May 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond
by Hal Whitehead 12 Jun '26

12 Jun '26

The following paper has just been published: Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond. by: Hal Whitehead and John K.B. Ford Journal of Theoretical Biology 456: 279-294 Abstract: Culturally-transmitted ecological specialization occurs in killer whales, as well as other species. We hypothesize that some of the remarkable demographic and ecological attributes of killer whales result from this process. We formalize and model (using agent-based stochastic models parametrized using killer whale life history) the cultural evolution of specialization by social groups, in which a narrowing of niche breadth is spread and maintained in a group through social learning. We compare the demographic and ecological results of cultural specialization to those of a similar model of specialization through natural selection. We found that specialization, through either the cultural or natural selection routes, is adaptive in the short term with specialization often increasing fitness. Generalization, in contrast, is rarely adaptive. The cultural evolution of specialization can lead to increased rates of group extirpation. Specialization has little effect on group size but tends to reduce population size and resource abundance. While the two specialization processes produce similar results, cultural specialization can be very much faster. The results are generally consistent with what we know of the formation and maintenance of specialist ecotypes in killer whales, and have implications for the persistence, nature and ecological effects of these apex predators. You can read a .pdf at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/labpub.htm Hal Whitehead Dalhousie University hwhitehe(a)dal.ca

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Update to SOCPROG
by Hal Whitehead 01 Jul '24

01 Jul '24

A new and updated version of SOCPROG, SOCPROG2.9 (both compiled and uncompiled downloads) is available at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/SOCPROG/social.htm SOCPROG is a MATLAB-based package of programs for the analysis of animal social structures, movements and populations. The compiled version does not need MATLAB itself. This version is compatible with MATLAB2018b (although it will likely work well on recent and soon-to-be-released versions of MATLAB). It fixes a few bugs and adds functionality compared to previous versions (especially association complexity). Thanks Hal Whitehead, Dalhousie University, Canada

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Summer Online Course - Manatee Health
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 24 Mar '21

24 Mar '21

Hi All, The University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Aquatic Animal Health Program would like to send notice that registration for our summer online course is open. Manatee Health and Conservation is an online course (3 credits) that will provide students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) with a detailed overview of manatee natural history, health assessment, and research findings as well as explore conservation issues. More information about this class can be found here. Students enrolled at any College or University within the US or internationally can take this course. For more information about this classes or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu> ). The first day of the semester is Monday May 13th. Sincerely, Dr Larkin [Description: AAH logo blue E-Mail Sig] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Lecturer & Education Coordinator Interim Director Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________ Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from University of Florida employees via email may be subject to disclosure. ________________________________

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New publication: Resistance and susceptibility of dolphins to cetacean morbillivirus (Kimberley Batley)
by Kimberley Batley 17 Mar '21

17 Mar '21

Dear all, My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Batley KC, Sandoval‐Castillo J, Kemper CM, Attard, CRM, Zanardo, N, Tomo, I, Beheregaray, LB, Möller, LM (2018). Genome-wide association study of an unusual dolphin mortality event reveals candidate genes for susceptibility and resistance to cetacean morbillivirus. Evolutionary Applications. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12747 Abstract: Infectious diseases are significant demographic and evolutionary drivers of populations, but studies about the genetic basis of disease resistance and susceptibility are scarce in wildlife populations. Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is a highly contagious disease that is increasing in both geographic distribution and incidence, causing unusual mortality events (UME) and killing tens of thousands of individuals across multiple cetacean species worldwide since the late 1980’s. The largest CeMV outbreak in the Southern Hemisphere reported to date occurred in Australia in 2013, where it was a major factor in a UME, killing mainly young Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). Using cases (non-survivors) and controls (putative survivors) from the most affected population, we carried out a genome-wide association study to identify candidate genes for resistance and susceptibility to CeMV. The genomic dataset consisted of 278,147,988 sequence reads and 35,493 high quality SNPs genotyped across 38 individuals. Association analyses found highly significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies amongst cases and controls at 65 SNPs, and Random Forests conservatively identified eight as candidates. Annotation of these SNPs identified five candidate genes (MAPK8, FBXW11, INADL, ANK3, and ACOX3) with functions associated with stress, pain and immune responses. Our findings provide the first insights into the genetic basis of host defence to this highly contagious disease, enabling the development of an applied evolutionary framework to monitor CeMV resistance across cetacean species. Biomarkers could now be established to assess potential risk factors associated with these genes in other CeMV affected cetacean populations and species. These results could also possibly aid in the advancement of vaccines against morbilliviruses. The PDF is freely accessible at https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12747 Regards, Kimberley Batley, on behalf of all co-authors Kimberley Batley PhD candidate Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) Molecular Ecology Lab (MELFU) College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University P +61 8 8201 3865 | E kimberley.batley(a)flinders.edu.au www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> | www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au<http://www.molecularecology.flinders.edu.au/>

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River dolphin internships in the Brazilian Amazon
by Tony 08 Oct '19

08 Oct '19

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazon State, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak excellent Spanish, in addition to English. There can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria, and this is counter-productive. Please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 60 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially a harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking two people to commence work as soon as possible, and we would also like to hear from people available in mid-late 2016. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 600 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend (approx $150 US). Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. They must also have adequate medical insurance. Please do not apply unless you know that you can obtain the airfare to reach Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Internships offer the opportunity of a lifetime. They reward hard work and dedication with unique experiences and a chance to stand out from the crowd in subsequent applications for higher degrees and employment. Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience, especially in the use of photo-ID Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com) Closing date is 24 November 2015. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 4 days of the closing date, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 November latest.

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AIS Inc. Offering BSEE/BOEM Compliant PSO Training Course
by Kathryn Roy 25 Jun '19

25 Jun '19

Do you love the ocean? Looking for an exciting new career that will allow you to travel and observe marine wildlife? Are you hard working, flexible, and a team player? Then look no further and join the growing industry of Protected Species Observers (PSO)! AIS is a nationwide leader in providing protected species monitoring services to government agencies and private companies operating in the marine environment. Our Protected Species Observer training curriculum was created by NMFS approved PSOs and AIS scientists, in consultation with BOEM, BSEE, and NMFS staff. Individuals that successfully complete the training and meet the minimum qualifications described below, may be eligible to serve on offshore enterprise projects as a professional PSO, compliant with BSEE and NMFS standards. Based in the US Northeast, AIS is near one of the richest offshore wildlife refuges in the world. During our three day training in historic downtown New Bedford, you'll experience two days of 'in class content' and one day of in-situ training aboard the FV Gunsmoke, putting your new skills to the test out on Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. In between sessions, you'll be free to explore the town where Ishmael's story began and even explore the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Trainees will receive marine species and behavior identification training through activities designed to simulate real in-field detection events. Throughout the course trainees will participate in active discussions and exercises to ensure a comprehensive understanding of topics. Our training will introduce you to: * Sound in the Sea * Federal Legislations and Regulations * Protected Species Identification including: whales, dolphins, turtles, seals, manatees and fish that are covered under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico * Roles and Responsibilities of a PSO * Monitoring and Communication Techniques * Data Management and Reporting * Hands on practice with 'Tools of the Trade' * Life at Sea * Meet a PSO! When is the training? July 29-31, 2019 Where is the training taking place? New Bedford, MA How much does the course cost? The three day training is $675 per person. This includes classroom and in situ training by our highly experienced training staff, a training manual, daily lunches, access to PSO equipment during the class, and vessel charter fees for the offshore training component. What am I responsible for? Travel to and from the training and accommodations. AIS will send you information on our group rate with a local hotel once you have registered for the training course. I'm ready to be a PSO! Welcome to the first step in becoming a BOEM/NMFS compliant Protected Species Observer! To register for the course, head to our website http://aisobservers.com/wordpress/protected-species-observer-training/ to fill in the required fields and submit your resume. We'll follow up with an email confirming your enrollment and payment options. Please call or email Kathryn Roy with any questions 774-392-7127, KathrynR(a)aisobservers.com<mailto:KathrynR@aisobservers.com>

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royalty free photo of Balaena mysticetus
by Gianni Pavan 19 Jun '19

19 Jun '19

dear all, I'm writing on behalf of my colleagues of the Natural History Museum of the University of Pavia. As the Museum holds some bones of Balaena mysticetus, they are willing to show a good quality photograph of the whale and to publish it in the guide of the museum. I'd appreciate if you can suggest a source or offer a photo. We can't pay but only include thanks to the Author. Any feedback is appreciated, Gianni Pavan -- Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell'Ambiente Università degli Studi di Pavia Via Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia http://www.unipv.it/cibra http://mammiferimarini.unipv.it

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New publication on the application of ENFA to common dolphin conservation (Oriol Giralt Paradell)
by Oriol Giralt 31 May '19

31 May '19

Dear MARMAMers, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce our new publication on the use of Ecological Niche Factor Analysis for common dolphin conservation: Giralt Paradell O, Diaz Lopez B, Methion S. 2019. Modelling common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) coastal distribution and habitat use: Insights for conservation. Ocean and Coastal Management. DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2019.104836 Abstract The world’s ecosystems are altered to different extents by anthropogenic activities. Marine habitats, especially coastal areas, are subjected to an increasing pressure derived from human activities on both land and ocean. Information about species distribution is fundamental to develop effective conservation and management measures and counteract negative anthropogenic impacts. The present work explores the use of species distribution models by using the Environmental Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) to assess the habitat suitability of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Northwest Spain, and its application to the development of effective conservation and management measures. The relationship between presence-only data and ecogeographical variables (EGV) was used to assess the potential distribution of the species. Data was collected during 273 days at sea, covering a total distance of 9 417 km between March 2014 and October 2017 with a total of 91 common dolphin encounters. This study shows that tide level and sea surface salinity are the main EGVs driving the distribution of the species in coastal areas especially in waters above the continental shelf. Additionally, this study reveals the most suitable habitats for common dolphin and outlines the need to develop conservation measures and management plans to promote the protection of this species. Findings of the study contribute to a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the common dolphin distribution and emphasize the importance of species distribution models in the development of effective conservation and management strategies. The article can be found in the following link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569119302005?dgcid=a… Feel free to contact me to request a pdf or for any question regarding our work: oriol(a)thebdri.com Best, Oriol Giralt ParadellThe Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRIAvenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spainhttp://www.thebdri.com/ 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.

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Internship – British Antarctic Survey summer 2019
by bam B 31 May '19

31 May '19

Dear Readers: The British Antarctic Survey is seeking three interns to spend 5 weeks analysing and classifying satellite images of whales from 1st July to 5th August 2019 at British Antarctic Survey headquarters in Cambridge, UK, as part of a World Wildlife Fund project studying whale densities in the Western Antarctic Peninsula. The internship will be paid at a rate of £300/week. Prior experience with ESRI’s ArcGIS software is essential. Prior field experience with cetacean surveys is highly desirable, particularly aerial survey work. You will gain experience in satellite imagery analysis of whales and have a co-authorship contribution to subsequent publication from this work. For more details of the image analysis methodology please see Cubaynes et al. (2018). Interested applicants please send a covering letter (an expression of interest in the project explaining your experience and reasons for applying) and a two page CV to Jennifer Jackson (jeck(a)bas.ac.uk) by Friday 10th June 2019. For all general enquiries about the project, please contact Connor Bamford (conord48(a)bas.ac.uk) This opportunity is open to UK and EU citizens. Cubaynes H. C., Fretwell P. T., Bamford C., Gerrish L., Jackson J. A. (2018). Whales from space: four mysticete species described using new VHR satellite imagery. *Mar. Mamm. Sci. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12544 <https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12544>* <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> Virus-free. www.avast.com <https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campai…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

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Protected Species observer & Passive Acoustic Monitoring
by Stephanie Barnicoat 31 May '19

31 May '19

Dear Colleagues, Seiche Training will be delivering their Protected Species Observer (PSO) course and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) course in the US and Canada * PSO -August 5-6 ,Boston, US * PSO - August 12-13,Newfoundland, Canada * PAM-August 7-9, Boston, US * PAM - August 14-16, Newfoundland, Canada This PSO training BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) compliant to provide Protected Species Observer certification for seismic surveys and is accepted in various other industries and regions where mitigation for marine mammals is needed. PSO's monitor for marine mammals and sea turtles and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals worldwide. The PSO course looks at Noise in the ocean, the regulations for minimising risks to marine mammals during industrial activities, Types of dredging, marine mammal identification and documenting animal behaviour, data collection and report writing. The PAM course includes an introduction into sound in water, looking at how sound propagates, marine mammal vocalisations, using PAMGuard, with hands on practical sessions and hardware set up, installing and deploying the equipment on a vessel, as the PAM course will include a boat trip to provide experience in locating and identifying protected species at sea, as well as practice in methods for distance estimation. The PSO course is 380 US Dollar, 515 Can Dollar, and the PAM course is 800 US Dollar, 1080 Can dollar If you would like a course brochure, require more info or wish to book, please contact trainng(a)seiche.com<mailto:trainng@seiche.com> Seiche Ltd Stephanie Barnicoat Project Officer Seiche Ltd Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom T: +44(0)1837 503386 E: s.barnicoat(a)seiche.com W: www.seiche.com Registered in England & Wales No. 3475558, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents.

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