December 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Last call for the WMMC full day Sunday workshop on "arts and communication" on Dec. 8
by Volker Smit 02 Dec '19

02 Dec '19

Dear Marmamers! This is the last call to our WMMC workshop "Arts" as a tool for communicating marine mammal science to the general public. The workshop will be held prior to the 2nd World Marine Mammal Science Conference that will take place in Barcelona in December 2019 jointly organized by the European Cetacean Society (ECS) and the Society for Marine Mammalogy (SMM). The workshop is scheduled as a*full day workshop on Sunday, December 8 from 8.30am-5.30 pm*. For more information on the workshop please also visit https://www.wmmconference.org/workshops/ and scroll down to the Sunday full day workshop section. At the end of the workshop description you also find a link to a draft programme. Hope to see you in Barcelona! Many regards, Luigi and Volker -- Volker Smit 2. Vorsitzender Bildungsbeauftragter MEER. e.V. smit(a)m-e-e-r.de

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New publication: Mercury concentrations in blubber and skin from stranded bottlenose dolphins along the Florida and Louisiana coasts
by McCormack, Meaghan A 02 Dec '19

02 Dec '19

Dear MARMAM list members, My coauthors and I are pleased to share our recent publication in *Environmental Research* Mercury concentrations in blubber and skin from stranded bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) along the Florida and Louisiana coasts (Gulf of Mexico, USA) in relation to biological variables Meaghan A. McCormack, Francesca Battaglia, Wayne E. McFee, Jessica Dutton Abstract: Due to their long life-span and top trophic position, odontocetes can accumulate high concentrations of mercury (Hg) in their tissues. This study measured the concentration of total Hg (THg) in the blubber and skin of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) that stranded along the Florida (FL) panhandle and Louisiana (LA) coasts and investigated the relationship between total Hg (THg) concentration and sex, body length, age, stranding location, diet/trophic position (δ13C and δ15N, respectively), and foraging habitat (δ34S). Additionally, we compared models using body length and age as explanatory variables to determine which was a better predictor of THg concentration. In both tissues, sex was not an influential predictor of THg concentration and there was a positive relationship between body length/age and THg concentration (p < 0.001). Florida dolphins had greater mean blubber and skin THg concentrations compared to LA dolphins (p < 0.001). There was a modest improvement in model fit when age was used in place of body length. δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S differed between stranding locations and together with age were significant predictors of THg concentrations (R2 = 0.52, p < 0.001). Florida dolphins were δ13C enriched compared to LA dolphins (p < 0.001) and THg concentrations were positively correlated with δ13C (R2 = 0.22, p < 0.001). Our results demonstrate spatial variability in THg concentrations from stranded bottlenose dolphins from the northern Gulf of Mexico; however, future research is required to understand how fine-scale population structuring of dolphins within FL and LA impacts THg concentrations, particularly among inshore (bay, sound, and estuary) stocks and between inshore and offshore stocks, as variations in biotic and abiotic conditions can influence both stable isotope ratios and THg concentrations. This paper is currently in press and is available using the following link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935119306838?via%3Di… Best, Meaghan McCormack Meaghan McCormack PhD candidate Texas State University 601 University Drive San Marcos, TX 78666 email: mmccormack(a)txstate.edu

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Bottlenose Dolphin Project Research in Venezuela. Sergio Cobarrubia-Russo.
by Sergio Cobarrubia 02 Dec '19

02 Dec '19

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN PROJECT RESEARCH IN VENEZUELA. INTERNS AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 2020. Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC-IVIC) and Provita. BACKGROUND: The Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC) of the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC, www.ivic.gob.ve) invites the second season of internships-volunteering (2020) in the study of coastal dolphins. LEGC is a scientific team that among its research lines on the fauna of coastal and riparian ecosystems, it has established the first one on aquatic mammals in Venezuela. On the other hand, Provita is an important NGO that contributes to the research and conservation in Venezuela. This research will begin with a project focused on sociobiology (social structure, social networks and bioacoustics) of resident groups of the coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the central coast of Venezuela. This, after an experience of 5 years in that locality studying ecological aspects of T. truncatus ( https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-018-0401-1) The coast of Aragua not only home this species, but also the Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni), the common dolphin (Delphinus sp.) and the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris). Of which basic information is collected too. LEGC interns and volunteers are young, hard-working who are willing to contribute to research by learning as they experience fieldwork in teams, field techniques for collecting and processing data and methodologies. All team members and interns share academic space, housing in the Institute, housework in the study area, knowledge and experience in a friendly and multicultural environment. The internship consists of three weeks: The first week of theoretical-practical introduction (24 theoretical hours and 16 practicals hours) at the IVIC Ecology Center ( www.ivic.gob.ve/es/investigacion-3/centros-31/ecologia-316) The second week of seven field surveys for data collection (42 h) on the Cata Bay (Aragua state) and the third week for data processing and analysis at the IVIC Ecology Center (40 h). The volunteering consist of the second and third weeks. WHERE: Theory: LEGC, Center of Ecology (IVIC) Miranda State, Caracas (10 23 N - 66 58 W). Practice: Cata Bay, western coast of the (rain forest) National Park Henry Pittier, Aragua state (central coast of Venezuela) 150 km from Caracas (DC) (10 29 N - 67 44 W). PROGRAM: Interns (Three weeks), Volunteers (Two weeks). 1st WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns). - Monday: What is a cetacean? The cetaceans and the human in history. Origin, evolution and diversity. Adaptations for aquatic life: Anatomy and Physiology. Life histories. Biogeography Distribution. Ecology Behavior. Conservation. - Tuesday: Identification of species reported for Venezuela. Basic logistics for the study of cetaceans on the mainland, sea and air. Basic equipment to collect information. - Wednesday: How to detect cetaceans and record an effective sighting? Basic data to collect during a sighting, calibration and use of GPS. Configuration and use of the SLR cameras. Download of sightings (GIS). Download pictures and selection (software). - Thursday: Daily encounter ratio. Photo-identification as a tool for ecological and behavioral studies. Estimates of abundance. Local distribution and areas of action. - Friday: Residential patterns. Behavior (deployments, states, daily budget). Habitat use. Social structure and social networks. Bioacoustics. Saturday: Break. Sunday: Transfer to the Cata Bay. 2nd WEEK (Cata Bay-Provita, 42 hours. For Interns and Volunteers). The field surveys will be carried out in a fishing vessel of 9 m in length by 2 of beam, no roof. The field work will depend on the climatic conditions, however, the Aragua coast offers few climatic inconveniences throughout the year. There will be 7 mornings of field surveys in the week, after each survey is lunch, rest and then proceed to download the data of sightings and then interpret them preliminarily and discuss them. We recommend wearing a long-sleeved shirt, cool pants, hat and sunscreen (30-50 PF). In the field surveys, it will be implemented: - The identification and recognition of the elements of the marine landscape and the method of tracking and detection of cetaceans. - Ethical navigation mode to study cetaceans. - The basic data collection / sighting. - Use of GPS. - Use of SRL digital camera. - Counting of individuals and composition of a group. - Identification of the behavioral states that configure group behavior and its recording. - Use of hydrophone. In the afternoon the information of the sightings will be downloaded: - Sighting forms. - Latitude and longitude. - Photographs and their selection. - Voice recordings (behavior). - Recordings of vocalizations. 3rd WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns and volunteers). PRACTICAL FEES: Accomodation (IVIC students residence and apartment in Cata Bay), food and transport (airport-IVIC-Cata Bay-IVIC-airport) are paid. The cost of internships and volunteers is US $ 720 for the compensation of logistical expenses of the field surveys. For more information, please contact:sergio.cobarrubia@gmail.com. *Ask all your questions, especially to mitigate your concerns regarding Venezuela. Since our nation is the object of an intense media campaign where opinion matrices project false dystopian scenarios.* WHEN: During the year there will be 6 internships-volunteering sessions (February, April, June, August, October, November). For interns, second, third and fourth week of the months scheduled. For volunteers, third and fourth week of the scheduled months. VACANTS: 4 people / session. Not included in the rate: - Meals in restaurants - Free time activities - Personal insurance (all participants must have health and / or travel insurance) - Personal expenses. INTEREST IS EXPECTED: - Being over 18 years - Iterns: Preference will be given to undergraduate students and professional students (biology, marine biology, environmental, conservation and plus). - Volunteer: No preferences. - Have a mature attitude towards the investigation of marine mammals and environment. - Be autonomous and flexible. - To be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors in the sea - Speak Spanish, English or Portuguese. ACADEMIC CREDITS: The LEGC will certify the work performed by intern or volunteer through a diploma with the recognition of the hours (academic-practical) worked. APPLICATION AND QUESTIONS: Applicants must write to sergio.cobarrubia(a)gmail.com with the subject "DOLPHINS PROJECT_Name". You will be sent a confirmation email with all the details about the study area and the species present, the practices and requesting your CV resume, motivation letter (small statement about what your expectations are and why you want to work with LEGC) and the internship month of your choice. Applications will be accepted throughout the year, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. PLUS: The possibility of making one-day expedition to the pelagic habitat is opened, this other expedition will allow us to watch Atlantic spotted dolphins, spinner dolphins or pilot whales. -- *Sergio Enrique Cobarrubia Russo* Laboratorio de Ecosistemas y Cambio Global Centro de Ecología Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas Venezuela.

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Announcing DCLDE2020 Kona, Hawaii
by Erin Oleson - NOAA Federal 02 Dec '19

02 Dec '19

Dear Marine Mammal Community, We are pleased to announce that the 9th International Workshop on Detection, Classification, Localization and Density Estimation (DCLDE) of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics will be held in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii on 7-11 December 2020. A website has been established at http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/ore/dclde/, where updates will be added as they become available. The workshop dataset features 47 days of passive acoustic data collected using a multi-channel towed hydrophone array during the Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey (HICEAS) in 2017. Details and download instructions for the dataset are available at http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/ore/dclde/dataset/. We strongly encourage those interested in participating in DCLDE 2020 Kona to develop and test methods using this dataset, and/or to work with prior workshop datasets (links available on the DCLDE 2020 Kona website). We set up a forum (http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/ore/dclde/forum/) to facilitate open discussion and collaboration on the workshop dataset(s), as well as to answer your questions. You may also direct questions to us as dclde2020(a)gmail.com. Best regards, Erin Oleson and Eva-Marie Nosal DLCDE 2020 Kona Co-chairs -- *Erin Oleson, PhD* *Leader*, Cetacean Research Program NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center office: (808) 725-5712 Erin.Oleson(a)noaa.gov <erin.oleson(a)noaa.gov> www.pifsc.noaa.gov/cetacean/ <https://www.pifsc.noaa.gov> <http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/cetacean>

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Living Seas Volunteer Positions 2020, Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay, west Wales
by CBMWC 02 Dec '19

02 Dec '19

The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) <https://www.welshwildlife.org/visitor-centres/cardigan-bay-marine-wildlife- centre/> is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to join our Living Seas Team for the 2020 research season, to help with our marine mammal research and community engagement work. The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is the Living Seas wing of The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales <http://www.welshwildlife.org/> . Since 1996 we have been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through research and education. Using land and boat based surveys, photo-identification and acoustic studies we collect data on marine megafauna, focusing on bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and Atlantic grey seals in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the wider Irish Sea. We operate a busy visitor centre (average 17,000 visitors per year) and also provide marine educational activities for families, school and groups. Volunteering with CBMWC is a unique opportunity for you to carry out marine mammal research and to help inspire the public through our visitor centre and community engagement events. You'll learn about the marine species of Cardigan Bay and gain experience in field work, processing data, environmental education, community engagement and much more! The volunteer programme at CBMWC has received national recognition after achieving the Investing in Volunteers Award (IiV), the UK's quality standard for volunteer management. We provide a fantastic volunteer experience! We have a number of volunteering roles available - Living Seas Volunteers <https://www.welshwildlife.org/visitor-centres/cardigan-bay-marine-wildlife- centre/volunteer/livingseas-volunteers/> -tasks include land and boat based surveys, data entry, running our visitor centre, assisting with community engagement events and beach cleans. Volunteer dates - * Block A - 23rd March - 27th April (5 weeks) * Block B - 27th April -1st June ( 5 weeks) * Block C - 1st June - 6th July (5 weeks) * Block D - 6th July - 7th September (9 weeks) * Block E - 7th September - 2nd November (8 weeks) ShoreFin Volunteers <https://www.welshwildlife.org/visitor-centres/cardigan-bay-marine-wildlife- centre/volunteer/shorefin-volunteers/> - tasks include photographing bottlenose dolphins from land, photo-ID, analysing data and writing the annual ShoreFin report. . We are looking for one ShoreFin volunteer for the period of 23rd March - 3rd July 2020 and another two volunteers for the period 29th June - 16th November 2020.. SeaSeal Volunteer <https://www.welshwildlife.org/visitor-centres/cardigan-bay-marine-wildlife- centre/volunteer/seal-photo-id/> - tasks include land based seal surveys, photographing seals, photo-ID, analysing data and writing the annual SeaSeal report. . We are looking for one SeaSeal volunteer for the period of 23rd March - 3rd July 2020 and another volunteer for the period 29th June - 16th November 2020 Visit https://www.welshwildlife.org/visitor-centres/cardigan-bay-marine-wildlife-c entre/volunteer/seasonal-volunteer-positions/ for further information on the roles and how to apply. Deadline for applications is 23:59pm on Sunday 5th January 2020. Contact - Laura Evans at volunteer(a)cbmwc.org or 01545 560224 for more information. ----------------------------- Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, Ffon/Phone: 01545 560224 Boat trip Bookings: 01545 560032 Website: www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> Website: www.welshwildlife.org <http://www.welshwildlife.org/>

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Potential field assistant meeting opportunity at WMMC
by CKDolphin Project 02 Dec '19

02 Dec '19

Dear Marmamers, We will be seeking 1 or 2 field assistants for the *Cedar Key Dolphin Project* 2020 field season this upcoming summer, between June and September (up to 12 weeks). *While exact dates for the field season have not been set and we are currently not accepting formal applications, a few staff members and students associated with the program will be present at the WMMC in Barcelona (Dec 9-12). If you will also be in attendance at the conference and wish to speak to one of our associates about the position, please email ckdolphinproject(a)gmail.com <ckdolphinproject(a)gmail.com> to request a meeting time.* The field season will be focused on gathering acoustic recordings, behavioral data, and drone footage during a specialized foraging tactic as part of the project’s ongoing research. Fieldwork will take place in Cedar Key, Florida, 3 hours north of Tampa and 60 miles west of Gainesville. Preference will be given to applicants who can stay for the duration of the season. The assistant will be expected to work on a boat 6 to 7 days per week, for up to 10 hours at a time. Typical weather conditions in summer include 95-degree heat, very high humidity, and no breezes. When the weather does not permit fieldwork, work will consist of photo matching, processing, and data entry. This is a *volunteer position*. Assistants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to Florida, but housing and food will be covered while on-site. Prior field experience with photo-ID and boat handling is preferred, but not required. Those with no experience should demonstrate their willingness to learn. Since we will be living and working closely, applicants must work well in teams and have a positive attitude. Please visit our website for more information on the project: www.cedarkeydolphinproject.org Best wishes, The Cedar Key Dolphin Project -- Please consider the environment before printing this email. Cedar Key Dolphin Project http://cedarkeydolphinproject.org

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