March 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job Opening - Marine Mammal Ecologist at the South Australian Research and Development Institute
by Goldsworthy, Simon (PIRSA-SARDI) 30 Mar '20

30 Mar '20

Dear All, I am pleased to advise that a position for a Marine Mammal Ecologist with the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) has been advertised. The Opportunity We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Scientist (Marine Mammal Ecologist) to be part of our South Australian Research and Development Institute Division, South Australian Government Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA). The role reports to the Principal Scientist (Ecosystem Effects of Fishing and Aquaculture SubProgram). The Senior Research Scientist (Marine Mammal Ecologist) will conduct high quality research, and ensure the timely delivery of research outcomes to Government and industry clients and the community, which are of major importance to natural resources management. The incumbent provides support to the Sub-Program Leader in undertaking and managing research projects, including project budgets, permitting and supervising technical staff and students. The Senior Research Scientist is responsible for coordinating fieldwork and undertaking data collection and analyses and report and manuscript preparation for projects principally funded by PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC); and the SA Department of Environment and Water (DEW) and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC). These projects have some overlap but broadly they aim to 1) assess, monitor and mitigate seafood industry interactions with protected species; 2) population and ecological studies of marine protected species to inform conservation and management; and 3) ecological modelling as a decision support tool for fisheries and aquaculture and ecosystem-based management. The incumbent utilises exceptional scientific skills and experience to help explore funding opportunities and develop new projects, particularly related to protected marine protected species population and foraging ecology and managing their interactions with the seafood industry and ecological modelling. Application Instructions All applications must be submitted online. If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a Covering Letter (no more than 3 pages) outlining your skills and experience in relation to the Professional and Technical Knowledge, Innovation and Initiative capabilities of the role description and a current CV (no more than 5 pages). Applicants must include the contact information of at least 2 referees with 1 being your immediate supervisor/manager and a completed "Pre-Employment Declaration in the SA Public Sector" form. Applications close: 13/04/2020 11:45 PM Attachments: - Application Guideline#2.pdf<https://iworkfor.sa.gov.au/files/vacancies/382634/30630646.pdf> - Pre-Employment-Declaration#5.pdf<https://iworkfor.sa.gov.au/files/vacancies/382634/30630648.pdf> - Role Description - Senior Research Scientist Marine Mammal Ecologist PO3.pdf<https://iworkfor.sa.gov.au/files/vacancies/382634/30630647.pdf> Further information about the role including the application process can be found here: https://iworkfor.sa.gov.au/page.php?pageID=160&windowUID=0&AdvertID=505494#…<https://iworkfor.sa.gov.au/page.php?pageID=160&windowUID=0&AdvertID=505494> https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/top_menu/pirsa_careers/careers/senior_research_sc… Cheers, Simon Working days: Monday toThursday Prof Simon Goldsworthy | Principal Scientist Ecosystem Effects of Fishing & Aquaculture South Australian Research and Development Institute - SARDI | Primary Industries and Regions SA - PIRSA Government of South Australia Affiliate Professor | The University of Adelaide 2 Hamra Avenue West Beach SA 5024 PO Box 120 Henley Beach SA 5022 | DX 66760 P: (08) 8429 0268 | M: 0428 102 831 | W: www.pir.sa.gov.au<http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/> <https://twitter.com/SA_PIRSA> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/primary-industries-and-regions-sa> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyicJZzw2RKEBYrfp0p1IDw> Service l Professionalism l Trust l Respect l Collaboration & Engagement l Honesty & Integrity l Courage & Tenacity l Sustainability Disclaimer: The information in this e-mail may be confidential and/or legally privileged. Use or disclosure of the information by anyone other than the intended recipient is prohibited and may be unlawful. <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Simon_Goldsworthy> <http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&user=kjahDcYAAAAJ>

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New publications on whale detection using thermal (IR) imaging
by Daniel P. Zitterbart 29 Mar '20

29 Mar '20

Dear marmam community, We'd like to bring your attention to two recently published articles on marine mammal detection using infrared (IR) imaging: A) evaluates the influence of environmental factors on thermal imaging systems for marine mammal detection, provides various detection functions, and compares automatic detection algorithm performance against visual observers. B) describes a vessel based field experiment where IR imaging, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), and visual observers were compared for their real-time marine mammal detection performance in the North Atlantic. Both articles are Open Access. A) Scaling the laws of thermal imaging-based whale detection. DP Zitterbart, H Smith, M Flau, S Richter, E Burkhardt, J Beland, L Bennett, A Cammareri, A Davis, M Holst, C Lanfredi, H Michel, M Noad, K Owen, A Pacini, and Olaf Boebel Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology https://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/abs/10.1175/JTECH-D-19-0054.1 Abstract: Marine mammals are under growing pressure as anthropogenic use of the ocean increases. Ship-strikes of large whales and loud underwater sound sources including airguns for marine geophysical prospecting and naval mid-frequency sonar are criticized for their possible negative effects on marine mammals. Competent authorities regularly require the implementation of mitigation measures, including vessel speed reductions or shut-down of acoustic sources if marine mammals are sighted in sensitive areas or in predefined exclusion zones around a vessel. To ensure successful mitigation, reliable at-sea detection of animals is crucial. To date, ship-based marine mammal observers are the most commonly implemented detection method, however thermal (IR) imaging based automatic detection systems have been used in recent years. This study evaluates thermal imaging-based automatic whale detection technology for its use across different oceans. The performance of this technology is characterized with respect to environmental conditions, and an automatic detection algorithm for whale blows is presented. The technology can detect whales in polar, temperate and subtropical ocean regimes over distances of up to several kilometers and outperforms marine mammal observers in the number of whales detected. These results show that thermal imaging technology can be used to assist in providing protection for marine mammals against ship-strike and acoustic impact across the world’s oceans. and B) A field comparison of marine mammal detections via visual, acoustic, and infrared (IR) imaging methods offshore Atlantic Canada. HR Smith, DP Zitterbart, TF Norris, M Flau, E Ferguson, C Jones, O Boebel, V Moulton Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 154, May 2020, 111026 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111026 Abstract: Impulsive sounds generated during seismic surveys have elicited behavioral responses in marine mammals and could cause hearing impairment or injury. Mitigating exposure to seismic sound often relies on real-time marine mammal detection. Detection performance is influenced by detection method, environmental conditions, and observer experience. We conducted a field comparison of real-time detections made by marine mammal observers (MMOs), a rotating infrared (IR) camera, and via passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). Data were collected from a 38 m research vessel offshore Atlantic Canada. Our results indicate that overall detection rates increase when complementary methods are used. MMOs and PAM are likely the most effective combination during high seas and precipitation. PAM and IR can be used in darkness. In good visibility, MMOs with IR or PAM should increase detections. Our results illustrate the importance of addressing false positive IR detections, matching system capabilities to sea conditions/species of interest, and employing experienced observers. Please contact Daniel Zitterbart (dpz(a)whoi.edu) or Heather Smith (hsmith(a)lgl.com) with any questions. All the best, Daniel & Heather -- +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Daniel P. Zitterbart Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 213 Bigelow Lab., MS#11 Woods Hole, MA 02543 USA mail: dpz(a)whoi.edu group site: https://www2.whoi.edu/staff/dzitterbart/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Open call for Intership in Cetacean Pathology. Canary Islands, Spain. www.iusa.eu Prof. Antonio Fernandez
by Antonio Jesús Fernández Rodríguez 28 Mar '20

28 Mar '20

International Veterinary Internship in Cetacean Pathology Programme at IUSA_ULPGC_OIEccMMH The starting date of this Intership will be negociated with the selected candidate, after COVID-19 world wide crisis. Now it is time to apply by email (read the call) www.iusa.eu Programme Background The Atlantic Centre of Cetacean Research (ACCR) is part of the University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (www.iusa.eu) at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (www.ulpgc.es) IUSA-ULPGC is a Collaborating Centre for Marine Mammals Health of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIEccMMH). The facilities are located within the Veterinary School Campus in Arucas, (Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain). The Canary Islands Cetacean Stranding Network is officially coordinated and co-funded by the Canary Islands Government, being the Veterinary Pathology Division at ACCR_ IUSA_ULPGC responsible for pathological studies and cause/s of death of every stranded cetacean. Our main objective is to provide morphological, etiological, and, when possible, final diagnoses of dead stranded cetaceans. In a multidisciplinary approach, we also try to define, whenever possible, cause/s of strandings. Our centre also collaborates closely with Veterinary Clinicians to attend live stranded cetaceans. Our centre is very much committed with Animal Health, Welfare and Conservation, therefore we are also concerned and involved in public awareness through Education. The Canary Islands are a cetacean biodiversity “hot spot,” with 30 species reported with around 60-100 cetacean strandings each year. We also received a variable number of samples from cetaceans stranded in other national and international geographical areas. In addition, we are carrying out several research projects on cetacean Health, Welfare and Conservation using Veterinary Pathology as a tool. Internship Duties To be fully integrated into a multidisciplinary TEAM, who will have the following learning and working duties: (Learning and working duties will be guided and supervised by Veterinary Pathologists in a team working system) * Stranding coverage: answer calls, document reports, complete associated paperwork and enter data. * Cetacean Stranding response and necropsy: all aspects of cetacean stranding response, including mainly post-mortem examinations and sampling in both field and laboratory settings, but also, occasionally, live animal health assessment, and supportive care and biological data collection. * Stranding / necropsy readiness: cleaning, organizing, and maintaining stranding response and necropsy gear, equipment and facilities, restocking kits and supplies. * Data entry / sample processing: entry of stranding data, organizing, cataloguing, disseminating and archiving of photos, datasheets, samples and tissue bank maintaining. * Histopathology and lab techniques: microscopical diagnosis of own and received samples, perform diagnostic techniques when necessary (histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques). * Reports: write and/or reviewing pathological reports of the cases. * Outreach: assist staff with training and outreach material preparation and organization, participate in opportunistic outreach at stranding sites, and participate in community and scientific events. Requirements * DVM degree is mandatory. * Valid driver’s license and secure reliable transportation (international license is also valid). * Good physical fitness, able to lift/carry 40lbs, walk long distances in difficult terrain, be comfortable on small boats in near shore waters, able to swim, and work in harsh weather conditions. * Able to follow written and oral staff directions and protocols effectively and able to work in teams and individually (spanish and/or english). * Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. * Must be able to commit to a minimum 5 working days per week, including weekends. Preferred candidates (not having any of the following conditions does not preclude to be candidate) * Basic marine mammal stranding response/research experience. * Necropsy experience in marine mammal or other taxa. * Basic histopathology diagnostic experience. * Experience caring for or handling animals. * Flexible daily schedules (stranding events are unpredictable, our days may start earlier or end later than scheduled). Important Information * This internship is paid (15.000 - 18.000 euros for a total period of 12 months), based on candidate experience. * Housing and transportation are responsibility of the intern. After acceptation, we will try to help the intern with the search of a convenient housing. * Interns will be required to work during holidays, depending on needed duties, in a variety of settings on any given day, including office, necropsy room, beach, landfill, laboratory or rescue centre. * International applicants are responsible for their own VISA arrangements (letters from ULPGC will be provided for official procedures to get a VISA). * Flight tickets may be extra funded. * Intership beggining date will be negociated with the selected candidate. Required application materials (you must provide all 3 items- below-), plus an Interview (“Skype”) in case, you become candidate. * Cover Letter (explaining why you are interested and your expectation, etc). (pdf document) * C.V. (Spanish or English) (pdf document) * 1 or better two, Reference Letters (pdf document/s) Incomplete applications will not be considered. For any question or further information, please send an email to the Institute´s e-mail address indicated below. Deadline applications: 15th April, 2020 Applications should be sent to: Email: dirección_iusa(a)ulpgc.es Issue: Candidate for Veterinary Internship in Cetacean Pathology, Canary Islands Stranding Network Atlantic Centre of Cetacean Research (ACCR) Histology and Veterinary Pathology Division (HAP) University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA) OIE col. Centre for Marine Mammal Health (OIEccMMH) University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) Canary Islands Spain Antes de imprimir este correo electrónico, piense bien si es necesario hacerlo: el medio ambiente es una cuestión de todos. Please consider the environment before printing this email.

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Whale Brain mtDNA
by Adrian Davies 28 Mar '20

28 Mar '20

Dear all, I was wondering if anyone had determined the absolute mitochondrial DNA copy number in any cetacean brains, or any other tissues. Of particular interest are the killer whale and short finned pilot whale, as they have a long post reproductive lifespan. I have been working with a colleague on a model of mtDNA turnover, but solid numbers for the model are hard to find Many thanks in advance Adrian Davies

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Re: [MARMAM] MARMAM digest: Announcement of paper
by Catharina Vendl 27 Mar '20

27 Mar '20

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following paper recently published in Environmental Microbiology Reports: Does sociality drive diversity and composition of airway microbiota in cetaceans? It is a well-research fact that sociality drives the community composition of gut bacteria in mammals. If this correlation however applies to the microbiota of the airways is still unclear. We tested this hypothesis for the airway microbiota of whale species with differing levels of sociality. Link: https://sfamjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1758-2229.12835 Citation: Vendl, C., Slavich, E., Nelson, T., Acevedo‐Whitehouse, K., Montgomery, K., Ferrari, B., Thomas, T. and Rogers, T., 2020. Does sociality drive diversity and composition of airway microbiota in cetaceans?. Environmental Microbiology Reports. Graphical abstract: [cid:d592fff6-3512-4318-8a8f-2f9ba48af32f] Summary The number of social contacts of mammals is positively correlated with the diversity of their gut microbes. There is some evidence that sociality also affects microbes in the respiratory tract. We tested whether the airway microbiota of cetacean species differ depending on the whales’ level of sociality. We sampled the blow of blue (Balaenoptera musculus), gray (Eschrichtius robustus), humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) and long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) and analysed the blow microbiota by barcode tag sequencing targeting the V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Humpback whales show higher levels of sociality than blue and gray whales, while pilot whales are the most gregarious amongst the four species. The blow samples of the humpback whales showed the highest richness and diversity. Humpback whales were also the only species with a species-specific clustering of their microbial community composition and a relatively large number of core taxa. Therefore, we conclude that it cannot be sociality alone shaping the diversity and composition of airway microbiota. We suggest the whale species’ lung volume and size of the plume of exhaled air as an additional factor impacting the transmission potential of blow microbiota from one individual whale to another.

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Application extension for Biological Oceanographer/Modeller position
by Dr. Laura Williamson 27 Mar '20

27 Mar '20

Vacancy: Biological Oceanographer/Modeller Type: Full-time/permanent Salary: Competitive depending on qualifications and experience Location: Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland, UK Application deadline: 15th May 2020 Company Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) is a privately-owned technology-focused marine-science company involved principally in the global supply of underwater noise and marine mammal monitoring, and risk mitigation services. OSC reinvests >80% of profits into Research & Development (R&D), orientated primarily towards high-level research on the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and other marine mammal species, Rigs-to-Reefs using Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) footage, underwater noise measurement and modelling, and improving marine mammal and environmental monitoring standards worldwide. OSC's research has resulted in many peer-reviewed publications (www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers<http://www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers>) and a non-profit book entitled the Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook (http://www.pelagicpublishing.com/the-marine-mammal-observer-and-passive-aco…) Role OSC seeks to expand its UK-based team. This is a rare opportunity for permanent, full-time employment as a PhD-qualified (or equivalent experience) Biological Oceanographer/Modeller. The role involves working primarily in OSC's R&D wing, although suitable candidates may also be considered for a combination of offshore/commercial duties. The role will firstly involve assimilation of oceanographical/biological productivity/bathymetric data, followed by untangling relationships between these data and marine mammal detections in a 2D (and potentially 3D) context. The candidate will have extensive knowledge of the variety of online-data inventories and data-holding centres from which data can be sourced (e.g. Copernicus, NOAA). The candidate must have demonstrated sourcing, downloading, data handling, and analysis of synoptic satellite-derived remote sensing observations (e.g. ocean colour, Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Chlorophyll-a, etc.). Other sources of environmental data include biotope maps, fisheries surveys, plankton measurements, point measurements (e.g. from cruises or moored instruments), etc. These sources provide the main environmental variables with which marine mammal observations (echolocation-click detections using C-PODs, Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) reports) will be investigated by way of temporo-spatial analytical/modelling techniques such as GAMs/GLMs. Applicants must be able to source, consolidate, analyse, interpret, and present these data in the form of high-level, peer-reviewed papers and high-end client reports, that must be brought to completion on commercial and not academic timescales (i.e. weeks, not months), with minimal supervision from line managers (i.e. autonomous). Consultancy is not academia, and the work environment is extremely fast paced. The candidate will also be presented with urgent commercial requests as these arise, and other incomplete publications from related disciplines, and must therefore be able to switch from one project to another immediately. Prioritisation is of high importance. Full job description can be found on: http://www.osc.co.uk/careers/vacancies<http://www.osc.co.uk/careers/vacancies/> A successful candidate will have the following: Required * A minimum of two, first author, biological-oceanography related peer-reviewed scientific papers in a top journal (i.e. not a proceedings paper); * A PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant scientific marine discipline (oceanography/statistics/marine biology/marine ecology, etc.); * Experience sourcing and processing oceanographic datasets (CTD, synoptic satellite-derived or modelled data, etc.) and handling data of various types including: netCDF, csv, txt, etc.; * Strong statistical analysis background ideally in R or MATLAB (e.g. GLM, GAM, PCA, time series analysis, distance sampling, etc.); * Excellent programming skills; * Excellent spoken and written English (to peer-reviewed, non-copy-edited level); * A genuine interest in marine mammals and benthic ecology, the processes by which they are studied, and an understanding of the physical parameters of the ocean which affect them; * Ability to collaborate within a team setting to produce high-calibre publications and reports; and, * Must be legally allowed to work in the UK prior to employment (we cannot assist with visas). Desirable * ROV imagery analysis and benthic species identification; * Machine learning and image processing (of ROV imagery); * Passive Acoustic Monitoring data collection and analysis; * Basic understanding underwater noise measurement and modelling; * Experience making publication-quality maps in QGIS; and, * Experience with referencing software (e.g. EndNote). Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter to: admin(a)osc.co.uk<mailto:admin@osc.co.uk>. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date and short-listed applicants will be invited to an interview (in person or via Microsoft Teams). An interview task will be provided. Best wishes, Laura -- Dr. Laura Williamson Research Analyst Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7528 545 167 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com

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New Publication: Non-targeted tourism affects the behavioural budgets of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus, South Adriatic, Montenegro
by Jack Clarkson 26 Mar '20

26 Mar '20

Dear MARMAM Community, We ar epleased to announce our new publication, published in the most recent issue of the Marine Ecology Progress Series and focussing on the interaction between bottlenose dolphins and non-targeted tourism vessels (i.e cruise ships) in Montenegro. (MEPS 638:165-176 (2020) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13257) ABSTRACT: We investigated the short-term effects of non-targeted tourism on the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the South Adriatic off the coast of Montenegro, by comparing dolphin group behaviour during impact (the presence of non-targeted tourism vessels) and control (absence of all marine vessels) scenarios. Tourism vessel and dolphin behavioural data were collected through systematic weekly land-based surveys. Using instantaneous focal ‘group’ scan sampling, the predominant behaviour of bottlenose dolphin groups was determined. To quantify the effect of vessel interactions on the behavioural budget of the dolphins, we followed a stepwise modelling approach. A first-order Markov chain was used to calculate the transition probabilities between behavioural states before a Monte Carlo simulation estimated the behavioural budgets of dolphins during impact and control situations. In the presence of non-targeted tourism, dolphins were found to be less likely to remain diving (during which dolphins were assumed to be feeding), whilst milling-socialising and surface feeding were completely absent from their behavioural repertoires. Nevertheless, the behavioural budgets demonstrated an increase in resting behaviour in the presence of non-targeted tourism vessels. No significant changes to travelling behaviour were observed. The decrease in foraging behaviour (both surface feeding and diving) could result in a reduction in energy intake for dolphins, which over time (assuming repeated disturbance) could negatively affect body condition, and ultimately survival and reproduction. Regulations on non-targeted tourism should therefore be considered to minimise potential long-term negative effects on dolphins within Montenegrin territorial waters. Please contact myself if you wish to receive a copy of the PDF. Regards, Jack ClarksonResearch Associate and Supervisor at Marine Mammal Research AssociationDeniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD)jclarkson25@aol.cominfo@dmad.org.trwww.dmad.org.tr

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ONLINE COURSE – Introduction to Bayesian hierarchical modelling using R (IBHM04) This course will be delivered live
by Oliver Hooker 26 Mar '20

26 Mar '20

ONLINE COURSE – Introduction to Bayesian hierarchical modelling using R (IBHM04) This course will be delivered live This course will be delivered via video link from the 21st-24th April In light of travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak this course will now be delivered live by video link. This is a ‘LIVE COURSE’ – the instructor will be delivering lectures and coaching attendees through the accompanying computer practical’s via video link, a good internet connection is essential. Course Overview: This course will cover introductory hierarchical modelling for real-world data sets from a Bayesian perspective. These methods lie at the forefront of statistics research and are a vital tool in the scientist’s toolbox, especially in the analysis of complex data sets such as those encountered in the study of marine mammals where the collection of multiple and auto-correlating environmental variables is unavoidable. The course focuses on introducing concepts and demonstrating good practice in hierarchical models. All methods are demonstrated with data sets which participants can run themselves. Participants will be taught how to fit hierarchical models using the Bayesian modelling software Jags and Stan through the R software interface. The course covers the full gamut from simple regression models through to full generalised multivariate hierarchical structures. A Bayesian approach is taken throughout, meaning that participants can include all available information in their models and estimates all unknown quantities with uncertainty. Participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets for discussion with the course tutors. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please not we will also be offering the following online; 1) Python for data science, machine learning, and scientific computing (PDMS02) 4th-8th May > www.psstatistics.com/course/python-for-data-science-machine-learning-and-sc… pdms02/ 2) Generalised Linear (MIXED) (GLMM), Nonlinear (NLGLM) And General Additive Models (MIXED) (GAMM) (GNAM01) 25th-29th May > www.psstatistics.com/course/generalised-linear-glm-nonlinear-nlglm-and-gene… gnam02/ 3) Reproducible Data Science and R Package Design (RDRP01) 29th June - 3rd July > www.psstatistics.com/course/reproducible-data-science-and-r-package-design-… ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Course Overview: This course will cover introductory hierarchical modelling for real-world data sets from a Bayesian perspective. These methods lie at the forefront of statistics research and are a vital tool in the scientist’s toolbox. The course focuses on introducing concepts and demonstrating good practice in hierarchical models. All methods are demonstrated with data sets which participants can run themselves. Participants will be taught how to fit hierarchical models using the Bayesian modelling software Jags and Stan through the R software interface. The course covers the full gamut from simple regression models through to full generalised multivariate hierarchical structures. A Bayesian approach is taken throughout, meaning that participants can include all available information in their models and estimates all unknown quantities with uncertainty. Participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets for discussion with the course tutors. Course Programme Tuesday 21st – Classes from 09:00 to 17:00 Module 1: Introduction to Bayesian Statistics Module 2: Linear and generalised linear models (GLMs) Practical: Using R, Jags and Stan for fitting GLMs Wednesday 22nd – Classes from 09:00 to 17:00 Module 3: Simple hierarchical regression models Module 4: Hierarchical models for non-Gaussian data Practical: Fitting hierarchical models Thursday 23rd – Classes from 09:00 to 17:00 Module 5: Hierarchical models vs mixed effects models Module 6: Multivariate and multi-layer hierarchical models Practical: Advanced examples of hierarchical models Friday 24th – Classes from 09:00 to 17:00 Module 7: Shrinkage and variable selection Module 8: Hierarchical models and partial pooling Practical: Shrinkage modelling Please email oliverhooker(a)psstatistics.com with any questions. Oliver Hooker PhD. PR statistics 2020 publications; Parallelism in eco-morphology and gene expression despite variable evolutionary and genomic backgrounds in a Holarctic fish. PLOS Genetics (in press) (2020). www.PSstatistics.com <http://www.psstatistics.com/> 53 Morrison Street Glasgow G5 8LB +44 (0) 7966500340 -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PS statistics -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PS 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). www.PSstatistics.com facebook.com/PSstatistics/ twitter.com/PSstatistics 6 Hope Park Crescent Edinburgh EH8 9NA +44 (0) 7966500340 Generalised Linear (MIXED) (GLMM), Nonlinear (NLGLM) And General Additive Models (MIXED) (GAMM) (GNAM01) https://www.psstatistics.com/course/generalised-linear-glm-nonlinear-nlglm-… Structural Equation Models, Path Analysis, Causal Modelling and Latent Variable Models Using R (SMPA01) https://www.psstatistics.com/course/structural-equation-modelling-and-path-… Python for data science, machine learning, and scientific computing (PDMS01) https://www.psstatistics.com/course/python-for-data-science-machine-learnin… Statistical modelling of time-to-event data using survival analysis: an introduction for animal behaviourists, ecologists and evolutionary biologists (TTED02) https://www.psstatistics.com/course/statistical-modelling-of-time-to-event-… Behavioural data analysis using maximum likelihood in R (BDML02) https://www.psstatistics.com/course/behavioural-data-analysis-using-maximum… Introduction to Bayesian data analysis for social and behavioural sciences using R and Stan (BDRS02) https://www.psstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-bayesian-data-analysis-… Introduction to statistical modelling for psychologists in R (IPSY03) https://www.psstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-statistics-using-r-for-… Introduction to Bayesian hierarchical modelling using R (IBHM03) https://www.psstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-bayesian-hierarchical-m…

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request for academic works re marine mammals
by Michael Lueck 25 Mar '20

25 Mar '20

Kia Ora MARMAMers we are trying to do the impossible, and compile an annotated bibliography on human interactions with cetaceans. We have already published such bibliographies on birdwatching, turtles/tortoises and elasmobranchs (see link below), but the body of literature on cetaceans is significantly larger, and almost impossible to locate in its entirety. Thus, we are asking for your help: If you have published (or have lists of) any academic work on this, please feel free to email us the details at dotterelpublishing(a)gmail.com What we are looking for: * Any academic work on whale/dolphin/porpoise watching/swimming (tourism/recreation/leisure). Papers on captivity will be included, as long as they relate to tourism/recreation/leisure. * Academic works in this context = journal articles, books, book chapters, dissertations & theses, conference presentations, (some) reports... * pdf/word files, or full citations (ideally with DOI or web link in) in the body of the email or as attachments What we are NOT looking for: * General media and websites, non-academic books (such as ww guides, children's books, etc.) * Works animal welfare not related to tourism/recreation/leisure, etc. * Other work on cetaceans (population estimates, pollution and its impacts, non-tourism/recreation vessel impacts, etc): In this case, "human interactions" does not include other activities, such as fishing, hunting, bycatch, etc. Any help is much appreciated! We will make the final work available free of charge, as we have done with the other bibliographies: https://dotterelpublishing.com/shop/ We are also in the final stages of an annotated bibliography on human interactions with seals, sea lions and walruses, and on one on human interactions with bears (in some jurisdictions polar bears are classified as "marine mammals"), so if you have any material related to those, we'd welcome these as well (same "rules", same email address). Many thanks! Be kind, stay safe, break the chain! Aroha nui micha Professor Michael Lück School of Hospitality and Tourism | Faculty of Culture and Society | AUT University | Private Bag 92006 | Auckland | New Zealand e-mail: mlueck(a)aut.ac.nz | Phone: +64 9-921-9999 ext. 5833 | Fax: +64 9-921 9962 Adjunct Professor Sustainability Research Centre<https://www.usc.edu.au/research-and-innovation/sustainability-and-environme…>, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia Associate Director, New Zealand Tourism Research Institute NZTRI <http://www.tri.org.nz>Co-chair, International Coastal & Marine Tourism Society (ICMTS)<http://www.coastalmarinetourism.org/> Member, International Competence Network for Tourism Research and Education (ICNT) <http://icnt.weebly.com/index.html>Member, Institute for Tourism Research<http://www.hs-harz.de>, University for Applied Sciences Harz, Germany Editor-in-Chief: Tourism in Marine Environments<https://time.scholasticahq.com/> Associate Editor: Journal of Ecotourism <http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/reco20/current#.Up-dvY2yz64> Editorial Board: Marine Policy<http://www.journals.elsevier.com/marine-policy/> Pagel, C. D., & Lück, M. (2020). Human interactions with sharks, rays & skates: An annotated bibliography. Auckland, Dotterel Publishing. Free download here<https://dotterelpublishing.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/annotated-bibliograp…> Black, C., & Lück, M. (2020). Human interactions with turtles & tortoises: An annotated bibliography. Auckland, Dotterel Publishing. Free download here<https://dotterelpublishing.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/annotated-bibliograp…> Lück, M. Porter, B. A., & Elmahdy, Y. M. (2019). Birdwatching: An annotated bibliography. Auckland, Dotterel Publishing. Free download here<https://dotterelpublishing.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/annotated-bibliograp…>

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New book of interest to MARMAM subscribers
by Mark Carwardine 25 Mar '20

25 Mar '20

Dear Colleagues I am pleased to announce the publication of a new comprehensive book on cetaceans: Handbook of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises of the World Mark Carwardine Illustrated by Martin Camm (with additional illustrations by Rebecca Robinson and Toni Llobet) Published by Princeton University Press (North America) and Bloomsbury (UK) An indispensable guide to the identification, distribution, behaviour, life history and conservation of every species and subspecies of whale, dolphin and porpoise, produced in collaboration with many highly respected whale biologists around the world. It includes more than 1,000 meticulous and specially commissioned illustrations with detailed annotations pointing out significant field marks - complete with flukes, blows and dive sequences - as well as hundreds of original distribution and migration maps. 528 pages With all good wishes, Mark Carwardine mark(a)markcarwardine.com

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