[MARMAM] Call for Expression of Interest for PhD project: Body-condition and health of humpback whales on their Alaskan foraging grounds

[Lars Bejder]

Dear Marmam Readers,

Call for Expression of Interest for PhD project: Body-condition and health
of humpback whales on their Alaskan foraging grounds

The Alaska Whale Foundation (AWF) and the Marine Mammal Research Program
(MMRP) at the University of Hawaii are seeking applicants for a PhD
project. This project aims to build on our Alaska - Hawaii humpback whale
(HBW) body condition work using Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS; drone) -
photogrammetry. The research will focus on how ocean conditions and/or
foraging tactics influence whale body condition on the Alaskan foraging
grounds. Within this general topic, the successful applicant will be
encouraged to explore their own areas of research interest. The PhD project
will have access to >3000 body condition measurements of individual HBWs in
Alaska collected over the past six years - with another >7000 measurements
available from their Hawaiian breeding grounds. The successful applicant
will be expected to continue to collect UAS body condition data in Alaska
for an additional 3-4 field seasons. Other available data streams include
30 years of whale sighting history data, tri-accelerometer video tag data
from >50 whales, >150 biopsy samples, and recent systematic physical,
chemical and biological oceanographic data.

This project will entail annual five-month field seasons in Southeast (SE)
Alaska (May-October) with possible additional short ~two-week field trips
to Alaska between November and April. Field work is based out of AWFs
remote field station in Warms Springs Bay, SE Alaska. While in the field,
the successful candidate will be working with a team of 4-6 graduate
students and interns. A key field responsibility of the candidate is to
collect UAS-photogrammetry data of HBWs from small research vessels.The
successful candidate will be responsible for managing and maintaining the
Alaskan humpback whale body condition database.

Required qualifications:

Applicants must have strong analytical and coding/programming experience in
R and/or MATLAB. Candidates must have significant UAS experience and hold a
FAA 107 license when field work commences. Strong writing skills are
required.

Desirable qualifications:

Candidates should be well-read in biological and oceanographic literature,
especially pertaining to climate change, ocean health, and ocean
productivity and how these affect marine food webs. We seek candidates with
small boat field experience. Masters degree preferable. Experience in
database management.

The project is a collaboration between Alaska Whale Foundation and the
Marine Mammal Research Program at the University of Hawaii. The student
will be enrolled at the University of Hawaii and be based at the Hawaii
Institute of Marine Biology on Oahu.

The successful candidate will be provided with full tuition costs and a PhD
stipend (GA-ship) for the initial year of their program. While further
funding cannot be guaranteed at this stage, PIs currently have grants
submitted for additional student stipend and tuition support (outcomes
pending), and track records of success in establishing funding/GAships.
Teaching assistantships (which cover student stipends and tuition) at the
University of Hawaii are typically available for students who do not have
GAships.


Timeline:

15 Sept 2023: Deadline to express interest in position (see below
application requirements).

1 Nov 2023: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for Zoom interviews
during 7-14 Nov.

15 Nov 2023: The preferred applicant will be asked to submit their PhD
application to the University of Hawaii.

Mid-Dec 2023: Formal deadline for PhD applications to University of Hawaii.

Jan-Mar 2024: Applicant joins field team for one-month of training in
Hawaii (food/accommodation will be provided).

March/April 2024: PhD position offers sent out by the Registrar at the
University of Hawaii.

May - June 2024: Commence pre-PhD field work in Alaska.

July/Aug 2024: PhD enrolment.


To apply:

Candidates should submit the following materials via email to
lbej...@hawaii.edu and sz...@alaskawhalefoundation.org in a single PDF
document, with the file name “YourLastName_AlaskaHawaii_PhD.pdf” and the
subject heading:

“HBW_PhD_AlaskaHawaii_application” no later than 15 September 2023:

1) A cover letter explaining your motivation for applying for this
position, how your prior experience qualifies you for the position, how you
satisfy both the required and desirable qualifications, and your career
goals.

2) Your CV

3) Two letters from personal references

MMRP and AWF are committed to equality and diversity and encourage
applications from women,  underrepresented minorities, indigenous peoples,
and persons with disabilities.

Kind regards,

Andy and Lars
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[MARMAM] Ruling to protect spinner dolphins in Hawaii

[Lars Bejder]

Dear Marmam-readers,

The following may be of interest to you.

NOAA Fisheries has announced two rules to enhance the protection of spinner
dolphins in Hawaii:

1. A final rule that prohibits swimming with and approaching spinner
dolphins within 50 yards. The rule applies in waters within two nautical
miles of the Hawaiian Islands. This rule will go into effect on October 28,
2021. The final rule is available here:
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/enhancing-protections-hawaiian-spinner-dolphins
.

2. A proposal to establish time-area closures at particular locations off
Hawaii Island and Maui. This proposed rule aims to establish time-area
closures of spinner dolphins’ five essential habitats from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
daily.

NOTE: NOAA is accepting comments from the public on the proposed time-area
rule until December 27, 2021. The proposed time-area closures rule is
available in the Federal Register:
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/proposed-rule-establish-time-area-closures-hawaiian-spinner-dolphins-essential-habitats-main
.

Please do submit comments on this important rule.

Kind regards,

Lars Bejder
--
--
[image: University of Hawaii at Manoa]
Lars Bejder | Professor, Marine Mammal Research Program
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
| *Website*: www.mmrphawaii.org
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[MARMAM] Call for applicants for a funded PhD project: population assessments for insular cetaceans in the Main Hawaiian Islands

[Lars Bejder]

*Call for applicants for a funded PhD project: population assessments for
insular cetaceans in the Main Hawaiian Islands*



The Marine Mammal Research Program at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine
Biology, NOAA Fisheries’ Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center and
Cascadia Research Collective are seeking applicants for a PhD project that
aims to improve population assessments for insular cetaceans in the Main
Hawaiian Islands (MHI).



Applicants must have strong analytical skillsets and, ideally, strong
coding experience in areas pertaining to machine-learning and artificial
intelligence. The successful candidate will be provided with full tuition
costs and a PhD stipend for four years at the University of Hawaiʻi, funded
by the NOAA Fisheries QUEST program (see below). As the fellowship is
intended to create a pipeline into NOAA Fisheries, the supported student *must
be a U.S. citizen*.



*Background/context*

Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems support insular (island-associated) populations
of several cetacean species that are otherwise considered to have pelagic
distributions.  To date, five species with island-associated stocks in the
Main Hawaiian Islands are recognized within the NMFS Stock Assessment
Reports, including spinner, pantropical spotted, and bottlenose dolphins,
false killer whales and melon-headed whales, and others are likely to be
recognized in the coming years as additional genetic, movement, abundance,
and demographic data become available. Assessments of insular cetaceans are
challenged by the distribution of these stocks, as typical large-scale
line-transect surveys used for surveying cetaceans over large areas are
inappropriate and yield insufficient sightings to conduct robust abundance
analyses.  Further, many of these island-associated stocks overlap with
pelagic populations.

PIFSC and CRC have been conducting surveys near each of the MHI for over a
decade and have amassed a large sighting, individual photo-ID, and
telemetry dataset for over a dozen species. To date, these data have been
essential for evaluating population structure and range and have provided
the data needed to conduct mark-recapture abundance estimates for some
insular stocks, including MHI insular false killer whales (Bradford et al.
2017) and bottlenose dolphins (Van Cise et al. *in review, *Baird et al.
2009).  However, nonsystematic data collection and the significant time
investment to maintain photo-ID catalogs for some species have meant that
the data do not readily fit within NOAA’s other assessment frameworks. This
PhD project will aim to adapt existing or develop new analytical tools to
allow for greater use of this type of non-systematic data commonly
collected by CRC, PIFSC, and other research partners in order to help the
PIFSC fill assessment gaps for several insular populations.  The specific
approach and species chosen will be determined based on the qualifications
and interests of the selected graduate student and in collaboration with
the MMRP, PIFSC and CRC partners, though will generally include the
elements described below.

This project will aim to use a rich sighting, photo, and telemetry dataset
from one or more species to develop and validate new analytical approaches
that do not require such a rich dataset for use on the other species.
Projects may include:

·   Development and application of artificial intelligence and machine
learning approaches for photo-ID matching or other analyses.

·   Development of advanced statistical approaches to modeling species
abundance and range using survey datasets with non-systematic effort,
possibly including use of encounter-only models to assess population
abundance, with validation of those models using the photo-ID and telemetry
data available for those species.

·   Examining the sensitivity of resulting abundance and other
demographic parameter estimates to various data types, data distribution
through time, and other factors that may influence population demographics.

We encourage applicants with strong coding and statistical skills to apply.
The successful graduate student will most likely use large datasets
collected from false killer whales, rough-toothed or spotted dolphins,
though data from a number of other species are also available for
development, testing, and validation of approaches.

The project is well-suited to a PhD project given the need to explore a
variety of analytical frameworks, understand the nature of large and
complex datasets, and develop and validate approaches that can be used in
an assessment context. The student will be well-supported by a highly
quantitative team at the University of Hawaiʻi and PIFSC and the successful
student will contribute directly to NOAA Fisheries assessment needs.

The Quantitative Ecology and Socioeconomics Training (QUEST) program is
designed to prepare the next generation of assessment scientists for
careers in fisheries or protected species population assessment, ecosystem

[MARMAM] New publication: Cashing in on Spinners: Revenue estimates of wild dolphin-swim tourism in the Hawaiian Islands

[Lars Bejder]

On behalf of Carlie Wiener and co-authors, we are pleased to bring to your
attention the following publication:

Wiener, C., Bejder, L., Johnston, D., Fawcett, L., and Wilkinson, P. 2020.
Cashing in on Spinners: Revenue estimates of wild dolphin-swim tourism in
the Hawaiian Islands. Frontiers in Marine Science. 7:660. doi:
10.3389/fmars.2020.00660

Abstract: Wild dolphin-swim tourism has grown in specific locations where
Hawaiian spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) have known resting
habitat. The increased growth in dolphin-swim businesses has created an
industry in Hawaii that earns an estimated $102 million (USD) annually in
2013. Semi-structured interviews with business owners, market research, and
boat-based observations provide a platform for estimating revenue generated
from dolphin tourism in two popular locations, Waianae, Oahu and
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island. A revenue analysis of dolphin-swim tourism is
presented using a peak season and utilization rate model. These predictions
offer an accountability exercise based on a series of assumptions regarding
wild dolphin-swim demand and an annual estimate of the number of viewing
participants and revenue earned. The results show that dolphin viewing
companies are making a larger profit than dolphin-swim businesses by
approximately $19 million (USD) per year, however, both avenues are
generating large earnings. Sizable differences between businesses in Kona
and Waianae are discussed. The average lifetime revenue generated by a
dolphin in 2013 is estimated at $3,364,316 (USD) for Waianae and $1,608,882
(USD) for Kona, and is presented as a first step in scenario analysis for
policy makers looking to implement management in the bays where tourism
occurs. This study offers the first revenue estimates of spinner dolphin
tourism in Hawaii, which can provide context for further discussion on the
impact and economic role of the dolphin-swim industry in the state.

The paper is freely downloadable here:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.00660/full

For any further questions, please email Carlie: cwiener AT schmidtocean.org

--
--
[image: University of Hawaii at Manoa]
Lars Bejder | Director, Marine Mammal Research Program
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
| *Website*: www.mmrphawaii.org
| mobile: ++ 1 808 892 9490
| email: lbej...@hawaii.edu
| address: 46-007 Lilipuna Rd, Box 1346 Kaneohe, HI 96744
[image: facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/MMRPUH/>[image: twitter]
<https://twitter.com/MMRP_UH>
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[MARMAM] Applications are now open for the 2020 summer course "Applying Innovative Technologies in Marine Science”.

[Lars Bejder]

Applications are now open for the 2020 summer course "Applying Innovative
Technologies in Marine Science”.

Location: Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (University of Hawai‘i at
Mānoa), USA

Would you like to participate in an all expenses-paid class on new
technologies and marine science at Coconut Island? The Marine Mammal
Research Program (www.mmrphawaii.org) at the University of Hawaii will be
accepting four or five participants to this year's Schmidt Summer Program
in marine Science.

Dates: August 31st to September 25th, 2020
Format: 4-week intensive, on-site summer program
Cost: All costs are covered (course fees, accommodation, subsistence food,
and reasonable travel costs)
Nationalities: all can apply

The goal of this course is to introduce participants to innovative
technologies and their uses in the field of marine science. The course will
be open to incoming graduate students, graduate students, postdocs, and
other early-career researchers. The course will leverage the exceptional
research capacities, facilities, and location of HIMB and Moku o Lo’e
(Coconut Island) to advance scientific and career goals of participants who
otherwise may not have this unique opportunity. The course will include
lectures, hands-on field work, a lab component, and data analysis for
projects developed during the program. The course will provide an
introduction to the fundamentals of conducting robust science, including
open and reproducible science, science communication beyond academia to
diverse stakeholder groups, and more. Included in the course will be a
statistical programming module and guest lectures by scientists,
conservation practitioners, and managers using cutting-edge technology.
Participants will gain hands-on exposure to a range of technologies and
tools relevant to the instructors’ and guest instructors’ research
portfolios (e.g., unoccupied aerial systems, above-water and underwater
photogrammetry, remote sensing imagery, 3D laser scanning and printing, and
more). Broadening participants’ exposure to new and emerging technologies
will provide them a foundation upon which to incorporate these technologies
into their scientific and career goals.

To apply, see details on the following link:
https://www.mmrphawaii.org/post/2020-himb-schmidt-summer-program-in-marine-science-apply-now

Important note:  Please understand that the dates above are a placeholder,
and that the course may be delayed further or cancelled altogether in 2020
depending on progress towards reopening institutions and travel.  Also,
note that acceptance may be contingent upon rules for travel from
participants’ countries. We reserve the right to cancel the program or
individual participation should our COVID-19 restrictions not align with
the restrictions of the nations of participants

Kind regards,
Lars
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[MARMAM] Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship: Estimating abundance of insular cetaceans in Hawaiian waters

[Lars Bejder]

nce estimation, and in the context of marine mammal
surveys.

· Demonstrable understanding of advanced abundance estimation
methods including distance sampling, capture-recapture, spatial
capture-recapture, and other emerging approaches.

· Demonstrated ability to develop new statistical methods, or work
closely with those developing such methods.

· Experience in the use of passive acoustic monitoring.

· Experience as a small boat operator.

· Ability to travel for fieldwork and conferences.





*Research Environment:*



The postdoc will be based in the lab of Lars Bejder (www.mmrphawaii.org) at
the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB). HIMB is within the School of
Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST; www.soest.hawaii.edu) at the
University of Hawaii at Manoa. HIMB provides unparalleled research
opportunities, in particular due to its unique location on Moku o Loe Island
(Coconut Island) in Kaneohe Bay on the windward side of the island of Oahu
(~ 24 km from the main university campus in Manoa). The successful
candidate will work in close collaboration with the NOAA’s Pacific Islands
Fisheries Science Centre (PIFSC). It is expected that the candidate will
contribute to mentoring graduate students in the MMRP lab, and actively
engage, participate and contribute to other areas of research and
administration in the program.



The MMRP is rapidly developing a supportive and stimulating research
environment with a group of highly collegial scientists who are committed
to scientific outreach and policy, to open science, and to enhancing
diversity in STEM. We offer a family-friendly, flexible work environment
where work-life balance is encouraged.



*Appointment and application:*



The postdoc fellowship is initially for one year, renewable for up to
three-four years based on performance. Fellowship stipend is commensurate
with experience within guidelines set by the university. The start date is
negotiable, but preferably in early 2020.



*To apply:* Candidates should submit the following materials via email to
Dr Bejder (lbej...@hawaii.edu) in a single PDF document, with your last
name in the file name and the subject heading “MMRPpostdoc application” by *20
October 2019 *(Hawaii–Aleutian Standard Time):



· A letter explaining your motivation for applying for this
fellowship, how your prior research experience qualifies you for the
fellowship, how you satisfy the required and desirable qualifications, and
your career goals;



· A CV (including publication list, which may include publications
in advanced stages of preparation that will be likely in the review process
by the above postdoctoral fellowship deadline date);



· Names and contact details for three references.



Individual qualifications and background, academic excellence, and
collegiality will be the primary criteria in selecting the successful
candidate.

We are committed to equality and diversity and encourage applications from
women, underrepresented minorities, indigenous peoples, and persons with
disabilities.
--
--
[image: University of Hawaii at Manoa]
Lars Bejder | Director, Marine Mammal Research Program
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
| *Website*: www.mmrphawaii.org
| mobile: ++ 1 808 892 9490
| email: lbej...@hawaii.edu
| skype: lbejder1971
| address: 46-007 Lilipuna Rd, Box 1346 Kaneohe, HI 96744
[image: facebook] <https://www.facebook.com/MMRPUH/> [image: twitter]
<https://twitter.com/MMRP_UH>

Recent publications:

 * Bejder, L., Videsen, S., Hermannsen, L., Simon, M., Hanf, M. and Madsen,
2019. Low energy expenditure and resting behaviour of humpback whale
mother-calf pairs highlights conservation importance of sheltered breeding
areas. *Scientific Reports
<https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-36870-7>*. 9:771

* van Aswegen, M., Christiansen, F., Symons, J., Mann, J., Nicholson, K.,
Sprogis, K. and Bejder, L. 2019.  Morphological differences between coastal
bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) populations identified using
non-invasive stereo-laser photogrammetry. *Scientific Reports
<https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-48419-3>*. 9: 12235

* Senigaglia, V., Christiansen, F., Sprogis, K., Symons, J. and Bejder, L.
2019. Food-provisioning negatively affects the reproductive success of
female bottlenose dolphins and calf survival. *Scientific Reports
<https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-45395-6>*. 9:8981
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[MARMAM] Course: Applying Innovative Technologies in Marine Science

[Lars Bejder]

Dear MARMAM readers,

Please see details below on an opportunity to participate in a free
four-week intensive course at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Course title: Applying Innovative Technologies in Marine Science

Dates: May 13th to June 7th, 2019

Location: Coconut Island, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of
Hawaii at Manoa

Cost: All course fees are covered. Also covered are onsite accommodation at
the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) and partial flight costs.

The Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP; www.mmrphawaii.org
) at HIMB will be accepting four students (out
of a total of 12) to partake in this summer course.

Goal of the four-week intensive:

The goal of this course is to expose participants to innovative
technologies and their uses in the field of marine science. The course will
be open to incoming and current graduate students, postdocs, and other
early-career researchers. The course will leverage the exceptional research
capacities, facilities, and location of HIMB and Moku o Lo’e (Coconut
Island) to advance scientific and career goals of participants who
otherwise would not have this unique opportunity. The course will include
lectures, hands-on field work, a lab component, and data analysis for
projects developed during the program. The course will provide a brief
introduction to the fundamentals of conducting robust science, including
ethics in science, open and reproducible science, science communication
beyond academia to diverse stakeholder groups, and more. Included in the
course will be a statistical programming module and guest lectures by
scientists, conservation practitioners, and/or managers using cutting-edge
technology. Participants will gain hands-on exposure to one or more
specific technologies and tools (e.g., unoccupied aerial systems (UAS),
above-water and underwater photogrammetry, remote sensing imagery, 3D laser
scanning and printing). Participants will gain hands-on experience with one
type of technology relevant to the instructors’ research portfolios.
Participants will be engaged in project design, data collection/
compilation, data analysis, and potentially publication of results of group
research topics. Broadening participants’ exposure to new and emerging
technologies will provide them with a strong foundation on which to
incorporate these technologies into their scientific and career goals.

To apply, please visit the following link for further details:
https://www.mmrphawaii.org/blogs/applying-innovative-technologies-in-marine-science-course

Kind regards,

Lars
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[MARMAM] Recent publication Bejder et al 2019 Scientific Reports

[Lars Bejder]

Dear MARMAM community,

We (Bejder, Videsen, Hermannsen, Simon, Hanf and Madsen) are pleased to
share with you our recent paper in Scientific Reports focusing on
quantifying the importance of breeding/resting habitat for humpback whale
mothers and calves in Western Australia.

A Youtube summary of the paper is available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkhbMKbRfi0

The full citation details are: Bejder, Videsen, Hermannsen, Simon, Hanf
and Madsen. 2019. Low energy expenditure and resting behaviour of humpback
whale mother-calf pairs highlights conservation importance of sheltered
breeding areas. Scientific Reports. Volume 9, Article number: 771. Doi
10.1038/s41598-018-36870-7

Abstract:
Understanding the behaviour of humpback whale mother-calf pairs and the
acoustic environment on their breeding grounds is fundamental to assessing
the biological and ecological requirements needed to ensure a successful
migration and survival of calves. Therefore, on a breeding/resting ground,
Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, we used animal-borne DTAGs to quantify the
fine-scale behaviour and energetic expenditure of humpback whale mothers
and calves, while sound recorders measured the acoustic environment. We
show that: (i) lactating humpback whales keep their energy expenditure low
by devoting a significant amount of time to rest, and their use of energy,
inferred from respiration rates, is ~half than that of adults on their
foraging grounds; (ii) lactating females mainly rest while stationary at
shallow depths within reach of the hull of commercial ships, thus
increasing the potential for ship strike collisions; (iii) the soundscape
is dominated by biological sources; and (iv) even moderate increases of
noise from vessels will decrease the communication range of humpback
whales. Planned commercial infrastructure in Exmouth Gulf will cause a
substantial increase in shipping traffic with the risk of ship strikes and
acoustic disturbance potentially compromising energy reserves for the
southern migration of humpback whales.

The paper is freely downloadable here:
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-36870-7

Kind regards,
Lars, Simone, Line, Malene, Daniella and Peter
--
--
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Lars Bejder | Director, Marine Mammal Research Program
University of Hawaii at Manoa | Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology
*Website*: www.mmrphawaii.org
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[MARMAM] Book release: Whaling-watching, sustainable tourism and ecological management. Cambridge University Press.

[Lars Bejder]

Dear Marmam Readers,

We pleased to announce the publication of a new book published by Cambridge 
University Press entitled:

Whaling-watching, sustainable tourism and ecological management. Cambridge 
University Press. 2014. Editors: J.E.S. Higham, L. Bejder and R. Williams. 
400pp.

The book includes contributions from 50 international scientists and is 
composed of 25 chapters across four themes: The historical and contemporary 
contexts, Human dimensions of whale watching, Ecological dimensions of whale 
watching; and Sustainable Management: Insights and issues.

Below, we provide the table of contents of the book:

Introduction
Chapter 1. Tourism, cetaceans and sustainable development: Moving beyond the 
binary debates (James Higham, Lars Bejder  Rob Williams)

Part I. The historical and contemporary contexts
Chapter 2. Threats facing cetacean populations: The global context (Rob 
Williams)
Chapter 3. From adoration to exploitation: The historical and contemporary 
contexts of human-cetacean interactions (Simon Allen)
Chapter 4. Human attitudes and values: Tradition versus transformation (Peter 
Corkeron)
Chapter 5. The whale watch industry: historical development (Hoyt  Parsons)
Chapter 6. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) and whale watching 
(Carlson, Rose, Kato  Williams)

Part II. Human dimensions of whale watching
Chapter 7. A history of whaling and whale watching in Icelandic (Rasmussen)
Chapter 8. The complexities of whaling and whale-watching in Icelandic (Tommy 
Anderson, Beatrice Wende and Susanna Gothall)
Chapter 9. Green messengers or nature's spectacle: Understanding visitor 
experiences of wild cetacean tours (Zeppel and Muloin)
Chapter 10. Whale Watching: An Effective Education Programme is no fluke 
(Johnson  Bierman-McGinnis).
Chapter 11. What's In It For The Whales? Exploring the potential contribution 
of environmental interpretation to conservation (Orams, Forestell  Spring)
Chapter 12. Integrating traditional ecological knowledge and community 
engagement in marine mammal protected areas (McIntosh, Maly and Kittinger).

Part III. Ecological dimensions of whale watching
Chapter 13. Understanding the ecological effects of whalewatching on cetaceans 
(Christiansen  Lusseau)
Chapter 14. Whale watching and behavioural ecology (Constantine)
Chapter 15. Energetic linkages between short-term and long-term effects of 
whalewatching disturbance on cetaceans: An example drawn from northeast Pacific 
resident killer whales (Bain, Williams  Trites).
Chapter 16. Ecological constraints and the propensity for population 
consequences of whalewatching disturbances (David Lusseau)
Chapter 17. The use of area-time closures as a tool to manage cetacean-watch 
tourism (Tyne, Loneragen  Bejder)

Part IV. Sustainable Management: Insights and issues
Chapter 18. The socioeconomic, educational and legal aspects of whalewatching: 
a Scottish case study (Parsons)
Chapter 19. Vigilance, resilience and failures of science and management: 
Spinner dolphins and tourism in Hawai'i (Dave Johnstone)
Chapter 20. A multi-agent model to simulate whale-watching tours: The case of 
the St. Lawrence Estuary in Quebec, Canada (Chion et al., Sk. Morshed Anwara, 
Cédric A. Jeanneretb, Lael Parrottb and Danielle J. Marceau).
Chapter 21. Cetacean-watching in developing countries: A case study from the 
Mekong River (Isabel Beasley, Lars Bejder and Helene March)
Chapter 22. Whale-watching and community development: The Kaikoura (New 
Zealand) story (David Simmons)
Chapter 23. Management of Dusky dolphin tourism at Kaikoura (New Zealand) 
(David Lundquist)
Chapter 24. Save the whales Part II: A new science advocacy communication 
framework (Wiebke Finkler)

Conclusion
Chapter 25. Time to rethink: Fostering the nascent 'sustainability paradigm' 
(James Higham, Lars Bejder and Rob Williams).


For further information, including purchase details, please visit the following 
link:
http://mucru.org/book-release-whaling-watching-sustainable-tourism-and-ecological-management/


Kind regards,

James Higham, Lars Bejder and Rob Williams.

Lars Bejder, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit

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[MARMAM] Publication: Northernmost record of Shepherd's beaked whale

[Lars Bejder]

Dear Marmam readers,

We'd like to draw your attention to a recent publication entitled: Northernmost 
record of Shepherd's beaked whale (Tasmacetus shepherdi) - a morphological and 
genetic description from a stranding from Shark Bay, Western Australia.

The full citation details are:

Holyoake, C., Holley, D., Spencer, P.B.S., Salgado-Kent, C, Coughran, D. and 
Bejder, L. 2013. Northernmost record of Shepherd's beaked whale (Tasmacetus 
shepherdi) - a morphological and genetic description from a stranding from 
Shark Bay, Western Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology. 19(2): 169-174.

If this paper is of interest to you, please email Carly Holyoake 
(c.holyo...@murdoch.edu.aumailto:c.holyo...@murdoch.edu.au) or Lars Bejder 
(l.bej...@murdoch.edu.aumailto:l.bej...@murdoch.edu.au) for PDFs.

Kind regards,

Lars

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[MARMAM] Publication: Ecological characteristics contribute to sponge distribution and tool use in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops sp.

[Lars Bejder]

Dear Marmam readers,

 

The following paper has recently been published in Marine Ecology Progress 
Series: 

 

Tyne, J.A., Loneragan, N.R., Kopps, A.M., Allen, S.J., Krützen, M. and Bejder, 
L. 2012. Ecological characteristics contribute to sponge distribution and tool 
use in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops sp.. Marine Ecology Progress Series 
444:143-153.

 

ABSTRACT: 

 

In Shark Bay, Western Australia, bottlenose dolphins Tursiops sp. carry conical 
sponges Echinodictyum mesenterinum on their rostra in the only documented 
cetacean foraging behaviour using a tool ('sponging'). In this study, we 
examined the influence of various ecological factors on live sponge 
distribution and the occurrence of sponging in parts of the western gulf of 
Shark Bay. We assessed sponge distribution and seagrass cover along 12 
transects of approximately 11 km length, by recording sponges and seagrass in a 
total of 1380 quadrats (1 × 1 m), of which 56 quadrats contained conical 
sponges. The occurrence of sponging dolphins ('spongers') was documented along 
10 of these 12 transects. The distribution of conical sponges was negatively 
correlated with the distribution of seagrass: no conical sponges were observed 
in water depths of 10 m and no seagrasses were found at depths of 12 m. A 
digital elevation model, created from the sample depth data, identified 
channels in the region. Binary logistic and Poisson log linear generalised 
linear models showed that water depth and bathymetric features including 
channel, substrate and slope were significant in predicting the occurrence and 
the mean number of conical sponges, as well as that of seagrass. Conical sponge 
distribution was positively correlated with the distribution of sponging, 
indicating that ecological factors influence where sponging occurs. The greater 
number of spongers found in this region may be explained by the larger area of 
habitat suitable for conical sponges in the western than the eastern gulf of 
Shark Bay.

 

The paper can be accessed via: www.mucru.org

 

or via email requests to: Julian Tyne (j.t...@murdoch.edu.au) or Lars Bejder 
(l.bej...@murdoch.edu.au)

 

 

Best,

 

Lars

~

Lars Bejder, PhD.

Cetacean Research Unit

Centre for Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystem Research

Murdoch University South Street  Murdoch WA 6150

 

 

 

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[MARMAM] MUCRU - launch of new website

[Lars Bejder]

Dear Marmam-readers:

 

I would like to inform you of our newly launched website for Murdoch
University's Cetacean Research Unit   www.mucru.org 

 

Today, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) launched a new
website and public engagement strategy using social media to communicate
and share scientific research that is accessible and exciting.

 

In it, we profile our areas of expertise, major research projects and
publications, and provide detailed information on lab members and
collaborators.

 

Blogs and social media are a key components of the new MUCRU website
offering a transparent view of research projects 'from the field' and
all of the latest news from the lab including information about
workshops, publications, and overall advances in the field of cetacean
research.

 

Designed by earthOCEAN http://earthocean.tv , a leading science
communications media company, and with a new logo by renowned natural
history illustrator Uko Gorter, the aim of this online initiative is to
provide a platform to share exciting advances in the areas of cetacean
research in Australia and elsewhere as they occur.

 

To keep updated, you can follow us on our Facebook and Twitter pages,
sign up for our email newsletter, or subscribe to our RSS feed.

 

Best,

 

Lars  

 

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[MARMAM] SocProg workshop, Murdoch University, Western Australia

[Lars Bejder]

Dear Marmam readers,

 

We would like to inform Marmam readers of the following workshop
entitled:

 

SOCPROG and the analysis of animal social structure using individual
identifications. 

 

The workshop is for those interested in the analysis of animal social
structure in populations within which at least some individuals are
individually identifiable, whether through natural or artificial
markings, tags, genetics, vocalizations or other means.

 

Presenter: Professor Hal Whitehead, Dalhousie University, Canada.

 

Host: Murdoch University's Cetacean Research Unit
(http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/)

 

Location: Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia

 

Time:  February 8th - 10th, 2011 

 

Costs: The cost of attendance for external participants is $AUS 550. The
cost for Murdoch University students is $AUS 300. Lunch, tea and coffee
will be provided.

 

Applicants: This course is designed for postgraduate students conducting
studies in the broad field of biological - with a special interest in
analyzing animal social structure. As there is limited space available
at the workshop, we encourage applicants to sign up early. Applicants
will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Please visit the
following website for application details:
http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/socprog.html


 


Workshop details:


SOCPROG is a series of MATLAB programs written by Professor Hal
Whitehead for analyzing data on the social structure, population
structure and movements of identified individuals. The programs are
designed to be easy to use, most input is done through graphical user
interfaces (i.e. windows with things to click on), and most things can
be done without any knowledge of MATLAB (although this helps for custom
options, figuring out errors, making your own extensions, etc.). There
is also a compiled version of SOCPROG, so you don't need access to
MATLAB (although you have more options if you do). The programs are also
designed to be flexible so you can tailor the analyses to your data and
hypotheses. The program is free and can be downloaded from: Professor
Hal Whitehead's website. http://myweb.dal.ca/hwhitehe/social.htm 

 

The 1st day of the workshop will consider general issues in the analysis
of animal social structure (based upon the book Analyzing animal
societies), and on the 2nd day the focus will be on the practical use
of SOCPROG. On the 3rd day, we will look at participants' own data sets,
trying to get as much insight as possible. If time permits, we will
consider SOCPROG's functionality for examining population sizes, and
movements.

 

Workshop outline:

What is Social Structure?
Observing Interactions and Associations: Collecting Data
Organizing Data
Describing Relationships: Methods Available
Building Models of Social Structure: Methods Available
Comparing Social Structures: How Can we do this?
SOCPROG: what it does
SOCPROG: how to get and install it
SOCPROG: inputting data
SOCPROG: restricting data; setting associations and sampling periods
SOCPROG: displays of associations
SOCPROG (and other programs): network analyses
SOCPROG: tests of social hypotheses
SOCPROG: temporal changes in social structure
SOCPROG: multivariate methods, and incorporation of genetic data
SOCPROG: movement analyses
SOCPROG: population analyses

 

Best,

 

Lars Bejder

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[MARMAM] Workshops on spatial modeling of cetacean habitat use and abundance

[Lars Bejder]

Dear Marmam readers, 

Two workshops, funded by the Australian Marine Mammal Centre, are being
offered by Murdoch University, Western Australia and Flinders
University, South Australia to build expertise in the Australian marine
mammal research community. The workshop, aimed at post-graduate
students, marine wildlife managers and relevant research organisations,
will focus on the use of spatial modeling techniques that allows habitat
use to be quantified and abundance to be estimated from line transect
data. These statistical methods can be complex and sophisticated.
Researchers unfamiliar with the methods face a steep learning curve and
this can limit the potential impacts of research projects. The workshop
will give participants the practical hands-on skills to apply some of
the more accessible models, providing insight and familiarity but
stressing the limitations of currently available methods.

Time and location

Workshop #1: Fremantle, Western Australia. Dates: January 24th-28th,
2010 Venue: The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, WA

Workshop #2: Port Lincoln, South Australia. Dates: January 31st -
February 4, 2010 Venue: Lincoln Marine Science Centre, SA

Please visit the following webpage for further details on workshop
outline, admission requirements, application process and accommodation
options:

 

http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/habitatws.html

 

Best,

 

Guido Parra and Lars Bejder

 

 

 

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[MARMAM] Publication in Environmental Conservation

[Lars Bejder]

Dear all,

 

Please see below details for recent publication.  

 

Higham, J.E.S., Bejder, L. and Lusseau, D. (2009). An integrated and
adaptive management model to address the long-term sustainability of
tourist interactions with cetaceans. Environmental Conservation 35 (4):
294-302. doi:10.1017/S0376892908005249

 

SUMMARY

Rapid growth in demand for tourist interactions with cetaceans in the
wild constitutes a challenge to management. Short-term animal behaviour
changes can have long-term biological consequences for individual
animals and populations. This paper reviews the whale-watching
management context, describing the interplay of the macro (global), meso
(national/regional) and micro-level (local/site specific) policy,
planning and management settings. Here, an integrated and adaptive
management model based largely upon the delineation and monitoring of
limits of acceptable change (LAC) parameters is proposed to address
current shortcomings in the long-term sustainable management of
whale-watching activities. Although no integrated management framework
currently exists, a comprehensive management approach must be developed
and applied in the interests of the long-term sustainable management of
tourist interactions with cetaceans in the wild. The proposed management
model highlights the importance of integrating multiple stakeholder
perspectives in a way that is both research-informed and adaptive.
Beyond tourist interactions with cetaceans, this management framework
could be applied to a wide range of wildlife management contexts.

 

Please see Environmental Conservation home page to obtain a PDF of the
manuscript or send me an email and I shall forward you a copy.

 

All the best,

 

Lars Bejder (l.bej...@murdoch.edu.au mailto:l.bej...@murdoch.edu.au )

 

Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU)

Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research

Murdoch University

Western Australia

http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/
http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/
http://wwwscieng.murdoch.edu.au/centres/fish/index.html 

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[MARMAM] Two PhD Positions Dolphin Genetics and Dolphin PVA Australia

[Lars Bejder]

To Marmam Readers:

Two PhD Positions Dolphin Genetics and Dolphin PVA Australia

PhD Position: Genetic estimates of dispersal of bottlenose dolphins.
Murdoch University (http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/) is studying
ecology, threats, and demography of Bunbury (WA) bottlenose dolphins.
The study population is continuous with other waters, so to model its
demography we must know the dispersal in and out of the Bay. The PhD
student at UNSW will estimate this dispersal using genetic methods that
we have already successfully applied elsewhere. The student will be
supervised by Sherwin (UNSW) Bryant (U Murdoch) Kruetzen (U Zurich).
There would be field-trips to Bunbury. Research expenses (eg fieldwork
and laboratory costs) will come from an external grant to Bejder et al.
from  Murdoch University.

REQUIREMENTS: BSc(Hons 1) or Masters, or equivalent, in molecular
sciences, or population genetics. Solid research and communication
skills. Eligibility for full NSW driver's license is desirable.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS: To do a PhD in Australia a student requires a
scholarship to cover two costs: Living allowance (stipend), and Fees
(unless you are an Australian resident). Before preparing an
application, applicants should send CV, academic record, and details of
two academic referees by email to A/Prof Bill Sherwin
([EMAIL PROTECTED] ). For further information phone:

(61)2-9385-2119.

There are three basic scholarship options, with different closing dates

(1) Australian citizens or permanent residents can apply for APA/UPA
awards which cover the fees and stipend
http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/localschols/unswlocalschols.html
http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/localschols/unswlocalschols.htm
l 

Fuller information will be available Sep 2008 for session 1 2009 entry.

(2) Those who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents can
apply for EIPRS awards which covers fees and stipend. 

http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/intschols/unswintschols.html
http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/intschols/unswintschols.html 

Applications are due 29 August 2008 for Session 1 2009 entry

(3) Those who are marginally unsuccessful for an EIPRS may be offered
another scholarship (TRS) which covers fees but not stipend. Such
students will only be awarded the TRS if they can demonstrate that they
can provide the stipend from their own resources. For example, the
student could provide written documentation of another grant which will
provide the stipend.

*

PhD Position: Forecasting demography of bottlenose dolphins Murdoch
University is studying ecology, threats, and genetics of Bunbury (WA)
bottlenose dolphins. 

The PhD student at UNSW will use these data in existing or novel
programs, to evaluate population viability with different management and
threats. There would be field-trips to Bunbury.

Research expenses (eg fieldwork costs) will come from an external grant
to Bejder et al. U Murdoch.

REQUIREMENTS: BSc(Hons 1) or Masters, or equivalent, in mathematics,
physics, computing, molecular sciences, population genetics or ecology.

Solid research and communication skills. Eligibility for full NSW
driver's license is desirable.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS: To do a PhD in Australia a student requires a
scholarship to cover two costs: Living allowance (stipend), and Fees
(unless you are an Australian resident). Before preparing an
application, applicants should send CV, academic record, and details of
two academic referees by email to A/Prof Bill Sherwin
([EMAIL PROTECTED] ). For further information phone:

(61)2-9385-2119.

There are three basic scholarship options, with different closing dates

(1) Australian citizens or permanent residents can apply for APA/UPA
awards which cover the fees and stipend
http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/localschols/unswlocalschols.html
http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/localschols/unswlocalschols.htm
l 

Fuller information will be available Sep 2008 for session 1 2009 entry.

(2) Those who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents can
apply for EIPRS awards which covers fees and stipend.

http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/intschols/unswintschols.html
http://www.grs.unsw.edu.au/scholarships/intschols/unswintschols.html 

Applications are due 29 August 2008 for Session 1 2009 entry

(3) Those who are marginally unsuccessful for an EIPRS may be offered
another scholarship (TRS) which covers fees but not stipend. Such
students will only be awarded the TRS if they can demonstrate that they
can provide the stipend from their own resources. For example, the
student could provide written documentation of another grant which will
provide the stipend.

*

_

Lars Bejder, PhD.  

Research Leadership Fellow

Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU)

Centre for Fish and Fisheries

[MARMAM] New publications (Higham and Bejder 2008)

[Lars Bejder]

Dear MARMAM Readers,

 

The following paper has just been published:

 

Higham, J. and Bejder, L. 2008. Managing wildlife-based tourism: Edging
slowly towards sustainability? Current Issues in Tourism 11(1): 75-83.

 

Abstract:

 

It is increasingly acknowledged that cetacean-based tourism may not be
as low in impact as many hope or presume, and that any long term and
systematic human interactions

with populations of wild animals need to be rigorously monitored and
carefully managed. This paper reviews a series of recent developments in
the management 

of tourist interactions with dolphins at Shark Bay (Western Australia).
We argue that collectively these developments represent a paradigmatic
shift in the way commercial

tourism encounters with dolphins are managed. If so, they represent an
important and long overdue advance in the general direction of
sustainable management. However,

the paper also strikes a note of caution. Shark Bay, a well managed site
of relatively low level commercial dolphin-watching activities, carries
important insights and austere

warnings for the many high-intensity/low visitor management
dolphin-tourism sites around the world.

 

A PDF of the paper is available from the following website:
http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/
http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/
http://wwwscieng.murdoch.edu.au/centres/fish/index.html 

 

All the best,

 

Lars Bejder

__   

Research Leadership Fellow

Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU)

Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research

Murdoch University

South Street, Murdoch, 6150

Western Australia

Mob: ++ 61 0424 508 498

Fax: ++ 61 (0) 8 9360 6303

Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 

http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/
http://www.cffr.murdoch.edu.au/mucru/
http://wwwscieng.murdoch.edu.au/centres/fish/index.html 

http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/lb/lars.htm  

 

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[MARMAM] Publication in Animal Behaviour

[Lars Bejder]

Dear Marmam Readers:

We are pleased to announce the release of the following in press manuscript 
on the journal Animal Behaviour's website:

Bejder, L., Samuels, A., Whitehead, H. and Gales, N. 
2006.Interpreting short-term behavioural responses to disturbance within a 
longitudinal perspective. Animal Behaviour. Doi: 
10.1016/j.anbehav.2006.04.003

Abstract:

We documented immediate, behavioural responses of 
Indo-Pacifc bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) to 
experimental vessel approaches in regions of high and low vessel 
trafic in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Experimental vessel 
approaches elicited significant changes in the behaviour of targeted dolphins 
when compared with their behaviour before and after approaches. 
During approaches, focal dolphin groups became more compact, had higher rates of 
change in membership and had more erratic speeds and directions of travel. 
Dolphins in the region of low vessel traffic (control site) had stronger and 
longer-lasting responses than did dolphins in the region of high 
vessel traffic (impact site). In the absence of additional 
information, the moderated behavioural responses of impact-site 
dolphins probably would be interpreted to mean that long-term 
vessel activity within a region of tourism had no detrimental effect on resident 
dolphins. However, another study showed that dolphin-watching 
tourism in Shark Bay has contributed to a long-term decline in 
dolphin abundance within the impact site (Bejder et al., 2006, 
Conservation Biology). Those findings 
suggest that we documented moderated responses not because impact-site dolphins 
had become habituated to vessels but because those individuals that were 
sensitive to vessel disturbance left the region before our study began. This 
reinterpretation of our findings led us to question the traditional premise that 
short-term behavioural responses are sufficient indicators of impacts of 
anthropogenic disturbance on wildlife.
PDF's are available at Animal Behaviour's website (in press section).

All the best,

Lars Bejder
Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research
Murdoch University
Western Australia
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