March 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job opening for MMO/PAM operators
by MMO-PAM Project 17 Mar '18

17 Mar '18

Dear MARMAM members, at least 2 qualified MMO/PAM Operators for 2 months (April 1-May 31, 2018) are needed for a mitigation project in the Mediterranean Sea (Italy). If you are interested and immediately available, please provide valid copies of your CV, passport, offshore survival (BOSIET/HUET) and medical certificates, and any other supporting documents (such as MMO and PAM training). Please apply by email only to: mmopamproject(a)gmail.com Please feel free to circulate this email amongst colleagues seeking this kind of position. Thanks and kind regards, Daniela Silvia Pace, PhD Department of Environmental Biology Sapienza University of Rome Italy

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Certificate of Beginning Marine Mammalogy at Cal State
by Jenifer Zeligs 16 Mar '18

16 Mar '18

Develop a Career Working with Animals California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories http://slewths.mlml.calstate.edu/ offer a *one-week intensive live summer class* open to anyone interested in pursuing careers in the marine mammal field. In addition*, hands-on internships* for people of all ages and levels of experience are also available at the lab working with marine mammals. A second course on animal training is also available on-demand online. The successful completion of both courses and a five-day internship will earn a *Certificate of Completion in Beginning Marine Mammalogy*. The classes' instructor, Dr. Jenifer Zeligs has over 30 years of terrestrial and aquatic animal training experience, across diverse disciplines including research, public display, and studio and film work. For further information on class content see below and please contact: jzeligs(a)mlml.calstate.edu <jhurley(a)mlml.calstate.edu>. *CSUMB Working with Marine Mammals Live Course Enrollment Details:* Enrollment for Bio 347 is class limited to 16. Summer registration for open enrollment begins April 13, 2018. The classes are open for enrollment to any high school graduate regardless of age and there are no prerequisites, however no transportation or housing is included in the enrollment price. International students are welcome. WORKING WITH MARINE MAMMALS: Bio 347 (June 18-24,2018) CRN 30425: This 3 credit university course is designed to assist people who are interested in developing a career in marine mammalogy. It will provide practical information about marine mammals and working with them, drawing on the rich background of marine mammal work in the Monterey Bay area. The course will include live experiences with the marine mammals at Moss Landing Marine Labs. This class will instruct students in captive marine mammal husbandry (care and maintenance), training, basic physiology, an overview of common research topics and techniques, as well as public display, education, and current issues in marine mammalogy. Students will intern at least one day at the lab assisting in the care of research-trained California sea lions. They will also gain experience in developing a resume, job interviews, and public presentations. Tuition: $840 + $39 campus fee per semester is payable to CSUMB-EE per class. An additional $50 lab fee is payable to MLML on the first day of class. For registration, enrollment and other logistical information please contact Cal State Monterey Bay, http://csumb.edu/summer or call them at 831-582-5159 <831-582-4500> *Housing and Internships**:* For help with housing and to schedule an internship please contact sskrovan(a)mlml.calstate.edu <sskrvoan(a)mlml.calstate.edu>. Bio 347 will be taught at Moss Landing Marine Labs in Moss Landing, CA. *Animal Training 101- Online on demand * UNLOCK THE SECRET SCIENCE OF BEHAVIOR with DR. JENIFER ZELIGS! Discover how to interpret behavior using a scientific approach melded with the *art* of training. These techniques can be used with any species! Extensive videos and techniques demonstrated with dozens of species in this comprehensive 30 lecture series (approximately 30 hrs of instruction). Taught in 3 parts, Part 1: Communication 101 will teach you the six basic techniques of creating any behavior and how to choose the right method for the right situation! Learn to understand classical and operant learning and the art of training. Parts 2 and 3: Motivation and Practical Training 101- will teach you to master the process of troubleshooting, reducing fears and problem behavior, and creating complex behavior you never thought possible! Watch anytime on demand at your own convenience! *Registration and Tuition:* Visit https://animaltraining.us/registration-open-at-101-online/ to register for the course. Tuition: $400 plus $50 certification fee for Certificate in *General Behavior Modification*. -- Jenifer Zeligs, Ph.D. Owner Animal Training and Research International Professor, Extended Education, California State University Monterey Bay Director of SLEWTHS Moss Landing Marine Laboratories 8272 Moss Landing Road Moss Landing, CA 95039 v: (831)-771-4191 fax:(831)-632-4403 http://www.animaltraining.us/

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Interdisciplinary Research project offering field work opportunities in Northern British Columbia
by zoogle zoogle 16 Mar '18

16 Mar '18

*Interdisciplinary Research project offering field work opportunities in Northern British Columbia* Zoogle is an interdisciplinary research project merging bio-acoustics, behavior research and machine learning/neural network/pattern recognition. A range of machine-learning / pattern recognition tools are currently adapted and will be refined iteratively during the project time, while acoustic data and associated behavioral observations are additionally collected from a sailboat. On short notice there is an availability for an additional researcher, preferably with a background in bioacoustics, and behaviour research. Experience in orca research is a plus, but not required. The purpose of this positions is to collaborate in data collection and preparing the material for later computer analyses, including but not limited to photo IDs, behavior observations, processing video documentation (generate “ground-truth” data for the ongoing data-analysis). Prior field experience with photo-ID and boat handling is preferred, but not required. Since we will be living and working closely, applicants must work well in teams and have a positive attitude, while living and working comfortably in a sailing vessel with a small team. We do encourage you to use the expedition and the resulting data for an academic work including master/Ph.D work. The project will provide a certain amount of subsidiary for a senior researcher and a junior researcher respectively (detailed information is available upon request). The expedition is scheduled from May - September 2018. A minimum is a 6 week commitment, and preference will be given to those who are able to stay longer. The research vessel is equipped with an electric drive and hull mounted and towed arrays for spatial recognition. Everybody on board also assists with vessel operations, including day-to-day activities such as taking turns in cooking, cleaning and vessel maintenance. This project follows the open science principles, open source, open data, open access, and aims to make resulting tools available to the whole research community. If interested - please send your CV and a short motivation letter to zoogle2018(a)gmail.com to exchange thoughts and questions. Best, Zoogle team

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New Publication: Rissos dolphins plan foraging dives
by Brandon Southall 16 Mar '18

16 Mar '18

MARMAM, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to provide information regarding our recent publication on interesting aspects of fine scale foraging behavior that we argue demonstrate advance planning in echolocation search strategies. The reference, link, and abstract are provided below and .pdfs are available upon request. Thanks, Brandon Southall *Arranz, P., Benoit-Bird, K. J., Southall, B. L., Calambokidis, J., Friedlaender, A. S., & Tyack, P. L. (2018). Risso's dolphins plan foraging dives. /Journal of Experimental Biology/, /221/(4), jeb165209.* <http://jeb.biologists.org/cgi/reprint/221/4/jeb165209.pdf?ijkey=EsklXTeMuJB…> ABSTRACT Humans remember the past and use that information to plan future actions. Lab experiments that test memory for the location of food show that animals have a similar capability to act in anticipation of future needs, but less work has been done on animals foraging in the wild. We hypothesized that planning abilities are critical and common in breathhold divers who adjust each dive to forage on prey varying in quality, location and predictability within constraints of limited oxygen availability. We equipped Risso*’*s dolphins with sound-and-motion recording tags to reveal where they focus their attention through their externally observable echolocation and how they fine tune search strategies in response to expected and observed prey distribution. The information from the dolphins was integrated with synoptic prey data obtained from echosounders on an underwater vehicle. At the start of the dives, whales adjusted their echolocation inspection ranges in ways that suggest planning to forage at a particular depth. Once entering a productive prey layer, dolphins reduced their search range comparable to the scale of patches within the layer, suggesting that they were using echolocation to select prey within the patch. On ascent, their search range increased, indicating that they decided to stop foraging within that layer and started searching for prey in shallower layers. Information about prey, learned throughout the dive, was used to plan foraging in the next dive. Our results demonstrate that planning for future dives is modulated by spatial memory derived from multi-modal prey sampling (echoic, visual and capture) during earlier dives. [KEY WORDS: Predator*–*prey dynamics, Perceptual range, Grampus griseus, Animal decision making, Episodic-like memory, Foraging behaviour] -- Brandon L. Southall, Ph.D. President, Senior Scientist, SEA, Inc. Research Associate, University of California, Santa Cruz 9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA 831.332.8744 (mobile); 831.661.5177 (office); 831.661.5178 (fax) Brandon.Southall(a)sea-inc.net; www.sea-inc.net

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Publication of Cook Inlet beluga satellite-tagging technical report
by Kim Shelden - NOAA Federal 15 Mar '18

15 Mar '18

The following publication is now available for viewing/download: Shelden, K. E. W., K. T. Goetz, R. C. Hobbs, L. K. Hoberecht, K. L. Laidre, B. A. Mahoney, T. L. McGuire, S. A. Norman, G. O’Corry-Crowe, D. J. Vos, G. M. Ylitalo, S. A. Mizroch, S. Atkinson, K. A. Burek-Huntington, and C. Garner. 2018. Beluga whale, Delphinapterus leucas, satellite-tagging and health assessments in Cook Inlet, Alaska, 1999 to 2002. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-AFSC-369, 227 p. Document available: http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/Publications/AFSC-TM/NOAA-TM-AFSC-369.pdf Extended Abstract: Cook Inlet beluga whales, Delphinapterus leucas, are currently listed as ‘Endangered’ under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) began monitoring this population during the 1990s after it was added to the ESA Candidate Species list in 1988. Monitoring efforts included aerial surveys, and in 1995, the first attempts to capture and satellite-tag whales. Working with Canadian scientists and Alaska Native subsistence hunters in 1995 and 1997, tagging methods were adapted to conditions in Cook Inlet (muddy water, extreme tides, and extensive mudflats), culminating in successful capture and tracking of a whale during the summer of 1999. This was followed by three more years of capture and tagging studies during late summer. Tags were attached to 18 whales between 1999 and 2002. We do not have detailed accounts of these later tagging seasons (e.g., similar to the Appendix chronicling events from the 1997 and 1999 seasons in Ferrero et al. (2000)). Litzky et al. (2001) summarized field operations for the 2000 tagging season, but no reports exist for 2001 and 2002. A reanalysis of the tag dataset (Goetz et al. 2012) led to questions about the captures and how tags were programmed during this time period. Given the Cook Inlet population has continued to decline (Hobbs et al. 2015, Shelden et al. 2017), and was listed as an Endangered Distinct Population Segment under the ESA in October 2008 (NOAA 2008), future recommendations for tagging will depend on lessons learned from these past projects. Lacking detailed field reports, we consolidated information from multiple sources. Herein, we bring these varied sources together to provide a thorough documentation of the tagging operations undertaken in Cook Inlet each summer in 2000, 2001, and 2002. We include revised tag transmission timelines, monthly movement maps, dive behavior data, and ice-association graphs and maps for all whales (where applicable) tagged in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. Whale locations were compared to sighting records (opportunistic and systematic) to determine how many whales were likely proximate to tagged whales. Animations of whale movements are available at http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/News/Cook_Inlet_Beluga_Range_Contracted.htm (accessed 17 Aug. 2016). Beginning with the 2000 season, each whale underwent a health assessment at the time of tagging. Results from laboratory analyses of the blood, blubber, skin, and mucus samples are presented. These include results obtained for hematology and serum chemistry values, hormones, DNA extractions, blubber lipid composition, fatty acid profiles, stable isotope ratios, and persistent organic pollutant profiles. We also provide a follow-up to the tagging study, describing captured and tagged whales that have been photo-documented since 2005 by the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo-identification Project (https://www.cookinletbelugas.com/) -- *Kim E.W. Shelden, M.M.A.* Marine Biologist, Cetacean Assessment & Ecology Program Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle, Washington 98115-6349 (206) 526-6275 office, (206) 526-6615 fax, www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/ *Humans think they are smarter than dolphins because we build cars and buildings and start wars, etc., and all that dolphins do is swim in the water, eat fish, and play around. * *Dolphins believe that they are smarter for exactly the same reasons.* - Douglas Adams

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New Paper - Resilience of the endangered sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus to foraging disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico, USA: a bioenergetic approach
by Nick Farmer - NOAA Federal 15 Mar '18

15 Mar '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new publication: Citation: Farmer NA, Noren DP, Fougères EM, Machernis A, Baker K. Resilience of the endangered sperm whale *Physeter macrocephalus* to foraging disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico, USA: a bioenergetic approach. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 2018 Feb 23;589:241-61. Abstract: The endangered sperm whale *Physeter macrocephalus* spends the majority of its time foraging, relying upon echolocation to locate and consume several 100 kg of prey per day. In the northern Gulf of Mexico, sperm whales are exposed to a variety of anthropogenic stressors, including ship strikes, fisheries interactions, habitat loss and degradation due to oil and gas development, and chemical and noise pollution. In particular, they are exposed to high levels of anthropogenic noises related to geological and geophysical surveys for hydrocarbon deposits. The sounds produced by these surveys could reduce sensory volume, increase search effort required to locate resources, and interfere with auditory signal processing critical to foraging success. We developed a stochastic life-stage structured bioenergetic model to evaluate the consequences of reduced foraging efficiency on carbohydrate, lipid, and protein reserves in the blubber, muscle, and viscera. The model indicates that individual resilience to foraging disruptions is primarily a function of size (i.e. reserve capacity) and daily energetic demands. Mothers are the most vulnerable life stage due to the high energy demands associated with pregnancy and lactation. Continuous disruption has a greater impact than intermittent disruption; even minor foraging disruptions may lead to terminal starvation if the whales have no opportunity to replenish reduced reserves. Infrequent, minor disruptions in foraging are unlikely to be fatal, but may result in reduced body reserves that may be associated with reduced reproductive success. Our model provides a bioenergetic framework for evaluating the level, frequency, and consequences of foraging disruptions associated with anthropogenic stressors. If you have access, the paper is available here: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v589/p241-261 If you do not have access, please let me know if you would like a copy. Best regards, *Nick* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Nicholas A. Farmer, Ph.D.* Chief, Species Conservation NOAA Fisheries <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov>, Southeast Regional Office <http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/>, 263 13th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 *727.551.5759 (phone) **nick.farmer(a)noaa.gov <nick.farmer(a)noaa.gov>* Publications <https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=ey-6L9QAAAAJ&view_op=list_w…> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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New Publication: Habitat use pattern of the giant parasitic nematode Crassicauda magna within the pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps
by Keenan-Bateman, Tiffany Fay 15 Mar '18

15 Mar '18

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper in Diseases of Aquatic Organisms: Keenan-Bateman TF, McLellan WA, Costidis AM, Harms CA, Gay DM, Rotstein DS, Rommel SA, Potter CW, and DA Pabst. (2018) Habitat use pattern of the giant parasitic nematode Crassicauda magna within the pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps . Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 127:163-175. Abstract: The giant (>3 m) parasitic nematode Crassicauda magna infects kogiid whales, although only 3 studies to date have provided detailed descriptions of these worms, all based upon fragmented specimens. These fragments were found within the neck region of kogiids, an unusual anatomic site for this genus of parasites. C. magna is a species-specific parasite among kogiids, infecting only pygmy sperm whales Kogia breviceps, and with a primarily cervico-thoracic distribution. To date, however, the pattern of habitat use within the host and transmission path of this parasite remain unknown. We used detailed dissections (n = 12), histological examination of host tissues (n = 2), and scanning electron microscopy of excised nematodes (n = 7) to enhance our understanding of this host−parasite relationship. Results revealed that a critical habitat for the parasite is an exocrine gland in the whale’s ventral cervical region. C. magna male and female tails were found intertwined within the glandular lumen, and eggs were observed within its presumed secretion, illuminating the transmission path out of the host. The cephalic ends of these worms were often meters away (curvilinearly), embedded deeply within epaxial muscle. A single worm’s complete, tortuous 312 cm course, from the gland to its termination in the contralateral epaxial muscle, is described for the first time. This study also provides the first scanning electron micrograph of C. magna, which illustrate taxonomically important features of the heads and tails of both male and female worms. This article is available online at: https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03205 Or, please feel free to email directly for a PDF copy: batemankt(a)uncw.edu Best regards, Tiffany F. Keenan-Bateman Department of Biology and Marine Biology University of North Carolina Wilmington 601 S. College Road Wilmington, NC, 28403

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New Publication
by Nicola Quick, Ph.D. 15 Mar '18

15 Mar '18

All, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: Southall, B., Quick, N., Hastie, G., Tyack, P. And Boyd, I. (2017) Mitigation of harm during a novel behavioural reponse study involving active sonar and wild cetaceans. Journal of Ceatcean Research and Management 16: 29-38 Some studies of how human activities can affect wild free-ranging animals may be considered to have potential negative outcomes too severe to be ethically studied. This creates a societal dilemma involving choices between continuing risky activities with high uncertainty about their potential effects on wildlife, often with considerable associated precaution or undertaking focused research to reduce uncertainty, but with some risk of harm from either strong response leading to potential stranding or direct physical injury from sound exposure. Recent and ongoing field experiments have measured the conditions in which wild cetaceans respond to military sonar, and provided insight into the nature of responses. Here mitigation measures are reported for one of the first such experiments designed to measure fine-scale behavioural responses to controlled exposures of mid frequency (3-4 kHz) active sonar. The objective was to do so without causing the kinds of physical harm that have been previously observed (e.g. stranding events) and that motivated the study. A critical goal of this experimental study was to identify a response that was safe but that could be used as an indicator of the probability of risk from more extreme or sustained exposure from real military operations. A monitoring and mitigation protocol was developed using a feedback control procedure for real-time mitigation of potential harm. Experimental protocols were modulated relative to indicators of potential risk with the explicit objective of detecting potentially harmful consequences of sound exposure and taking appropriate corrective action. Three categories of mitigation methods were developed and integrated within the experimental protocol incorporating designed, engineered, and operational mitigation measures. Controlled exposure experiments involving free-ranging animals were conducted without any evident harm to the experimental subjects, while successfully eliciting behavioural responses that provided meaningful results to inform management decisions. This approach demonstrates the importance of careful design of protocols in exposure-response experiments, particularly in pioneering studies assessing response where both the potential for harm and level of uncertainty may be high. The publication can be found at the following link https://archive.iwc.int/pages/search.php?search=%21collection15&k=#<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__archive.iwc.int_pages_…> Please contact me directly if you have any questions njq(a)duke.edu<mailto:njq@duke.edu> Kind Regards Nicola Dr Nicola J. Quick Research Scientist Nicholas School of the Environment Duke Marine Lab 135 Duke Marine Lab Road Beaufort NC 28516 njq(a)duke.edu<mailto:njq@duke.edu> https://scholars.duke.edu/person/nicola.quick http://superpod.ml.duke.edu/read/ Honorary Research Fellow School of Biology Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/contact/staffProfile.aspx?sunid=njq

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Special screening of vaquita film and panel discussion
by Thomas Jefferson 15 Mar '18

15 Mar '18

VIVA Vaquita would like to announce that we will be participating in a special screening of the short documentarySouls of the Vermilion Sea, followed by a panel discussion on Sunday, March 25th, from 3-5 PM PST. Co-hosted by ASU’s Center for Biodiversity Outcomes (CBO) and several local organizations, this event will be held on the campus of Arizona State University, and will be live-streamed for a global audience. We hope you might join the conversation with a distinguished panel of experts, who will discuss this compelling conservation challenge. In light of recent vaquita CPR efforts in the Gulf of California, it is a timely and important opportunity to query experts on the status of current recovery efforts. The short documentary will be available for viewing for the duration of the event at the following link, which currently directs visitors to the event announcement. On the day of the event, the link will connect to CBO’s YouTube channel, where the 30 minute documentary will be available for viewing, as well as the actual live-streamed discussion. Viewers will be able to post questions for the panel through this platform. http://links.asu.edu/VaquitaEvent

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MMOs Positions Available
by Erin McMichael 14 Mar '18

14 Mar '18

REMSA Inc is an Environmental Consulting Firm located in Hampton, VA. Through our Marine Endangered Species Observer (MESO) Program, we are seeking skilled and experienced Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) for a large marine construction project. Both Lead and Assistant MMOs are needed. JOB DESCRIPTION: Land-based MMOs will conduct protected species observations and mitigation measures during a large marine construction project in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. MMOs will be required to perform duties in adverse/inclement weather and during daylight hours. Must be able to work independently and follow technical instructions as required. Duties include the following: * Maintain watch for marine mammals in all impact zones during daylight construction hours * Identification of marine animals to species * Record sightings of marine species, maintain organized and up-to-date logs * Utilize optical equipment to assess distance, species, and behavior of marine mammals * Follow and implement all protocols and outlined in Marine Mammal Monitoring Plan * Work outside during any weather condition for long periods of time * Monitor and record environmental data * Prepare and submit daily, weekly, and monthly forms and reports * Effectively communicate with team members and construction personnel via radio * Communicate with on-site project personnel to initiate project shut-downs when necessary * Report interactions with endangered/threatened species to construction personnel, REMSA, Inc., and government agencies as instructed REQUIREMENTS: * Must be a U.S. Citizen or have authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship or restrictions * Must have (or be eligible to obtain) Endangered/Protected Species approval from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) * Prior marine mammal observation experience and/or training courses * Valid Driver's License & Clean Driving Record * Must have (or be able to obtain) a Federal Transportation Identification Workers Card (TWIC) * Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or related field * Knowledge of Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act * Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team * Ability to follow safety protocols LOCATION: Hampton Roads, VA DURATION: One Year START DATE: April 2018 COMPENSATION: These are Independent Contractor positions Hourly rate depends on qualifications and expereince Housing is not provided MMOs are covered under REMSA's Marine Employee Liability (MEL) Insurance while on-site Application Instructions: Interested applicants should send the following application materials asap: 1. Detailed resume documenting all relevant experience, education, and skills 2. Copies of NMFS approval/certifications, MMO training certificates 3. Cover letter outlining why you would be a good fit for this position 4. Three professional references including phone number and email address Submit all materials as attachments: PDF files or MS Word files via email to: Erin McMichael Project Manager Coastal & Marine Division emcmichael(a)remsainc.com<mailto:emcmichael@remsainc.com> REMSA Inc. Supports a Drug Free Work Place EOE of Minorities/Females/Vets/Disability www.remsainc.com

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