March 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Review paper on genetic and genomic monitoring with minimally invasive sampling methods
by Emma Carroll 26 Mar '18

26 Mar '18

Hi All, We are pleased to announce that our new review paper "Genetic and genomic monitoring with minimally invasive sampling methods" has recently been released on the *Evolutionary Applications* Early View website as part of the Special Issue: Next generation genetic monitoring. An open access version of the full paper is available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/eva.12600 kind regards Emma Carroll Genetic and genomic monitoring with minimally invasive sampling methods Emma L. Carroll, Mike W. Bruford, J. Andrew DeWoody, Gregoire Leroy, Alan Strand, Lisette Waits and Jinliang Wang The decreasing cost and increasing scope and power of emerging genomic technologies are reshaping the field of molecular ecology. However, many modern genomic approaches (e.g., RAD‐seq) require large amounts of high‐quality template DNA. This poses a problem for an active branch of conservation biology: genetic monitoring using minimally invasive sampling (MIS) methods. Without handling or even observing an animal, MIS methods (e.g., collection of hair, skin, faeces) can provide genetic information on individuals or populations. Such samples typically yield low‐quality and/or quantities of DNA, restricting the type of molecular methods that can be used. Despite this limitation, genetic monitoring using MIS is an effective tool for estimating population demographic parameters and monitoring genetic diversity in natural populations. Genetic monitoring is likely to become more important in the future as many natural populations are undergoing anthropogenically driven declines, which are unlikely to abate without intensive adaptive management efforts that often include MIS approaches. Here, we profile the expanding suite of genomic methods and platforms compatible with producing genotypes from MIS, considering factors such as development costs and error rates. We evaluate how powerful new approaches will enhance our ability to investigate questions typically answered using genetic monitoring, such as estimating abundance, genetic structure and relatedness. As the field is in a period of unusually rapid transition, we also highlight the importance of legacy data sets and recommend how to address the challenges of moving between traditional and next‐generation genetic monitoring platforms. Finally, we consider how genetic monitoring could move beyond genotypes in the future. For example, assessing microbiomes or epigenetic markers could provide a greater understanding of the relationship between individuals and their environment.

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New publication - A new dolphin from the early Miocene of Patagonia, Argentina: Insights into the evolution of Platanistoidea in the Southern Hemisphere
by Mariana Viglino 26 Mar '18

26 Mar '18

Dear all, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to inform you on the publication of an article describing a new species of platanistoid from the early Miocene of Patagonia (Argentina). Viglino, M., M.R. Buono, C. Gutstein, M.A. Cozzuol & J.I. Cuitiño. 2018. A new dolphin from the early Miocene of Patagonia (Argentina): insights into the evolution of Platanistoidea in the Southern Hemisphere. DOI: 10.4202/app.00441.2017 AbstractThe contents of the superfamily Platanistoidea, an early-diverging lineage comprising extinct species and a single extant representative of South Asian river dolphin (Platanista gangetica), remain controversial. We describe here a partial skull and associated tympano-periotic bones identified as a new genus and species, Aondelphis talen gen. et sp. nov., collected in the lower levels of the Gaiman Formation (early Miocene), in Patagonia (Chubut Province, Argentina). Aondelphis is the first Patagonian platanistoid species named in almost a century. Phylogenetic analyses suggest Aondelphis talen gen. et sp. nov. and a taxon from New Zealand (cf. Papahu ZMT-73) are basal Platanistoidea sensu lato. Unambiguous synapomorphies related to the ear bones allowed us to determine its phylogenetic position. Aondelphis talen markedly differs from the other well-known early Miocene Patagonian platanistoid Notocetus, suggesting the coexistence of at least two different morphotypes that may have occupied different ecological niches at that time. The putative close relationship with a species from New Zealand indicates there was a rapid diversification and widespread distribution of the group in the Southern Hemisphere during the early Miocene. The description of new species and revision of historical records of Patagonian platanistoids can help shedding light on cetacean assemblages of the Patagonian sea during this epoch. You can access the paper following this link: http://app.pan.pl/article/item/app004412017.html Otherwise, feel free to contact me at viglino(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar Sincerely, Mariana Lic. Mariana Viglino Instituto Patagónico de Geología y Paleontología CCT CONICET-CENPAT Boulevard Brown 2915 - U9120ACD Puerto Madryn - Chubut Argentina Tel: (+54) 0280-4883184 - Int: 1347 Fax: (+54) 0280-4883543 viglinomariana(a)yahoo.com.ar viglino(a)cenpat-conicet.gob.ar

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Summer Manatee Health & Conservation course
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 25 Mar '18

25 Mar '18

Hi All, Registration is currently open for Summer 2018. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program, is offering the Manatee Health and Conservation course for those that may be interested. Class begins May 14th. Registration will remain open until May 16th. Manatee Health and Conservation is an online course (3 academic credits) that will provide students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) with a detailed overview of manatee natural history, health assessment, and research findings as well as explore conservation issues. I separate CE short course is also available for international students with closed captioning in French and Spanish. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iske Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu> ). Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________ Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from University of Florida employees via email may be subject to disclosure. ________________________________

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publication about the Use of Cetaceans as Bait in Southern Bahia, Brazil
by Márcio Vargas 24 Mar '18

24 Mar '18

Dear C olleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share our new publication about the Use of Cetaceans as Bait in Southern Bahia, Brazil It can be downloade here: http://ojs.ethnobiology.org/index.php/ebl/index Ethnobiology Letters<http://ojs.ethnobiology.org/index.php/ebl/index> ojs.ethnobiology.org Ethnobiology Letters (EBL) invites manuscripts concerning ethnobiology, the study of the relationships between humans and environments in diverse spatial and temporal ... or here: http://ojs.ethnobiology.org/index.php/ebl/article/view/953 Use of Cetaceans as Bait in Southern Bahia, Brazil, by Expert Fishermen that Market Shark Fins: A Lucrative Trade and Two Threatened Zoological Groups | Barbosa-Filho | Ethnobiology Letters<http://ojs.ethnobiology.org/index.php/ebl/article/view/953> ojs.ethnobiology.org Use of Cetaceans as Bait in Southern Bahia, Brazil, by Expert Fishermen that Market Shark Fins: A Lucrative Trade and Two Threatened Zoological Groups Abstract In Brazil, despite the existence of a federal law prohibiting the capture and harassment of marine mammals, the use of fat as fishing bait has been reported. However, the processes of obtaining and using bait have not been described for southern Bahia state. The objective of this study was to learn how these processes occur in populations of fishermen along the southern coast of the state and how to minimize the negative impacts on the cetacean population. Semi-structured interviews about shark fishing and use of cetaceans as bait were conducted with 65 shark fishers from Ilhéus, Una, and Canavieiras municipalities in Brazil. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with percentage distributions. Fishermen emphasized the adipose tissue of dolphins, whales, and porpoises as preferred bait for catching sharks. Of our sample, 81.5% of fishers knew about the use of fat as bait and 56.9% knew someone who had caught cetaceans. Regarding beached whales, 67.7% reported knowing of their use and 20% had used them. This study shows the interrelation of people’s use of two zoological groups: cetaceans as bait, which represents a threat to the group, and sharks for commercialization, a group in which 75% of species are endangered. It shows the ecological impacts of these interactions. Protection measures will only be effective when they approach the local culture in an integrated manner by considering traditional customs that have developed from centuries of exploitation. Márcio Luiz Vargas Barbosa Filho Mestre - Zoologia (UESC) Doutorando - Etnobiologia e Conservação da Natureza (UFRPE)

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New Publication
by Luis Bedriñana 24 Mar '18

24 Mar '18

Dear all, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to inform you on the publication of a paper concerning abundance and distribution patterns of blue whales in Chilean Northern Patagonia. Bedriñana-Romano, L., Hucke-Gaete, R., Viddi, F.A., Morales, J., Williams, R., Asche, E., Garcés-Vargas, J., Torres-Florez, J.P. & Ruiz, J. 2018. Integrating multiple data sources for assessing blue whale abundance and distribution in Chilean Northern Patagonia. Diversity and Distributions: doi: 10.1111/ddi.12739. Abstract Aim: Species distribution models are useful tools for depicting important habitat, assessing abundance and orienting conservation efforts. For small populations in poorly studied ecosystems, available data are often scarce and patchy. To overcome this limitation, we aim to evaluate the use of different data types within a hierarchical Bayesian framework with the goal of modelling the abundance and distribution of a small and highly migratory population of blue whale (BW, Balaenoptera musculus) summering in Chilean Northern Patagonian (CNP). Location: CNP, Eastern South Pacific (ESP). Methods: We constructed a Bayesian hierarchical species distribution Model (HSDM), combining a binomial N-mixture model used to model BW groups counts in line-transect data (2009, 2012 and 2014) with a logistic regression for modelling presence-availability data (2009–2016), allowing both models to share covariate parameters for borrowing strength in estimations. Results: Distance to areas of high chlorophyll-a concentration during spring before summering season (AHCC-s) was the most important and consistent explanatory variable for assessing BW abundance and distribution in CNP. Incorporating accessorial presence-only data reduced uncertainty in parameters estimation when comparing with a model using only line-transect data, although other covariates of secondary importance failed to be retained in this model. Main conclusions: Our results remark the capability of HSDM for integrating different data types providing a potential powerful tool when data are limited and heterogeneous. Results indicate that AHCC-s, and possibly thermal fronts, could modulate BW abundance and distribution patterns in CNP. Preliminary model-based delimitations of possible priority conservation areas for BW in CNP overlap with highly used vessel navigation routes and areas destined to aquaculture. This is the link where you can download the paper https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ddi.12739 Otherwise, please feel free to contact me directly for a PDF copy at luis.bedrinana.romano(a)gmail.com -- Luís Bedriñana Romano PhD Student Universidad Austral de Chile

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Summer Volunteer Opportunities with Cetus' Robson Bight Warden Program
by Erin Parsons 24 Mar '18

24 Mar '18

*Summer Volunteer Opportunities with Cetus’ Robson Bight Warden Program!Cetus is a non-profit, marine conservation society, which operates in the waters around Victoria and Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada. Since 2005 we have worked to reduce disturbances to marine mammals on the British Columbia coast and promote respect for our marine environment through on-the-water and land-based education, outreach and direct monitoring activities. The Robson Bight Marine Warden Program operates in Johnstone Strait, in the waters around the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve. The ecological reserve is designated for the protection of critical habitat of the Northern resident killer whales. This is a unique area where the whales often come to rub their bodies along the underwater beaches. Our marine wardens monitor vessels and marine mammal populations, and educate boaters and kayakers about the reserve and their impacts around it. The Robson Bight Marine Warden Program is comprised of a water based monitoring and educational component and a land based monitoring station called Eagle Eye, situated on a cliff opposite the ecological reserve.Cetus is looking for enthusiastic and hard working individuals to fill the Robson Bight Marine Warden Program Summer Volunteer positions:Volunteer positions will be based out of a rustic field camp in Boat Bay on West Cracroft Island located near Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada. Positions will be offered between June 27th and September 7th 2018. We require a minimum 3-week commitment. Preference will be given to those who are able to stay for the full 11 weeks. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be involved with a variety of possible tasks ranging from community outreach and education to marine mammal response and data collection. Our programs focus on protecting British Columbia’s marine mammal populations and encouraging others to do the same. Interns may also have the opportunity to spend time on our monitoring vessels in which case they will participate in data collection, data entry and on-the-water boater education. Responsibilities include: - Educating boaters, kayakers, park visitors, and members of the public about the marine mammal viewing guidelines, marine species at risk, the conservation issues they face and the boundaries of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve- Collecting and entering data on marine mammals and vessel activity - Public interpretation in the form of dock talks and participation in community events - Potentially helping to respond to injured, sick or dead marine mammals in support of the BC Marine Mammal Response Network- Observing and recording cetaceans in support of the BC Cetacean Sightings Network- Assisting with general administrative duties - Camp duties, which includes cooking, cleaning, general maintenance and heavy lifting What skills and experience will volunteers gain?: - Experience educating the public on important conservation issues- Experience with field data collection and entry - Interpretive skills and techniques- Potential for experience in marine mammal response - Experience with fundraising and community outreach - Experience working with Microsoft AccessEssential Requirements: - Fluent spoken English- Interest in marine wildlife and conservation (experience using theodolites for marine mammal surveys is a plus)- Flexibility- Ability to work long hours, outdoors, in all weather conditions- The ability to live & work comfortably in a remote coastal wilderness camp setting with staff & volunteers- The physical ability to carry 40lbs of gear to and from the vessel to base camps (this varies from across the street to down a rocky shoreline). In addition to this volunteers are required to hike, 3km (each way), from the base camp to the observation site on alternate days, which takes approximately 1 hour (one way)Additional Information: These positions are unpaid and carry a cost to the interns of $125/ week to cover accommodations, extra fuel and dinners (volunteers will be responsible for their own breakfasts and lunches). Warden volunteers will need to bring their own tent and sleeping bag. Tent pads and tarps will be provided as will camp cooking equipment etc. How to apply: Please forward your cover letter, resume and two references via email by April 3rd, 2018. Please indicate your availability. Only successful applicants will be contacted. Contact: Erin Parsons, Cetus Research & Conservation SocietyEmail: robsonbight(a)cetussociety.org <robsonbight(a)cetussociety.org>For more information please visit our website www.ProtectOurWhales.com <http://www.protectourwhales.com/> * ----------- *Erin Parsons* Robson Bight Warden Program Supervisor Cetus Research and Conservation Society PO Box 90, Alert Bay, BC V0N1A0 robsonbight(a)cetussociety.org www.ProtectOurWhale <http://www.cetussociety.org/>s.com

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Marine Conservation Cambodia seeks Marine Mammal Research Interns
by Sarah Tubbs 23 Mar '18

23 Mar '18

Marine Conservation Cambodia seeks Marine Mammal Research Interns * Marine Conservation Cambodia is an NGO based on the island of Koh Ach Seh, in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. The organisation has many facets, including working to stop illegal fishing practices, ecological and social science research and using collected data to implement conservation legislation. * *The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project is Cambodia's first long term marine mammal research program. The Project was initiated in September 2017, and represents a collaborative effort between Marine Conservation Cambodia <https://www.marineconservationcambodia.org/>, the DMAD Marine Mammals Research Association <http://dmad.org.tr/> and the Dolphin Division of Cambodia's Fisheries Administration. The project's primary aim is to collect data on abundance, distribution and residency to delineate and protect critical habitats for the Irrawaddy dolphin in Cambodia's Kep Archipelago. * *Marine mammal research methods * - Land and boat surveys for behavior observation study; - photo-identification techniques; - passive acoustic monitoring; - social science. *Related activities* - Data entry; - report writing and producing peer-reviewed publications; - education and outreach. We are looking for dedicated interns to join our marine mammal research team. There is an internship fee of $300 USD/week, covering: - all food, water, accommodation; - scuba diving (if qualified); - training in cetacean survey techniques, seahorse survey techniques, reef survey techniques. *Discounts are available for longer durations or for individuals with significant relevant experience*. If you are interested or would like to know further information, please send an email to cambodiadolphinproject(a)gmail.com or take a look at our website https://www.marineconservationcambodia.org/

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Internship - Summer/Fall
by Northcoast MMC 23 Mar '18

23 Mar '18

Summer/Fall Internship Opportunity Term Dates: July 1, 2018 - October 1, 2018 The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for internships working with stranded Marine Mammals. These positions are unpaid and no housing is provided. Applicants will be living and working in Crescent City, CA. Application Deadline: April 30, 2018 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, 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 that includes the names of 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<mailto:Volunteer@northcoastmmc.org>.

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Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society -- Request for Proposals for 2018 Spring Research Grants
by ACS-LA.Grants 23 Mar '18

23 Mar '18

The American Cetacean Society, Los Angeles Chapter (ACS-LA) is happy to announce the opening of applications for its 2018 Research Grants The American Cetacean Society protects cetaceans and their habitats though conservation, education and research. Working with world-class scientists, ACS funds research projects that address some of the most pressing issues facing cetaceans. ACS-LA is pleased to announce the availability of two research grants, in the amount of $1,000.00 each, to established researchers or student researchers attending school in the greater Los Angeles area whose work focuses on marine mammals. 1) The John E. Heyning Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000. John Heyning was a brilliant and prolific scientist. He was Deputy Director of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where he built a collection of marine mammal specimens second only to Smithsonian and where he curated the Masters of the Ocean Realm exhibit that traveled to 22 countries. He was an authority on beaked whales, published the work that separated common dolphins into two separate species, and described the countercurrent heat exchange in whale tongues, among many other accomplishments. John was a strong supporter of ACS and its mission; he served on the organization’s Board of Scientific Advisors and taught the Whalewatch naturalist class for many years. 2) The Bill Samaras Research Award. This award is in the amount of $1,000.00. Bill Samaras was a geologist by training but his first love was whales. He taught science at Carson High School for 30 years, helped shape the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium into the institution it is today and led the excavation of a gray whale skeleton during the construction of the Harbor Freeway in San Pedro. Bill was a lifelong supporter of ACS, an organization that he served in many capacities. Guidelines for Research Grants: The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society offers small research grants in support of operating research projects focusing on marine mammals. ACS-LA has a long-standing commitment supporting local research on cetaceans and other marine mammals. The two $1,000 research grants will be awarded to researchers or students exhibiting an outstanding commitment to furthering the understanding of marine mammals in California. Priority will be given to applicants working or attending school in Southern California and/or conducting their marine mammal research in Southern California. Eligibility: 1. Applicant should be a researcher or a student living and/or attending school in California. OR 2. Current research focus should be on Marine Mammals located in or around California with priority being given to work conducted in Southern California Applications: Applications should include the following: 1. Cover sheet with: a) Title of Proposal and Research Area of interest including focal species b) Field Research Group Information (Name, Address, E-mail, and Phone numbers and departmental contacts) or Current School, Major, and Name(s) of Supervisor and Department c) Names and contact information of Lead or Principal Investigator (PI), Second PI, and any student participants 2. A one-page CV or Resume for Principal Investigator and Secondary Investigators 3. A 1-2 page narrative (single spaced) describing your research organization or program, details, and justification for your specific research topic including objectives, details on geographical area being investigated, hypotheses, and total project timeline including temporal benchmarks for the work. How will your research contribute to our understanding and/or benefit the species being studied? Is this a species-based effort or a habitat and/or conservation based study? Please include your estimated 1-year budget and budget justifications. All applications will be reviewed for scientific value and overall conservation benefit. Requirement For Recipients: Recipients of the awards will be asked to present their research sometime in the next year at ACS-LA’s monthly speaker series. Please be prepared to present your work, with visuals, to the ACS-LA community. Deadlines: Deadline for submission is 30th April 2018 Awards will be announced by 15th May 2018 Please feel free to contact ACS-LA Grants Chair Christina Tombach Wright with any questions, ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Applications should be sent by E-mail to ACSLA.Grants(a)gmail.com. Information about the Los Angeles Chapter of ACS can be found on our website: www.acs-la.org <http://www.acs-la.org/>. To join ACS-LA, please go to http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/ <http://acsonline.org/support-acs/become-member/> and specify the Los Angeles Chapter. For further information about specific chapters and other grant-making programs, please visit the Chapter page of the National American Cetacean Society website: www.acsonline.org <http://www.acsonline.org/>. ========================== ACS-LA Grants Coordinator Christina Tombach Wright American Cetacean Society-Los Angeles Chapter acsla.grants(a)gmail.com www.acs-la.org

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New report available on offshore wind development and marine mammals
by Baker, Kyle 23 Mar '18

23 Mar '18

Announcement of a new report on offshore wind development and marine mammals. The Summary Report: Best Management Practices Workshop for Atlantic Offshore Wind Facilities and Marine Protected and presentations from the March 7-9, 2017 workshop can be downloaded at https://www.boem.gov/BMP-Workshop-Protected-Species/ Thanks to all that were in attendance! -- Kyle Baker Marine Biologist Bureau of Ocean Energy Management <http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/index.aspx> Office of Renewable Energy Programs Mail Stop VAM-OREP 45600 Woodland Road Sterling Virginia 20166 703-787-1741

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