidalgo Island, Washington
by Cindy Elliser 19 Feb '18

19 Feb '18

Dear Marmam, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our publication on harbor porpoises in Marine Mammal Science. Cindy R. Elliser, Katrina H. MacIver, Michelle Green. Group characteristics, site fidelity, and photo-identification of harbor porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, in Burrows Pass, Fidalgo Island, Washington. It can be accessed here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12459/full or read-only here: http://rdcu.be/Hl2E <http://em.rdcu.be/wf/click?upn=KP7O1RED-2BlD0F9LDqGVeSEC2UlCC2PBm9dznSiH83l E-3D_5yuTeEmu5vDwxTMxV7K7VrbdG4rd4r6e6VdlGpuX30WOGiU-2BaaWty9y0ILenBIv6KFa-2 FKY2f-2BjgHzyhQIf4rqTtn9RlQXupRcOt-2FyvjhZN2AQcwab7QJadPHf-2B0BixJtcUpOFLGnu fbd6AVfOAMNQ0aR0-2BM8Fe0vmPRIeI8QtGzACpGKmd2dsSbYeOVBAM6byFMSOuxIzWu2-2FnjKe 0mkBUomB6zSY185d0vInu3yySBApv2WBN9984yFpWlhzpQ8C8OwLmY24SkGLAY-2BMN4reQ-3D-3 D> . See full abstract below. Questions or requests can be sent to: cindy.elliser(a)pacmam.org <mailto:cindy.elliser@pacmam.org> Best regards, Cindy R. Elliser, PhD Research Director Pacific Mammal Research www.pacmam.org <http://www.pacmam.org> Abstract: Little is known about harbor porpoises at the individual level or local group structure. Group characteristics, site fidelity, and photo-identification of harbor porpoises were investigated off Fidalgo Island, Washington State. Harbor porpoise presence was affected by season and rip tide strength (Wald χ2 P < 0.04); calf presence was influenced by season and tide (Wald χ2 P < 0.0075). Average group size (2.32 ± 1.38, n = 266) was influenced by season, behavior, and calf presence (F7 = 9.71, P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.294). Fifty-three individuals were identified using a matrix of primary, secondary, and confirmation markings that were stable over months/years. Over 35% were resighted in more than 1 mo (range 1-7, math formula = 1.83); 15.1% were seen in more than 1 yr, suggesting some level of residency. Despite having higher effort, presence and group size were significantly lower in Summer. Variations in the significance of rip tide strength and tides relate to calf presence and support other findings that harbor porpoise population structure is complex and varies at small spatiotemporal scales and may also vary between populations and habitats. This study identifies variables affecting group characteristics and emphasizes the importance of research on local populations of harbor porpoises.

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Distance sampling workshop, St Andrews, August 2018, registration now open
by Eric Rexstad 19 Feb '18

19 Feb '18

- Do you wish to learn about fitting density surface models to distance sampling data? - Are you interested in conducting distance sampling analysis in R? - Do you want to simulate the performance of a distance sampling survey to produce the best design for your study objective? If you answered yes to any of the above, then keep reading. The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting an intermediate-level workshop in the summer of 2018 in our purpose-built facilities at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. The workshops are taught by leading researchers in the field, using industry-standard software. The five day workshop will start on Monday 27 August at 09:00, with registration from 08:45, at CREEM, and finish on Friday 31 August at 17:00. Instructors will include Dr David L. Miller, Dr Laura H. Marshall and Prof Len J. Thomas. For a preview of the workshop contents, materials from last year's workshop can be viewed at http://workshops.distancesampling.org/stand-intermed-2017/ There are two pre-requisites for this workshop: a) understanding of conventional distance sampling and b) basic competence with the R programming language. Pre-requisite (a) can be fulfilled by understanding of fundamental materials presented in Buckland et al. (2001, Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7) or Buckland et al. (2015, Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6) — e.g., through previous training or by independent study. Pre-requisite (b) can be achieved by either working through instructional materials in R available at https://datacamp.com, or by attending the one-day "Distance sampling in R" preceding the workshop (26 August 2018 0900-1700). You will also find the one day workshop useful for conducting conventional distance sampling analyses in R. The first day of the workshop will review fundamental principles of distance sampling, analyses involving conventional distance sampling and survey design. Subsequently, attention will turn to simulation of distance sampling surveys for design purposes, and to survey and analysis methods for dealing with imperfect detection on the trackline (double-observer methods). Slightly more than two days will be devoted to spatial modelling of distance sampling data. A blend of the latest version Distance 7 and the R computing language will be employed. Throughout the workshop, there will be time for instructors to work with participants on their specific analysis problems. Further details and registration instructions can be found at http://creem2.st-andrews.ac.uk/intermediate-level-distance-sampling-trainin… -- Eric Rexstad Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9LZ +44 (0)1334 461833 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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New paper: Efficient isolation on Vero.DogSLAMtag cells and full genome characterization of Dolphin Morbillivirus (DMV) by next generation sequencing
by Peletto Simone 19 Feb '18

19 Feb '18

Dear All, We are delighted to announce the publication of our paper in Scientific Reports: Peletto S, Caruso C, Cerutti F, Modesto P, Biolatti C, Pautasso A, Grattarola C, Giorda F, Mazzariol S, Mignone W, Masoero L, Casalone C, Acutis PL. Efficient isolation on Vero.DogSLAMtag cells and full genome characterization of Dolphin Morbillivirus (DMV) by next generation sequencing. Sci Rep.<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29339753#> 2018 Jan 16;8(1):860. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-19269-2.? Abstract: The Dolphin Morbillivirus (DMV) genome from the first Mediterranean epidemic (1990-'92) is the only cetacean Morbillivirus that has been completely sequenced. Here, we report the first application of next generation sequencing (NGS) to morbillivirus infection of aquatic mammals. A viral isolate, representative of the 2006-'08 Mediterranean epidemic (DMV_IZSPLV_2008), efficiently grew on Vero.DogSLAMtag cells and was submitted to whole genome characterization by NGS. The final genome length was 15,673 nucleotides, covering 99.82% of the DMV reference genome. Comparison of DMV_IZSPLV_2008 and 1990-'92 DMV strain sequences revealed 157 nucleotide mutations and 47 amino acid changes. The sequence similarity was 98.7% at the full genome level. Whole-genome phylogeny suggested that the DMV strain circulating during the 2006-'08 epidemics emerged from the 1990-'92 DMV strain. Viral isolation is considered the "gold standard" for morbillivirus diagnostics but efficient propagation of infectious virus is difficult to achieve. The successful cell replication of this strain allowed performing NGS directly from the viral RNA, without prior PCR amplification. We therefore provide to the scientific community a second DMV genome, representative of another major outbreak. Interestingly, genome comparison revealed that the neglected L gene encompasses 74% of the genetic diversity and might serve as "hypervariable" target for strain characterization. You can find the article here: http://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-19269-2 Or send any enquires directly to me at: simone.peletto(a)izsto.it <mailto:carla.grattarola@izsto.it> Best regards, Simone Peletto Simone Peletto, PhD S.S. Genetica e Immunobiochimica Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta Via Bologna 148, 10154 TORINO - ITALIA Tel. (+39) 011 2686245 e-mail: simone.peletto(a)izsto.it<mailto:simone.peletto@izsto.it> www.izsto.it<http://www.izsto.it/>

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Recommendations for laser range finders for blue whale research
by Asha de Vos 18 Feb '18

18 Feb '18

Hi Everyone I would love to have any recommendations of reliable laser range finders for research with blue whales (and other large cetaceans). Please pop me a note if you have one that you have been working with that you can recommend! Cheers Asha -- ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> Asha de Vos Ph.D. Executive Director and Founder, Oceanswell Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation National Geographic Emerging Explorer TED Fellow WEF Young Global Leader www.oceanswell.org

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2018 Marine Bioacoustics Summer School (SeaBASS) Application Deadline
by Susan E Parks 16 Feb '18

16 Feb '18

Hello, I just wanted to send out a reminder for graduate students interested in attending the 2018 Marine Bioacoustics Summer School that the application deadline of February 28th is approaching. SeaBASS provides the opportunity for currently enrolled graduate students interested in pursuing careers in marine bioacoustics to develop a strong foundation of both marine animal biology and acoustics from distinguished lecturers in the field. The goals of SeaBASS are to discuss important topics in marine bioacoustics, foster technical communication across disciplines, and promote mentoring and collaboration. SeaBASS gives students an opportunity to learn from an international group of experts who will discuss a suite of topics not often offered at any one university. WHEN: July 8 – 13, 2018 WHERE: University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH COSTS: The costs of student attendance (room and board, based on double occupancy for students) will be funded from sponsor support. There is no registration fee. Full-time participation of all participants is required. Travel costs are the responsibility of the student, but travel assistance can be requested during the application process. APPLICATION: On-line application is available at https://marine.unh.edu/seabass The application deadline is February 28,2018. Please direct questions to Dr. Jennifer Miksis-Olds (J.MiksisOlds(a)unh.edu) or Dr. Susan Parks (sparks(a)syr.edu)

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New paper: Antarctic humpback skin microbiomes
by Amy Apprill 16 Feb '18

16 Feb '18

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share our new open-access publication: Bierlich KC, Miller CA, DeForce E, Friedlaender A, Johnston DW, Apprill A. 2018. Temporal and regional variability in the skin microbiomes of humpback whales along the Western Antarctic Peninsula. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 84:e02574-17.// Open access paper: http://aem.asm.org/content/84/5/e02574-17.full Press release: http://www.whoi.edu/news-release/monitoring-bacteria-on-whale-skin Abstract: The skin is the first line of defense between an animal and its environment, and disruptions in skin-associated microorganisms can be linked to an animal's health and nutritional state. To better understand the skin microbiome of large whales, high-throughput sequencing of partial small subunit rRNA genes was used to study the skin-associated bacteria of 89 seemingly healthy humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) sampled along the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) during early (2010) and late (2013) austral summers. Six core groups of bacteria were present in 93% or more of all humpback skin samples. A shift was observed in the average relative abundances of these core bacteria over time, with the emergence of four additional core groups of bacteria that corresponded to a decrease in water temperature, possibly caused by season- or foraging-related changes in skin biochemistry that influenced microbial growth, or other temporal factors. The skin microbiome differed between whales sampled at several regional locations along the WAP, suggesting that environmental factors or population may also influence the whale skin microbiome. Overall, the skin microbiome of humpback whales appears to provide insight into animal- and environment-related factors and may serve as a useful indicator for animal health or ecosystem alterations. Feel free to reach out to me or the co-authors with questions. Best wishes, Amy Amy Apprill Associate Scientist Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 266 Woods Hole Road Woods Hole, MA 02543 (508) 289-2649

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Northcoast Marine Mammal Center seeking spring intern
by Karen Helms 16 Feb '18

16 Feb '18

Last Minute 2018 Spring Internship Open The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for internships working with sick and injured Marine Mammals in preparation for their release back into the wild. These positions are unpaid and no housing is provided. Applicants will be living and working in Crescent City, CA. Spring Term is March 1st - June 7th, however, we can be flexible on the start date due to the short lead time. Summer Term is June 1st -Sept 30th. The deadline for summer interships is April 7, 2018 Notes: The spring term is the busiest and most "hands-on" season at NMMC as this is when we see many new born Pacific Harbor Seal pups. We offer flexible end dates and extensions for excellent candidates. Time off must be arranged in advance. Program Description: The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center has an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammals and their behavior. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues, releases and other field responses as available. In addition, interns will assist in animal care duties (animal intake, feed preparations, medical charting, medication administration, wound care, pen cleaning and other animal husbandry duties as needed) for on-site patients. Interns will also assist with events, fundraising and other administrative duties. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants 21 years of age or older, with an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Interns must be available to work for a minimum of 3 months, 5 days a week, at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and may include evenings, weekends and holidays. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for obtaining housing and transportation. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge with programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. This internship position involves a fair amount of physical activity, such as: cleaning, lifting, restraining and moving animals. To Apply: To apply, please send a résumé, three professional references, and a cover letter detailing your experience, and availability. Include the Internship period for which you are applying in the subject line. Please forward all application materials electronically to Volunteer(a)northcoastmmc.org Karen Helms, Executive Director Northcoast Marine Mammal Center 424 Howe Drive, Crescent City, CA 95531 Office: (707) 465-6265 | Direct: (425) 444-1386 www.NorthCoastMMC.org<http://www.NorthCoastMMC.org> [NMMC-Logo[web]]

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