January 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper - responses of a top predator to human-induced changes in the coastal ecosystem
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 03 Jan '19

03 Jan '19

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce my new publication in the journal Behavioral Ecology about the influence of human activities on the social interactions and demographic parameters of bottlenose dolphins. Diaz Lopez, B. 2018. “Hot deals at sea”: responses of a top predator (Bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus) to human-induced changes in the coastal ecosystem. Behavioral Ecology. doi:10.1093/beheco/ary162 Understanding how the effects of human-induced changes in the ecosystem cause changes in the behaviour of top predators is an ongoing challenge in animal ecology. This study reveals how human activities are related to a significant upward trend in density of dolphins and a reduction of the social interactions associated to a temporal switch to the food sources provided by these activities. These changes can have effects on gene flow and the degree of inbreeding and, hence, the amount of genetic variability and population viability. Abstract. The main response of top predators to human-induced environmental changes is often behavioral. Although human activities regularly impose a disturbance on top predators, they can also be a source of reliable and concentrated food resources for species with a high degree of behavioral plasticity. This study represents the first assessment of the influence of these resources on migratory patterns and social interaction of a marine top predator, the common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. Pollock’s closed robust design models and association analyses were applied to data collected over 9 consecutive years of research in a coastal area subject to significant use and pressure by humans. Photo-identification data were collected year-round during 955 boat-based surveys, resulting in 1638 common bottlenose dolphin group encounters. Results of this study revealed a significant upward trend in density of bottlenose dolphins, preferences for a coastal area with higher human pressure, and a reduction of the social interactions associated to a temporal switch to the food sources provided by human activities. The observed link between human activities and changes in common bottlenose dolphin behavior aim to contribute to a better understanding of the ecology of a marine top predator and provide some of the needed baseline data, from which effective management and conservation strategies can be designed. Please do not hesitate to ask me for any question regarding my study or to request a PDF copy of the article: bruno(a)thebdri.com Bruno Diaz Lopez Ph.D Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain www.thebdri.com 0034 684248552 Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram. Mention us on Twitter. This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank you for your cooperation.

1 0

FINAL REMINDER: UK & Ireland SMM Student Conference (UKIRSC), 5th January 2019 Deadline
by UK Regional Student Chapter for the Society of Marine Mammals 03 Jan '19

03 Jan '19

Dear all, The committee of the UK and Ireland Regional Student Chapter (UKIRSC) of the Society for Marine Mammalogy are pleased to announce our 13th annual postgraduate student conference. This year our meeting will be held on the 24th–26th January 2019 at Swansea University, Wales. This is a free conference which aims to bring together PhD and Masters students from all across the United Kingdom and Ireland who are interested in and study marine mammals. Students are encouraged to present and discuss their work with colleagues, and have the opportunity to attend workshops and talks given by experienced scientists and specialists. Deadline for registration and submission of presentation abstracts is 5th January 2019. For more information and to register for the conference, please visit our website: https://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/ukrsc/conference-2019/ Best wishes, Will, Claudia, Heather, Katherine & Alesha *---------------------------------------------------------------* *Committee Members* *UK and Ireland Regional Student Chapter of the Society for Marine Mammalogy* *Website*: http://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/ukrsc/ *Facebook*: https://www.facebook.com/UKIRSC/ *Twitter*: https://twitter.com/UKIRSC_SMM

1 0

MMO/PSO Job Opportunity
by PAMOS 02 Jan '19

02 Jan '19

Dear MarMam'ers We are looking for experienced MMO/PSO applicants based in Canada, USA or Mexico. The requirements are: Previous Experience Based in Canada / USA / Mexico BOSIET and Offshore Medical certifications up to date First Aid training Available on short notice between January and February 2019 If you are interested and fill all these requirements, please send your CV to jessica(a)pamos.ca -- Jessica Fisher, PAMOS Business Manager | Underwater Acoustics Consultancy | website: pamos.ca | email: jessica(a)pamos.ca

1 0

Next Book on Cetaceans under a Numerical Ecology perspective
by Daniel Patón Domínguez 02 Jan '19

02 Jan '19

Dear colleagues: It is my pleasure to announce the next publication of the book: Cetaceans: Evolution, Behavior and Conservation. Nova Science Publishers, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-53614-998-2 https://novapublishers.com/shop/cetaceans-evolution-behavior-and-conservati… Thanks to Nova for this new opportunity to publish with them. All the authors of this book have been collaborating for years on a binomial between fieldwork and mathematical analysis. Science is interdisciplinary and I would like to thank all the authors for their confidence in allowing me to help them with my mathematical approaches. I would also like to thank Bruno Díaz for his kind foreword. Many Regards, -- *********************************************************************** Daniel Patón Domínguez Numerical Ecology. Ecology Unit Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences Faculty of Sciences. University of Extremadura Avda. Elvas s/n 06071 Badajoz (Spain) http://unex.academia.edu/DanielPatonDominguez https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Daniel_Paton/ http://sites.google.com/site/numericalecologyuex/home https://es.linkedin.com/in/daniel-patón-domínguez-787546106 ***********************************************************************

1 0

MARINE MAMMAL INTERN RECRUITMENT FOR MONTENEGRO AND ALBANIA
by aylin akkaya 02 Jan '19

02 Jan '19

VOLUNTEER AND INTERN RECRUITMENT FOR THE MONTENEGRO DOLPHIN RESEARCH (SOUTH ADRIATIC SEA) OUR PROJECT The Montenegro Dolphin Research is a scientific project run by Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD). Our study is the first and only long term research study of marine mammals in Montenegrin coastal waters, with recent surveys covering until to the central coastline of Albania. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behavior, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats, ranging from tourism to seismic practices. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community, particularly youth and women. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We offer several volunteering and internship positions: this is an extremely valuable opportunity for graduates, that wish to gain experience in the marine mammal research field, and undergraduates, that would like to obtain internship academic credits. It could be used to develop a scientific project for BSc and MSc thesis. However, we are also open to accept applications from anyone whose love for dolphins is strong and sincere. Opportunities are available starting from February 2019 . The minimum duration of the placements is 2 MONTHS, with possible exceptions for skilled candidates. REQUIREMENTS -True interest for marine conservation, self-motivation, maturity and ability to work responsibly;-Ability to cohabit in a dynamic and multicultural environment;-Respect for the organization's rules and willingness to follow standards and procedures;-Proven experience of working effectively as part of a team;-Fluent English (both spoken and written) and good communication skills;-Willingness to learn new software applications.-Background in marine biology and previous fieldwork experience are an advantage. FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including sunrise and sunset hours; -Performing boat-based surveys at least once a week: boat surveys can be long and often tiring, so you are expected to feel comfortable on board and prepared to handle motion sickness.-Collecting dolphins sighting and behavior data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data;-Operating theodolite and managing its software Pythagoras;-Data entry and analysis;-Cataloging and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software;-Raising stakeholder awareness through conservation actions.-Promoting citizen-science activities TRAINING The Montenegro Dolphin Research team provides lectures and field work training as well as constant mentoring.You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammals research such as:-ArcGIS mapping-Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software;-Photo-identification;-Discovery, Darwin and Logger 2010 software;-Systematic data collection and data analysis;-Visual and acoustic behaviour of marine mammals-Scientific manuscript and technical report writing skills PROJECT PARTICIPATION FEE The positions quire a contribution fee of 700 Euros / month which includes: -Accommodation and expenses-Transportation between the project sites within and between Montenegro and Albania-Training and lectures-Scientific support-Field work-Use of the equipment Applicants are responsible for their transportation to/from Montenegro, meals, insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance) and personal expenses. HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and cover letter to akkayaaylinn(a)gmail.com (Aylin Akkaya Bas) explaining why you are the perfect asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us! Please mention the PERIOD OF INTEREST AND DURATION OF AVAILABILITY! If you wish to have more info about our work and get to know us better follow our websites: https://www.dmad.org.tr/volunteering www.cetazoom.orghttps://sancet.wixsite.com/sancet https://www.instagram.com/marinemammalsresearch/https://www.facebook.com/DM… Happy 2019!!! Dr. Aylin Akkaya BasScientific Director of Marine Mammals Research AssociationDeniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD) +38260024363skype: aylin.akkaya3info(a)dmad.org.trwww.dmad.org.tr | | Virüs bulunmuyor. www.avg.com |

1 0

Marine megafauna catch in southwestern Indian Ocean small-scale fisheries
by Andrew Temple 02 Jan '19

02 Jan '19

Dear MARMAM readers, We are delighted to present our newly published open-access paper regarding the catch (including incidental catches) of marine megafauna (elasmobranchs, marine mammals and sea turtles) in southwestern Indian Ocean small-scale fisheries. Please find below the abstract and website link for the paper on both the publisher's site and researchgate. Abstract: The measurable impacts of small-scale fisheries on coastal marine ecosystems and vulnerable megafauna species (elasmobranchs, marine mammals and sea turtles) within them are largely unknown, particularly in developing countries. This study assesses megafauna catch and composition in handline, longline, bottom-set and drift gillnet fisheries of the southwestern Indian Ocean. Observers monitored 21 landing sites across Kenya, Zanzibar and northern Madagascar for 12 months in 2016–17. Landings (n = 4666) identified 59 species, including three sea turtles, two small cetaceans and one sirenian (Dugong dugon). Primary gear threats to investigated taxa were identified as bottom-set gillnets (marine mammals, sea turtles and batoids), drift gillnets (marine mammals, batoids and sharks) and longlines (sharks). Overall, catch was dominated by small and moderately sized coastal requiem sharks (Carcharhiniformes) and whiprays (Dasyatidae). Larger coastal and oceanic elasmobranchs were also recorded in substantial numbers as were a number of deeper-water species. The diversity of catch demonstrates the potential for small-scale fisheries to have impacts across a number of ecosystems. From the observed catch rates we calculated annual regional elasmobranch landings to be 35,445 (95%CI 30,478–40,412) tonnes, 72.6% more than officially reported in 2016 and 129.2% more than the 10-year average (2006–16), constituting 2.48 (95%CI 2.20–2.66) million individuals. Productivity-Susceptibility Analyses indicate that small and moderately sized elasmobranchs are most vulnerable in the small-scale fisheries. The study demonstrates substantial underreporting of catches in small-scale fisheries and highlights the need to expand efforts globally to assess the extent and impact of small-scale fisheries on vulnerable marine species and their respective ecosystems. Biological Conservation: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320718312424 Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329894096_Marine_megafauna_catch_i… Many Thanks, Andrew Temple, Nina Wambiji, Chris Poonian, Narriman Jiddawi, Selina Stead, Jeremy Kiszka and Per Berggren -------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Temple Post-Doctoral Research Associate Room 4.71, Ridley Building 2 School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University NE1 7RU E-Mail: andrew.temple1(a)ncl.ac.uk Tel: 0191 208 5091

1 0