April 2020 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper comparing morphological body condition (drone photogrammetry) with outer blubber lipid concentration (biopsy sampling) in humpback whales
by Fredrik Christiansen 14 Apr '20

14 Apr '20

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent article published in JEB: Christiansen, F., Sprogis, K. R., Gross, J., Castrillon, J., Warick, H. A., Leunissen, E., & Bengtson Nash, S. (2020). Variation in outer blubber lipid concentrations does not reflect morphological body condition in humpback whales. Journal of Experimental Biology. doi: 10.1242/jeb.213769 Abstract: An animal’s body condition provides valuable information for ecophysiological studies, and is an important measure of fitness in population monitoring and conservation. While both the external body shape of an animal and its internal tissues (i.e. fat content) can be used as a measure of body condition, the relationship between the two is not always linear. We compared the morphological body condition (external metric obtained through aerial photogrammetry) of migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) with their outer blubber lipid concentration (internal metric obtained through blubber biopsy sampling) off the coast of south-west Australia early and late in the breeding season (spanning ∼4.5 months). The external body condition index of juvenile and adult humpback whales decreased by 26.9 (from 18.8% to −8.1%) and 12.0 percentage points (from 8.6% to −3.4%), respectively, between the early and late phase. In contrast, we found no intra-seasonal change in blubber lipid concentration, and no difference between reproductive classes (juveniles, adults and lactating females); however, the small sample size prevented us from effectively testing these effects. Importantly, however, in the 33 animals for which paired metrics were obtained, we found no correlation between the morphometric body condition index and the blubber lipid concentration of individual whales. The lack of a linear relationship suggests that changes in outer blubber lipid concentration do not reflect external changes in body shape, thus limiting the utility of outer blubber lipid reserves for individual body condition evaluation. The wider spectrum of change in body morphometry captured with aerial photogrammetry supports the use of body morphometry as a reliable and well-tested method. Please email for the full text and supplementary material, otherwise the full text can be downloaded here https://jeb.biologists.org/content/223/8/jeb213769 Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor/Postdoctoral Research Fellow Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies Aarhus University, Denmark +4531332367 f.christiansen(a)aias.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf

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A.I.S. Inc. Seeking Passive Acoustic Monitoring Specialist
by Kathryn Roy 14 Apr '20

14 Apr '20

A.I.S. Inc. Seeking Passive Acoustic Monitoring Specialist AIS is looking for a highly skilled Passive Acoustic Monitor to serve as the lead offshore specialist on a high profile project which will focus on pile driving for two offshore wind turbines. AIS is searching for someone with expert level experience deploying towed arrays, troubleshooting PAM equipment, and using PAM Guard. This is a temporary role. The Passive Acoustic Monitoring Specialist's primary responsibility is to acoustically monitor for the presence of marine mammals during activities that have the potential to cause injury to these species through the introduction of added sound levels to the environment. This deployment is anticipated to last several weeks. It will require the PAM Specialist to travel to New York and deploy aboard a monitoring vessel for the duration of the expected work. During this project, the PAM Specialist is responsible for listening and maintaining a constant watch for marine mammals using passive acoustic monitoring equipment and software. The individual selected for this position will function as an expert in the field. Any detections of marine mammals are documented on project specific logs. Project activity, times, location, and environmental conditions are also documented. The PAM Specialist is responsible for notifying the appropriate personnel if protected species are detected approaching or within harmful range of sound producing equipment and calling for mitigation measures outlined in the project specific planning documents. Summary of essential Job Functions: * Identify marine animals using passive acoustic monitoring equipment and software * Ability to vigilantly monitor for acoustic detections of marine mammals around observation platform/vessel for up to 4 hours at a time and not more than 12 hours in a 24 hour period. * Ability to identify and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during a towed PAM deployment. * Expert knowledge of towed PAM deployment and PAMGuard software functionalities * Ability to follow protocol requirements and accurately record data * Ability to make decisions on own given general guidelines * Record accurate data in difficult sea and weather conditions Minimum requirements: * Must be authorized to work in the US. * Must be approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) as an ESO/PSO * Must provide a copy of PAM Operator training certificate obtained from a recognized PAM trainer * Must provide a copy of PSO training certificate obtained from NMFS/BOEM compliant course/training * Must not be affiliated with any group that may impair the objectivity or the appearance of objectivity * Willing and able to travel to local ports and ports in other states * Willing and able to leave on trips with short notice (e.g., 24hr notice for multiday trip) * Able to work weekends and holidays * Must provide a copy of offshore safety training (BOSIET or equivalent) * Must be certified by a physician as fit for sea duty including : o Not be susceptible to chronic motion sickness o Ability to live in confined quarters o Ability to tolerate stress o Ability to lift objects up to 30 pounds o Ability to vigilantly monitor waters surrounding observation platform/vessel for up to 4 hours at a time and not more than 12 hours in a 24 hour period. o Climb and descend steep ladders at docks o Cross over from boat to boat at docks while carrying gear o Swim 100 meters Please visit https://aisobservers.com/careers/ to apply. If you have any questions, contact Kathryn Roy, the Protected Species Program Manager at kathrynr(a)aisobservers.com

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2020-2021 Antarctic research opportunity DUE Friday April 17, 2020
by Laura K.O. Smith 13 Apr '20

13 Apr '20

Antarctica Research Opportunity 2020-2021 Season **DUE Friday April 17,2020** Quixote Expeditions, a sailing company in Antarctica, has up to 3 bunk spaces during the 2020-2021 Antarctic Season for Guest Scientists to join us in Antarctica. The season is 1 Dec 2020 – Mid-March 2021. Scientists can come for 15 or 19 day trips during this time period. In the past our research positions have been filled by members of the MARMAM community helping phd with projects! We hope to continue to be able to support this community. Details are below. Any questions please contact info@quixote -expeditions.com. Applications Due April 17, 2020, with decisions being made by early May *Antarctica Guest Scientist Program* Quixote Expeditions is excited to announce its 2020-2021 Guest Scientist program for our 2020-2021 season on trips to the Antarctic Peninsula. More information is on our website (http://www.quixote-expeditions.com/guest -scientist/) and below: Quixote Expeditions has a Guest Scientist Program where scientists can join any of our regularly scheduled trips in order to help them carry out their active research. This can be anyone working on a master's or PhD thesis, post-docs, professors and researchers at universities, and scientists associated with non-profits. We offer a free space onboard any of our scheduled trips for scientists to perform their research. We sail in remote places that are often hard for scientists to get to and for those with limited funding, impossible due to the expensive nature of working in remote areas. We hope that by offering these spaces, one per trip, that amazing and interesting science can be continued here at the end of the world. In exchange we ask that the scientists to contribute the following: - To involve the other guests onboard with the research and data collecting if possible (Its not always possible!). - To present some of their current or past research while onboard. - At the end of the trip to prepare a short write up about the trip and the science that will then be posted on the QuixoteExpeditions Website. - To help operate the vessel (standing watch, helping in the galley, etc). Ocean Tramp, while a large sailboat, is still small compared to a larger research vessel. We ask that all scientists chip in, along with our guests. We can offer free room and board to one scientist per trip. All other related costs are at the expense of the scientists. Please go to our website for the application and full details http://www.quixote-expedition s.com/guest-scientist/ Please feel to contact me with any questions Laura Smith info(a)quixote-expeditions.com

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Online course: Spatially explicit models for distance sampling data
by David Lawrence Miller 13 Apr '20

13 Apr '20

Spatially explicit models for distance sampling data: density surface modelling in practice 8-12 June 2020, 1700-1900 BST // 1200-1400 EDT // 0900-1100 PDT As a replacement for the usual advanced distance sampling workshop here in St Andrews, we're offering the components of the workshop online this year. This course will cover how to fit spatial models to distance sampling data ("density surface modelling") in R. This will include: - Brief overview of distance sampling - Generalized additive models - Fitting, checking and selecting density surface models - Predicting abundance - Making maps Examples will be based around a line transect survey of sperm whales in the western Atlantic. Format: The course will consist of 5 live sessions delivered over videoconference. Between these sessions there will be practical R exercises to complete and to assist with these practicals there will be text-based "office hours", where participants questions can be addressed. Each videoconference session will include time for lecturing and discussion of practical exercises. We are limiting enrolment to 10 for this first offering, but may run an additional course later in the year (please e-mail to register your interest, especially if this time of day doesn't suit you or if you would be interested in a point transect-focussed course). Prerequisites: You should already know about distance sampling, for example by having taken an introductory workshop in person or online (either interactively or via our free pre-recorded lectures). You should also have some basic R knowledge. Prior to the course we will running a software test meeting to ensure everyone can participate satisfactorily. Cost: £250 Registration deadline: 4 May 2020 More information, with links to registration: http://workshops.distancesampling.org/online-dsm-2020 Feel free to contact dlm22(a)st-andrews.ac.uk for more information.

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Dolphin abundance publications
by Daniela Silva 11 Apr '20

11 Apr '20

Dear Colleagues On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share the following open-access publications on bottlenose dolphin abundance and movements: D. Silva, R.F. Young, A. Lavin, C. O’Shea and E. Murray. 2020. Abundance and seasonal distribution of the Southern North Carolina Estuarine System Stock of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). J. Cetacean Res. Manage. 21: 33-43, available at https://archive.iwc.int/?r=13023<https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.i…> ABSTRACT Under the US Marine Mammal Protection Act, common bottlenose dolphins along the United States Atlantic coast are managed as a series of 17 distinct stocks. To determine the status of each stock, the Potential Biological Removal (PBR) is compared with anthropogenic removals, primarily as a result of fisheries bycatch. Estimates of abundance, with associated measures of variance, are required to generate the PBR for each stock. The objectives of the current study were to estimate abundance for the Southern North Carolina Estuarine System Stock (SNCESS) of common bottlenose dolphins and to better define the southern boundary of this stock. To meet these objectives, photo-identification surveys were conducted during the summer and winter of 2014 in estuarine and nearshore coastal waters in southern North Carolina. The surveys extended 25km South of the defined southern stock boundary, along the northern South Carolina coast. One mark and one recapture survey were conducted for each season. Each survey was completed in four or five days and covered over 300km of survey tracklines. Dorsal fin images were processed and managed using FinBase, and only images of suitable quality and distinctiveness were used for estimates of abundance. A three-step decision tree was used to assign each dolphin group to either the SNCESS or an adjacent coastal stock, based on sighting location, ranging patterns derived from matches to photo-identification catalogues and statistical modelling. Only sightings classified as SNCESS were used to estimate stock abundance. Abundance estimates were calculated using three approaches: the Chapman modification to the Lincoln-Petersen method, package Rcapture in program R and program MARK 6.2. The most parsimonious approach was the Chapman LP method yielding an estimate of 272 dolphins (95% CI 189–390, CV = 0.32) in the summer of 2014. The distribution of SNCESS dolphins shifted South in the winter and several individuals were observed up to 70km southwest of the currently recognised southern boundary. The results of this study support the current definition of the SNCESS but suggest revisions to the southern boundary. The SNCESS is the smallest bottlenose dolphin stock off the East coast of the USA and is at risk of population decline as a result of fisheries-related mortality. D. Silva, B. Tramutolo, E. DeSalvio, T. Speakman and R. Young (2019). Abundance and Movements of the Northern South Carolina Estuarine System Stock of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (USA). JMATE 11(1): 8-18, available at http://www.oers.ca/journal/volume11/issue1/scientific.pdf<https://nam03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oers.c…> ABSTRACT In the USA, federal law requires managing anthropogenic threats to bottlenose dolphins at the stock level. The Northern South Carolina Estuarine System Stock (NSCESS) lacks estimates of abundance and potential biological removal required for management. Moreover, the southern stock boundary of the NSCESS is shared with the northern boundary for the Charleston Estuarine System Stock (CESS). The goals of this study were to investigate the empirical location of the southern stock boundary and to generate the first estimate of abundance for the NSCESS. Mark-recapture photo-identification surveys including one ‘mark’ and two ‘recapture’ sessions were completed between August and early October 2016. Predefined survey tracks approximately 245 km in length covered the described range for the NSCESS and an additional 11 km southwest of the currently defined southern stock boundary. Long term movement patterns were also investigated via comparison with historical catalogs from the NSCESS and CESS regions. Observed movement patterns did not suggest a clear revision to the southern stock boundary, thus sightings within the defined NSCESS stock boundaries were used to estimate abundance. Dorsal fin photographs were scored for suitable quality and distinctiveness using the program FinBase, and stock abundance was estimated with closed population models using the package Rcapture for program R. The best fitted model, Mth, was selected based on the lowest AIC value and yielded an abundance estimate of 453 dolphins (95% CI = 265-773, CV = 0.28). This study contributes to the sustainable management of the NSCESS and informed response to anthropogenic and natural threats. Best regards, Dani Silva

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DMAD are offering free GIS lessons to help people during the coronavirus
by Tim Awbery 10 Apr '20

10 Apr '20

Dear MARMAM community, We hope you are well during these difficult times. Like many of you we have had to decrease our operations and cancel our internships. We have heard many sad stories about people having their universities shut, missing out on dream placements and losing short-term contracts and even full-time jobs because of the virus. This not only leaves people with nothing to do but also if the virus is to persist, then it leaves the possibility of a knowledge gap in marine biology. DMAD - Marine Mammals Research Association will be offering help for people in the form of free online GIS lessons. These lessons will be using the freely available, opensource software QGIS so literally anyone with a computer can partake. The lessons and all the files used are available on our website: http://www.dmad.org.tr/qgis or the videos can be viewed from our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZe6-gcELQiTaPQaxkaZGlQ There are currently 16 videos in the series but new videos will be added each working day whilst biologists are struggling due to coronavirus. We have been really pleased with the feedback and so far the videos have collectively had over two and a half thousand views but we know that there are many individuals who could benefit from this training so please forward this email to anyone you know that might be interested. DMAD are certainly not alone in providing support to the biology community and we want to thank each and every person that has reached out and helped. Stay positive, stay safe and keep helping each other. Kind regards, Tim *Tim Awbery* *Montenegro Operations Director and Research Associate at DMAD - Marine Mammal Research Association (**Deniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği)* *info(a)dmad.org.tr <info(a)dmad.org.tr>* *www.dmad.org.tr <http://www.dmad.org.tr/>*

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New Paper on the Distribution, Behaviour and Seasonal Variation of Irrawaddy Dolphins in the Kep Archipelago, Cambodia.
by Sarah Tubbs 09 Apr '20

09 Apr '20

My co-authors and I are excited to share our new paper on Irrawaddy dolphins in coastal Cambodia. Tubbs, S., Keen, E., Jones, A., & Thap, R. (*In Press*). On the Distribution, Behaviour and Seasonal Variation of Irrawaddy Dolphins (*Orcaella brevirostris)* in the Kep Archipelago, Cambodia. *Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. *[online at: https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/app/uploads/2020/01/RBZ-2020-0015.pdf] DOI: 10.26107/RBZ-2020-0015 Abstract: Irrawaddy dolphins (*Orcaella brevirostris*) are a globally Endangered cetacean species found in rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters across Southeast Asia. Whilst much attention has concentrated on understanding freshwater populations of the species, marine populations have received less research attention, with the majority of marine studies focusing on determining abundance and distribution. As part of The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project, the current study utilises a combination of year-long land and boat survey techniques to identify seasonal critical habitats for the species in Cambodia’s Kep Archipelago, as well as fill knowledge gaps on the species’ behavioural ecology, to contribute to the design of effective and tailored regional conservation strategies. Results showed Irrawaddy dolphins to be present in the Kep Archipelago in all seasons, with the highest encounter rates in Summer Monsoon (May–September) and Post-Monsoon (October–November) seasons, and the lowest encounter rates in Pre-Monsoon season (March–April). Juveniles were present in all seasons, suggesting the region represents an important nursing ground for the population. Foraging was the most commonly observed behaviour, with significant associations found between certain behavioural states and events, group sizes and seasons, group sizes and juvenile presence, and swim styles and juvenile presence. Sarah Tubbs Founder and Coordinator of The Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project Marine Conservation Cambodia m: +447403732632 e: http://www.marineconservationcambodia.org/

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manatee internship-Tequesta, FL
by Faucett, Blake 08 Apr '20

08 Apr '20

The Southeast manatee field station is currently seeking candidates for one Fall 2020 internship! Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, necropsy and research in Tequesta, Florida. The Southeast Field lab is offering one 6-month internship for the Fall 2020 session. The expected start date for the 6 month internship will be around July 1st. Start dates will be flexible. Working hours are typically 5 days a week, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with some nights and weekends required. To perform the duties of the position, interns will operate trucks, trailers, and boats up to 22' in length. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Qualifications: Junior or senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Applicants should have some research field experience; be able to drive large trucks; be computer literate; be comfortable speaking to the public; and be proficient in the use of digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters. Previous animal-handling experience is desirable. Interns must possess a valid driver's license, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be able to swim. Applicants should understand that this internship will require them to be wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This position is unpaid and housing is not provided. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: § A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability § A résumé describing training and experience § A list of three references § An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Interns@MyFWC.com> Or mail hard copies to: Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 http://myfwc.com/research/manatee/information/internships-volunteers/se-fl-…

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MARMAM Post - ONR 2021 Pre-proposals
by Weise, Michael J CIV USN ONR (USA) 07 Apr '20

07 Apr '20

The ONR Marine Mammals and Biology (MMB) program is requesting pre-proposals by May 29, 2020 for U.S. federal Fiscal Year 2021 that begins October 1, 2020. The MMB program supports basic and applied research and technology development related to understanding the effects of sound on marine mammals, including physiological, behavioral, ecological and population-level effects. Researchers (international researchers are welcome) with an interest in obtaining support for their research should review the MMB program topics and goals to evaluate the potential overlap between ONR MMB program goals and areas of interest and their research. The next step in assessing the potential for support is to submit a brief (two- to three-page) pre-proposal (also referred to sometimes as a planning letter or white paper) to the program. The pre-proposal is intended to be an informal document submitted directly to the program that briefly describes the rationale and nature of the work to be proposed, the approach to addressing questions posed and estimates for the research costs. Please note the deadline for pre-proposals and full proposal is earlier than previous years. For more information: https://www.onr.navy.mil/Science-Technology/Departments/Code-32/all-program… Best Regards Michael Weise Program Manager - Marine Mammals & Biology Program Office of Naval Research - Code 32 michael.j.weise(a)navy.mil <mailto:michael.j.weise@navy.mil>

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NMFS Supervisory Research Biologist Vacancy Announcement
by Mridula Srinivasan - NOAA Federal 07 Apr '20

07 Apr '20

Hi all, I am pleased to let you know that a Supervisory Research Fish Biologist position has been advertised on USAJOBS. The position will involve the supervision and administration of the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division at the NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC). The application window closes on *April 15, 2020. * Here's the link NMFS-SEFSC-2020-0027 (Direct Hire): https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/564837700 Please share it widely. Thank you, Mridula *------------------------------------------------------------------------* *Mridula Srinivasan (Mree-du-la Sree-nee-va-sun), Ph.D.* *Acting Division Director, PRBD, SEFSC* *Office: 1.305.361.4252* *Cell: 1.404.993.0428 (Primary number when teleworking)* *------------------------------------------------------------------------* *Mridula Srinivasan (Mree-du-la Sree-nee-va-sun), Ph.D.* *Acting Division Director, PRBD, SEFSC* *Office: 1.305.361.4252* *Cell: 1.404.993.0428 (Primary number when teleworking)*

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