[MARMAM] Synthetic Porpoise Communication: Bioacoustics Paper
Dear all, We are pleased to inform you that our article *Synthetic communication signals influence wild harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) behaviour *has been published on Taylor Francis Online. It is available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09524622.2015.1023848. *Boris Culik^a ^* , Christian von Dorrien^b , Vailett Müller^c Matthias Conrad^d ^e * We used our novel and programmable Porpoise Alarm (PAL, patd.) to synthesize life-like, electronic harbour porpoise communication signals based on those described for captive animals. In the Little Belt, Denmark, we employed PAL (source level 158 ± 1 dB p–p re 1 μPa@1 m; centroid frequency 133 ± 8.5 kHz) to synthesize three aggressive click train types termed “A”, “F3” and “M1” to naive, free-living harbour porpoises. Via theodolite tracking (372 h of total visual effort spread over 10 expeditions) we found that, depending on signal type, porpoises either avoid or become attracted to PAL: Signal types “A” and “F3” are slight deterrents, porpoises increasing minimum range (+23 to 32 m, respectively), whereas “M1” attracts porpoises, reducing range (by − 29 m). As determined via archival acoustic detectors (AADs), both signals “F3” and “M1” led the animals to significantly intensify their click rate (by +10% and 68%, respectively) while signal “A” led to a significant reduction ( − 59%). We propose that equipping fishing gear with PAL emitting signal “F3” could potentially reduce porpoise by-catch by increasing (1) awareness through enhanced echolocation and (2) distance to the nets. Detection probability and radius of PAL/AAD tandems could be improved by emitting signal “M1” to focus porpoise echolocation signals on the AAD. The signal may also be useful in luring animals away from hazards, which may be helpful for conservation measures prior to the onset of harmful acoustic activities such as pile-driving, seismic exploration or ammunition clearance. Kind regards, Boris -- ___ Boris Culik Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. F³: Forschung . Fakten . Fantasie Am Reff 1 D- 24226 Heikendorf Tel.: +49 (0)431 2378 588 Fax.: +49 (0)431 2378 589 Mobil.: +49 172 750 4192 Email bcu...@fh3.de Web.: www.fh3.de ___ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New papaer: Dolphins Adjust Species-Specific Frequency Parameters to Compensate for Increasing Background Noise
Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm pleased to announce the publication of a new paper: Dolphins Adjust Species-Specific Frequency Parameters to Compensate for Increasing Background Noise Elena Papale, Marco Gamba, Monica Perez-Gil, Vidal Martel Martin, Cristina Giacoma PLoS ONE 10(4): e0121711. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0121711 A PDF version of the paper is available online at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0121711 or via email request to: elena.pap...@iamc.cnr.it ABSTRACT An increase in ocean noise levels could interfere with acoustic communication of marine mammals. In this study we explored the effects of anthropogenic and natural noise on the acoustic properties of a dolphin communication signal, the whistle. A towed array with four elements was used to record environmental background noise and whistles of short-beaked common-, Atlantic spotted- and striped-dolphins in the Canaries archipelago. Four frequency parameters were measured from each whistle, while Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) of the background noise were measured at the central frequencies of seven one-third octave bands, from 5 to 20 kHz. Results show that dolphins increase the whistles frequency parameters with lower variability in the presence of anthropogenic noise, and increase the end frequency of their whistles when confronted with increasing natural noise. This study provides the first evidence that the synergy among SPLs has a role in shaping the whistles' structure of these three species, with respect to both natural and anthropogenic noise. Best, Elena -- -- Elena Papale, PhD Institute for Coastal Marine Environment National Research Council Via del Mare 3 91021 Torretta Granitola (TP) Italy elena.pap...@iamc.cnr.it elenabiancapap...@gmail.com This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program. ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] UNDERWATER ACOUSTICS IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT COURSE - June 25-27, Houston, USA
Seiche Training is bringing its internationally-respected Underwater Acoustics course to Houston, USA, this June. UNDERWATER ACOUSTICS IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT This 3 day course equips delegates with a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of underwater acoustics. It then focuses on developing clear, quantitative understanding of the issues involved in the impact of acoustics on marine wildlife. The course will be delivered by leading scientists and experts in this field. *Who is it for?* Regulators, environmental consultants and policy/environmental professionals within industry. The course will be particularly useful in providing a better understanding of reports that delegates either have to deliver or receive from clients. *IMarEST*This course has been granted official CPD recognition by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). Course Modules Introduction to Acoustics Underwater Acoustics Key Quantities, Units Dimensions Decibels Reflection Transmission at Boundaries Ocean Environments – The Seas Man-Made Noise in the Ocean Hearing Response of Marine Wildlife Biological Sources of Sound Impacts of Noise on Marine Life Sound Field Modelling Methods of Assessment of Impacts Environmental Stream Tutorial Environmental Regulation Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Explosive Impulsive Sources Mitigation of the Effects of Sound of Marine Wildlife Emerging Studies Dr Paul Lepper will lead this Underwater Acoustics in the Marine Environment course. Paul specializes in underwater acoustics, bioacoustics and underwater technologies, including acoustic and optical underwater systems, sound field measurement, modelling and simulation. He has been working on assessing hearing abilities of marine mammals, the acoustic impact of noise on marine fauna, assessing noise from small leisure craft, offshore windfarm developments and petroleum platforms, the use of acoustic deterrents, systems for long-term noise field assessment and passive detection of marine species and the use of various propagation models for sound field assessment. For more information and details, contact Sarah Hancock, Seiche Training, using s.hanc...@seiche.com www.seiche.com ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Translation of Cyrillic paper by Sokalov and Rodinov 1974
Dear All I have a paper written in Cyrillic by V. E. Sokalov and V. A. Rodinov, 1974: Morphofunctional patterns of shoulder girdle muscles in the Black Sea dolphins. Zoologial Journal. 53 (5). p. 756-768. I am desperately trying to get either a translation of the paper or somebody who might be able to translate it for me. Anybody able to help? Thanks Moyna Moyna Müller PhD student Geology Department University of Otago New Zealand e-mail: moyna.mul...@otago.ac.nz ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Volunteer Opportunties Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Expedition
MORETON BAY DOLPHIN RESEARCH PROJECT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Dolphin Research Australia Inc. is pleased to announce opportunities are now open for participants to join our Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Expeditions for one to two week durations between May and September 2015. The project offers a unique learning experience for those passionate about dolphins and the marine environment who want to contribute to increasing knowledge, awareness and improving conservation efforts. The research project focuses on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and Australian humpback dolphins and aims to assess and monitor the abundance and health of these populations in the Moreton Bay Marine Park and South East Queensland region. Participants have the opportunity to join the research team and have a hands-on and participatory experience working from small research vessels whilst being based at the University of Queensland Moreton Bay Research Station on the beautiful North Stradbroke Island located near Brisbane, Australia. Participants will assist in collecting data on the behaviour, acoustics and habitat use of coastal dolphins. No previous experience is required and all training will be provided to volunteers. Volunteers, however, do need to have the following; - An enthusiastic and positive attitude - Willingness to learn and work with a small team - General interest in dolphin biology and ecology - Be able to work long-hours on a small vessel (not susceptible to chronic sea sickness) - Ability to communicate fluently in English (both written and oral) - Good fitness level (the work requires agility to work on small vessels and participants will be required to regularly get on and off small boats, move around the vessel whilst underway and at times in choppy conditions) We have positions available on numerous expeditions between May and September 2015 for one-two week durations. Please check our website www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com or email us directly at info(at)dolphinresearchaustralia.com for more information, prices and dates. Kind Regards Liz Elizabeth Hawkins, PhD Executive Officer Founding Director Dolphin Research Australia, Inc. PO Box 1960 Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 E-mail: l...@dolphinresearchaustralia.com Ph: 0407 646 069 Website: www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com/ ABN: 42095866467 ** Dolphin Research Australia Inc. is a not-for-profit marine conservation, education research charity -find out more about us how you can help at http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com ** ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Masters Student Project - walrus
Agency: University of Alaska Fairbanks Location: Fairbanks, AK (classes) and Seward, AK (research) Job Category: Masters Student Project Website: http://www.alaskasealife.org/New/education/VFT/WATCHING%20WALRUS/WalrusVFT_Introduction.php Timing/Funding: Estimated 1 year of classes and 1-2 years for data analysis and write up. In year 1, student will have a Teaching Assistantship and has the opportunity to work as a seasonal technician. Funding for subsequent semesters is pending, but not guaranteed. Start Date: Fall of 2015 Last Date to Apply: April 30th, 2015 Description: An opportunity for a Master of Science project working on currently in-hand Pacific walrus data. Photographic images have been captured for three years documenting walrus presence and abundance at 5 summer terrestrial haulout locations in Alaska. The project would investigate abundance within and between haulout sites, assess accuracy of various animal counting methods, and compare recent abundance to historical. There are no expected field opportunities at this time. Qualifications: Student must have good grades (~3.5) and GRE (above 50%) scores. Experience working with Microsoft Access, Excel, and Word preferred. Basic statistical understanding desired. Application: If interested, please send an email of interest with GRE scores and resume. Application materials must be received by April 30, 2015 for consideration for the 2015 Fall semester. Contact Person: Dr. Lori Polasek Contact email: lo...@alaskasealife.org ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
