October 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

"A standardized method of classifying pulsed sounds"
by PATRIS Julie 05 Oct '19

05 Oct '19

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share the publication of our new paper "A standardized method of classifying pulsed sounds and its application to pulse rate measurement of blue whale southeast Pacific song units" by Julie Patris, Franck Malige, Herve Glotin, Mark Asch and Susannah Buchan, in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (Vol.146, No.4). The abstract can be found following this message, and a copy can be accessed at https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/1.5126710 or by writing to Dr. Julie Patris at julie.patris(a)univ-amu.fr. All the best, Julie Abstract Pulsed sounds are an interesting example of complex biological sounds, frequent in cetaceans' vocalizations. A two-group classification of these sounds is proposed: tonal or non-tonal. Through two simple mathematical models, it is shown that this classification can lead to better techniques for measuring the pulse rate. This classification is thus useful for improving measurement accuracy, but can also help in formulating hypotheses regarding mechanisms of sound production. This method of classification is applied to south Pacific blue whale vocalizations and it is found that the pulse rate corresponds to the fundamental frequency (not expressed in the spectrum) of the song. Thus, the hypothesis that the sound is produced by only one organ and then filtered by the body of the giant is reinforced.

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Deadline Approaching - Marine Animal Response Internships in Hawaii
by kelsey.wheeler＠h-mar.org 03 Oct '19

03 Oct '19

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Last Call for Job Opportunity with MAR
by Peter Wallerstein 03 Oct '19

03 Oct '19

JOB OPPORTUNITY WITH MARINE ANIMAL RESCUE SPECIALISTS Marine Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization providing rescue response as far north as the Pacific Palisades, south to Long Beach, and as far west as Catalina Island. MAR conducts hundreds of marine mammal rescues annually. Rescued animals consist primarily of sea lions, seals, and seabirds with occasional dolphins and sea turtles. MAR has rescued 6,000 marine mammals over the past 30 years. MAR also works as a member of the large whale disentanglement network. You must have pinniped rescue experience to apply for this position. POSITION: MARINE ANIMAL RESCUE SPECIALIST MAR is looking for committed individuals who would like to make rescuing marine animals a career. You must have pinniped, especially sea lion rescue experience to apply. Training will be provided by MAR to ensure continued high-level response to any marine animal calls. MAR will not consider candidates looking for a temporary position. Only long-term applicants will be considered. JOB DESCRIPTION: Must be available 5 days a week, 8 hours per day for response, rescue and transportation from jetties, docks, and both common and uncommon stranding locations. Must be able to learn the proper use of specialized marine animal rescue, transportation and safety equipment. Must be able to work in cooperation with local agencies and volunteers and be familiar with all local, state and federal laws pertaining to the rescuing of marine animals. LOCATION: MAR’s authorized territory is Los Angeles County, from Pacific Palisades to Long Beach and west to Catalina, California. HOURS: Approximately 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. Be prepared to work long days from January to June. SALARY: Commensurate with experience and skills START: Within 6 months REFERENCES AND REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS A bachelor's degree and marine mammal handling experience · Provide background/references · A valid driver’s license with no points · Minimum two year experience in rescuing seals and sea lions · Must correctly identify local marine animal species and demonstrate knowledge of birthing seasons and natural behaviors of marine animals · Some animal-related emergency medical experience · Must meet challenging physical fitness requirements Must be able to lift 75 pounds into truck · Must possess 24-hour Hazwhoper certificate · Skill in small boat handling · Able to drive 4WD Pickup truck in a sandy environment OTHER REQUIRED RESPONSIBILITIES: · Maintain rescue and transportation equipment · Responsible for school visits · Must be enthusiastic with good communication skills and be able to work with others, including Coast Guard, Lifeguards, Police, etc. · When on-call, must answer calls promptly · Must pass County Beach Safety Driving Course · Coordinate volunteers Send your cover letter, resume and references to the email address below: Contact: Peter Wallerstein, pw(a)marspecialists.org <mailto:pw@marspecialists.org> www.marspecialists.org <http://www.marspecialists.org/>

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New publication: A stop for a snack: Apparent humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) feeding off South-eastern Brazil
by Salvatore Siciliano 02 Oct '19

02 Oct '19

Dear MARMAM Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm pleased to announce our publication (short note) in Boletim do Labohidro, which describes apparent feeding behavior of humpback whales while migrating along SE Brazil and interactions with gillnets. A stop for a snack: Apparent humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) feeding behavior and association with gillnets during migration off South-eastern Brazil. Bol. do Labohidro, 29: 41-49, 2019.Short summary: Cases of humpback whales feeding on breeding grounds are still poorly known in the world. This study reports field observations of a juvenile whale - yearling, in Brazilian waters, with evidence of foraging behavior, in search of prey that seemed to be prawn or squid, during short dives. In addition, other similar observations are reported in southeastern Brazil in which the whales showed interest and approach gillnets, probably attracted by entangled fish. In some of these cases, it is considered that whale approaching towards the nets has caused entanglements, and in at least one case the specimen freed itself from nets. In other cases, nets may have caused humpback whale injuries. A follow-up of these interactions throughout the Brazilian coast is recommended for a better evaluation of these interactions with fishing nets, since they may represent a new form of behavior of these whales in their migratory period. The article can be downloaded here: http://www.periodicoseletronicos.ufma.br/index.php/blabohidro/article/view/… or http://www.periodicoseletronicos.ufma.br/index.php/blabohidro/index Best, Salvatore -- Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Marinhos da Região dos Lagos <http://www.gemmlagos.com.br>

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New paper on estimating body mass of free-living whales using drone photogrammetry and 3D modelling
by Fredrik Christiansen 02 Oct '19

02 Oct '19

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Methods in Ecology and Evolution: Christiansen, F., Sironi, M., Moore, M.J., Di Martino, M., Ricciardi, M., Warick, H.A. & Uhart, M.M. 2019. Estimating body mass of free-living whales using aerial photogrammetry and 3D volumetrics. Methods in Ecology and Evolution: 1-11. DOI: /10.1111/2041-210X.13298 In this study we used unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to measure the body shape (length, width and height) of southern right whales in Pen��nsula Vald��s, Argentina, from which we estimated body volume. We also calculated the body girth of the free-living whales, and developed a model to predict body volume from body length and girths. Using this model we then predicted the volume of North Pacific right whales caught in whaling operations, for which body length, girth and mass was known. From this we could calculate a volume-to-mass conversion factor, or body density, of the dead whales, which we then applied to the free-living southern right whales to calculate their body mass. Please find the abstract and a link to the paper below: Abstract: 1. Body mass is a key life�\history trait in animals. Despite being the largest animals on the planet, no method currently exists to estimate body mass of free�\living whales. 2. We combined aerial photographs and historical catch records to estimate the body mass of free�\living right whales (Eubalaena sp.). First, aerial photogrammetry from unmanned aerial vehicles was used to measure the body length, width (lateral distance) and height (dorso�\ventral distance) of free�\living southern right whales (Eubalaena australis; 48 calves, seven juveniles and 31 lactating females). From these data, body volume was estimated by modelling the whales as a series of infinitely small ellipses. The body girth of the whales was next calculated at three measurement sites (across the pectoral fin, the umbilicus and the anus) and a linear model was developed to predict body volume from the body girth and length data. To obtain a volume�\to�\mass conversion factor, this model was then used to estimate the body volume of eight lethally caught North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica), for which body mass was measured. This conversion factor was consequently used to predict the body mass of the free�\living whales. 3. The cross�\sectional body shape (height�Cwidth ratio) of the whales was slightly flattened dorso�\ventrally at the anterior end of the body, almost circular in the mid region, and significantly flattened in the lateral plane across the posterior half of the body. Compared to a circular cross�\sectional model, our body mass model incorporating body length, width and height improved mass estimates by up to 23.6% (mean = 6.1%, SD = 5.27). Our model had a mean error of only 1.6% (SD = 0.012), compared to 9.5% (SD = 7.68) for a simpler body length�\to�\mass model. The volume�\to�\mass conversion factor was estimated at 754.63 kg/m3 (SD = 50.03). Predicted body mass estimates were within a close range of existing body mass measurements. 4. We provide a non�\invasive method to accurately estimate body mass of free�\living whales while accounting for both their structural size (body length) and relative body condition (body width). Our approach can be directly applied to other marine mammals by adjusting the model parameters (body mass model script provided). The paper can be accessed from the following link: https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/2041-210X.13298 This study was done in collaboration with the Digital Life Project at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and CG artist Robert Gutierrez, which created a 3D model of a southern right whale. To access the 3D mesh model of a right whale you can follow this link: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-55b-3d-mesh-southern-right-whale-e0ea… To access a full colour 3D model of a southern right whale you can follow this link: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-55a-southern-right-whale-3bddfdfafc6c… Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor/Postdoctoral Research Fellow Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies Aarhus University, Denmark +4531332367 f.christiansen(a)aias.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf

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Interactive introductory online distance sampling training 04-15 November 2019
by Eric Rexstad 02 Oct '19

02 Oct '19

Interactive introductory distance sampling training The University of St Andrews has been training people in design and analysis of distance sampling studies for decades. Perhaps you've wanted to attend but could not get permission for travel to Scotland or the scheduling of workshops in August conflicted with your field work.😞 We are offering the training workshop in 10 two-hour blocks in early November. You will be invited to interact in short lectures on distance sampling principles. 👩‍🎓 Exercises analysing data sets in R will reinforce those principles and the lecturer will be available to assist during the practical session via screen sharing. The block will conclude with a summary of the exercise and question/answer session for both lecture and exercise. 💻 The workshop will be delivered using Zoom web conferencing software along with R-Studio "in the cloud"☁️; both free software tools. You will need no-cost accounts for both pieces of software. I encourage you to experiment with Zoom (at https://zoom.us) and https://rstudio.cloud before the course begins. Important details: * Workshop dates and time: 04 - 15 November 2019 o 1800-2000 UK time (1300-1500 EST, 1000-1200 PST, 0900-1100AKST) 🕰️ * Registration deadline: *28 October 2019*📅 * Enrolment limit: 10 (so everybody can get attention they desire) * Cost: 170 British pounds (roughly $205 at current exchange rates)💵 * What is included: Lectures, exercises, code, data all available online📃 Further details are available at the CREEM website: https://www.creem.st-andrews.ac.uk/distance-live-online-workshops/ At this page you will find a link to the St Andrews online shop where you register and make payment. Feel free to contact me with questions. We expect to offer this training again in early 2020 if November timing does not suit you. Future offerings may use the Distance for Windows software if there is sufficient demand. The interactive workshops do not replace face-to-face distance sampling workshops that will be held in August 2020. -- Eric Rexstad Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9LZ +44 (0)1334 461833 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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New publication available: The importance of migratory connectivity to global ocean policy
by Corrie Curtice 01 Oct '19

01 Oct '19

Dear marine mammal community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to announce our recent paper in Proceedings B on “The importance of migratory connectivity to global ocean policy,” an effort by a large working group within the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean (MiCO) initiative (https://www.mico.eco) co-led by Daniel Dunn (University of Queensland & the Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab at Duke University) and Autumn-Lynn Harrison (Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center). The paper discusses the current need and suggests recommendations to address the major gap between the large amounts of data being collected on marine animal movements, and the accessibility and application of those data for policy makers and managers. It also introduces a prototype knowledge (not data) repository: https://mico.eco/system. Rather than aggregating data, MiCO seeks to aggregate usable knowledge in the form of model results that can be easily ingested or understood by managers and policymakers, while also garnering benefits for contributors. Specifically, the system never distributes contributed datasets, but freely disseminates synthesized area-use and (soon) network models, and ensures attribution of all derived products back to the original contributors to allow them to track the impact of their research by tracking the use of the derived products. We appreciate all of those who have contributed data, expertise, and knowledge to the initiative. The MiCO concept and prototype system have already informed and received very positive feedback from regional (Regional Seas Organizations) and global policy processes (CMS, International Whaling Commission, and Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction negotiations), as well as industry (to inform siting, EIAs, etc.). If you are interested in contributing to MiCO or learning more, please feel free to reach out (https://mico.eco/about/contact/) Our paper is freely available at: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/lookup/doi/10.1098/rspb.2019.1472<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__rspb.royalsocietypublis…>. Lastly, I will be presenting MiCO with a speed talk at the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona on December 12 at 9:55am. Thank you, Corrie Curtice, on behalf of my co-authors -- Corrie Curtice Research Analyst Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University http://mgel.env.duke.edu<http://mgel.env.duke.edu/> em: corrie.curtice(a)duke.edu<mailto:corrie.curtice@duke.edu>

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IMMS Winter/Spring Research Internship
by Jessica Post 01 Oct '19

01 Oct '19

The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns may participate in projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-ID research as well as any other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Interns must: - Commit to a minimum of 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance - Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. - Have a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. - Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills Principle Duties include: data entry, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-ID fin images, learning to use photo-ID programs such as Darwin (fin matching software) and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21' boat), and learn how to use ArcGIS Secondary Duties include: assisting animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting educational staff Field Days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this internship program. This is an unpaid position and interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will assist interns in finding rooms available to rent, usually with other staff members. The deadline to apply for the winter/spring sessions (January 6-March 27, 2020 or March 2-May 22, 2020) is November 1, 2019. For application and full details on how to apply please visit our website at http://imms.org/internship/ Jessica Post Research Assistant Research Intern Coordinator The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies 10801 Dolphin Lane Gulfport, MS 39503

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FW: Announcing new Masters Degree: Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation
by Godley, Brendan 01 Oct '19

01 Oct '19

Dear Colleagues At the University of Exeter we have a proud history of training students at all levels from BSc to PhD. Building on our research strengths in marine vertebrates, including marine mammals, we are launching a new MSc programme “MSc Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation” (1 year, full time) starting September 2020 and now open for applications. http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/biosciences/marine/<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.exeter…> Please share with likely interested students and colleagues! Although this is our first announcement, we have already received a deal of interest. More material such as alumni profiles, lists of collaborating organisations and affiliated staff will be shared on the website and through our @ExeterMarine social media channels on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Linkedin, but for the moment: Structure of the course: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/biosciences/marine/#Programme-s…<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.exeter…> Educational style and key staff: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/biosciences/marine/#Learning<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.exeter…> Scholarships: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/international/globalexcellencetaught/<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.exeter…> As course director, I am happy to answer any queries. With kind regards Brendan Brendan Godley Chair in Conservation Science #ExeterMarine Strategy Lead Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC) University of Exeter, Penryn Campus https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/marine/researchthemes/<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.exete…> Twitter: @BrendanGodley Twitter: @ExeterMarine I recently gave a TEDx Talk “Sea Turtles: United by Oceans” You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT3PQN9bojc<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtu…> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "IUCN-SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to iucn-mtsg+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com<mailto:iucn-mtsg+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com>. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iucn-mtsg/LO2P265MB147199B7A008CE4CAAEEC9…<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgroups.go…>.

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Fwd: New article on the ontogeny and evolution of the sound-generating structures in dolphins
by Guilherme Frainer 01 Oct '19

01 Oct '19

Dear all, We are happy to share our recent publication in Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blz118 Abstract The ontogeny of the structures involved in sound generation and modulation in dolphins was investigated through a comparison of the soft nasal structures of foetal, perinatal, neonatal and adult specimens of Pontoporiidae, Phocoenidae and Delphinidae. Foetal samples were sectioned at 10 μm in the saggital and coronal planes, and stained for histological examination. Computed tomography and magentic resonance imaging scan series were combined with new data to represent the ontogenetic stages of the three groups. The images were analysed in 3D-Slicer to characterize the general head topography. The origins of the melon and the vestibular air sac were detected between Carnegie stages C16 and F22. The three groups analysed showed distinct formation of the nasal plug and nasal plug muscles, mainly with regard to the loss of fat pathways (or their maintenance in Pontoporiidae) and the development of the nasal plug muscles on both sides (during perinatal development of Phocoenidae) or just on the left side (during postnatal development in Delphinidae). Broadband vocalizing delphinidans might have evolved under heterochronic events acting on the formation of sound-generating structures such as the rostrum and vestibular air sacs, and on the transformation of the branches of the melon, probably leading to a reduced directionality of the sonar beam. All the best, Gui -- *Guilherme Frainer * Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal (PPGBAN/UFRGS). Departamento De Zoologia. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Livre de vírus. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…>. <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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