May 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Bottlenose Dolphin conservation efforts off Istria (Croatia) with Vivamar; volunteer spots
by Arnes Darja 21 May '18

21 May '18

Dear MARMAM list students, Some volunteer spots are still available this season for the Bottlenose Dolphin (T. truncatus) Conservation Project with Vivamar Society. With the help of students and volunteer work we have obtained the baseline data about the local dolphin population (distribution, abundance) which resulted in first publication about the local dolphin population. We now continue to collect data about Dolphin Watching Boat influence on Dolphin Behaviour and interactions with fishermen in the area. Activities comprise also raising the awareness of local people, nautical tourists, communication to fishermen - all to present the importance of dolphin preservation for the marine ecosystem. Along with the research methods students will have the opportunity to learn how to shape and deliver key messages to the particular stakeholders, excercises that will be useful for the further career. VIVAMAR teams are small and offer intense connection between the team members and attention of a researcher to the motivated students. The program comprises different lectures on the Marine Mammal topic and offers hands on experiences in the field research, including methodology, data analysis and engagement in Vivamar awareness activities to the local people. For the team dates please check here: http://vivamar.org/volunteer/ You can see more about our activities: http://vivamar.org/research-projects/ This is an excellent offer to students that would like to visit a new country, yet to help in conservation of this key marine species in the area of the NE Adriatic. DURATION, COST and APPLICATION: You are welcome to write to info(a)vivamar.org for additional information (cost details, a welcome pack, logistic details and how to apply). Required Qualifications and conditins: * no previous experience is mandatory but is an advantage, * min work on a programme 4-6 hours/day; you will be directly engaged in the project 8 out of 11 days, * strong interest to study marine mammals, positive attitude to other team members, * being able to recognize the importance of dolphin conservation & research for the local Marine Ecosystem and through this - Vivamar efforts in the area, * independent work, as well as in the group, * basic computer literacy in Microsoft Office and possible ability in writing the reports (or at least a will to learn that); We hope to see you with Vivamar this summer! Cheers, DARJA RIBARIČ, MPhil in biological science darja.ribaric(a)vivamar.org President and Head researcher VIVAMAR <http://www.vivamar.org/> Society for the Sustainable Development for the Sea Dolphin Research & Conservation / Marine Wildlife Awareness logo_manjse Recognised by the Ministry of the Environment for the public interest 215-10/2007/4

1 0

Wild Dolphin Research Opportunities
by Kelly Melillo Sweeting 20 May '18

20 May '18

The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently seeking students for multiple programs during summer 2018. Position/Program details, with remaining spaces, are listed below. 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. Our Bimini, Bahamas research site is where we study wild Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins, maintaining photo-ID catalogs with over 250 individuals. A full publication list is available on our website. All programs may qualify for academic credit, however it the student's responsibility to arrange this. DCP can provide a letter confirming participation and contact hours. Additional reading material and/or assignments can be assigned. All positions will remain open until filled, however we are eager to fill all remaining positions as soon as possible. PROGRAM: Short-Term Field Internship: https://dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/the-latest-buzz/field-rep… Number of vacancies: 2 Dates: 22 May - 3 June Location: Bimini, The Bahamas PROGRAM: Summer Internship: https://dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/get-involved/internships Number of vacancies: 1 (due to housing constrains, only female applicants will be considered) Dates: 22 May - 27 July Locations: 22 May - 22 June at Port Saint Lucie, FL office; 25 June - 27 July at Bimini, Bahamas field site PROGRAM: May Research Experience: https://dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/get-involved/ecotours/bim… Number of vacancies: 2 Dates: 26 May - 31 May Location: Bimini, The Bahamas Note: This is an un-catered program, but other details at link above are applicable. PROGRAM: August Research Experience: https://dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/get-involved/ecotours/bim… Number of vacancies: 6 Dates: 26 Aug - 31 August Location: Bimini, The Bahamas All questions can be directed to Kel Sweeting at kelly(a)dcpmail.org. Cheers, Kel Kelly Melillo Sweeting, M.Sc. Research Associate & Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.org

1 1

DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 20 May '18

20 May '18

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from May 1 - October 31, 2018. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: · Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; · Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; · Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; · Collection of photo to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2018 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina; · Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); · Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Albufeira; · Meals in restaurants and snacks; · Free time activities; · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); · Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 16; · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; · Be autonomous and flexible; · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; · Speak English; · Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Working experience on research vessels · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification · Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: www.aimmportugal.org/dolphin-research-internship AIMM will send a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the internship and asking for your Resume/CV, motivation letter (small statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM) and the period of time that you want do the program. OR Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org, with the subject “*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*”. You will receive and e-mail with the availability and all the others details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association* Website: www.aimmportugal.org Youtube: https://Youtube/AIMMPortugal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/aimmportugal_org Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal

1 0

New publication on endangered Southern Resident killer whales
by Monika Wieland 18 May '18

18 May '18

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication from the Orca Behavior Institute in Pacific Conservation Biology: "Declining spring usage of core habitat by endangered fish-eating killer whales reflects decreased availability of their primary prey." Abstract: The salmon-eating Southern Resident killer whales (/Orcinus orca/) of the north-eastern Pacific Ocean are listed as endangered both in the United States and Canada. Their critical habitat has been defined as the region of the inland waters of Washington State and British Columbia known as the Salish Sea, where they have traditionally spent much of their time from spring through fall. Using reports from experienced observers to sightings networks, we tracked the daily presence of the Southern Residents in these waters from 1 April to 30 June from 1994 through 2016. We found that the escapement estimates of spring Chinook salmon (/Oncorhynchus tshawytscha/) on the Fraser River in British Columbia were a significant predictor of the cumulative presence/absence of the whales throughout the spring season. There was also a difference in both whale presence and salmon abundance before and after 2005, suggesting that the crash in Chinook salmon numbers has fallen below threshold where it is worthwhile for the whales to spend as much time in the Salish Sea. The use of the Salish Sea by the Southern Residents has declined in the spring months as they are either foraging for Chinook salmon elsewhere or are shifting to another prey species. In order to continue providing necessary protections to this endangered species, critical habitat designations must be re-evaluated as this population of killer whales shifts its range in response to prey availability. Find it online here: https://doi.org/10.1071/PC17041 Or, for a PDF of the article, please contact me at monika(a)orcabehaviorinstitute.org Best, Monika Wieland Shields President, Orca Behavior Institute San Juan Island, Washington, USA

1 0

Recent paper on coexisting dolphins
by CEIC-Costa Rica 18 May '18

18 May '18

Dear colleagues, We are now pleased to share with you our most recent papers on dolphins in Golfo Dulce (Costa Rica), just published in Journal of Mammalogy. We continue exploring the key aspect involved in the ecology of dolphins coexisting in a very discrete habitat, in this case when modelling the ecological niche of cetaceans. Please don't think twice to ask for a print in case you cannot access the paper by subscription. *Habitat partitioning mediates the coexistence of sympatric dolphins in a tropical fjord-like embayment* Lenin Oviedo, Marc Fernández, David Herra-Miranda, Juan Diego Pacheco-Polanco, Claudia J Hernández-Camacho, David Aurioles-Gamboa Bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) and pantropical spotted dolphins (*Stenella attenuata*) co-occur in Golfo Dulce, a fjord-like embayment located in the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. We evaluated if spatial overlap by these dolphin species is associated with similar environmental requirements. Presence-only models based on niche theory were constructed by contrasting a set of spatial locations with the responses of the target species to abiotic ecogeographical variables (EGVs: depth, slope, distance to rivers, distance to 200 m isobath, mean sea surface temperature, and variation in sea surface temperature). Models were cross-validated with levels of discrimination that ranged from acceptable to excellent based on the area under the curve assessment (*T. truncatus*, rainy season: 0.76, dry season: 0.83; *S. attenuata*, rainy season: 0.84, dry season: 0.89). Both dolphin species occur in Golfo Dulce year-round; the lack of seasonality documented previously was supported by the models. Species distribution models showed no spatial overlap, with differences in EGVs affecting their distribution (*T. truncatus*: distance to river + distance to 200 m isobath, *S. attenuata*: depth + sea surface temperature). We argue that the coexistence of both predators in Golfo Dulce is linked to habitat heterogeneity, where critical habitats are spatially differentiated. The lack of fine-scale spatial overlap, along with influential abiotic variables, highlights a process of coexistence for dolphins that are sympatric at the scale of Golfo Dulce, but within the Gulf there is fine-scale allopatry. *----------------------------------------------* *Lenin Oviedo Research Associate Centro de Investigación de Cetáceos CEIC-Costa Rica*

1 0

Dolphin Research Courses in Slovenia
by Tilen Genov 18 May '18

18 May '18

Dear MARMAMers *Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society* is organising *Dolphin Research Courses* in *Piran, Slovenia*, between June and September 2018, where interested individuals can participate in field research and help study dolphins in their natural environment. Morigenos is a non-profit NGO that aims to combine scientific research, education, public awareness and capacity building, to achieve effective conservation of marine mammals and the marine environment. Since 2002, Morigenos has been conducting long-term research on the ecology, behaviour and conservation of a resident population of *common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)* inhabiting the wider area of the Gulf of Trieste in the northern Adriatic Sea. The resulting scientific publications arising from this work can be found here: https://www.morigenos.org/en/scientific-publications/ The courses, organised annually since 2003, are open to both students and non-students, regardless of previous experience. During the 10-day course, participants will gain theoretical and practical experience in marine mammal research methodology, including boat- and land-based surveying, focal follows, behavioural observations, photo-identification, abundance estimation and studies of social structure. Training is provided both in the field and in the form of lectures. Accommodation is provided at Morigenos research base in a beautiful medieval town of Piran (Slovenia, EU), on the Adriatic Sea coast. Daily household duties are shared among participants and researchers. The course fee, which helps cover the fieldwork expenses and allows this research programme to continue, is €488 for students and €732 for non-students. The fee includes accommodation, food, fieldwork and training. There is no selection. Applications are treated on a "first-come, first served" basis. WHERE: Piran, Slovenia WHEN: June-September 2018 DURATION: 10 days PRICE: students 488 EUR, non-students 732 EUR (includes accommodation, food, fieldwork and training) More information, inquiries and registration at: https://www.morigenos.org/en/dolphin-research-courses/ pr(a)morigenos.org +386 31 77 10 77 Best wishes, Tilen Genov ____________________________________________ Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society Kidricevo nabrezje 4 6330 Piran Slovenia www.morigenos.org www.facebook.org/morigenos

1 0

Two Marine Mammal Commission Job Postings
by Peter Thomas 18 May '18

18 May '18

Please post the following to Marmam as soon as possible. Thank you. Two Marine Mammal Commission Job Postings The Marine Mammal Commission (www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov>) has posted two jobs on USAJOBS: The Policy Analyst will be responsible for organizing and carrying out reviews of domestic and international policy bearing on the conservation of marine mammals, in particular reviewing and developing Commission comments on permit applications, permit amendment requests, and other permit-related matters concerning the taking of marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for scientific research, photography and public display. The closing date to receive applications is 12 June 2018. The Communications Specialist advises the Executive Director on all matters pertaining to external communications and legislative affairs, handles the communications and outreach strategy, including responsibility for the agency website, social media accounts, and outreach materials, and represents the Commission in interactions with journalists, reporters, and other media outlets. The closing date to receive applications is 7 June 2018. The announcements for both positions and application instructions can be found at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/?k=Marine%20Mammal%20Commission Peter O. Thomas Executive Director [1486135205993_mmc] Peter O. Thomas, Ph.D. Executive Director Marine Mammal Commission pthomas(a)mmc.gov<mailto:pthomas@mmc.gov> | Office 301.504.0087 | Cell 240.893.1286 Twitter: @MarineMammalCom<https://twitter.com/MarineMammalCom?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%…> Website: www.mmc.gov<http://www.mmc.gov/> Youtube: About Us<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdI-qyaw3es> Newsletter: Register<https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001z7sliqmIZeC5pxPfB…>

1 0

necropsy workshop
by Thierry Jauniaux 18 May '18

18 May '18

Dear MARMAM subscriber The annual marine mammal necropsy workshop is organized by the Department of Veterinary Pathology (University of Liege, Belgium), the Laboratory of Applied Bioacoustics LAB (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain) and the UMS Pelagis, Centre de Recherche sur les Mammifères Marins (University of La Rochelle, France). The session will be held at the Veterinary College on the Sart Tilman campus (Liège, Belgium) on July 10, 11 and 12, 2018 . All detail in attachment Regards T. Jauniaux Thierry Jauniaux, DMV, PhD Dept of Veterinary Pathology University of Liege Assistant Professor Diplomate of European College of Zoological Medicine (Wildlife population Health)

1 0

Di Clemente et al., 2018
by jacopo di clemente 18 May '18

18 May '18

Dear MARMAMERS, we are pleased to share our recent paper: ‘Effects of whale watching on the activity budgets of humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781), on a feeding ground' published in Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. ABSTRACT 1. Whale watching can affect cetacean behaviour, and can in some cases lead to long term negative effects on survival and reproduction. 2. The waters of Juneau (Alaska) represent a summer feeding ground for the Central North Pacific stock of humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781). The recent dramatic expansion of the local whale‐watching industry has raised concerns over the potential negative impact of such activity on the whales. 3. The aim of this study was to understand the impact of whale‐watching vessels on humpback whale behaviour in Juneau. From June to September 2015, land‐based observations were conducted to record whale behaviour in the presence and absence of vessels. 4. Markov chains and model simulations showed that the presence of vessels was not associated with a reduction in the time spent feeding. Whales exhibited more surface‐active behaviour and travelled less in the presence of vessels. 5. The lack of an overt response of feeding whales to whale‐watching disturbance could result from the importance of the Southeast Alaska study region as a feeding ground, which could make the whales less apt to interrupt feeding under disturbance; however, The high proportion of travelling observed may indicate that the study area represents a travelling corridor between other, localized feeding areas. The increase in surface‐active behaviour may represent a response to vessel presence that could potentially lead to energetic consequences. 6. The large number of whale‐watching vessels operating could lead to the increased tolerance of whales towards whale‐watching activities. The lack of responses in this study may suggest that the reactions of whales are context specific, depending on their previous experience with vessels and their foraging behaviour, for example. Subtler negative effects could still occur, however, and a prolonged monitoring programme is required to assess less overt behavioural responses of whales over time. The paper is available at the following link https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aqc.2909 Or please contact me at jacopo.diclemente(a)outlook.com<mailto:jacopo.diclemente@outlook.com> Best regards, Jacopo Di Clemente - M.Sc. Marine Science Department of Biology - University of Southern Denmark - Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark Vice President Accademia del Leviatano - V.le dell’Astronomia 19 - 00144 - Rome - Italy Phone: +45 93910840 - Skype: habana841 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jacopo_Di_Clemente2 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacopo-di-clemente 78786160?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic

1 0

New publication: Documentation of a New Zealand blue whale population
by Barlow, Dawn Renee 17 May '18

17 May '18

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our paper in Endangered Species Research: Barlow DR, Torres LG, Hodge KB, Steel D, Baker CS, Chandler TE, Bott N, Constantine R, Double MC, Gill P, Glasgow D, Hamner RM, Lilley C, Ogle M, Olson PA, Peters C, Stockin KA, Tessaglia-hymes CT, Klinck H (2018) Documentation of a New Zealand blue whale population based on multiple lines of evidence. Endanger Species Res 36:27–40 ABSTRACT: Species conservation depends on robust population assessment. Data on population abundance, distribution, and connectivity are critical for effective management, especially as baseline information for newly documented populations. We describe a pygmy blue whale Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda population in New Zealand waters with year-round presence that overlaps with industrial activities. This population was investigated using a multidisciplinary approach, including analysis of survey data, sighting records, acoustic data, identification photographs, and genetic samples. Blue whales were reported during every month of the year in the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone, with reports concentrated in the South Taranaki Bight (STB) region, where foraging behavior was frequently observed. Five hydrophones in the STB recorded the New Zealand blue whale call type on 99.7% of recording days (January to December 2016). A total of 151 individuals were photo-identified between 2004 and 2017. Nine individuals were resighted across multiple years. No matches were made to individuals identified in Australian or Antarctic waters. Mitochondrial DNA haplotype frequencies differed significantly between New Zealand (n = 53 individuals) and all other Southern Hemisphere blue whale populations, and haplotype diversity was significantly lower than all other populations. These results suggest a high degree of isolation of this New Zealand population. Using a closed capture-recapture population model, our conservative abundance estimate of blue whales in New Zealand is 718 (SD = 433, 95% CI = 279-1926). Our results fill critical knowledge gaps to improve management of blue whale populations in New Zealand and surrounding regions. The full article is open access, and is available online: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v36/p27-40/ Cheers, Dawn 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

1 0