March 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Post Doctoral Fellowship Position on narwhal telemetry
by Marcoux, Marianne 28 Mar '19

28 Mar '19

Spatial dynamics of narwhal in a rapidly changing environment - Post Doctoral Fellowship Position University of Windsor, University of Manitoba, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and World Wildlife Fund - Canada. We are seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (PDF) to join a dynamic Arctic research team including academic, government and non-governmental partners. The PDF will be responsible for synthesizing and analysing various types of satellite telemetry data (horizontal and vertical) obtained from instrumented narwhal (Monodon monoceros) across the Canadian Arctic. Through the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, long term marine mammal monitoring programme, narwhal have been equipped with telemetry devices at multiple locations over the past three decades (1989 to present). This monitoring includes recent intense tagging efforts as part of the Ecosystem Approach to Tremblay Sound program (2017-present; Eclipse Sound near the community of Pond Inlet/Mittimatalik). These tagging campaigns now provide a unique long-term telemetry data set to address key management and conservation questions for this iconic and culturally important endemic Arctic species. The broad objectives of this project are to characterize the type, size and location of core habitat (winter and summering grounds), define migration routes and determine the drivers of narwhal residency/movement behavior. The project specifically aims to take advantage of this long term data series to examine (i) inter-individual variation in movement behaviours from single tagging locations within and among years and (ii) inter annual variation in timing of residency and migrations to assess the degree of change that has occurred/is occurring. These outcomes will allow predictions on how ongoing climate shifts will impact narwhal movement and behavior to assist management. The project will also use data rich GPS fastloc data to examine fine scale movements and habitat use of narwhal in a region where shipping is rapidly increasing with unknown consequences for narwhal behaviour and life history dynamics. The tasks of the successful candidate will initially include organization, cleansing and standardisation of data and an evaluation to ascertain data integrity to address identified questions. Following this first phase, the PDF will lead on addressing core questions agreed by all partners. The position is initially funded for one year with the possibility of renewal based on performance and budget. The successful candidate will be based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, or Windsor, Ontario, Canada. To apply, the candidate will possess a PhD in the area of ecology and will have a strong quantitative background including programming skills (using software such as R, Python, or MATLAB), familiarity with database management, and previous experience of telemetry data. The successful candidate will be expected to operate independently and as part of a broader interdisciplinary team, communicate with diverse stakeholders and be willing to share their expertise and enthusiasm among team members. The PDF will present findings at National/International Meetings and prepare manuscripts for publication. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter stating their work/academic experience to date, research interests and how these meet the stated selection criteria, a complete curriculum vitae and contact information for two academic/research references. Please submit your application package to Marianne Marcoux (marianne.marcoux(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:marianne.marcoux@dfo-mpo.gc.ca>) and Nigel Hussey (nehussey(a)uwindsor.ca<mailto:nehussey@uwindsor.ca>). Thanks! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marianne Marcoux Central and Arctic Region | Région du Centre et de l'Arctique Fisheries and Oceans Canada | Pêches et Océans Canada 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N6 Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada marianne.marcoux(a)dfo-mpo.gc.ca<mailto:marianne.marcoux@dfo-mpo.gc.ca>, 204 983 5023 I encourage you to reply to this e-mail in the official language of your choice. Je vous encourage à répondre à ce courriel dans la langue officielle de votre choix.

2 1

Abstract submissions for the World Whale Conference 2019 are now open!
by Dylan Walker 28 Mar '19

28 Mar '19

Dear Marmamers, The 2019 World Whale Conference hosted by Fraser Coast Tourism and Events <https://www.fcte.com.au/> and the World Cetacean Alliance <http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/> will be in Hervey Bay, in Queensland, Australia, 8-11 October. The theme for this year's conference is* ‘Journeys that Inspire Change’.* Together, and using the latest knowledge on scientific research, conservation, tourism and cultural heritage, we will explore how our links with whales can drive positive change. We will examine how the incredible migrations of whales are fostering new local, national and international partnerships with the human communities with which these incredible animals will ultimately depend for their very future. Are you part of a project leading the way in marine mammal research, marine conservation, community engagement or sustainable development? We would like to hear from you! We are particularly keen to see and spread the word about successful, small-scale efforts and projects with the potential to be replicated nationally or internationally. We welcome you to submit an abstract via our submissions link. There are different methods of submitting your material and submissions are open to all. There is even an option for those unable to attend! Please read further for specific details. This year WWC is focusing on the theme *‘Journeys that Inspire Change’ *and will cover four main topics: *1.* *Understanding whale migrations and their significance for marine conservation* *2.* *Promoting sustainable whale and dolphin tourism for tourists and local communities* *3.* *Exploring our cultural and artistic connections with migrating whales* *4.* *Maximising the power of cetaceans to inspire positive human behaviour change to protect our oceans* Participants wishing to submit an abstract have four methods to choose from: 1. Oral Presentation *(15mins)* 2. Speed Talk (4mins) 3. Electronic Poster Presentation 4. Remote Video Presentation *(This option allows those unable to attend the conference an opportunity to still contribute. Accepted presentations will also be eligible for the Whale Conservation and Heritage Awards)* We encourage you to head over to the website and complete the submissions form, which provides all the information you need to know: https://www.worldwhaleconference.com/Conference/Speakers/Abstract-Submission Following this a selection of awards will be presented relating to each theme. Your submission allows you the opportunity to be entered into the Whale Conservation and Heritage Awards, which seek to recognise and encourage excellence across the fields of conservation, animal welfare, community engagement and sustainable practices. *Submissions are open for entry from individuals or organisations, amateurs and professionals worldwide. * *Award Categories* *Inspiring Change Award* *Responsible Whale and Dolphin Tourism Award* *Whales & Dolphins in the Heart of the Community Award* *Innovation for Cetacean Conservation Award* *Please find out more details about our award categories here: * *https://www.worldwhaleconference.com/Whale-Conservation-and-Heritage-Awards* <https://www.worldwhaleconference.com/Whale-Conservation-and-Heritage-Awards> We are excited to receive an audience of representatives from tourist destinations, international institutions and the private sector, along with global experts in tourism, sustainability, the arts, marine conservation, scientific research and commercial whale watching – all coming together to share knowledge, inspiration and *Journeys that Inspire Change!* *We hope you can be a part of it!* Regards, *Dylan Walker *Chief Executive Officer *World Cetacean Alliance* Studio 3, Lower Promenade Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK. t: +44 (0) 1273 355011 c: +44 (0) 7900 471490 e: dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org <sophie.lewis(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org> The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 100 organisations and individuals in 40 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity no. 1160484. The content of this e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware that forwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately. Please consider the environment before printing this email or it's attachments.

1 0

Final programme and Registration - Symposium 11 April 2019 - Bright Future? Harbour porpoises in the Wadden Sea
by Sascha Klöpper 27 Mar '19

27 Mar '19

+++ Please register by 29 March 2019 under info(a)waddensea-secretariat.org (please indicate your name and affiliation) +++ Dear colleagues, You are invited to register for the scientific symposium on Harbour porpoises in the Wadden Sea. The event is organized by the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat and the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage Visitor Centre within the scope of the Harbour Porpoise Days 2019 in Wilhelmshaven. Please find attached the final programme. Scientific symposium Bright Future? Harbour porpoises in the Wadden Sea UNESCO-Weltnaturerbe Wattenmeer Besucherzentrum Wilhelmshaven, Südstrand 110b 11 April 2019 You are invited to distribute this information within your network. However, please be aware that the number of participants will be limited to 80 people and registration will take place on a first-come-first-served basis. Looking forward to seeing you in Wilhelmshaven! Kind regards, Sascha Contact: kloepper(a)waddensea-secretariat.org Sascha Klöpper | Deputy Executive Secretary Common Wadden Sea Secretariat Virchowstrasse 1, D-26382 Wilhelmshaven T +49 (0)4421 9108-14 | M +49 (0)151 61130990 waddensea-secretariat.org | waddensea-worldheritage.org

1 0

New publication: Abundance of whales in West and East Greenland in summer 2015
by Solveig Enoksen 27 Mar '19

27 Mar '19

Dear MARMAM members, The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission is pleased to announce the early online publication of the second article of Volume 11 in our Scientific Publication Series, "Abundance of whales in West and East Greenland in summer 2015" by Rikke G. Hansen, Tenna K. Boye, Rasmus S. Larsen, Nynne H. Nielsen, Outi Tervo, Rasmus D. Nielsen, Marianne H. Rasmussen, Mikkel H. S. Sinding and Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen. Abstract: An aerial line transect survey of whales in West and East Greenland was conducted in August-September 2015. The survey covered the area between the coast of West Greenland and offshore (up to 100 km) to the shelf break. In East Greenland, the survey lines covered the area from the coast up to 50 km offshore crossing the shelf break. A total of 423 sightings of 12 cetacean species were obtained and abundance estimates were developed for common minke whale, (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) (32 sightings), fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) (129 sightings), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) (84 sightings), harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) (55 sightings), long-finned pilot whale, (Globicephala melas) (42 sightings) and white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostri) (50 sightings). The developed at-surface abundance estimates were corrected for both perception bias and availability bias if possible. Data on surface corrections for minke whales and harbour porpoises were collected from whales instrumented with satellite-linked time-depth-recorders. Options for estimation methods are presented and the preferred estimates are: minke whales: 5,095 (95% CI: 2,171-11,961) in West Greenland and 2,762 (95% CI: 1,160-6,574) in East Greenland, fin whales: 2,215 (95% CI: 1,017-4,823) in West Greenland and 6,440 (95% CI: 3,901-10,632) in East Greenland, humpback whales: 993 (95% CI: 434-2,272) in West Greenland and 4,223 (95% CI: 1,845-9,666) in East Greenland, harbour porpoises: 83,321 (95% CI: 43,377-160,047) in West Greenland and 1,642 (95% CI: 319-8,464) in East Greenland, pilot whales: 9,190 (95% CI: 3,635-23,234) in West Greenland and 258 (95% CI: 50-1,354) in East Greenland, white-beaked dolphins 15,261 (95% CI: 7,048-33,046) in West Greenland and 11,889 (95% CI: 4,710-30,008) in East Greenland. The abundance of cetaceans in coastal areas of East Greenland has not been estimated before, but the limited historical information from the area indicates that the achieved abundance estimates were remarkably high. When comparing the abundance estimates from 2015 in West Greenland with a similar survey conducted in 2007, there is a clear trend towards lower densities in 2015 for the three baleen whale species and white-beaked dolphins. Harbour porpoises and pilot whales, however, did not show a similar decline. The decline in baleen whale and white-beaked dolphin abundance is likely due to emigration to the East Greenland shelf areas where recent climate driven changes in pelagic productivity may have accelerated favourable conditions for these species. The article is open access and available here: https://doi.org/10.7557/3.4689 Volume 11: North Atlantic Sightings Surveys - Counting whales in the North Atlantic 2002-2016 will consist of a series of articles dealing with the results of NASS, a series of internationally coordinated cetacean surveys that were conducted in the North Atlantic in 1987, 1989, 1995, 2001, 2007 and 2015. Best, Solveig Enoksen Editorial Assistant, NAMMCO Scientific Publications Series Scientific & Communication Assistant NAMMCO - North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission POB 6453, N-9294 Tromsø, Norway +47 77 68 73 71, solveig.enoksen(a)nammco.no<mailto:solveig.enoksen@nammco.no>, www.nammco.no<http://www.nammco.no/>, www.facebook.com/nammco.no/<http://www.facebook.com/nammco.no/> https://twitter.com/NAMMCO_sec [NammRGB email]

1 0

New publication - Fluctuating reproductive rates in Hawaii's humpback whales
by Cartwright, Rachel 26 Mar '19

26 Mar '19

Hi Marmam colleagues, My co-authors and I would like to share with you our recent publication: Cartwright, R., Venema, A., Hernandez, V., Wyels, C., Cesere, J., & Cesere, D. (2019). Fluctuating reproductive rates in Hawaii's humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, reflect recent climate anomalies in the North Pacific. Royal Society Open Science, 6(3), 181463 Abstract Alongside changing ocean temperatures and ocean chemistry, anthropogenic climate change is now impacting the fundamental processes that support marine systems. However, where natural climate aberrations mask or amplify the impacts of anthropogenic climate change, identifying key detrimental changes is challenging. In these situations, long-term, systematic field studies allow the consequences of anthropogenically driven climate change to be distinguished from the expected fluctuations in natural resources. In this study, we describe fluctuations in encounter rates for humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, between 2008 and 2018. Encounter rates were assessed during transect surveys of the Au'Au Channel, Maui, Hawaii. Initially, rates increased, tracking projected growth rates for this population segment. Rates reached a peak in 2013, then declined through 2018. Specifically, between 2013 and 2018, mother–calf encounter rates dropped by 76.5%, suggesting a rapid reduction in the reproductive rate of the newly designated Hawaii Distinct Population Segment of humpback whales during this time. As this decline coincided with changes in the Pacific decadal oscillation, the development of the NE Pacific marine heat wave and the evolution of the 2016 El Niño, this may be another example of the impact of this potent trifecta of climatic events within the North Pacific The open access paper may be reached via this link: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.181463 Although the changes documented in the study are potentially concerning, there is some good news to report. During the 2019 season, we saw the first signs of recovery from this decline, as sighting rates for mother-calf pairs in Maui waters rose slightly. Here’s hoping this trend continues. With best regards, Rachel Cartwright Lead researcher – Keiki Kohola Project. Email: rachel.cartwright(a)csuci.edu Website: www.caringforcalves.org

1 0

WMMC Student Affairs Committee - Conference Survey
by Courtney Smith 26 Mar '19

26 Mar '19

Dear Marine Mammal Students, The Student Affairs Committee for the 2nd World Marine Mammal Conference is busy planning to make this the best conference experience for you yet, with many activities planned just for students! To help make this a diverse and well-rounded experience, we want to hear from you about what you'd like to see at the Student Affairs Workshop and if a peer-mentor system for the conference would be helpful. We ask that you please complete this short survey <https://forms.gle/cNNyn6uAbuyvddN48> no later than Friday, April 12, 2019, GMT+1. We kindly request that only students and recent graduates (up to one year since graduating) planning to attend the conference respond. The survey is completely anonymous and no personal information is collected or retained; we are only seeking input to inform our conference planning decisions. It should take less than five minutes to complete the 6 questions. Please distribute widely to any students that you think may wish to provide feedback on the planned conference activities. Thank you for your participation! Courtney Smith, Raquel Garcia Vernet, Rebecca Boys, Serena Lagorio World Marine Mammal Conference Student Affairs Committee https://www.wmmconference.org -- *Courtney Smith, Ph.D.* *Affiliate Professor* Dept Environmental Science and Policy | George Mason University Fairfax, VA | https://esp.gmu.edu/

1 0

Advanced modules IVE3M
by Karina Acevedo 26 Mar '19

26 Mar '19

Dear Colleagues, The Mexican Society for Marine Mammalogy (SOMEMMA), host of the* fourth biennial Marine Mammalogy Summer School (IV-E3M),* announces seven advanced modules that will take place in La Paz, Mexico, 20 and 21 July, 2019. Each advanced module is an *intensive course, aimed at professionals interested in learning new skills, postgraduate students or final year undergraduates*: *1) Ecotoxicology and Marine Pollution* (Instructor: Juan José Alava, UBC, Canada) *2) Stable Isotopes in Ecological and Environmental Studies* (Instructor: Seth Newsom and Emma Eliott, University of New Mexico, USa) *3) Telemetry as a tool for animal ecology* (Instructor: Tenaya Norris, TMMC, USA) *4) Conservation genetics* (Larissa Rosa de Oliveira, UNISINOS, Brasil, and Adrian Munguía-Vega, University of Arizona, USA) *5) Passive acoustic monitoring and photoID database management* (Sally Mizroch, Blue Sea Research and Armando Jaramillo, INECC, Mexico) *6) Introduction to marine mammal rehabilitation and disease* (Cara Field, TMMC, USA) *7) Behavioural ecology of marine mammals* (Diane Gendron, CICIMAR, Mexico; Concepción García, CICESE, Mexico; Sergio Martínez, UABCS, Mexico; course delivered in spanish) See more details on the modules and our instructors at https://www.escuelamexicanademamiferosmarinos.com/copia-de-programa-1 SOMEMMA strongly believes instrengthening capacity of our current and future marine mammalogists. Thus, we have strived to maintain costs extremely low: the advanced modules costs *235 US dollars* (early fee, prior to March 31st) for non SOMEMMA members, and *140 US dollars* (early fee, prior to March 31st) for SOMEMMA members. This fee *includes accommodation*, the course diploma, complementary material, and reading material).If you do not wish for accommodation, the fee is 185 or 110 USD. More details on registration costs can be found at: https://www.escuelamexicanademamiferosmarinos.com/copia-de-costo <http://www.escuelamexicanademamiferosmarinos.com> https://www.facebook.com/4Escu <https://www.facebook.com/4EscuelaMexicanaMastozoologiaMarina/> elaMexicanaMastozoologiaMarina <https://www.facebook.com/4EscuelaMexicanaMastozoologiaMarina/>/ <https://www.facebook.com/4EscuelaMexicanaMastozoologiaMarina/> If interested, please email Karina or Fabiola at escuelamexicanamm(a)gmail.com Hope to see you in La Paz! Karina Acevedo-Whitehouse & Fabiola Guerrero de la Rosa IV-E3M organizers escuelamexicanamm(a)gmail.com -- ----------------------- *Think of all the men who never knew the answers. Think of all those who never even cared. Still, there are some who ask why, who want to know, who dare to try.* (Rod Mckuen)

1 0

Ship Strike PhD Position - SOPOPP
by Susan Bengtson Nash 25 Mar '19

25 Mar '19

Dear MARMAM Colleagues, The Southern Ocean Persistent Pollutants Program (SOPOPP) at Griffith University's Environmental Futures Research Institute, is currently seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our team investigating the risk of humpback whale ship strike in Moreton Bay, southeast Queensland. This project aligns with the Australian government strategy for the mitigation of vessel strike of marine mega-fauna, and will be conducted in collaboration with the Port of Brisbane Pty. Ltd. and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Suitable candidates will demonstrate a robust mathematical background, familiarity with ecological modelling approaches, and ideally have prior experience in boat operation and cetacean field work. The successful applicant will need to secure an Australian Postgraduate Award Scholarship /Griffith University Postgraduate Scholarship. Scholarship applications close Monday 29th April, 2019 for a late 2019 start. Scholarships are merit based and applicants will need to demonstrate that they hold a 1st class honours or equivalent, or have been leading author on at least one peer-reviewed journal article. Application Details: Interested applicants should send an expression of interest to Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash (s.bengtsonnash(a)griffith.edu.au<mailto:s.bengtsonnash@griffith.edu.au>) no later than 5th April, 2019 Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash Program Director Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program (SOPOPP) SCAR: Chair of ImPACT | ARC: College of Experts | Editor: Scientific Reports Environmental Futures Research Institute (EFRI), Griffith University, Nathan Campus. 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia. Email: s.bengtsonnash(a)griffith.edu.au | Phone: +61 (0)7 3735 5062 | Mobile: +61 (0)437 888 711 Twitter: @Antarctica_POPs | Skype: s.bengtsonnash | Website: http://www.griffith.edu.au/environment-planning-architecture/southern-ocean… [cid:510e7315-c248-4397-b76d-d2b89d7f9018]

1 0

Volunteers needed for northern fur seal research
by Ward Testa - NOAA Federal 25 Mar '19

25 Mar '19

Northern Fur Seal Observers in the Bering Sea The Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Marine Mammal Laboratory is looking for 2 volunteers with wildlife/biology background to assist in demographics research on northern fur seals on the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, during summer-fall 2019. Round trip travel from Seattle, WA to St. Paul or St. George Island, and all per diem expenses en route and on-island are provided, but the positions are otherwise unpaid. Volunteers will be living in Government housing with telephone and limited internet services. Work will be alongside experienced staff and contract biologists and involves field-based observations of tagged northern fur seals during the breeding and pup-rearing season from ~July 7-Oct 4. Individuals must be physically able to work alone or in pairs and in appropriate physical condition to hike up to 2-3 miles rough terrain. The Pribilof Islands are home to the largest population of northern fur seals in the world. The islands are remote, with a subarctic maritime environment. Conditions are wet and cool in summer and fall, and flights to and from the islands can be delayed by weather. If interested, contact ward.testa(a)noaa.gov.

1 0

Publication of paper on Bayesian estimation of group sizes for a coastal cetacean using aerial survey data in Marine Mammal Science
by Charlotte Boyd - NOAA Affiliate 25 Mar '19

25 Mar '19

Dear Colleagues My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our paper on Bayesian estimation of group sizes for a coastal cetacean using aerial survey data in *Marine Mammal Science*. Citation: Boyd C, Hobbs RC, Punt AE, Shelden KE, Sims CL, Wade PR. 2019. Bayesian estimation of group sizes for a coastal cetacean using aerial survey data. *Marine Mammal Science*. Abstract: Many small cetacean, sirenian, and pinniped species aggregate in groups of large or variable size. Accurate estimation of group sizes is essential for estimating the abundance and distribution of these species, but is challenging as individuals are highly mobile and only partially visible. We developed a Bayesian approach for estimating group sizes using wide‐angle aerial photographic or video imagery. Our approach accounts for both availability and perception bias, including a new method (analogous to distance sampling) for estimating perception bias due to small image size in wide‐angle images. We demonstrate our approach through an application to aerial survey data for an endangered population of beluga whales (*Delphinapterus leucas*) in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Our results strengthen understanding of variation in group size estimates and allow for probabilistic statements about the size of detected groups. Aerial surveys are a standard tool for estimating the abundance and distribution of various marine mammal species. The role of aerial photographic and video data in wildlife assessment is expected to increase substantially with the widespread uptake of unmanned aerial vehicle technology. Key aspects of our approach are relevant to group size estimation for a broad range of marine mammal, seabird, other waterfowl, and terrestrial ungulate species. The paper is available at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.12592. If you have trouble accessing it, please send me an email (charlotte.boyd(a)noaa.gov) to request a pdf. All the best Charlotte -- Charlotte Boyd PhD Marine Mammal Laboratory NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle WA 98115

1 0