March 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

River dolphin internships in the Brazilian Amazon
by Tony 08 Oct '19

08 Oct '19

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazon State, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak excellent Spanish, in addition to English. There can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria, and this is counter-productive. Please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 60 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially a harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking two people to commence work as soon as possible, and we would also like to hear from people available in mid-late 2016. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 600 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend (approx $150 US). Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. They must also have adequate medical insurance. Please do not apply unless you know that you can obtain the airfare to reach Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Internships offer the opportunity of a lifetime. They reward hard work and dedication with unique experiences and a chance to stand out from the crowd in subsequent applications for higher degrees and employment. Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience, especially in the use of photo-ID Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com) Closing date is 24 November 2015. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 4 days of the closing date, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 November latest.

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New publication: From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
by Joan Giménez Verdugo 01 Mar '19

01 Mar '19

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in "Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology": Giménez, J., Ramírez, F., Almunia, J., Forero, M. G., de Stephanis, R. (2016) From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 475:54-61. *Abstract:*One of the most common applications in isotopic ecology is the assessment of animal's assimilated diet through mass-balance mixing models. Its applicability relies on the use of accurate diet to tissue discrimination factors and turnover rates, which are known to vary as a function of several factors including taxon or tissue type. To date, few studies have assessed isotopic discrimination factors and turnover rates in cetacean species under controlled conditions. Previous experimental studies focused on blood, a difficult sample to obtain in the wild, or on a more appropriate tissue, the skin, but assessed in short experimental trials without arriving to the isotopic equilibrium. We carried out the longest controlled feeding experiment available (350 days) in bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in order to assess discrimination factors and turnover rates in skin. Animals' isotopic composition was first stabilized by maintaining individuals under an isotopically constant diet during 172 days. Afterwards, diet was shifted and maintained during 178 days to calculate isotopic discrimination and turnover rates. Estimates for isotopic discrimination factors were 1.01 ± 0.37‰ (mean ± sd) for *δ*13C and 1.57 ± 0.52‰ for *δ*15N. Half-life turnover rates were estimated to be 24.16 ± 8.19 days for carbon and 47.63 ± 19 days for nitrogen. This is the first time that applicable values are available to assess the diet of free ranging small cetaceans through stable isotope mixing model analysis. You can download the paper in: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098115300514 or visit my ResearchGate (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2) Kind Regards, Joan Giménez -- *Joan Giménez Verdugo* *PhD Student* *Severo Ochoa* Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC) Department of Conservation Biology Americo Vespucio Ave, s/n 41092 Sevilla (Spain) www.ebd.csic.es --- Research Gate: Joan Giménez <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2> Phone: +34 619 176 849 ü Please consider the environment before printing this E-mail

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Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2017 Florida, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas
by Kelly Melillo Sweeting 25 Feb '19

25 Feb '19

Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2017 Florida, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently seeking two interns for the summer of 2017. These internships have field and office components, both of which are mandatory, and total 9-12 weeks, depending on DCP's schedule. DCP looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions focus primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. Interns will spend the field portion of this internship at our Bimini, Bahamas, research site, where we study wild Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. An abbreviated publication list is available at the end of this post. Responsibilities In the field: --Travel to and assist for approximately 6 weeks at our Bimini research site (exact dates TBD, likely beginning in late, following the office component) --Assist gathering data (general observations, photographs) during 4-6 hour/day boat excursions (weather and schedule dependent) --Complete photo-identification of dolphins from still photography and video as well as other data entry and analysis tasks --Assist with on-board and outreach education as well as web-based projects --Represent DCP in an enthusiastic, responsible, mature and respectful manner At the office: --Travel to and assist for 4-5 weeks at our Port Saint Lucie, Florida (FL) office (exact dates TBD, likely prior to field component, beginning in late May) --Process and analyze data, including, but not limited to: photo-identification of individuals from other DCP research sites, event sampling from video data for behavioral analyses, and acoustic analysis of dolphin sounds --Assist in the development and implementation of education programs for schools and the general public, as needed Requirements Successful interns must have basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Current enrollment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required. The successful candidates will be comfortable on a boat for several hours at a time in varying conditions, including extreme heat. They will also be proficient swimmers with the desire to improve snorkeling and free-diving skills. They will be able to work as a team both in a small office and in a fairly remote and isolated field setting. Good writing and public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to details. Interns must be at least 18 years of age. Although international applicants are invited to apply, all applicants should know that interns are responsible for their own daily transportation to/from the FL office and public transportation is limited in this area; therefore, all interns should have their own transportation while in FL. Expenses and Compensation This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Bimini and Florida. There is a $1,100.00 fee that will cover housing in the field (on-island transportation not needed). Room, board and transportation while in Florida are the responsibility of the intern. Although assistance in finding housing may be available, the ability to find suitable housing in Florida is ultimately the interns’ responsibility. We recommend all applicants complete a preliminary housing search in advance of submitting their applications. Interested applicants should review information at this link: http://dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/get-involved/internships. Please read this page thoroughly before applying or emailing questions . Send a completed application (downloadable and detailed at the link above) to kelly(a)dcpmail.org. Applications are due 28 February 2017. Due to field schedules, only electronic applications will be accepted. Interviews (via telephone or Skype) will be arranged for selected candidates in early March. For more information, please contact Kelly Melillo Sweeting at kelly(a)dcpmail.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selected Refereed Publications: (for a full list of publications by DCP researchers, please visit: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/about-dolphins/scienti…) Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., Würsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. Dudzinski, K.M., M. Sakai, M., Masaki, K., Kogi, K., Hishii, T., Kurimoto, M. 2003. Behavioral observations of adult and sub-adult dolphins towards two dead bottlenose dolphins (one female and one male). Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 108-116. Gregg, J.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Smith, H.V. 2007. Do dolphins eavesdrop on the echolocation signals of conspecifics? International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 20: 65-88 Dudzinski, K.M., Thomas, J. Gregg, J.D. 2008. Communication. In (W.F. Perrin, B. Würsig, H.C.M. Thewissen, eds) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, second edition. Academic Press, Inc. Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291 Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Paulos, R.D., Kuczaj, S.A. 2010. A comparison of pectoral fin contact behaviour for three distinct dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 84: 559-567. Greene, W., Melillo-Sweeting, K., Dudzinski, K. 2011. Comparing object play in captive and wild dolphins. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 24(3):292-306. Dudzinski, KM, Gregg, JD, Melillo-Sweeting, K, Levengood, A, Seay, B., Kuczaj II, SA. 2012. Tactile contact exchanges between dolphins: self-rubbing versus inter-individual contact in three species from three geographies. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 25:21-43. Dudzinski, KM, Danaher-Garcia, N, Gregg, JD. 2013. Pectoral fin contact between dolphin dyads at Zoo Duisburg, with comparison to other dolphin study populations. Aquatic Mammals. 39(4): 335-343. Melillo-Sweeting, K, Turnbull, S and Guttridge, T. 2014. Evidence of shark attacks on Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off Bimini, The Bahamas. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12082 Melillo-Sweeting, K., Yeater, D., Dudzinski, KM. 2015. Dolphin sightings near the coast of Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003 – 2013. Aquatic Mammals 41.3: 245-251. DOI: 10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.245. _______________________________ Kelly Melillo Sweeting Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

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Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life 2019 conference announcement
by Christine Erbe 04 Feb '19

04 Feb '19

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the Fifth International Conference on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life (AN2019), which will take place during the week of 7-12 July, 2019, in Den Haag, The Netherlands. The conference will follow from, and build upon, the earlier meetings, the most recent of which took place in Dublin in 2016. We are very excited about the location and the venue. The meeting will be held at the Grand Hotel Kurhaus of Scheveningen, a building dating back to 1884. The hotel presents itself with grandeur and flair. It is right at the sea with a wonderful beach. The boardwalk features numerous restaurants and cafes. The venue is easily reached from Amsterdam. It provides exceptional accommodation, meeting rooms, and places for informal discussions. At this point we are in the early planning stages and it will be very helpful for us to have some sense of interest in the meeting from potential participants. Therefore, we have set up a short online survey to get your thoughts on the meeting and to keep a list of interested participants so that we can keep you informed of major progress in planning. In addition, please share the link with others who might be interested in attending the meeting: https://goo.gl/xY6BKr <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/rNKaBXU9D2o6Uz?domain=goo.gl> We have also begun to develop the conference website: http://www.an-2019.org <http://www.an-2019.org/> Please visit the web site regularly so you will be aware of important information about the meeting. Also, both Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AquaticNoise2019/ <https://www.facebook.com/AquaticNoise2019/>) and Twitter (@AquaticNoise) have been set up, so please follow us for updates. Over the coming months, we will set up our Technical Advisory Board, raise funds, and develop a tentative program. We will be announcing calls for papers as well as how to sign up to attend the meeting and make hotel reservations. We are hoping to have sufficient funding to provide some support to students and younger colleagues, and so if anyone knows of (or controls) funding opportunities please contact Christine Erbe or Joe Sisneros. Stay tuned and we’re looking forward to welcoming you to another outstanding meeting on the Effects of Noise on Aquatic Life in July, 2019. And, of course, if you have any questions and/or suggestions about AN2019, please contact any of the organizers. Christine Erbe, c.erbe(a)curtin.edu.au Tony Hawkins, a.hawkins(a)btconnect.com Paul Lepper, P.A.Lepper(a)lboro.ac.uk Art Popper, apopper(a)umd.edu Joe Sisneros, sisneros(a)uw.edu Frank Thomsen, frth(a)dhigroup.com

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Vaquita Outreach Campaign Resources
by Sean Bogle 30 Mar '18

30 Mar '18

Good day MARMAMers, Wild Lens is a non-profit conservation media organization. Our mission is to build conservation minded communities and produce content documenting the efforts of researchers, citizens scientists, and other organizations focused on the conservation of our natural world. Many of you are aware that the vaquita porpoise is approaching imminent extinction. This does not mean that we should accept this outcome. This is the moment where we all raise our voices and take action in order to do more than our best in trying to save this species. We want to continue to share our film project, Souls of the Vermilion Sea and all of our resources for everyone to use on their platforms. We have included a shortened 10 minute version of our 30 minute film, trailer, and PSA in English and Spanish to be imbedded on websites. We would appreciate it for those that choose to use the short version of the film to please use language that directs viewers and any other interested parties to the Souls of the Vermilion Sea website, http://vaquitafilm.com <http://vaquitafilm.com/> if viewers would like to contact us to view the full length version. One of our strategies is to have interested parties contact us and encourage them to organize screenings, which will reach a broader audience. We are already seeing positive results with this strategy with consistent requests to screen the film globally followed by panel discussions. These discussion are crucial to the screening events and we emphasize this component when we are contacted. Here is the link to the 10 minute film: http://wildlensinc.org/vaquitafilm/10min <http://wildlensinc.org/vaquitafilm/10min> Vaquita PSA (English): http://wildlensinc.org/wildlifespeaks/vaquitapsa/english <http://wildlensinc.org/wildlifespeaks/vaquitapsa/english> Vaquita PSA (Spanish): http://wildlensinc.org/wildlifespeaks/vaquitapsa/spanish <http://wildlensinc.org/wildlifespeaks/vaquitapsa/spanish> Trailer (Spanish): http://wildlensinc.org/almasdelmarbermejo/trailer/spanish <http://wildlensinc.org/almasdelmarbermejo/trailer/spanish> Trailer (English): http://wildlensinc.org/soulsofthevermilionsea/trailer/english <http://wildlensinc.org/soulsofthevermilionsea/trailer/english> To hold a screening visit: http://vaquitafilm.com/screenings/ <http://vaquitafilm.com/screenings/> For more information about our vaquita film project please contact: Sean Bogle, Eyes on Conservation Project Director Email: sean(a)wildlensinc.org <mailto:sean@wildlensinc.org>

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New paper on maternal body condition and calf growth in southern right whales
by Fredrik Christiansen 29 Mar '18

29 Mar '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Christiansen, F., Vivier, F., Charlton, C., Ward, R., Amerson, A., Burnell, S. & Bejder, L. 2018. Maternal body size and condition determine calf growth rates in southern right whales. Marine Ecology Progress Series 592:267-282. In this study we used unmanned aerial vehicles to repeatedly measure the body size and condition of southern right whale mother and calf pairs through an entire breeding season in South Australia. Apart from the biological findings, the methodology used in this paper should be of interest to anyone interested in UAV photogrammetry work. The paper and supplementary materials detail the many aspects that need to be considered when doing UAV photogrammetry work on whales, including data filtering based on picture grading, error estimations, identifying minimum sample size and duration for estimating growth, and how to account for errors in sensitivity analyses etc.. Please find the abstract and a link to the paper below: Abstract: The cost of reproduction is a key parameter determining a species’ life history strategy. Despite exhibiting some of the fastest offspring growth rates among mammals, the cost of reproduction in baleen whales is largely unknown since standard field metabolic techniques cannot be applied. We quantified the cost of reproduction for southern right whales Eubalaena australis over a 3 mo breeding season. We did this by determining the relationship between calf growth rate and maternal rate of loss in energy reserves, using repeated measurements of body volume obtained from unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry. We recorded 1118 body volume estimates from 40 female and calf pairs over 40 to 89 d. Calves grew at a rate of 3.2 cm d−1 (SD = 0.45) in body length and 0.081 m3 d−1 (SD = 0.011) in body volume, while females decreased in volume at a rate of 0.126 m3 d−1 (SD = 0.036). The average volume conversion efficiency from female to calf was 68% (SD = 16.91). Calf growth rate was positively related to the rate of loss in maternal body volume, suggesting that maternal volume loss is proportional to the energy investment into her calf. Maternal investment was determined by her body size and condition, with longer and more rotund females investing more volume into their calves compared to shorter and leaner females. Lactating females lost on average 25%of their initial body volume over the 3 mo breeding season. This study demonstrates the considerable energetic cost that females face during the lactation period, and highlights the importance of sufficient maternal energy reserves for reproduction in this capital breeding species. The paper can be accessed from the following link: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v592/p267-281/ Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Postdoctoral Research Fellow Cetacean Research Unit, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia +61 417 502 098, f.christiansen(a)murdoch.edu.au<mailto:f.christiansen@murdoch.edu.au>, twitter: @FChristiansen83 http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf

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Stranding Coordinator - Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network
by Elizabeth Hieb 29 Mar '18

29 Mar '18

The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN), located at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) on Dauphin Island, AL, seeks a highly-motivated Stranding Coordinator to lead marine mammal stranding response and assist with related research projects in coastal Alabama and nearby waters. Established in 2011, ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network partner, working with NOAA's NMFS and USFWS to respond to dolphin, whale, and manatee strandings. The primary goal of ALMMSN is to enhance stranding reporting and response efforts to ensure collection of consistent, high-quality data that are used to determine causes of strandings and/or death. This position is physically demanding and requires field response and necropsy on-call and under a variety of weather conditions. *Daily duties:* In conjunction with PI, the Stranding Coordinator (SC) manages and works collaboratively with ALMMSN staff, veterinarians, students, interns and others to manage a 24-hr stranding hotline, coordinate field stranding responses, lead necropsy events, oversee sample handling, manage data collection and documentation, and oversee equipment and facility cleaning and maintenance. The SC also manages permit applications and renewals, budgeting and reporting, and participates in public outreach and volunteer coordination. The SC will have opportunities to assist the DISL Manatee Sighting Network and other laboratory staff with projects including marine mammal captures, health assessments, telemetry tracking of tagged animals, photo-ID, and dietary or physiology studies. SC will be encouraged and supported to attend relevant local, regional, national or international meetings and engage in career development opportunities. *Minimum qualification requirements: *Bachelor’s degree (MS-level preferred) in biology, marine science, wildlife biology, or other related program; at least 2 yrs experience with marine mammal stranding response and necropsy techniques; familiarity with MMPA, NOAA/NMFS and USFWS stranding protocols; knowledge of marine mammal anatomy; effective written and verbal communication, including speaking to the public; ability to maintain effective and cooperative working relationships; calm demeanor under stressful conditions; independent and logical thinker, able to apply problem solving techniques; knowledge of digital SLR cameras and lenses. Willingness to work irregular hours and be responsive and reliable at all times is essential. Occasional out-of-state and overnight travel required. Applicant must be physically fit, able to lift at least 50 lbs and a strong swimmer; experience trailering and operating vessels up to 24’ in length; ability to endure long days and unpleasant field conditions including temperatures between 30°F-100°F, rain, humidity and biting insects; have valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Applicant is required to obtain an Alabama vessel license, complete a DISL boating safety class, and obtain a hazardous materials shipping certification within 6 months of employment. *Preferred qualifications: *Masters degree. Prior grant and scientific writing experience; experience with spatial analysis or statistics programs such as ArcGIS, R, and SigmaPlot; prior research or live animal handling/ rehabilitation experience with cetaceans and manatees; MOCC, SCUBA, first aid/CPR and other relevant certifications. This is a grant-funded, full-time position (weekends, nights and holidays may be required) with a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k) plan, and holiday, vacation and sick leave. Salary is regionally competitive, commensurate with experience (minimum starting $40,000). Applicant must be eligible to legally work in the U.S. and physically able to perform the required duties. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, list of three references and date of availability to rcarmichael(a)disl.org before April 13, 2018. *Please put ALMMSN SC–YourLastName* in the subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately and end when the position is filled, preferably by 1 May. More information about the ALMMSN, DISL Manatee Sighting Network, Carmichael Lab and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab can be found at http://almmsn.disl.org and http://www.disl.org/about/faculty/rcarmichael. AA/EEO/M/F/D; DISL is fair and impartial in relations with employees and recognizes and respects the individual.

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New publication - Gammaherpesviruses in a South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) with ulcerative skin lesions
by Carlos Sacristán Yagüe 29 Mar '18

29 Mar '18

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our article about herpesviruses in a South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) from Brazil. Carlos Sacristan, Fernando Esperon, Ana Carolina Ewbank, Samira Costa-Silva, Juliana Marigo, Eliana Reiko Matushima, Cristiane Kiyomi Miyaji Kolesnikovas, and José Luiz Catão-Dias (2018). Identification of Novel Gammaherpesviruses in a South American Fur Seal (Arctocephalus australis) with Ulcerative Skin Lesions. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, doi: 10.7589/2017-09-224 In this manuscript we employed molecular techniques to identify a gammaherpesvirus infection by two putative novel herpesvirus species: Otariid herpesvirus 5 (OtHV-5), possibly associated with ulcerative cutaneous lesions, and Otariid herpesvirus 6 (OtHV-6) in a wild South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) that stranded alive in Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. Here we provide new information regarding pinniped herpesviruses, important for the design of future disease surveillance studies. http://www.jwildlifedis.org/doi/pdf/10.7589/2017-09-224 The article is available at link above or email: carlosvet.sac(a)gmail.com Best regards Carlos Sacristán Yagüe DVM, MSc, PhD Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology - LAPCOM School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences - FMVZ University of São Paulo (Brazil)

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New Paper on Evaluating the sustainability of the gray-whale-watching industry along the pacific coast of North America
by Alicia Amerson 29 Mar '18

29 Mar '18

Hello Colleagues, We are delighted to announce our paper *"Evaluating the sustainability of the gray-whale-watching industry along the pacific coast of North America" <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09669582.2018.1449848>*has appeared online in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism. A full citation and abstract appear below. If you would like a pdf copy of this work please email me at alicia(a)alimosphere.com. I hope you are all enjoying the changing season and the year is filled with good health, joy, and peace. Best regards, Alicia Alicia Amerson & E. C. M. Parsons (2018) Evaluating the sustainability of the gray-whale-watching industry along the pacific coast of North America,Journal of Sustainable Tourism, DOI: 10.1080/09669582.2018.1449848 <https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2018.1449848> This paper reports on the first study to critically examine the sustainability of whale-watching practices along the entire migratory range of a pelagic baleen whale species, the gray whale (*Eschrichtius robustus*). Commercial boat-based whale-watching operations along the west coast of North America were observed for sustainable practices. Data recorded aboard whale-watching vessels and collected via an online survey were integrated into the Lean Six Sigma quality-improvement tool, in order to review business processes and identify where inefficiency or ineffectiveness exists in specific phases within a process. Whale-watching practices were analyzed using this method for 24 whale-watching companies operating in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The results show a high level of variation in management regimes, and operator non-compliance with guidelines, and highlight avenues to eliminate, revise or reduce inefficiency, and improve practices in the interests of high-quality and sustainable operations. We recommend more specific and operational guidelines that allow operators to focus on high compliance with the most critical aspects of their business operation in order to build the sustainability of commercial tourist interactions with gray whales in their migratory range. -- Alicia Amerson Masters of Advanced Studies in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of C alifornia, San Diego, CA Chief Executive Officer Alimosphere Email: alicia(a)alimosphere.com Webpage: www.alimosphere.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aliciaamerson Phone: 858.775.1123

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Underwater Acoustics: 2018 Webinar Series for the International Regulatory Community
by Holly Morin 29 Mar '18

29 Mar '18

***apologies for cross postings*** Regulators, decision makers, public affairs officers, industry representatives, other members of the international regulatory community, and others interested in underwater acoustics are invited to participate in the Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) <http://www.dosits.org/> free, four-part webinar series described below. The webinar topics will include foundational science on sound reception and potential effects in marine mammals and fishes. Each webinar will last approximately 60 minutes and be comprised of one, focused presentation, followed by an extended period of facilitated discussion. Prior to each webinar, an outline of the webinar with links to background content on DOSITS will be made available. Participants are encouraged to review these outlines before the webinars. All webinars will be archived on the DOSITS website (Webinar Series for Regulators of Underwater Sound <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/webinars-2018/>). Full webinar summaries, questions asked, and their answers will be posted online after each webinar. The first two webinars of this four-part series will focus on topics related to marine mammals. The subsequent webinars will take place in fall 2018 and focus on fishes. Dr. Darlene Ketten will provide a review of sound reception in marine mammals on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at 12:00pm ET Dr. Brandon Southall will provide a review of the potential effects of sound on marine mammals on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at 12:00pm ET Interested individuals must register in advance for each webinar. To register please visit: http://eepurl.com/do0eqH <http://eepurl.com/do0eqH> To learn more about this webinar series or to view previous webinars or other, upcoming webinar dates and speakers, please visit the DOSITS webpage, Webinar Series for Regulators of Underwater Sound <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/webinars-2018/>. Associated webinars and their resources were conducted in 2015 and 2016 webinars and have been archived here <https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/webinar-archive-2015-16/>. Questions? Please contact Holly Morin at holly_morin(a)uri.edu. Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS; www.dosits.org) is a comprehensive, educational website on underwater sound, designed to provide accurate scientific information at levels appropriate for all audiences, including decision-makers.

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