August 2022 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

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

12 Jun '26

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

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Update to SOCPROG
by Hal Whitehead 01 Jul '24

01 Jul '24

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

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U.S. Navy Living Marine Resource Program Need Topics - call for pre-proposals
by LMR Program 04 Dec '23

04 Dec '23

The U.S. Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals pertaining to five need topics. The FY22 need topics include: 1) demonstrate and validate the ability of existing sparse acoustic array technology to address Navy marine species monitoring goals, 2) demonstrate existing marine mammal tag technologies, 3) improve the ability to identify calling individual from acoustic tags. 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 02 December 2021. If invited, offerors will be asked to submit a full proposal.

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Florida Manatee Management Job Opportunity
by Pasawicz, Michelle 17 Oct '23

17 Oct '23

Greetings everyone, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a Fisheries and Wildlife Biological Scientist IV to aid the Imperiled Species Management Section with rule development and related permits and variances associated with species and their habitat under the responsibility of the Section. This position will have a focus on rules associated with the Florida manatee, but it will also act as subject matter expert and provide administrative guidance for rule related tasks for the Section's other species (marine turtles, Florida panthers, and Florida black bears). Please follow this link to the job posting to learn more about this opportunity: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/TALLAHASSEE-F-&-W-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-IV-77… Sincerely, Michelle R. Pasawicz Biological Administrator Imperiled Species Management Section Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/> Michelle.Pasawicz(a)MyFWC.com<mailto:Michelle.Pasawicz@MyFWC.com>

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New paper: Far-Field Effects of Impulsive Noise on Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins
by Fernandez, Oihane 15 Sep '23

15 Sep '23

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I would like to share our recent publication in Frontiers in Marine Science (open access): Fernandez-Betelu O, Graham IM, Brookes KL, Cheney BJ, Barton TR and Thompson PM (2021) Far-Field Effects of Impulsive Noise on Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins. Front. Mar. Sci. 8:664230. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.664230 The paper was published as part of the Frontiers research topic "Before-After Control-Impact (BACI) Studies in the Ocean" and can be downloaded freely from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.664230/full Abstract Increasing levels of anthropogenic underwater noise have caused concern over their potential impacts on marine life. Offshore renewable energy developments and seismic exploration can produce impulsive noise which is especially hazardous for marine mammals because it can induce auditory damage at shorter distances and behavioral disturbance at longer distances. However, far-field effects of impulsive noise remain poorly understood, causing a high level of uncertainty when predicting the impacts of offshore energy developments on marine mammal populations. Here we used a 10-year dataset on the occurrence of coastal bottlenose dolphins over the period 2009-2019 to investigate far-field effects of impulsive noise from offshore activities undertaken in three different years. Activities included a 2D seismic survey and the pile installation at two offshore wind farms, 20-75 km from coastal waters known to be frequented by dolphins. We collected passive acoustic data in key coastal areas and used a Before-After Control-Impact design to investigate variation in dolphin detections in areas exposed to different levels of impulsive noise from these offshore activities. We compared dolphin detections at two temporal scales, comparing years and days with and without impulsive noise. Passive acoustic data confirmed that dolphins continued to use the impact area throughout each offshore activity period, but also provided evidence of short-term behavioral responses in this area. Unexpectedly, and only at the smallest temporal scale, a consistent increase in dolphin detections was observed at the impact sites during activities generating impulsive noise. We suggest that this increase in dolphin detections could be explained by changes in vocalization behavior. Marine mammal protection policies focus on the near-field effects of impulsive noise; however, our results emphasize the importance of investigating the far-field effects of anthropogenic disturbances to better understand the impacts of human activities on marine mammal populations. Please, do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions regarding our work (oihane.fernandez(a)abdn.ac.uk) Kind regards, Dr Oihane Fernandez-Betelu Research Fellow Lighthouse Field Station, Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cromarty IV11 8YL. Tel: 01381600548 [Aberdeen_Uni_logo_big low res]<http://www.abdn.ac.uk/lighthouse/> [FB_FindUsOnFacebook-320] <https://www.facebook.com/lighthousefieldstation> [follow us on twitter logo] <https://twitter.com/cromartylh> The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683. Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na charthannas cl?raichte ann an Alba, ?ir. SC013683.

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Re: [MARMAM] Manatee Position in Melbourne Beach, FL
by Greer, Bill 21 Aug '23

21 Aug '23

https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/MELBOURNE-BEACH-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-F… This position will assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery efforts of marine mammal carcasses for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) East Central Field Laboratory. The incumbent will serve as member of FWC’s manatee necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on manatee and other marine mammal carcasses, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. This position will recover marine mammal carcasses for necropsy from the East Central region (coastal and inland waterways of southern Volusia County through Indian River County) of Florida and assist in manatee rescue and transport operations in the East Central region as well as assist with manatee rescue and capture operations away from designated area as needed. This position will be responsible for preparation and labeling of sample containers, carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. This position will be responsible for managing the East Central region’s intern and volunteer network which includes identifying candidates, interviewing, tracking their effort and training when needed. This position will be responsible for deployment, retrieval, maintenance and data collection of temperature probes throughout the winter months. This position will be responsible for assisting with other East Central regions projects such as photo identification and assisting with basic maintenance of vehicles, trailers and vessels as well purchasing needs and other tasks as assigned by supervisor. This position will assist with aerial surveys for manatees as needed. This position will have an assigned work schedule of Tuesday to Saturday (8:00 am-5:00 pm) and will be asked to respond to marine mammal emergencies and carcasses outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. This position will serve in a rotation with other East Central staff members for the purpose of covering the East Central Region during state holidays. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal legislation protecting manatees * Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of research and analysis * Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques * Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses * Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques * Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers and watercraft vessels * Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26’ in length and smaller * Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions * Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs, and be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself * Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions * Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships * Be comfortable speaking to the public * Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver’s license within a month of employment Minimum Requirements: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management. **Preference may be given to candidates who have experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management; having live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience; having photo-id collection experience in the field; or experience working alongside volunteers/interns. WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory * Workers’ Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program – voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * Any form of paid leave * Paid holidays * Participation in the Florida Retirement System * Reinstatement rights or retention rights Application Process: Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com<http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com/>) by the closing date listed. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time you are applying online, faxed, or mailed to People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida Employment Application Form. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. If a conditional offer of employment is made, you will be required to provide identification and proof of citizenship or authorization to work in the United States for the hiring authority to which application is made. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Nearest Major Market: Melbourne Bill Greer Marine Mammal Biologist Melbourne Beach Marine Mammal Lab 4020 South Highway A1A Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951 Cell (321) 626-7367 Office (321) 953-5037 [FWC LOGO1] Wildlife Alert: 1-888-404-3922 From: Greer, Bill Sent: Friday, October 18, 2019 7:44 PM To: marmam(a)lists.uvic.ca Subject: Manatee Position in Melbourne Beach, FL https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/MELBOURNE-BEACH-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-F… Bill Greer Marine Mammal Biologist Melbourne Beach Marine Mammal Lab 4020 South Highway A1A Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951 Cell (321) 626-7367 Office (321) 953-5037 [FWC LOGO1] Wildlife Alert: 1-888-404-3922

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New Online Training Course: An Introduction To Integrating QGIS/GIS And R For Spatial Analysis - 6th to 8th May 2020
by cdmacleod＠gisinecology.com 20 Jan '23

20 Jan '23

We will be running a new online training course called 'An Introduction To Integrating QGIS/GIS and R For Spatial Analysis' between the 6th and 8th of May 2020. It will be held via the Zoom video-conferencing platform. This course is aimed at those who wish to learn how to use and integrate QGIS (the leading freely available GIS software package) and R (the leading freely available data analysis software package) for spatial analysis. It will be taught by Dr. Colin D. MacLeod, the author of 'An Introduction To Integrating QGIS And R for Spatial Analysis [1]' (Pictish Beast Publications) and a renowned expert in using GIS in biological and ecological research. He is also a co-author of the recenntly publised 'An Introduction To Basic Statistics For Biologists Using R [2]', which is a practical guide to carrying out the analysis of biological data in R. The course assumes no prior knowledge of either QGIS/GIS or R, and so is open to complete beginners as well as those how know how to use one of these software packages, and wish to learn how to integrate it with the other. Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 16 people. The course for this three day course will cost GBP 395 per person (with a discounted rate of GBP 300 for students, the unwaged and those working for registered charities). To book a place, or for more information, visit http://gisinecology.com/online-course-an-introduction-to-integrating-qgis-g… or email info(a)GISinEcology.com. GIS and statistical analysis are two of the most fundamental software tools for marine mammalogists wishing to conduct spatial analyses, which is, itself, a cornerstone for the management and conservation of marine mammal species. However, GIS and statistical analyses have their own sets of software packages, and sometimes it can be difficult to know how to integrate the two. This course will provide an introduction to the integration of QGIS (the leading freely available GIS software package) and R (the leading data analysis software packages used by biologists) to create a combined tool set that makes the most of the strengths of each of these individual software packages. It will consist of a series of background sessions on using GIS and R for spatial analysis, mixed in with practical sessions where you will learn how to use QGIS, how to use R, and how to integrate two to complete a spatial analysis project. This last part will include working through an example project, starting with creating a high quality map for publication through creating raster data layers of environmental variables, joining data together based on their spatial relationships and analysing the combined data set using R (including creating summary statistics, conducting linear regressions and conducting generalised additive modelling - GAMs). While it will primarily be based around QGIS, this course is taught using software-independent approach, and it is also open to those who wish to learn how to use ArcGIS to do biological GIS. When you attend this course you will receive a free copy of An Introduction To Integrating QGIS And R for Spatial Analysis [1] (GIS For Biologists Workbooks) as the practical exercises in that course are based on the ones contained in that book. NOTE: If you wish to use ArcGIS software for this course, alternative materials will be provided for the practical sessions. ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: GIS For Biologists: A Practical Introduction For Undergraduates; RRP: £24.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== Links: ------ [1] http://gisinecology.com/an-introduction-to-integrating-qgis-and-r-for-spati… [2] http://gisinecology.com/stats-for-biologists-1

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Master in Conservation Medicine of Aquatic Animals 2022/2023
by Marinemammals Bca 28 Sep '22

28 Sep '22

The Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science of the University of Padova (Italy) is pleased to announce that we are now offering a *2nd level Master* in Conservation Medicine of Aquatic Animals *from November 2022 to September 2023*. There is also the possibility of applying for *single courses*. Available discount for DAC list countries. The Master will be provided *online *with *3 in-person field training weeks* . Participants (with a limit of *20 students*) will gain *skills *that enable and empower them to: - assess the interaction between animal, human and marine ecosystems from "one health" perspective; - adopt the conservation medicine in a range of practical situations in marine environment management; - interpret and communicate scientific results across other related scientific disciplines and to other stakeholders; - manage the emergency response related to marine animals and their environment. A total of *60 ECTS* (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) will be certified together. The *deadline *for application is the *7th of October 2022*. *Language:* English. *Director:* *Prof. Sandro Mazzariol* Associated Professor of Veterinary Pathology, IWC Strandings Expert Panel, ACCOBAMS Scientific Committee. For *more details*, please visit: https://uel.unipd.it/en/masters/cma-conservation-medicine-of-aquatic-animal… For *more information* and to schedule an *online meeting* for further questions, please contact: marinemammals.bca(a)unipd.it <o)))>< ~ - - ~ <o)))>< ~ - - ~ <o)))>< ~ - - ~ <o)))>< ~ - - ~ *Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), Università degli Studi di Padova* *Cetaceans strandings Emergency Response Team (CERT)Banca Tessuti Mammiferi Marini del Mediterraneo (BTMMM)* *Life DELFI project partner: www.lifedelfi.eu <http://www.lifedelfi.eu>* *Phone:*+39 049 827 2963 + 39 366 9256638 *Address:*AGRIPOLIS - Ed. Museo Viale dell'Università 16 35020 - Legnaro (PD) *Follow us on our social media accounts:* Fb:@CERTUnipd IG: @cert_italy Please consider the environment before printing this email.

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New Publication: Morphometrics and body condition of southern right whales on the calving grounds at Port Ross, Auckland Islands
by David Johnston 31 Aug '22

31 Aug '22

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce and share our recent paper titled "Morphometrics and body condition of southern right whales on the calving grounds at Port Ross, Auckland Islands". Abstract: After near extirpation by nineteenth century whaling, New Zealand’s southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) are recovering strongly, calving almost exclusively at the subantarctic Auckland Islands. Right whales are capital breeders; body condition is an important driver of their breeding success. Here we use unmanned aerial vehicles to characterise variation in individual size and shape, and to quantify the size structure of the subset of the population we sampled. Of 108 whales photographically identified we gained a comprehensive set of measurements from 63 individuals, as well as length measurements for 29 calves and six non-calf whales for which the full suite of measurements were not obtainable. Lactating females (n=32) ranged in length from 11.84 to 15.22 m, apparent non-breeding adults (n=9) were between 11.96 and 14.92 m, while subadults (n=28) were between 8.82 and 11.72 m long. Calves were between 5.15 and 7.53 m. Principal component analysis of the measurement data showed that widths (particularly at the positions of 30–80% along total body length) were most inlfuential in PC1 (40.3% variance explained). Measurements of structural features (i.e. head and flukes) related more closely to PC2 (18.2% variance explained) and PC3 (14.8% variance explained). We, therefore, interpret PC2 and PC3 as representing structural size, while PC1 represents body condition. Subadults and non-breeding adults showed more variation in body condition than lactating females, highlighting the need for this demographic to maintain their body condition within a tighter range to meet the high nutritional demands of raising calves. The article can be accessed here: https://rdcu.be/cUrjT<https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Frdcu.be%2…> Kind regards, David Johnston PhD Candidate Marine Mammal Research Group Department of Marine Science University of Otago, Dunedin, NZ [http://geekwhisperin.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/please-consider.png]

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Job Posting: Part-time Research Assistant, Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program
by Vanessa Mintzer 31 Aug '22

31 Aug '22

Part-time Research Assistant, Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program The Galveston Bay Foundation is seeking a part-time, temporary research assistant for the Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program (GDRP). The Research Assistant will help with the collection, entry and analysis of bottlenose dolphin population data in Galveston Bay, Texas. The position will entail a combination of field and office work (both in-person and remote). Marine mammal field and photo-identification experience are highly desirable, as well as familiarity with ArcPro GIS, FinBase and R. This is an internship-type position and is an ideal role for a recent undergraduate seeking research experience in marine mammal science before continuing to graduate school. To learn more about the GDRP, please visit galvestonbaydolphin.org<https://galvestonbaydolphin.org/>, The GDRP is a collaboration between the Galveston Bay Foundation and the Environmental Institute of Houston at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Position Title: Dolphin Research Assistant Reports to: Research Scientist Classification: Part-time Temporary - average 20 hours/week Pay Rate: $15.00/hour Start Date: October 2022 to July 2023 (exact dates are negotiable) Specific Duties * Assist in the collection of photo-identification survey data of bottlenose dolphins in Galveston Bay * Assist in managing a database of dolphin survey photos and associated data * Perform photo-analysis of dolphin data * Assist in a variety of data analyses tasks (primarily utilizing ArcPro GIS, FinBase, Excel, and/or R) * Assist with the development and preparation of program maps, reports, newsletters, etc. Qualifications Required * Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, marine science, wildlife studies, or related field * Knowledge of marine mammal ecology, behavior, and/or health * Ability to carefully follow instructions, work independently on sometimes tedious and/or repetitive tasks, and pay close attention to detail * Ability to work long field days on a small boat in Texas heat, often in inclement or challenging conditions (must have availability Monday-Friday for field work and secure their own housing near Kemah, TX) * Experienced and competent using word, data and image processing software including Microsoft Office * Be an excellent team member with the ability to communicate and work with others both in person and remotely * Successfully pass a criminal background check prior to hiring Desired * Previous experience with marine mammal field research * Prior completion of college-level statistic courses * Skills in small vessel handling * Skills in performing photo-identification of marine mammals * Skills in data management and use of software for population studies, specifically Microsoft Excel, ArcPro GIS, Finbase, and R To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Dr. Vanessa Mintzer at vmintzer(a)galvbay.org<mailto:vmintzer@galvbay.org> by 5pm EST on Friday, September 16. Please contact her directly with any inquiries about the position. The Galveston Bay Foundation is a nonprofit organization located on the Upper Texas Coast that has worked for 35 years to preserve and enhance one of the world's most productive estuaries-Galveston Bay-as a healthy and productive place for generations to come. We have diverse programs in land preservation, habitat restoration, water quality and quantity, youth education, and advocacy. Our office is located in Kemah, Texas. To learn more about the Galveston Bay Foundation, please visit www.galvbay.org<http://www.galvbay.org> or find us on social media. The Galveston Bay Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees and constituents regardless of differences based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristic. Vanessa J. Mintzer, Ph.D. Research Scientist Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program Galveston Bay Foundation P: 352-359-5633 | F: 832-284-4982 1725 Highway 146, Kemah, TX 77565 galvbay.org<https://galvbay.org/> galvestonbaydolphin.org [cid:image001.png@01D8BD51.CFEB88F0]

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