August 2018 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Third Latin American Symposium for Manatee Research and Conservation (SILAMA), Lima, Peru, Nov 4th 2018
by Nataly Castelblanco 07 Aug '18

07 Aug '18

Dear Friends, We are pleased to invite you to attend the upcoming "Third Latin American Symposium for Manatee Research and Conservation (SILAMA)" to be held in Lima, Perú on November 4th 2018, in the frame of the Conference of the Latin American Society of Aquatic Mammal Experts (SOLAMAC). This symposium since its inception has been conceived as a space to share advances in research and conservation of manatee species (Trichechus manatus and T. inunguis) in Latin America. We also aim: 1. To review the progresses and gaps in research and conservation of manatee populations in Latin America. 2. To exchange experiences and advances in the management and conservation of these species both in wildlife and in captivity 3. To discuss methodological approaches that allow meeting current needs, and that fit to local ecological and economic conditions. 4. To make recommendations to promote international cooperation for research and conservation of sirenians in Latin America We encourage all researchers, students and stakeholders working with manatees in Latin America to submit abstracts. We welcome all submissions regarding distribution, genetics, physiology, veterinary medicine, threats, conservation (in situ and ex situ), management, environmental education, cultural aspects and others. ++ To elaborate the abstract, please follow the instructions provided in the SOLAMAC website. Abstracts should be sent to silama3.2018(a)gmail.com before August, 31th 2018. ++ Answers of acceptation will be given on September 20th 2018 ++ Fee for the workshop: US$10. Registration through the SOLAMAC website http://solamac2018.com/ <https://mail.univ-amu.fr/owa/redir.aspx?REF=h_uASapaCqsUVkVl8J1WObAMS3CSyKk…..>. (workshops section). Questions? please contact us at silama3.2018(a)gmail.com See you in Lima! Att. The organizers ****************************************************************************************** *Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez, PhD**CONACYT Research Fellow – University of Quintana Roo * ResearchGate profile <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nataly_Castelblanco-Martinez/?ev=hdr_x…> ********************************************************************************************

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 06 Aug '18

06 Aug '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

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Second Call: Training Course - An Introduction To Using GIS/QGIS In Biological Research, 1-2 October 2018
by Colin D. MacLeod 06 Aug '18

06 Aug '18

This is the second call for attendees for our upcoming introductory training course for those who wish to learn how to use GIS in biological research, and it will provide an introduction to using GIS in a wide variety of biological research situations, including marine mammal research, and the course includes two marine-mammal-specific practical exercises (one based around calculating the observed abundance per unit survey effort of dolphins using a grid-based approach, and one based around mapping species richness for North Atlantic beaked whales). It is primmarily based around a GIS software package called QGIS, which is free to use. As a result, it is one of the best options for doing GIS for self-employed MMOs, small environmental consultancies, NGOs, those working on small marine mammal research projects with limited budgets for purchasing software licences and students working at universities who do not have access to commercial GIS software packages. The course will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, on the 1st and 2nd of October 2018, and it will be taught by Dr Colin D. MacLeod, who has more than 15 years experience in using GIS for a wide variety of biological purposes. For those who cannot attend this course in person, a shorter online course based on the same materials is available from our sister site www.GISforBiologists.com. The course will primarily be based around QGIS (also known as Quantum GIS), which provides a user-friendly, open-source, free alternative to commercial GIS software packages, and it is becoming increasingly widely used in both academic and commercial organisations As a result, it is aimed at both those with no GIS experience, but wish to learn how to do GIS with QGIS, and also those who are familiar with using commercial GIS software, such as ArcGIS, but who wish to learn how to use QGIS as an alternative. However, this course is taught using software-independent approach, and it is also open to those who wish to learn how to use ArcGIS to do biological GIS. The practical exercises on this course will be based on those in the recently published GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates by Dr MacLeod, and a free copy of this book will be provided to all participants. Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 16 people, and the course will cost £295 per person (£200 for students, the unwaged and those working for registered charities). To book a place, or for more information, visit http://gisinecology.com/an-introduction-to-using-gis-in-biological-research/ or email info(a)GISinEcology.com. Glasgow has great transport links and is within half a days travel by car or by fast train links from most cities in the UK. For example, it can be reached in as little as 4h 30mins from London by train. It can also be reached by direct flights from many European cities and the flight time is generally under four hours. The course will be held in central Glasgow at the IET Glasgow Teacher Building (14 St Enoch Square, Glasgow, G1 4DB, UK). Attendees will be responsible for their own accommodation. However, Glasgow provides a wide range of accommodation options to fit most budgets. ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates; RRP: £24.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Marine Mammal Biologist position at the University of California - Santa Cruz
by Terrie Williams 05 Aug '18

05 Aug '18

Dear Marine Mammal Community, We are pleased to announce the availability of a unique job opportunity at the University of California- Santa Cruz for a Marine Mammal Biologist. The position is described below and in the attached file. It is open across all academic levels. The application period will be open through September 15. We look forward to hearing from this community of marine mammal scientists. Best, Terrie M. Williams PhD Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - UCSC

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American Cetacean Society abstract deadline extended
by posters＠acsonline.org 04 Aug '18

04 Aug '18

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the American Cetacean Society's 16th International Conference to be held November 2-4, 2018 in Newport Beach, CA. Whales & Us: The Next Generation ACS's International Conference is a highly respected gathering of scientists, educators, conservationists, students, hobbyists and anyone with an interest in cetaceans and their ocean environment.This conference will focus on the future of whale, dolphin and porpoise conservation. Activities will include speaker sessions with world-renowned experts, a poster session including a student research poster contest, a photography contest, a silent auction, book signings, an art show, vendor exhibits, and much more. We will also hold our traditional pre-conference all-day whale watching trip on Friday November 2nd, and will venture out into the rich southern California waters between Catalina Island and Orange County. More info can be found here: https://www.acsonline.org/2018-conference CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: DEADLINE EXTENDED Abstracts for the Poster Session and Student Research Poster Contest will now be accepted through August 19th, 2018. - Poster Session: This session will showcase a variety of programs and projects based out of educational institutions, agencies, and non-profit organizations. It isintended to encourage discussion and facilitate the exchange of current information pertaining to cetacean research, conservation, policy, and education. - Student Research Poster Contest: We invite graduate and undergraduate students to present their work in the ACS Conference Student Contest. The contest is for poster presenters, with a $250 First-Place prize for the top presenter, a $150 Second-Place prize, and a $100 Third-Place prize. First, second- and third-place winners will be recognized at the conference Sunday morning and will be featured in an upcoming issue of the ACS Spyhopper newsletter. The student contest provides an opportunity for students at universities and institutions to gain presentation experience in a professional environment and provides a forum in which existing professionals and scientists may meet their rising peers. Abstract submissions will be accepted from current undergraduate or graduate students, student interns, and recently graduated students (within the past year) who conducted their work prior to graduation. Student authors must be from accredited institutions of higher education. For submission guidelines and details, please visit : http://www.acsonline.org/assets/docs/ACS_2018_Conference/poster%20session%2… Poster session-related inquiries can be sent to posters(a)acsonline.org See you in November! Sincerely, The American Cetacean Society Conference Poster Committee AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY P.O. Box 51691 Pacific Grove, CA 93950

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New Publication: Characterizing estrus by trans-abdominal ultrasounds, fecal estrone-3-glucuronide, and vaginal cytology in the Steller sea lion ( Eumetopias jubatus )
by renae.sattler＠yahoo.com 03 Aug '18

03 Aug '18

Dear MARMAM Readers, My co-authors and I are happy to share our recent publication: "Characterizing estrus by trans-abdominal ultrasounds, fecal estrone-3-glucuronide, and vaginal cytology in the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus)". Sattler R, Bishop A, Woodie K, Polasek L. Characterizing estrus by trans-abdominal ultrasounds, fecal estrone-3-glucuronide, and vaginal cytology in the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). Theriogenology 120:25-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.07.020 Abstract:Theability to monitor the estrus cycle in wild and captive marine species isimportant for identifying reproductive failures, ensuring a successful breedingprogram, and monitoring animal welfare. Minimally invasive sampling methods tomonitor estrus in captive populations have been developed, but results suggestthese tools can be species-specific in their precision and accuracy. Therefore,the minimally invasive sampling methods of trans-abdominal ultrasounds, a fecalsteroid analysis (estrone-3-glucuronide, E1G), and vaginal cytology, wereevaluated for their efficacy to characterize and monitor estrus in a captivebreeding population of Steller sea lions (Eumetopiasjubatus). Three adult females were sampled over five breeding seasons,resulting in six estrus profiles characterized by trans-abdominal ultrasounds, fiveby fecal E1G, and four by vaginal cytology. Animals were trained to allowtrans-abdominal ultrasounds, fecal samples, and vaginal swabs to be collected approximatelydaily. Of the 76 trans-abdominal ultrasound sessions attempted, 8 successfullyvisualized both ovaries. From these scans, the chronology of ovarian changesduring proestrus and estrus was estimated. The time from the detection of developingfollicles to the identification of a dominate follicle occurred in 2-5 days anda corpus hemorrhagicum formed approximately 4 days later. However, becausevisualization of the ovaries was prevented by the gastrointestinal system in 88%of scans, this tool was overall unreliable for monitoring changes associatedwith estrus. To detect fine scale physiological changes associated with estrus,we analyzed changes in fecal E1G (n = 62) and vaginal cytology (n = 157) 15days before and after each female’s single copulation event (Day = 0). Changesin fecal E1G had the highest accuracy at detecting Day = 0. Fecal E1G increasedleading up to estrus, peaked at Day = 0, and then declined. Although we didobserve the characteristic increase in superficial cells associated withimpending estrus, the type of cell which peaked closest to Day = 0 wasintermediate. The uncertainty around the peak in intermediate cells, indicatingestrus, was greater than the uncertainty associated with detecting estrus fromfecal E1G. Collectively, these results suggest that changes in fecal E1G andvaginal cytology are viable tools to detect estrus in Steller sea lions, butrequire daily sampling to detect gradual changes, limiting their applicabilityto studies of wild populations. Please email me for a copy of the pdf. renaes(a)alaskasealife.org Thanks! Renae SattlerResearch Associate Alaska SeaLife CenterSeward, AK 99664907-224-6882

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new articles on postmortem analyses on bycaught animals applying diatoms technique
by Sandro Mazzariol 03 Aug '18

03 Aug '18

Dear Collegues I'm glad to announce a new article on a forensic techniques which could be useful in by-catch diagnosis. This article is a preliminary evaluation of the presence of diatoms in bones of stranded marine vertebrates including cetaceans. Diatoms researches are used in forensic human medicine in order to support drowning evidences. Further studies could enforce the use of this technique in bycatch postmortem diagnosis along with other findings. Details could be found in the following maniscript * * *The diatoms test in veterinary medicine: a pilot study on cetaceans and sea turtles.* Fishing activities are considered one of the most relevant threats for cetaceans and sea turtles con- servation since these animals are sometimes found dead entangled in fishing gears. Currently, postmortem diagnosis is based mainly on the presence of nets and lines on the body and the related marks and injuries evident at gross examination. A more detailed and objective evidence is needed to clarify doubts cases and the diatoms technique, used in forensic human medicine, could support drowning diagnosis also in this field. Diatoms’ investigation was implemented to be applied in ma- rine vertebrate on 8 striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and 1 bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins and 5 sea turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded along the Italian coastlines with a likely cause of death hypothized on necropsies carried out by veterinary pathologists. Diatoms were microscopically searched in the bone marrow collected from long bones implementing protocols used in human medicine and their presence was observed in 4 cetaceans and 2 sea turtles. Despite a clear relation between diatoms’ presence and amount and the likely cause of death was not proved due to the poor number of samples, the higher burden of diatoms was found in 3 animals deemed to be death for the interaction with human activity. Despite more studied are necessary to identify the possible relation between the cause of death and diatoms’ findings, the present study implemented this technique to be adapted to marine animals, confirming its possible application also in veterinary forensic medicine. CITATION: Rubini S, Frisoni P, Russotto C, Pedriali N, Mignone W, Grattarola C, Giorda F, Pautasso A, Barbieri S, Cozzi B, Mazzariol S, Gaudio RM. The diatoms test in veterinary medicine: A pilot study on cetaceans and sea turtles. Forensic Sci Int. 2018 Jul 5. pii: S0379-0738(18)30358-X Full text could be downloaded at the following address https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037907381830358X?via%3Di… All the best Sandro Mazzariol -- Dr. Sandro Mazzariol, DVM, PhD Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione (BCA) Università degli Studi di Padova Cetaceans strandings Emergency Response Team (CERT) AGRIPOLIS - Ed. Museo Viale dell'Università 16 35020 - Legnaro (PD) tel.: +39 049 827 2963 fax: +39 049 827 2973 skype: smazzariol

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New publication on sperm whales mass stranding
by Sandro Mazzariol 03 Aug '18

03 Aug '18

Dear Collegues my co-author and I are happy to announce a new publication reporting investigations on a sperm whales' mass stranding occurred in Italy in 2014. In that event, a pod of 7 specimens stranded alive along the Italian coast of the Central Adriatic Sea: 3 individuals died on the beach after a few hours due to internal damages induced by prolonged recumbency; the remaining 4 whales were refloated after great efforts. All the dead animals were genetically related females; one was pregnant. All the animals were infected by dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) and the pregnant whale was also affected by a severe nephropathy due to a large kidney stone. Other analyses ruled out other possible relevant factors related to weather conditions or human activities. The results of multidisciplinary post-mortem analyses revealed that the 7 sperm whales entered the Adriatic Sea encountering adverse weather conditions and then kept heading northward following the pregnant but sick leader of the pod, thereby reaching the stranding site. DMV infection most likely played a crucial role in impairing the health condition and orientation abilities of the whales. They did not steer back towards deeper waters, but eventually stranded along the Central Adriatic Sea coastline, a real trap for sperm whales. The full paper could be downloaded at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-29966-7 *Citation:* Mazzariol S, Centelleghe C, Cozzi B, Povinelli M, Marcer F, Ferri N, Di Francesco G, Badagliacca P, Profeta F, Olivieri V, Guccione S, Cocumelli C,Terracciano G, Troiano P, Beverelli M, Garibaldi F, Podestà M, Marsili L, Fossi MC, Mattiucci S, Cipriani P, De Nurra D, Zaccaroni A, Rubini S, Berto D, deQuiros YB, Fernandez A, Morell M, Giorda F, Pautasso A, Modesto P, Casalone C, Di Guardo G. Multidisciplinary studies on a sick-leader syndrome-associated massstranding of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) along the Adriatic coast of Italy. Sci Rep. 2018 Aug 1;8(1):11577. All the best Sandro -- Dr. Sandro Mazzariol, DVM, PhD Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione (BCA) Università degli Studi di Padova Cetaceans strandings Emergency Response Team (CERT) AGRIPOLIS - Ed. Museo Viale dell'Università 16 35020 - Legnaro (PD) tel.: +39 049 827 2963 fax: +39 049 827 2973 skype: smazzariol

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Internship Opportunity: Sea Search Research and Conservation
by Erin Church - Sea Search Research and Conservation 03 Aug '18

03 Aug '18

The Sea Search group conducts research on marine megafauna, primarily whales and dolphins, in southern Africa. Our research covers a wide range of topics from understanding habitat use and ecological relationships in a changing climate to behavioural acoustics. Our primary focus is the production of peer-reviewed scientific research and student training. In addition, we engage in a number of education and outreach activities. The Sea Search Research and Conservation intern programme is aimed at students and graduates looking for medium to long-term placements to develop analytical skills, conduct student projects or short theses and experience active field work and data analysis in the field of cetacean research. We have placements available from September 2018 to May 2019 for periods of at least 2 months. We study a range of species and students/interns would be involved in processing and analysis of (an) appropriate datasets. Fieldwork during this period will focus on feeding groups of humpback whales and endangered humpback dolphins, but the study area has a very diverse species list and data are collected from all encountered cetaceans. Interns will form part of a highly motivated team and will be involved in many Sea Search activities during their stay, including outreach and education activities. Requirements: People with a background in biology and some prior relevant experience (photography, passive acoustics, boat skills) would be preferred, although all training will be given. Interns must have a mature attitude to their work and be prepared to work long days and occasional weekends. There is a monthly cost associated with this programme which includes accommodation, training and fieldwork. Interns who stay through December 2018 will have the opportunity to attend the African Bioacoustics Community Conference for a small additional fee https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com/abcommunity. If you are interested in these placements, please contact info(a)seasearch.co.za for further information or look at our websites and social media sites: www.seasearch.co.za https://www.facebook.com/seasearch/ https://www.facebook.com/NamibianDolphinProject/ https://www.facebook.com/africanbioacousticscommunity/ Many Thanks! Erin Church Sea Search Research and Conservation 4 Bath Road Muizenberg 021 788 1206

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Vacancy –Masters/PhD Student for Dolphin Ecology and Conservation Study in Penang, Malaysia
by Leela Rajamani 02 Aug '18

02 Aug '18

Dear MARMAM, Please share Vacancy –Masters/PhD Student for a Dolphin Ecology and Conservation Study in Penang, Malaysia -Knowledge on cetacean ecology/inshore dolphin ecology -Ability to conduct photo-identification, mark-recapture analysis a plus -Independent -Accustomed to long field hours -Team player -Able to get registered as a student as soon as possible -Research is fully funded If interested please send a curriculum vitae and letter of interest by August 15th, 2018 to Dr. Leela Rajamani : leelarajamani(a)usm.my , Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia,11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia Please also send a page long essay of ‘Why do I want to be marine mammal scientist/conservationist? Regards, Leela -- Leela Rajamani (Ph.D.) Marine Mammal Conservation Senior Lecturer, Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Tel no: 60-4-8852750 (CEMACS) 60-4 6535922 (Main Campus) Fax No: 60-4-8852751 Email leelarajamani(a)gmail.com leelarajamani(a)usm.my

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