April 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Seeking PhD student for Burrunan dolphin acoustic ecology research
by Kate Charlton-Robb 09 Apr '18

09 Apr '18

The Marine Mammal Foundation (MMF, Melbourne, Victoria, www.marinemammal.org.au) and Centre for Marine Science & Technology (CMST, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia; html: www.curtin.edu.au/cmst <http://www.curtin.edu.au/cmst>) are looking for a postgraduate student to undertake research towards a Ph.D. degree in dolphin acoustics. Supervisors: Dr Kate Charlton-Robb (Marine Mammal Foundation) and Prof Christine Erbe (CMST) Timeline: 2018-2021 Background: The Burrunan dolphin (/Tursiops australis/) occurs as small, genetically distinct and isolated populations in coastal areas of southern Australia and is listed as threatened. MMF has studied the populations in Port Phillip Bay (PPB) and Gippsland Lakes (GL), Victoria, Australia, for over a decade. There is a photo-ID catalogue of ~120 individuals in PPB and ~100 individuals GL. In PPB, dolphins are resident all year round; whilst the GL supports a maternal based resident population (present year round) with >60 transient males present in the austral winter. Dolphins rely heavily on sound production for navigating, foraging, communicating and socialising. Sound production is linked to behaviour, group cohesion and identification of individuals. Noisy environments can cause behavioural changes, displacement from high-impact areas, adjustment of sound production rates and spectral shifts. Such disturbances can affect core biological activities of dolphins and ultimately their health and fitness. Current ongoing projects (incl. 2 PhD and 1 Honours) are investigating population demographics, association patterns, behaviour, genetics, feeding ecology, toxicology, and habitat characteristics. PhD project: This project will focus on bioacoustics including sound repertoire, signature whistles, linking sound production with behaviour, using passive acoustic monitoring to document distribution, linking sound production with the two different soundscapes in PPB and GL, and the potential effects of boat noise. This study will provide the acoustic angle and thus extend our previous and current research into species/taxonomic distinction of the Burrunan dolphin, geospatial and temporal distribution patterns, behaviour and potential disturbance by humans. Field work: For the coming 2 years, boat-based field work is scheduled for 22 days every 3 months across the two locations. Funding: All field-related costs are covered, i.e., boats, fuel, accommodation while in the field, acoustic equipment incl. autonomous recorders and short-term suction-cup tags. There is NO funding for a student stipend, so the prospective student will have to cover their own living allowance. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships. This project is open to Australian, New Zealand and international students. However, international tuition fees will have to be covered by the student. There is no tuition liability for Australian or New Zealand students. The student will enrol at Curtin University, Perth, in the School of Earth & Planetary Science. The first few months will be spent at CMST in Perth. The student will then be required to move to Victoria for the 2 years of field work, with occasional trips back to Perth, and ideally return full-time to CMST in Perth for data analysis and thesis write-up. The prospective candidate would have a BSc (Hons) or MSc degree (first class) in a relevant discipline. The student must have prior experience in any of the following: acoustics, maths, engineering, physics, numerical modelling, MATLAB, or programming in R as this project involves substantial acoustic data analysis and modelling. The following are beneficial: experience with field research on small cetaceans, small boat handling skills, marine mammal biology, and dolphin fin identification. Ideal candidates will have strong oral and written communication skills and work well in a team. Please email your expression of interest, CV, and two academic references to Dr Kate Charlton-Robb at kate(a)marinemammal.org.au or Dr Christine Erbe at C.Erbe(a)curtin.edu.au by 31 May 2018. --

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New publication on the occurrence of fin whales between Vancouver Island and continental North America
by Jared Towers 09 Apr '18

09 Apr '18

My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recently published article: Towers JR, Malleson M, McMillan CJ, Cogan J, Berta S & Birdall C (2018) Occurrence of fin whales (*Balaenoptera physalus*) between Vancouver Island and continental North America. Northwest. Nat. 99(1):49-57. This article can be found at http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1898/NWN17-16.1?journalCode=nwnt or by contacting the lead author at the e-mail address provided below. ABSTRACT - Historically, Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) were relatively common off the west coast of North America but very few records of their occurrence in waters between Vancouver Island and continental North America exist. To confirm their presence in these waters we collected photographs documenting at least 13 unique individuals during 43 encounters from 1999 to 2017. These records are the first of live Fin Whales in Queen Charlotte, Johnstone, Georgia and Juan De Fuca Straits and are also the only confirmed sightings between Vancouver Island and continental North America since 1930. Additionally, 12 dead Fin Whales all with evidence of ship strikes are reported in these waters between 1986 and 2017. Most (88%) sightings of live Fin Whales occurred between July and October and no individuals were documented dead or alive between January and April. We suggest that Fin Whales in coastal waterways may be at greater risk to ship strikes and predation by mammal-eating Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) than in less confined waters further offshore. regards, Jared Towers Alert Bay BC jrtowers(a)gmail.com

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new publication on infanticide in killer whales
by Jared Towers 09 Apr '18

09 Apr '18

My co-authors and I are pleased to share our recently published article: Towers JR, Hallé MJ, Symonds HK, Sutton GJ, Morton AB, Spong P, Borrowman JP & Ford JKB (2018) Infanticide in a mammal-eating killer whale population. Scientific Reports 8:4366 This article is open access at: https://www.nature.com/ articles/s41598-018-22714-x and can also be found at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323880722_Infanticide_in_a_mammal- eating_killer_whale_population Abstract: Infanticide can be an extreme result of sexual conflict that drives selection in species in which it occurs. It is a rarely observed behaviour but some evidence for its occurrence in cetaceans exists in three species of dolphin. Here we describe observations of an adult male killer whale (Orcinus orca) and his post-reproductive mother killing a neonate belonging to an unrelated female from the same population in the North Pacific. This is the first account of infanticide reported in killer whales and the only case committed jointly by an adult male and his mother outside of humans. Consistent with findings in other social mammals, we suggest that infanticide is a sexually selected behaviour in killer whales that could provide subsequent mating opportunities for the infanticidal male and thereby provide inclusive fitness benefits for his mother. regards, Jared Towers Alert Bay BC jrtowers(a)gmail.com

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Fostering links between Universities and the World Cetacean Alliance
by Dylan Walker 09 Apr '18

09 Apr '18

Dear Marmamers, The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is the world’s largest Partnership working to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises. Together we represent over 100 Partners in 35 countries worldwide. WCA is looking to develop links with universities and other academic institutions with a focus on marine mammal research. Through our suite of training courses and our network of partners - many of which provide platforms for student researchers at sea - we provide unique opportunities for researchers to gain valuable field experience, learn skills in marine interpretation, and gather data for their own projects or projects defined as priorities by the WCA. We are keen to collaborate with universities and other academic institutions with an interest in: 1. Providing field research opportunities for students on responsible whale or dolphin watching platforms or with NGOs worldwide; 2. Developing a Whale Watching Guides / Marine Educators course as an addition to the current curriculum; 3. Discussing opportunities to develop collaborative projects with WCA Partners worldwide running research and conservation-focused projects, Whale Heritage Site initiatives, and programmes focused on cetacean welfare. If anyone is interested in collaboration and would like to discuss these ideas further, please contact myself or alex.hughes@ worldcetaceanalliance.org . Regards, Dylan Walker Chief Executive Officer *World Cetacean Alliance * *T *+44 (0)1273 355011* M *+44 (0)7900 471490* S *dylan.wca *E *dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org* W *worldcetaceanalliance.org *W2 *whaleheritagesites.org *W3 *worldwhaleconference.org <http://www.worldwhaleconference.org> *A *Studio 3, Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK *The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 90 non-profit organisations, whale and dolphin watching tour operators and individuals in 40 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity no. 1160484. * *The content of this e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware that forwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately.* *Please consider the environment before printing this email or it's attachments. *

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Drone images of fin whales feeding in the Mediterranean Sea
by edmaktub 06 Apr '18

06 Apr '18

Dear Colleagues, We would like to draw your attention to the following new footage and information **Fin whales lunge feeding off the coast of Garraf, Barcelona, Spain ** *Barcelona, 6 April 2018 –*The EDMAKTUB research team filmed exceptional images that have never been seen before of two fin whales feeding at the surface in the Mediterranean Sea. The images were recorded off the coast of Garraf (Catalonia, south of Barcelona, northestern Spain) where numerous whales have been sighted feeding over recent days. *You can see the video here*: https://youtu.be/_zoFWpNcEh8 *Images never seen before*. This is the first time aerial images have been recorded showing this behaviour on the part of the species (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to the extraordinary quality of the images, this video is also of great scientific importance. It provides valuable information regarding how these animals feed, which will allow us to better understand their diet as well as their feeding behaviour. It can clearly be seen that the whales repeat the same behaviour up to six times in the video.The whales turn on their side, and speed up before opening their vast mouths to trap several tons of water inside, which swells their bodies from the jaw to the middle section. Next, they close their mouths, expelling the water through their baleen plates, filtering out the food which they will then swallow. Within seconds, the body returns to its usual slender form. *Large numbers of whales this season*. All of the images which appear in the two-and-a-half minute video come from the same sequence, which originally lasted some five minutes in total. As the video begins, a single whale appears, and then later, a second animal rises from deeper waters. In addition, that day ten individual whales were observed feeding in the same area. *Scientific results*. The fin whale is a migratory species which visits the Catalan Coast to feed during the spring months. Since 2013, the EDMAKTUB Organisation has been studying these animals whenever ocean conditions that allow its presence through their Fin Whale Project. During that time, they have been able to establish that the Balearic Sea is an area where these whales come to feed. Up to now, it was believed that the animals were simply passing through these waters. The Fin Whale Project is supported by the Barcelona Zoo Foundation and the Vilanova Sailing Club (Club Nàutic Vilanova). *More information*regarding the findings of the Fin Whale Project can be found in ANNUAL REPORT. This includes a detailed description of the Project and its results up to 2017:http://www.edmaktub.org/en/annual-report/ -------------------------------- EDMAKTUB Association www.edmaktub.org <http://www.edmaktub.com> Facebook edmaktub edmaktub(a)edmaktub.com <mailto:edmaktub@edmaktub.com> edmaktub(a)edmaktub.org <mailto:edmaktub@edmaktub.com>

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ABSTRACT DEADLINE EXTENDED - NWSSMM 2018 annual meeting
by Barlow, Dawn Renee 06 Apr '18

06 Apr '18

Dear all, We have extended the abstract submission deadline, and will now be accepting abstracts through Friday, April 20th! The annual meeting of the Northwest Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy (NWSSMM) will take place May 12-13, 2018. The chapter encompasses students who are based in Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and northern California, or who conduct research in these locations. We are excited to announce that this year's conference will be held at Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon! Saturday, May 12th will be filled with student oral and poster presentations, a philosopher's cafe where students can engage in discussions with established researchers in the field, and a group dinner. Sunday, May 13th we will have the option for students to participate in a necropsy (space limited) or take a tour of the Oregon Coast Aquarium (additional fee may apply). Registration is now open! The cost for attendance is TBA (max $20), and will be due at the beginning of the conference. Please register using the following link: http://bit.ly/2nwpOGq Abstract submissions will be accepted through Friday, April 20th. Guests (students or non-students) who are are not interested in presenting but would like to attend are still encouraged to register and join us for the conference! Registration will be accepted at any time, including the day of the meeting. However, please keep in mind that early registration is appreciated so that we can ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. We look forward to seeing you on the Oregon coast in May! Dawn Barlow and Michelle Fournet NWSSMM 2018 conference organizers Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/180826859347101/ Dawn Barlow MSc Student and Graduate Research Assistant Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab<https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab> dawn.barlow(a)oregonstate.edu

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SEEKING RESEARCH ASSISTANTS FOR THE CETACEAN RESEARCH UNIT, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
by Valeria Senigaglia 06 Apr '18

06 Apr '18

SEEKING RESEARCH ASSISTANTS FOR THE CETACEAN RESEARCH UNIT, WESTERN AUSTRALIA I am seeking THREE research volunteers assist in collecting data for my PhD on bottlenose dolphin behaviour, from the 1st of June 2018 till the 1st of September 2018. PhD Outline: The project explores the ecological consequences and socio-economic drivers of food provisioning of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in Bunbury, Western Australia. The feeding is conducted under a state license by Dolphin Discovery Center as part of their touristic offer. I examine both the short- and long-term ecological consequences of food provisioning at both the individual and population level. The project aims to determine potential effects of food provisioning on dolphin behavioral budgets, maternal care, home range sizes, reproductive success and social dynamics. Moreover, the project explores the satisfaction level and attitude towards food provisioning of staff and visitors. Ecological and socio-economic consequences of food provisioning will then inform management planning. Data on dolphin behavior are collected from boat and from the beach where the food provisioning takes place. Additionally, questionnaires will be distributed to the visitors and staff of the Dolphin Discovery Centre. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone wishing to pursue a career in behavioral ecology, conservation and social science or marine science. http://mucru.org/our-research/group-members/valeria-senigaglia/ Office: Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, South West Marine Research Program office based at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury. http://www.dolphindiscovery.com.au/ Duties: Field: Behavioural data collection, spotting wildlife, boat driving, social science, photo identification Office: Data entry, fin matching, project organization. Computer programs used for data are: FinBase, ACDSee, Microsoft Access, Excel and Word. Assistants should be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. Fieldwork will vary between weekdays and weekends and can be long hours and on consecutive days. Preferred skills/traits: 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field. 2. Previous field experience with wildlife (behavioural field data collection, photoidentification). 3. Boating experience. 4. Be enthusiastic, team oriented and have a positive attitude as well as a genuine interest in wildlife science. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for their own travel to Western Australia and living expenses. Please note, the Bunbury backpackers and the Rosa Hotel provide good discounts for assistants of the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Moreover, additional help in finding shared accommodation can be provided. If you are interested in volunteering or interning, please provide a short CV and a cover letter to the attention of valeria.senigaglia(a)gmail.com. Looking forward to welcome you in Western Australia, Cheers Valeria Senigaglia PhD candidate, Murdoch Cetacean Research Unit Murdoch University, Western Australia Australia

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Marine Mammal Biology Course on Nantucket Island (USA)
by Stephanie Wood 06 Apr '18

06 Apr '18

Dear colleagues- Dr. Solange Brault and I are pleased to share the following course announcement: Course: Marine Mammal Biology (BIOL 340/540 - 3 credits) When: 17 – 30 June 2018 Where: University of Massachusetts, Boston Nantucket Field Station https://www.umb.edu/nantucket/higher_education Cost: $1840.00 USD BIOL 340 (includes housing) $2335.00 USD BIOL 540 (includes housing) Instructors: Dr. Solange Brault Dr. Stephanie A. Wood Course Description: A 2-week intensive course in which students will apply the principles and knowledge they’ve acquired so far in different specialties of biology, toward understanding the evolutionary history, adaptations, population ecology, and conservation of marine mammals. The location of this course at the UMass Boston Nantucket Field station will provide opportunities for students to participate in field research (data collection and analyses) and other active learning experiences related to food habits, population monitoring and behavior (topics subject to change). Applications (attached here) are due on 1 May. For more information please contact: stephanie.wood(a)umb.edu<mailto:stephanie.wood@umb.edu> Stephanie A. Wood, Ph.D. UMass Boston, Biology Dept. 100 Morrissey Blvd. Boston, MA 02125 617-287-6600 stephanie.wood(a)umb.edu

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New article on the drivers of social structure in coastal bottlenose dolphins
by Marie Louis 06 Apr '18

06 Apr '18

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: Louis M., Simon-Bouhet B., Viricel A., Lucas T., Gally F., Cherel Y., Guinet C. 2018. Evaluating the influence of ecology, sex and kinship on the social structure of resident coastal bottlenose dolphins. Marine Biology 165: 80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-018-3341-z Abstract Animal social structures are shaped by external environmental factors and individual intrinsic behavioral traits. They represent a balance between the costs and benefits of group-living to maximize individual fitness. Bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, societies are fission–fusion with high variations in association strength, grouping patterns and influence of kinship on social bonds throughout the wide range of habitats where they occur. Here, the drivers of social structure in resident coastal bottlenose dolphins of the Normano-Breton Gulf (English Channel) were studied using a multidisciplinary approach combining individual monitoring (photo-identification) information, genetic and ecological data. First, the ecological segregation of the social clusters was tested. Then, the influence of kinship, sex and ecological specializations on association patterns was evaluated. Stable isotopes revealed that the social clusters had relatively distinct ecological niches. Resource partitioning among social clusters may reduce competition and may allow the area to sustain a larger resident bottlenose dolphin population. Individuals did not preferentially associate with related individuals or individuals of the same sex. However, sample size was relatively low for females and, therefore, a role of kinship in shaping association patterns could not be totally ruled out for those individuals. Instead, dolphins preferentially associated with individuals of similar ecology. The study also emphasizes that stable isotope analysis is a promising tool to investigate the link between social structure and ecological specializations, particularly in taxa that are difficult to observe in the wild. The article is available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-018-3341-z or you can email me for a copy. Best wishes, Marie

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Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), PAM Operators and field environmental scientists registration - Europe and Africa region.
by Nick Robinson 06 Apr '18

06 Apr '18

Further to the announcement on MARMAM at the end of 2017 and the successful award of several projects, Seiche Environmental is planning for a continued development and growth in its need for qualified and experienced consultants in the European and African markets for the following positions: * Marine Mammal Observers * Passive Acoustic Monitoring Operators * Field Environmental Scientists For further information and registration please contact our HR team on offshorevacancies(a)seiche.com<mailto:offshorevacancies@seiche.com> Nick Robinson Business Manager Seiche Environmental Ltd Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom T: +44(0)1409 404050 M: +44(0)7590 844363 Registered in England & Wales No. 10612696, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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