September 2019 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New African manatee publication
by Lucy Keith Diagne 04 Sep '19

04 Sep '19

Dear Marmam, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our new publication: Mayaka, T.B., J.P. Koh-Dimbot and L.W. Keith-Diagne. 2019. Occurrence patterns of African manatees, conflicts with humans, and local perception in the Southern Korup Area, Cameroon. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, Early Release, pages 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3210 Abstract: 1. The African manatee has been poorly studied throughout its range and is heavily hunted. This study aimed at discerning patterns in manatee sightings and emerging conflicts with humans, as well as the local perception of manatees, outside the southern periphery of Korup National Park, Cameroon. 2. The study investigated whether patterns in manatee sightings and manatee‐related conflicts differ between aquatic systems in southern Korup, and which demographic variables determine perceptions of the manatee in the study area. For this purpose, the study used a three‐stage stratified random sampling design with a structured questionnaire to survey 101 local fishers. 3. The reported patterns of manatee sightings and manatee‐related conflicts were as follows: in the Nyangorobe River during the wet season only, where crop raiding and net destruction by manatees were reported; in the Ndian River and the mangrove estuary only during the dry season, where fish theft and net damage were reported; and in the Moko River during both seasons, where crop raiding, fish theft, and net destruction were reported. Reducing these conflicts is likely to increase local support for the conservation of manatees, because fishermen kill them in response to net destruction and fish loss. 4. Most reported sightings were at waterway intersections and river bends, suggesting that waterway connectivity is important to manatees for dispersal, foraging, and escape from danger. 5. The log‐odds probability of negative perception decreased significantly with awareness of manatee protected status but increased with age and primary or higher education level. These findings have implications for community outreach focused on raising awareness of the importance of manatee conservation by schoolchildren and the public. Lucy Keith-Diagne, PhD Executive Director African Aquatic Conservation Fund 1(508) 388-9824 Global business phone https://africanaquaticconservation.org/ Facebook AfricanAquaticConsFund<https://www.facebook.comAfricanAquaticConsFund> Twitter @AfricanAquatic<https://twitter.com/AfricanAquatic>

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U.S. Navy Living Marine Resource Program Need Topics - call for pre-proposals
by LMR Program 04 Sep '19

04 Sep '19

The U.S. Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals pertaining to three need topics. The FY20 need topics include: 1) marine mammal acoustic software application enhancements, 2) marine mammal conditioned attenuation of hearing sensitivity, and 3) frequency-dependent, underwater, temporary threshold shift in California sea lions. Details regarding the need topics mentioned above and what information is required in a pre-proposal can be found at https://www.navfac.navy.mil/lmr/proposals. All pre-proposals should be submitted via email to exwc_lmr_program(a)navy.mil. Pre-proposals pertaining to these need topics will be accepted until 11:59 PM PST on 12 November 2019. If invited, offerors will be asked to submit a full proposal.

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SEPTEMBER STATISTICS, BIOINFORMATICS AND DATA SCIENCE
by Oliver Hooker 04 Sep '19

04 Sep '19

SEPTEMBER STATISTICS, BIOINFORMATICS AND DATA SCIENCE COURSES FOR BIOLOGISTS AND PSYCHOLOGISTS. Most courses are multidisciplinary and will be of relevance to a range of research areas related to marine mammals. Free accommodation packages available with early registration! Please ask about free accommodation if you are a full time student. Please share. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- R Package design and development and reproducible data science for biologists (RPKG01) 16 SEPTEMBER 2019 - 20 SEPTEMBER 2019 https://www.prstatistics.com/course/r-package-design-and-development-and-re… ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Structural Equation Models, Path Analysis, Causal Modelling and Latent Variable Models Using R 16 SEPTEMBER 2019 - 20 SEPTEMBER 2019 https://www.psstatistics.com/course/structural-equation-modelling-and-path-… ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Practice of RADseq: Population Genomics Analysis with Stacks (RDSQ01) 23 SEPTEMBER 2019 - 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 https://www.prinformatics.com/course/the-practice-of-radseq-population-geno… ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Python for data science, machine learning, and scientific computing (PDMS01) 23 SEPTEMBER 2019 - 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 https://www.psstatistics.com/course/python-for-data-science-machine-learnin… --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction to Bioinformatics using Linux (IBUL04) 30 SEPTEMBER 2019 - 4 OCTOBER 2019 https://www.prinformatics.com/course/introduction-to-linux-workflows-for-bi… -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR statistics 2019 publications; A way forward with eco evo devo: an extended theory of resource polymorphism with postglacial fishes as model systems. Biological Reviews (2019). prstatistics.com facebook.com/prstatistics/ twitter.com/PRstatistics groups.google.com/d/forum/pr-statistics-post-course-forum prstatistics.com/organiser/oliver-hooker/ 6 Hope Park Crescent Edinburgh EH8 9NA +44 (0) 7966500340

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Newly published paper
by Charlotte Lambert 04 Sep '19

04 Sep '19

Dear Marmamers, We are pleased to announced you the publication of a new paper entitled "The effect of a multi-target protocol on cetacean detection and abundance estimation in aerial surveys" in Royal Society Open Science. C. Lambert, M. Authier, G. Dorémus, A. Gilles, P. Hammond, S. Laran, A. Ricart, V. Ridoux, M. Scheidat, J. Spitz and O. Van Canneyt. 2019. The effect of a multi-target protocol on cetacean detection and abundance estimation in aerial surveys. R. Soc. open sci. 6: 190296. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.190296 Abstract: A double-platform protocol was implemented in the Bay of Biscay and English Channel during the SCANS-III survey (2016). Two observation platforms using different protocols were operating on board a single aircraft: the reference platform (Scans), targeting cetaceans, and the ‘Megafauna’ platform, recording all the marine fauna visible at the sea surface (jellyfish to seabirds). We tested for a potential bias in small cetacean detection and density estimation when recording all marine fauna. At a small temporal scale (30 s, roughly 1.5 km), our results provided overall similar perception probabilities for both platforms. Small cetacean perception was higher following the detection of another cetacean within the previous 30 s in both platforms. The only prior target that decreased small cetacean perception during the subsequent 30 s was seabirds, in the Megafauna platform. However, at a larger scale (study area), this small-scale perception bias had no effect on the density estimates, which were similar for the two protocols. As a result, there was no evidence of lower performance regarding small cetacean population monitoring for the multi-target protocol in our study area. Because our study area was characterized by moderate cetacean densities and small spatial overlap of cetaceans and seabirds, any extrapolation to other areas or time requires caution. Nonetheless, by permitting the collection of cost-effective quantitative data for marine fauna, anthropogenic activities and marine litter at the sea surface, the multi-target protocol is valuable for optimizing logistical and financial resources to efficiently monitor biodiversity and study community ecology. Hope it will be of interest to most of you, Regards, Charlotte Lambert

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Second announcement-early registration discount ends October 1st!
by nicole adimey 03 Sep '19

03 Sep '19

Greetings- This is the second announcement for the *Ninth International Sirenian Symposium,* which will be held in conjunction with the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona, Spain. *Workshop Details:* Date: Sunday, December 8, 2019 Time: 08:30 to 17:30 Cost:* $35 USD before October 1, 2019, $110 after October 1, 2019* *Workshop Information:* The purpose of the Ninth International Sirenian Symposium is to support and promote Sirenian conservation. Scientists from around the globe are encouraged to present *new science and address how their work contributes to the global conservation of the Sirenians and supports regional initiatives or pressing management challenges*. Topics can include human interactions, physiology, monitoring applications, modeling, genetics, captive care and rehabilitation, management, general biology, stranding response and education and outreach. This Symposium is intended to foster communication between researchers, managers, and environmental organization on all aspects of Sirenian research and conservation. The symposium will include presentations, a poster session, and a panel discussion on current topics surrounding Sirenian conservation and management. Those interested in presenting research (either poster or talk) should submit an abstract (300 word limit, 12pt font) to Nicole Adimey (adimey22(a)gmail.com) by October 1, 2019. Preference will be given to speakers conducting research or addressing conservation issues outside the United States of America. For more information please contact Nicole Adimey at: adimey22(a)gmail.com

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IMMS Winter/Spring Research Internship
by Jessica Post 03 Sep '19

03 Sep '19

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

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WMMC Workshop Invitation: Rise of the machines - Application of automated systems for matching dolphin dorsal fins
by Reny Tyson Moore 03 Sep '19

03 Sep '19

Dear colleagues, We invite you to attend the "Rise of the machines - Application of automated systems for matching dolphin dorsal fins: current status and future directions” workshop to be held at the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona on Sunday, December 8, 2019. The focus of the workshop is to bring together photo-ID researchers and algorithm developers to discuss best practices for using fin recognition technology, and to assess whether a single ‘standard’ system can be developed for automated dorsal fin photo-ID. Prior to the workshop, attendees (and relevant researchers or research groups) will be asked to participate in a mini-experiment to evaluate a test set of bottlenose dolphin dorsal fin images so that we can assess the performance of the current methods and systems used for matching dorsal fin images. Results of this experiment as well as those obtained from a survey previously distributed on the methods used to conduct matching of dorsal fin images for photo-identification studies will be presented during the workshop and used to help frame workshop discussions. More information regarding this mini-experiment and our project goals can be found here: *https://sites.google.com/mote.org/evaluation-of-photo-id-methods <https://sites.google.com/mote.org/evaluation-of-photo-id-methods>*. The workshop is scheduled as a *full day workshop on Sunday, December 8 from 0830-1730*. For more information on the workshop and registration please visit https://www.wmmconference.org/workshops/ and scroll down to the Sunday full day workshop section. If you are unable to attend the workshop, but are still interested in participating in our mini-experiment, please provide your contact information here: *https://sites.google.com/mote.org/evaluation-of-photo-id-methods/test-your-system/request-for-test-data <https://sites.google.com/mote.org/evaluation-of-photo-id-methods/test-your-…>* to gain access to the test data. We will ask that all results be submitted by *October 4, 2019* to give us time to collate all responses before the workshop in December. We hope that you can join us! The Workshop Organizers, Reny Tyson Moore (Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Sarasota, FL USA) rtysonmoore(a)mote.org <rtyson(a)mote.org> Kim Urian (Duke University Marine Laboratory, Beaufort, NC USA) kim.urian(a)gmail.com

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Bottlenose Dolphin - Atlantic Spotted Dolphin Project Research In Venezuela. Interns and Volunteer Program 2019 (Sergio Cobarrubia-Russo).
by Sergio Cobarrubia 03 Sep '19

03 Sep '19

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN - ATLANTIC SPOTTED DOLPHIN PROJECT RESEARCH IN VENEZUELA. INTERNS AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 2019. 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 first season of internships-volunteering (2019) 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) and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) 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 houses these 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. 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. 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 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 $ 690 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 a second expedition to the sea is open, but for Chichiriviche de la Costa, there is the logistics to study two oceanic species of dolphins such as the spinner dolphin and pilot whale (usually, other species are sighted even shark whale). This second expedition would consist of 5 field surveys to a pelagic zone where the same techniques would be applied. The costs of this logistics are US $ 650. -- *Sergio Enrique Cobarrubia Russo* Laboratorio de Ecosistemas y Cambio Global Centro de Ecología Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas Venezuela.

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PAM vacancy on seismic survey in the North Sea
by Recruitment 03 Sep '19

03 Sep '19

Dear MMOs and PAMOs, OSC has the following vacancy in the North Sea: 1 x PAMO to mobilise around 10 September for a seismic survey with an estimated duration of 5-6 weeks. The duration might be shortened, tbc, but on request, any applicants seeking continuous/further rotations could be switched to other ongoing surveys. We are also filling numerous short-notice vacancies at present, some with 1-2 days’ notice only, 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. 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. If you learn about the above vacancies through membership forums or forwarded emails, and have previously requested to be on OSC’s contractor mailing list, please remind us. 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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"3rd announcement - Workshop on "Arts" as a tool for communicating marine mammal science to the general public -World Marine Mammal Science Conference - Joint SMM and ECS conference in Barcelona, Dec 2019”.
by Volker Smit 02 Sep '19

02 Sep '19

Dear MARMAMers! This is a further anouncement 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. Please also notice that early bird registration for conference and workshop is September 4th (this Wednesday). Many regards, Luigi and Volker -- Volker Smit 2.Vorsitzender - vice-president T +49-(0)2041-4629243 smit(a)m-e-e-r.de www.m-e-e-r.org

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