August 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Reproducible Research Workshop at WMMC
by Dr Robert Schick, Ph.D. 19 Aug '19

19 Aug '19

It sometimes seems like every week there are news items about the reproducibility crisis in science. If you’ve ever seen such pieces and thought that embracing a reproducible workflow is probably a good idea, but are overwhelmed with not knowing where to start, I have just the solution. On Saturday December 7th, 2019 I'll be offering a day long workshop on reproducible research at the WMMC<https://www.wmmconference.org/workshops/#Best%20Practices%20for%20Reproduci…>research at the WMMC<https://www.wmmconference.org/workshops/#Best%20Practices%20for%20Reproduci…>. I invite you to come along and learn about the underpinnings of a good workflow. The course will be based in R and RStudio, but you needn’t be an expert in either. We’ll cover directory structures, project based workflows, and version control with git and GitHub. The course is targeted towards those interested, but at the early stages of learning about reproducibility. If you are already an expert in git and reproducibility, then this is probably not for you – but look for an advanced workshop sometime this fall. Feel free to be in touch with any questions about the content. I will be in touch with attendees a week ahead of the workshop with some pre-workshop instructions relating to computing environments. Cheers, Rob

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MSC announces conference workshop - Incentivising consistent data collection and transparent report of marine mammal bycatch in fisheries
by Matt Gummery 19 Aug '19

19 Aug '19

Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce that the Marine Stewardship Council will be holding a workshop at the World Marine Mammal Conference (WMMC) in Barcelona 2019. Details and registration below. - WORKSHOP TITLE - Incentivising consistent data collection and transparent reporting of marine mammal bycatch in fisheries. - WORKSHOP SUMMARY - The Marine Stewardship Council is a sustainability standard and market-based incentive for fisheries to improve practices and reduce environmental impact, including impacts on marine mammals. Sustainable management of human impacts on marine mammal populations requires consistent, transparent data collection that is often lacking. The MSC would like to explore how to incentivise data-sharing and reward transparency so the true extent of fisheries impacts can be understood and mitigated where necessary. The workshop would include sessions on best practice data collection, consistent data standards, risk-based approaches and behavioural incentives. Conclusions from this workshop will inform the review of the MSC Fisheries Standard, which is presently applied in more than 400 fisheries worldwide. - DATE AND TIME - Sunday 8 December, 0830 - 1730 - REGISTER - Register for the workshop on the WMMC website - https://www.wmmconference.org/workshops/ Kind regards, Matt Gummery Fisheries Assessment Manager matt.gummery(a)msc.org<mailto:matt.gummery@msc.org> | + 44 (0) 20 7246 8900 Marine Stewardship Council Marine House | 1 Snow Hill | London EC1A 2DH | United Kingdom ________________________________ Disclaimer The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast Ltd, an innovator in Software as a Service (SaaS) for business. Providing a safer and more useful place for your human generated data. Specializing in; Security, archiving and compliance. To find out more visit the Mimecast website.

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MMO and PAM vacancies
by Recruitment 18 Aug '19

18 Aug '19

Dear MMOs and PAMOs, OSC has MMO and PAM vacancies on seismic surveys in the North Sea. Imminent: 2 x MMOs and 1 x PAMO are required for a mobilisation around 21 August for an estimated duration of 5-6 weeks. September: additional MMOs and PAMOs for rotations on various vessels commencing around 10 September for 5-6 week durations. Additional rotations (durations) might be possible on request. These vacancies are restricted to EU citizens, or overseas citizens in possession of a current work visa. If you have not worked for OSC previously or recently, we will require scans/copies of your CV, passport, degree certificate(s), MMO and PAM, survival and medical. OSC also has numerous short-notice vacancies at present, some with only 1-2 days' notice, with durations varying from a few days to months, so if personnel are available and seeking work for any duration, it's worthwhile dropping us an email to see if any projects are aligned. We also receive requests for personnel certified to monitor seabirds, so these professionals are also welcome to apply. Kind regards, -- Recruitment Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk<http://www.osc.co.uk/>

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NEW BOOK: Ethology and Behavioral Ecology of Odontocetes
by Giovanni Bearzi 16 Aug '19

16 Aug '19

Dear colleagues, A book on the ethology and behavioral ecology of odontocetes has just been published by Springer Nature: Würsig B. (ed.) 2019. Ethology and Behavioral Ecology of Odontocetes. Springer Nature, Cham, Switzerland. Information on the e-book, separate chapters, and hard copy is here: http://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030166625 In 23 chapters and 500 pages, a total of 40 authors describe general patterns of ethological concepts of odontocetes in their natural environments, with a strong bent towards behavioral ecology. Examples are given of particularly well-studied species and species groups for which enough data exist, especially from the past 15 years. The aim is to give a modern flavor of present knowledge of ethology and behavior of generally large-brained behaviorally flexible mammals that have evolved quite separately from social mammals on land. As well, the plight of populations and species due to humans is described in multiple chapters, with the goal that an understanding of behavior can help to solve or alleviate at least some human-made problems. This is the first book in a series on the ethology and behavioral ecology of marine mammals, with Würsig as series editor. These other books will be published throughout the next 2.5 years, on 2) phocids (by Daniel Costa and Elizabeth McHuron), 3) otariids and walrus (by Claudio Campagna and Rob Harcourt), 4) sea otter and polar bear (by Randall Davis and Anthony Pagano), 5) mysticetes (by Christopher W. Clark and Ellen Garland), and 6) sirens (by Helene Marsh). Contents of the first book include: Part I -- Patterns of Odontocete Ethology and Behavioral Ecology Shannon Gowans Grouping Behaviors of Dolphins and Other Toothed Whales http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_1 Peter Tyack Communication by Sound and by Visual, Tactile, and Chemical Sensing http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_2 Robin Vaughn-Hirshorn Social Ecology of Feeding in an Open Ocean http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_3 Dara N. Orbach Sexual Strategies: Male and Female Mating Tactics http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_4 Janet Mann Maternal Care and Offspring Development in Odontocetes http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_5 Stefan Bräger, Zsuzsanna Bräger Movement Patterns of Odontocetes Through Space and Time http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_6 Mridula Srinivasan Predator/Prey Decisions and the Ecology of Fear http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_7 Katherine McHugh Odontocete Social Strategies and Tactics Along and Inshore http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_8 Sarah L. Mesnick, Lisa T. Ballance, Paul R. Wade, Karen Pryor, Randall R. Reeves Oceanic Dolphin Societies: Diversity, Complexity, and Conservation http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_9 Giovanni Bearzi, Sarah Piwetz, Randall R. Reeves Odontocete Adaptations to Human Impact and Vice Versa http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_10 Part II -- Examples of Odontocete Ethology and Behavioral Ecology: Present Knowledge and Ways Forward John K. B. Ford Killer Whales: Behavior, Social Organization, and Ecology of the Oceans' Apex Predators http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_11 Mauricio Cantor, Shane Gero, Hal Whitehead, Luke Rendell Sperm Whale: The Largest Toothed Creature on Earth http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_12 Jim Boran, Sara Heimlich Pilot Whales: Delphinid Matriarchies in Deep Seas http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_13 Robin W. Baird Behavior and Ecology of Not-So-Social Odontocetes: Cuvier's and Blainville's Beaked Whales http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_14 Randall S. Wells Common Bottlenose Dolphin Foraging: Behavioral Solutions that Incorporate Habitat Features and Social Associates http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_15 Richard C. Connor, Mai Sakai, Tadamichi Morisaka, Simon J. Allen The Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_16 Marc O. Lammers Spinner Dolphins of Islands and Atolls http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_17 Heidi C. Pearson Dusky Dolphins of Continental Shelves and Deep Canyons http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_18 Dipani Sutaria, Nachiket Kelkar, Claryana Araújo-Wang, Marcos Santos Cetacean Sociality in Rivers, Lagoons, and Estuaries http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_19 Rochelle Constantine Hector's and Maui Dolphins: Small Shore-Living Delphinids with Disparate Social Structures http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_20 Jonas Teilmann, Signe Sveegaard Porpoises the World Over: Diversity in Behavior and Ecology http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_21 Thomas A. Jefferson Endangered Odontocetes and the Social Connection: Selected Examples of Species at Risk http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_22 Bernd Würsig Ethology and Behavioral Ecology of Odontocetes: Concluding Remarks http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_23

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Community Science Opportunity: sealcount.com
by Sarah Wood 16 Aug '19

16 Aug '19

Hello all, We are seeking volunteers to help virtually count pinnipeds and birds on a small island in California (sealcount.com) For my undergraduate senior thesis, I will use drone imagery to census animals on Año Nuevo island every 2 weeks for the last 3 years. With over 40,000 images of animals to count, our research team in Dan Costa’s lab at UC Santa Cruz is hoping to recruit some help from citizen scientists. This opportunity will allow participants to be part of a collaborative project to better understand how many seals, sea lions, and birds are on Año Nuevo Island during different seasons and years, and can provide important insight into the health of pinniped and bird populations. Visit sealcount.com to take a brief tutorial and dive right in to counting pinnipeds. For those who are bird-lovers, you can select the bird workflow to count pelicans, cormorants, and gulls as well. Thank you for your help with our project! Happy counting, Sarah Wood (UC Santa Cruz undergraduate student) Roxanne Beltran (UC Santa Cruz postdoctoral fellow) Patrick Robinson (Año Nuevo Reserve Director)

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New publication on high- frequency social communication in Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis)
by Mariana Barbosa 16 Aug '19

16 Aug '19

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America Express Letters: Mariana Barbosa, Lis Bittencourt, Luciana G. Andrade, Tatiana L. Bisi, Jose Lailson-Brito, Jr., and Alexandre F. Azevedo (2019). High-frequency social communication in *Sotalia guianensis. *https://doi.org/10.1121/1.5120550 Abstract This study aimed to investigate the use of high ultrasonic frequencies (above 40 kHz) in the Sotalia guianensis whistle repertoire. The whistles were classified as high-frequency (HF) whistles and very high-frequency (VHF) whistles. Seven parameters were extracted and a general linear mixed effects model was performed between the total number of whistles and VHF ones. Frequency parameters of HF and VHF whistles were the highest reported for this species so far. However, VHF whistles were rare and occurred in situations of high acoustic activity, which may represent a strategy used by dolphins to deal with higher levels of vocalization rates. The paper is open access and can be downloaded in the link below: https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/1.5120550 Kind regards, Mariana Barbosa

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VOLUNTEER AND INTERN RECRUITMENT FOR THE MONTENEGRO DOLPHIN RESEARCH (SOUTH ADRIATIC SEA)
by Tim Awbery 16 Aug '19

16 Aug '19

VOLUNTEER AND INTERN RECRUITMENT FOR THE MONTENEGRO DOLPHIN RESEARCH (SOUTH ADRIATIC SEA) OUR PROJECT The Montenegro Dolphin Research is a scientific project run by Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD). Our study is the first and only long term research study of marine mammals in Montenegrin coastal waters, with recent surveys covering the northern coastline of Albania. We aim to address questions about marine mammal abundance, distribution and behaviour, define critical habitats and investigate the impact of major threats, ranging from tourism to seismic practices. Our wider attention focuses on the promotion and implementation of awareness initiatives targeted at the local community, particularly youth and women. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We offer several volunteering and internship positions: this is a valuable opportunity for graduates, that wish to gain experience in the marine mammal research field, and undergraduates, that would like to obtain internship academic credits. It could be used to develop a scientific project for BSc and MSc thesis. However, we are also open to accept applications from anyone whose passion for marine mammals is strong and sincere. Opportunities are available starting* from September 2019*. The minimum duration of the placements is 2 MONTHS, with possible exceptions for skilled candidates. REQUIREMENTS -True interest for marine conservation, self-motivation, maturity and ability to work responsibly; -Ability to cohabit in a dynamic and multicultural environment; -Respect for the organisation's rules and willingness to follow standards and procedures; -Proven experience of working effectively as part of a team; -Fluent English (both spoken and written) and good communication skills; -Willingness to learn new software applications. -Background in marine biology and previous fieldwork experience are an advantage. FIELD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES -Performing land-based surveys at least three times a week, including sunrise and sunset hours; -Performing boat-based surveys once a fortnight (occasionally more if possible). -Collecting dolphins sighting and behavioural data, as well as environmental and anthropogenic data; -Operating theodolite and managing its software Pythagoras; -Data entry and analysis; -Cataloguing and matching individuals of target species for photo-ID studies via Discovery software; -Raising stakeholder awareness through conservation actions. -Promoting citizen-science activities TRAINING The Montenegro Dolphin Research team provides lectures and field work training as well as constant mentoring. You will be given the chance to learn the most popular methodologies used in marine mammal research including: -GIS mapping -Theodolite operation and Pythagoras software; -Photo-identification; -Discovery, Darwin and Logger 2010 software; -Systematic data collection and data analysis; -Visual and acoustic behaviour of marine mammals -Scientific manuscript and technical report writing skills PROJECT PARTICIPATION FEE The positions require a contribution fee of 700 Euros/ month which fully goes to support the project and the participation fee includes: -Accommodation and expenses -Transportation between the project sites within and between Montenegro and Albania -Training and lectures -Scientific support -Field work -Use of the equipment Applicants are responsible for their transportation to/from Montenegro, meals, insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance) and personal expenses. HOW TO APPLY Email your CV and cover letter to *tim.awbery91(a)gmail.com <tim.awbery91(a)gmail.com>* (Tim Awbery) and *info(a)dmad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>*, explaining why you are a suitable asset for our team and which goals you hope to achieve with us! Please mention the PERIOD OF INTEREST AND DURATION OF AVAILABILITY! If you wish to have more info about our work and get to know us better follow our websites: https://www.dmad.org.tr/volunteering https://www.sancet.org/ https://www.instagram.com/marinemammalsresearch/ https://www.facebook.com/DMADforNature/ All the best, Tim Awbery

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new article
by Samira Costa da Silva 16 Aug '19

16 Aug '19

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of all co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our article about *Toxoplasma gondii* in cetaceans of Brazil. Costa-Silva S, Sacristan C, Gonzales-Viera O, Diaz-Delgado J, Sanchez-Sarmiento AM, Marigo J, Groch KR, Carvalho VL, Ewbank AC, Colosio AC, Marcondes MCC, de Meirelles ACO, Bertozzi CP, Lailson-Brito JJr, Azevedo AF, Ruoppolo V, Oliveira L, Ott PH, Catao-Dias JL. (2019). *Toxoplasma gondii *in cetaceans of Brazil: a histopathological and immunohistochemical survey. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Parasitology. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Parasitology. In this manuscript we investigated the occurrence of *T. gondii *by histopathology and immunohistochemistry in tissue samples of 185 animals comprising 20 different cetacean species from Brazil. Three out of 185 (1.6%) animals presented *T. gondii*-associated lesions: a captive killer whale *Orcinus orca*, a free-ranging common bottlenose dolphin *Tursiops truncatus* and a free-ranging Guiana dolphin *Sotalia guianensis*. The main lesions observed in these animals were necrotizing hepatitis, adrenalitis and lymphadenitis associated with protozoal cysts or extracellular tachyzoites presenting immunolabeling with anti-*T. gondii* antibodies. This study widens the spectrum of species and the geographic range of this agent in Brazil, and provides the first reports of* T. gondii *infection in a captive killer whale and in a free-ranging common bottlenose dolphin in South America. You can discover more in the link http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rbpv/2019nahead/1984-2961-rbpv-S1984-29612019051.p… The article is available at link above or email: costasilva.samira(a)gmail.com Best regards *Samira Costa Silva* -- Samira Costa da Silva Veterinary, Ph.D. student at Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health of School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo Médica Veterinária Doutoranda no Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo email:costasilva.samira@gmail.com

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Final call for 2019 field season volunteers
by Morven Summers 15 Aug '19

15 Aug '19

Hello all, *FINAL CALL FOR 2019 FIELD SEASON VOLUNTEERS* The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) conducts cetacean survey expeditions off the west coast of Scotland throughout our field season (April - October) from aboard our research yacht, Silurian. More than a quarter of the worlds whale, dolphin and porpoise species have been recorded in Hebridean seas, making this an area of global importance for cetaceans. However, our seas are under huge pressure; increasingly busy, noisy and polluted. Scotlands whales and dolphins exist in a fragile state, threatened by a range of environmental, climatic and man-made stresses. Every year we welcome aboard enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to contribute directly to our research work. Volunteers, in effect, become marine mammal scientists for the duration of the survey; living and working aboard Silurian, assisting with day-to-day running, as well as working together as a team to carry out visual and acoustic surveys. This live-aboard experience is like no other in the UK! To find out more about the research projects we facilitate, please CLICK HERE <https://hwdt.org/research-projects-1> . Volunteers will assist fully in the collection of data, with mega-fauna and sea bird identification training provided. Both acoustic and visual methods are combined to produce comprehensive data sets. During encounters photographs are taken of dorsal fins to undertake Photo Identification analysis. We also deploy laser photogrammetry equipment to measure the length of minke whales helping to determine numbers of young whales, assess body conditions for parasites such as sea lice, and classify marks and scars from interactions with marine plastic and fishing gear. The data collected, and subsequent information produced is essential when monitoring the distribution, relative abundance and habitat preference of cetacean species in the Hebrides. Only with coherent data can effective conservation and management strategies be designed to enable long-term protection of the amazing species found in our waters. To read more about what we have learnt from 15 years of monitoring on the west coast of Scotland, check out the first part of our Hebridean Marine Mammal Atlas series by CLICKING HERE. Details of remaining 2019 Expedition Surveys: · 27th Aug 7th Sept (12 days), rendezvous in Kyle of Lochalsh where the Isle of Skye bridge meets the mainland cost is £942.50 (35% off!) · 15th 23rd Sept (9 days), rendezvous in Kyle of Lochalsh, cost is £937.50 (25% off!) · 28th Sept 4th Oct, rendezvous in Tobermory, cost is £950 · 5th 11th Oct, rendezvous is in Tobermory, this expedition survey is scheduled to coincide with the massive Joint Warrior military exercise, cost is £950 More information on specific surveys will be provided on completion of a booking form. There is a monetary value attached to participating which includes accommodation (aboard) and food throughout the duration. The income generated allows HWDT to continue this well-established research programme, you can be assured that without your contribution the research couldn't be undertaken. As a volunteer on board Silurian, you will have the opportunity to see first-hand the amazing variety of marine wildlife Scotland has to offer including whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sharks and seabirds. You will explore some of the remotest, wildest parts of the British Isles, anchoring each night in a different secluded bay off one of the many Hebridean islands, venturing ashore to explore. The opportunity to gain sailing experience is also available, although no certificates are issued. For an idea of a standard survey, please check out our latest expedition update by CLICKING HERE <https://hwdt.org/news/surveysummary07> . If you are interested in participating in an expedition survey or have any questions, please complete a basic booking form <https://hwdt.org/booking> , contact me on volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org <mailto:volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org> , or call 01688 302620 and chat to one of the team. Morven Summers Media and Communications Officer Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust +44 (0)1688 302620 | <http://www.hwdt.org/> hwdt.org My standard working week is Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9am 1pm <https://www.facebook.com/HWDT.org/> Facebook | <https://twitter.com/HWDT_org> Twitter | <https://www.instagram.com/hwdt_org/> Instagram

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New Marine Mammal Science podcast
by Chris Parsons 14 Aug '19

14 Aug '19

E.C.M. Parsons BA MA(Oxon)PhD CBiol FMBA FRSB FRGS Scientific Director: SEAQuEST Environmental & Conservation Consulting Affiliate Researcher, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, Glasgow University Scientific Content / Creative Director - Speak Up for Blue Productions Producer & Co-host: Marine Conservation Happy Hour podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marine-conservation-happy-hour/id1358… Producer & Co-host: Dugongs & Seadragons podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dugongs-and-seadragons/id1434955767 Producer & Host: Environmental Studies & Sciences podcast (coming soon) Producer & Host: Marine Mammal Science podcast (coming soon) Announcing a new marine mammal science podcast by the Society for Marine Mammalogy ! Episode 1: Endangered Blue Whales With Dr. Asha De Vos In the first of the Marine Mammal Science podcasts, while sailing in the coastal waters of Sri Lanka, Dr. Chris Parsons talks with Dr. Asha De Vos about her research on endangered blue whales in Sri Lanka. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marine-mammal-science/id1475692072 The Marine Mammal Science podcast is produced by Speak Up for Blue productions on behalf of the Society for Marine Mammalogy ########################################################################################### E.C.M. Parsons BA MA(Oxon)PhD CBiol FMBA FRSB FRGS Scientific Content / Creative Director - Speak Up for Blue Productions Producer & Host: Marine Mammal Science podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marine-mammal-science/id1475692072 Producer & Host: Environmental Studies & Sciences podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/environmental-studies-and-sciences/id… Producer & Co-host: Marine Conservation Happy Hour podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marine-conservation-happy-hour/id1358… Producer & Co-host: Dugongs & Seadragons podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dugongs-and-seadragons/id1434955767

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