[MARMAM] SURVEY: Prioritizing the Threat of Ocean Trash
Dear Marine Mammal Scientists, Conservationists and Educators, Marine debris is a ubiquitous problem on our world's shorelines and in freshwater and marine environments. Having worked on the issue of marine debris for the past three decades through the International Coastal Cleanup, http://www.oceanconservancy.org/our-work/international-coastal-cleanup/ top-10-items-found-1.html Ocean Conservancy is now engaged in a research exercise to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the threat of specific marine debris items to ocean health. We have chosen expert elicitation as our survey method because it has been used for decades in the fields of social science and risk assessment. Expert elicitation synthesizes opinions of experts while assessing uncertainty around those views. Your professional judgment, along with your colleagues around the world, will be captured using the survey instrument and data will be analyzed to determine the relative threat posed by the most persistent forms of debris on beaches and in the marine environment. A manuscript will be composed from the findings of this research and submitted for publication. The questions in this SURVEY https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CY8CRC8 are designed to capture information on your expert judgment regarding the threat of specific ocean trash items across marine taxa. Based on your professional experience and judgment, the focus is on what threats and impacts you conclude are occurring, and the severity and specificity of those impacts. Please respond for all taxa for which you have a professional judgment, not just those for which you have professional research experience. The elicitation methodology rigorously captures professional judgment, rather than field data, observation or published literature with this questionnaire. This exercise does require thinking but it should not take more than 30 minutes to complete the 10 questions. As a token of our appreciation, we will send you a limited-edition Ocean Conservancy t-shirt for submitting your survey-details provided on the final page of the survey. Survey Link: Prioritizing Ocean Trash Threat Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CY8CRC8 After completing the survey, your responses will be cataloged in a way to ensure complete anonymity; your identity will not be attached to your responses in any way. If you would like to be acknowledged for your participation in the final publication, email Nicholas Mallos at nmal...@oceanconservancy.org. Thank you in advance for your consideration and participation. Regards, Nicholas J. Mallos, MEM --- Nicholas Mallos Conservation Biologist, Marine Debris Specialist Ocean Conservancy Phone: 202.351.0478 Twitter: @NickMallos ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper on common migration corridors shared across taxa
Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article which identifies a common migration corridor shared by sea turtles, fish and marine mammals: Pendoley KL, Schofield G, Whittock PA, Ierodiaconou D, Hays GC (2014). Protected species use of a coastal marine migratory corridor connecting marine protected areas. Marine Biology. DOI 10.1007/s00227-014-2433-7 The establishment of protected corridors linking the breeding and foraging grounds of many migratory species remains deficient, particularly in the world's oceans. For example, Australia has recently established a network of Commonwealth Marine Reserves, supplementing existing State reserves, to protect a wide range of resident and migratory marine species; however, the routes used by mobile species to access these sites are often unknown. The flatback marine turtle (Natator depressus) is endemic to the continental shelf of Australia, yet information is not available about how this species uses the marine area. We used a geospatial approach to delineate a coastal corridor from 73 adult female flatback postnesting migratory tracks from four rookeries along the north-west coast of Australia. A core corridor of 1,150 km length and 30,800 km2 area was defined, of which 52 % fell within 11 reserves, leaving 48 % (of equivalent size to several Commonwealth Reserves) of the corridor outside of the reserve network. Despite limited data being available for other marine wildlife in this region, humpback whale migratory tracks overlapped with 96 % of the core corridor, while the tracks of three other species overlapped by 5-10 % (blue whales, olive ridley turtles, whale sharks). The overlap in the distribution ranges of at least 20 other marine vertebrates (dugong, cetaceans, marine turtles, sea snakes, crocodiles, sharks) with the corridor also imply potential use. In conclusion, this study provides valuable information towards proposing new locations requiring protection, as well as identifying high-priority network linkages between existing marine protected areas. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-014-2433-7 If you are interested but cannot access this article online please email me for a pdf. Cheers, Graeme Professor Graeme Hays School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Warrnambool Campus, PO Box 423, Warrnambool, VIC 3280 (+61 3 55633311) http://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=7rc3SmAJhl=enoi=ao Recent highlights: Hays GC, Christensen A, Fossette S, Schofield G, Talbot J, Mariani P. (2014). Route optimisation and solving Zermelo's navigation problem during long distance migration in cross flows. Ecology Letters 17, 137-143. doi: 10./ele/12219 Hinder SL, Gravenor MB, Edwards M, Ostle C, Bodger OG, Lee PLM, Walne AW, Hays GC (2014). Multi-decadal range changes vs thermal adaptation for north east Atlantic oceanic copepods in the face of climate change. Global Change Biology 20, 140-146. doi: 10./gcb.12387 Important Notice: The contents of this email are intended solely for the named addressee and are confidential; any unauthorised use, reproduction or storage of the contents is expressly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please delete it and any attachments immediately and advise the sender by return email or telephone. Deakin University does not warrant that this email and any attachments are error or virus free. ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Internship opportunities with MARINElife: Survey sightings and data processing volunteers
We are pleased to announce two voluntary internship opportunities with MARINElife in Dorset, UK. MARINElife Survey Sightings Internship *Job Title:* Survey Sightings Intern *Location:* Home based - West Dorset, with some office hours (Bridport) *Duration:* 3-4 months *Weekly Hours:* Full time volunteer intern position, though part time applicants also considered. Please state which in your application. Flexible days - some weekends may be required. *Position commences:* Mid-late May MARINElife's core work since 1995 has been researching the distribution, abundance and population trends for whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine wildlife from vessels of opportunity. MARINElife currently operate year-round surveys on a monthly basis, along 18 ferry routes across the English Channel, Bay of Biscay, North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The data collected continues to be used to determine seasonal, annual and long-term population trends for individual species. This baseline data is necessary in order to be able to detect changes in species' numbers and to be used for cetacean conservation and marine biodiversity policy, designation and management. MARINElife is looking for an intern to provide assistance to the survey and data management team for a 3-4 month period, to undertake a variety of data entry, validation and research tasks. This temporary role focuses on the data collected by ML volunteers conducting monitoring surveys aboard vessels of opportunity around the coast of the UK. The post also offers the opportunity to take part in local small-boat surveys, both observational and acoustic. The role will also involve a public facing element, as part of an exciting new Hub development, in conjunction with other Dorset based organisations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further develop their research skills and gain invaluable experience, while contributing to an established cetacean and seabird monitoring programme. Our research has been published widely and is used as an evidence base by Government agencies, including Natural England, JNCC and Defra for marine spatial planning and site safeguarding. Tasks will include: - Assist with collation of survey data from 18 ferry routes - Data entry and first level error checking - Assist with local small vessel surveys - Update databases of recent cetacean and seabird sightings - Liaise with ML surveyors - Liaise with members of the public - Keep regular contact with the conservation science manager Candidate requirements: *Essential:* - IT skills (Office package) - Experience in data entry and processing (Excel) - Excellent communication skills - Enthusiastic, hard-working and self-motivated - A strong commitment to volunteer work *Desirable:* - An interest and knowledge of British cetaceans and seabirds - Experience interacting with the public. Volunteers will be given an introduction into the placement and training will be provided for all tasks that you will be expected to undertake. Please see the bottom of the page for details on how to apply. MARINElife/ECMC Data Processing Internship *Job Title:* Data processing assistant *Location:* Portsmouth *Duration:* 3-4 months *Weekly Hours:* Full time volunteer intern position, though part time applicants also considered. Please state which in your application. Flexible days - some weekends may be required. *Position commences:* Mid-late May MARINElife's core work since 1995 has been researching the distribution, abundance and population trends for whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine wildlife from vessels of opportunity. MARINElife is a partner organisation in the European Cetacean Monitoring Coalition (ECMC), formerly the Atlantic Research Coalition (ARC). Established in 2001, ECMC was initiated in an effort to provide vital pan-European monitoring data on the distribution and abundance of whales and dolphins by bringing together marine conservation organisations operating in adjacent areas of ocean. ECMC is a growing partnership bringing together scientists from a number of conservation research groups operating from multiple European countries including England, Netherlands, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Belgium. MARINElife is looking for an intern to provide assistance to the data management team for a 3-4 month period, to undertake a variety of data processing and validation tasks. The work will form part of an existing collaboration with other ECMC partners, and as such will be placed at the ORCA offices, Portsmouth, alongside a similar ORCA/ECMC role. This temporary role will contribute towards a body of work to develop functionality and infrastructure required to effectively manage our large dataset. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further develop
[MARMAM] New publication on calving areas and critical habitat for Risso's dolphins
Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper has been made available online: Hartman K, Fernandez M, Azevedo JN (2014) Spatial segregation of calving and nursing Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in the Azores, and its conservation implications. Marine Biology: 1-10 doi 10.1007/s00227-014-2430-x ABSTRACT Calving can be a critical period for cetaceans. Areas providing security for vulnerable calves, and high food availability for lactating females can be critical habitats requiring specific conservation measures. Here, we test the hypothesis that calving and nursing habitat could be defined for Risso’s dolphins (*Grampus griseus*). We investigated the spatial and temporal preferences of this species around Pico Island, Azores, using data gathered from land-based surveys and dedicated at-sea observations between 2004 and 2007. We divided observed pods into three groups: (1) those with newborn and young calves, (2) those with older calves or juveniles and (3) those consisting only of adults or sub-adults. We analysed eco-geographical variables and incorporated them into a presence-only spatial distribution model to evaluate differences in habitat suitability among the groups. We identified 694 pods of Risso’s dolphins overall. On the 267 pods observed in the first and second groups, 136 calves or juveniles were identified, of which 22 were newborns. The peak of the calving season was between June and August. The pods with newborn calves were larger and closer to shore, whereas the other groups were more widely dispersed offshore. Our results support the definition of critical habitat areas for this species, but we suggest widening the geographical coverage for better mapping around the island and throughout the archipelago generally. Conservation measures can, nevertheless, be implemented immediately, in order to reduce human impacts on a vulnerable component of the Risso’s dolphin population. The paper can be checked at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-014-2430-x?no-access=true Please do not hesitate to contact us for any question regarding our work. All the best, Marc Fernandez ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Navy Living Marine Resource program BAA - call for pre-proposals
The Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals in three topic areas related to underwater sound produced by human activities and its effect on marine life. Topics include hearing measurements in a broad range of marine mammal species, population density estimation from passive acoustic monitoring, and marine species monitoring data collection toolkit development. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the LMR website, www.lmr.navy.mil, for more information about the LMR program and the solicitation. Federal government applicants are not eligible to submit proposals under the BAA, but will be able to submit proposal statements directly to the relevant Navy Statement of Need. Academic, non-federal government, nonprofit, and private sector submitters should select the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Solicitation Number N39430-14-R-1464, when submitting their proposal. The BAA can be viewed at www.neco.navy.mil or www.fbo.gov, or at the LMR website, www.lmr.navy.mil. All submissions must be made via the LMR website. The solicitation period will close on 16 June 2014 (see website or BAA for official dates and other guidance). '// '// '// '// '// '// '// Joel T. Bell Senior Protected Marine Species Biologist Marine Species Monitoring Program Manager Marine Resources Section (EV53) Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic www.navymarinespeciesmonitoring.us Phone: (757) 322-4854 Fax (757) 322-4894 NIPR: joel.t.b...@navy.mil SIPR: joel.b...@navy.smil.mil '// '// '// '// '// '// '// The improver of natural knowledge absolutely refuses to acknowledge authority, as such. For him, skepticism is the highest of duties; blind faith the one unpardonable sin. ~Thomas H. Huxley smime.p7s Description: S/MIME cryptographic signature ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New Publication: Large whale vessel strikes
MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper in Conservation Letters: van der Hoop, J. M., Vanderlaan, A. S. M., Cole, T. V. N., Henry, A. G., Hall, L., Mase-Guthrie, B., Wimmer, T. and Moore, M. J. (2014), Vessel strikes to large whales before and after the 2008 Ship Strike Rule. Conservation Letters. doi: 10./conl.12105 The paper is available in early view online: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./conl.12105/abstract Please contact me if you do not have access to the .pdf online: jvanderh...@whoi.edu Abstract: To determine effectiveness of Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs), introduced in 2008 on the U.S. East Coast to reduce lethal vessel strikes to North Atlantic right whales, we analyzed observed large whale mortality events from 1990–2012 in the geographic region of the “Ship Strike Rule” to identify changes in frequency, spatial distribution, and spatiotemporal interaction since implementation. Though not directly coincident with SMA implementation, right whale vessel-strike mortalities significantly declined from 2.0 (2000–2006) to 0.33 per year (2007–2012). Large whale vessel-strike mortalities have decreased inside active SMAs, and increased outside inactive SMAs. We detected no significant spatiotemporal interaction in the 4-year pre- or post-Rule periods, although a longer time series is needed to detect these changes. As designed, SMAs encompass only 36% of historical right whale vessel-strike mortalities, and 32% are outside managed space but within managed timeframes. We suggest increasing spatial coverage to improve the Rule's effectiveness. -- Julie van der Hoop PhD Candidate MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography Woods Hole MA 02543 ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Event Announcement: Orca Tour 2014 with Erich Hoyt
Event Announcement: Orca Tour 2014 with Erich Hoyt The Whale Trail (http://thewhaletrail.org) and partners present noted author and marine conservationist Erich Hoyt in a series of talks around The Whale Trail. Erich will present his talk “Adventures with Orcas in the North Pacific” at nine locations, from Saturna BC to Monterey CA, May 2 - 20, 2014. Join us! Check below for the location nearest you. Get your tickets early - before they sell out! You can also follow us at www.orcatour.org and on Facebook. Orca Tour Schedule (Dates, Locations, Tickets and Organizers): Saturday, May 3 Saturna Island, BC 1:00 – 2:00 PM Paul Spong 2:15 – 3:45 Erich Hoyt Tickets: $20 at door, 18 and under free (Concert by Dana Lyons, Friday May 2 7 PM) Organizer: Saturna Island Marine Education and Research Center (SIMRES) Wednesday May 7 Port Townsend WA Fort Worden, Building 204 5:00 - 6:30 PM (following annual meeting) PTMSC Members – free, Adults $7, Youth (under 18) $3 Pre-register: email to Brian Kay b...@ptmsc.org Organizer: Port Townsend Marine Science Center Thursday May 8 Port Angeles WA Red Lion Hotel, 221 N. Lincoln St. 7 PM (doors open 6:30 PM) $5 (Kids Free!) Advance tickets @ brownpapertickets.com http://bpt.me/633364 Organizers: Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Feiro Marine Life Center and The Whale Trail Saturday May 10 Newport OR Oregon Coast Aquarium 6:30 PM (doors open 6 PM) $5 (Kids 12 under free!) Advance tickets @ brownpapertickets.com http://bpt.me/610791 Organizer: American Cetacean Society, Oregon Chapter Tuesday May 13 San Francisco CA Bay Theater, Pier 39 Reception: 5:30 PM • Program 6:30 PM Admission: $10 (includes one drink) Advance tickets: eventbrite.com Organizer: Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Wednesday May 14 Monterey CA Museum of Monterey 5 Custom House Plaza 6 PM Admission $5 Advance tickets @ brownpapertickets.com http://bpt.me/648204 Organizer: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Thursday May 15 Santa Cruz CA Sanctuary Exploration Center 35 Pacific Ave Admission $5 Advance tickets @ brownpapertickets.com http://bpt.me/64825 Organizer: Sanctuary Exploration Center Sunday May 18 Seattle WA Nesholm Family Lecture Hall at McCaw Hall 2 PM $10 ($5 Kids) Advance tickets: brownpapertickets.com http://bpt.me/632807 Organizer: The Whale Trail Tuesday May 20 Vancouver BC Vancouver Public Library, Central Library 350 West Georgia St., Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level 7 - 9 PM (doors open 6:30 PM) Free! Seating is limited. Organizer: Georgia Strait Alliance, Vancouver Public Library ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Announcing Canadian Publication of Novel about Killer Whales and Marine Contaminants
Hello all: I am pleased to announce the Canadian publication of my novel, *High Clear Bell of Morning*, which highlights threats to the southern resident killer whales in the Salish Sea, with a particular focus on toxic marine contaminants. I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the members of this list who assisted me during the research phase. The novel is available in Canada in trade paperback and ebook wherever books are sold. It should be available in the US in the near future. You can find more information about the novel and my upcoming Canadian reading tour on my website www.anneriksson.ca or through my publisher www.douglas-mcintyre.com. Thanks very much. Ann ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AND JOURNALS AVAILABLE from VIVA Vaquita
MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AND JOURNALS AVAILABLE The following is a partial list of items available – contactTom Jefferson sclym...@aol.com for a complete list. All funds go to ¡VIVA Vaquita! (a collaboration of five 501(3)c non-profits), forresearch and conservation of the World’s most endangered marine mammal species,the vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Go to www.vivavaquita.orgfor more details. Prices listed aresuggested minimum donations. All itemsare in good-excellent condition, unless otherwise stated; HC=hardcover,PB=paperback. Preference will be givento domestic USA orders. Donations can bemade in cash or with checks in US dollars made payable to “Thomas Jefferson”. Email Tom Jefferson thelist of items you want and your postal address for the items to be sent to(please type your name and address exactly as they would appear on a mailinglabel). Shipping is included. Orders will be sent out only after paymentand ‘mailing label’ are received. Berta, A., and J. L. Sumich. 1999. Marine Mammals:Evolutionary Biology. First Edition ed. Academic Press. HC. $30. Best, P. B., J. L. Bannister, R. L. Brownell, and G. P.Donovan (Editors). 2001. Right Whales: Worldwide Status. Journal of CetaceanResearch and Management Special Issue 2. HC. $40. Brown, S. G. et al. 1974. Antarctic Mammals. Antarctic MapFolio Series 18: 1-19 + plates. (unbound,but in original card folder; some browning and water stains). $18. Dizon, A. E., S. J. Chivers, and W. F. Perrin (Editors).1997. Molecular genetics of marine mammals No. Special Publication No. 3. TheSociety of Marine Mammalogy. PB. $9. Domning, D. P. 1996. Bibliography and index of the Sireniaand Desmostylia. Smithsonian Contributions to Paleobiology 80: 611 pp. PB. $12. Donovan, G. P. (Editor), 1986. Behaviour of Whales inRelation to Management, Special Issue 8. Reports of the International WhalingCommission, 282 pp. HC. $12. Dudzinksi, K. M., and T. Frohoff. 2008. Dolphin Mysteries:Unlocking the Secrets of Communication. Yale University Press. HC. $7. Evans, P. G. H., and J. A. Raga (Editors). 2001. MarineMammals: Biology and Conservation. Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 630 pp. PB. $14. FAO. 1982. Mammals in the seas: Volume IV. Small cetaceans,seals, sirenians and otters. FAO of theUN. HC. $22. Garner, G. W. et al. (Editors). 1999. Marine Mammal Surveyand Assessment Methods. A. A. Balkema, 287 pp. HC. $38. Gaskin, D. E. 1982. The Ecology of Whales and Dolphins.Heinemann, London. PB. $12. Gentry, R. L., and G. C. Kooyman (Editors). 1986. Fur Seals:Maternal Strategies on Land and at Sea. Princeton University Press, 291 pp. HC. $16. Jefferson, T. A., S. Leatherwood, and M. A. Webber. 1993.Marine Mammals of the World: FAO Species Identification Guide. United NationEnvironment Programme and Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN. PB. $48. Jordan, D. S. and others. 1898. Seal and Salmon Fisheriesand General Resources of Alaska, Volume I. Government Printing Office. HC (spine damaged). $48. Klinowska, M. 1991. Dolphins, Porpoises, and Whales of theWorld: The IUCN Red Data Book. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. HC. $18. Leatherwood, S., and R. R. Reeves. 1983. The Sierra ClubHandbook of Whales and Dolphins. Sierra Club Books, San Francisco. PB. $8. Leatherwood, S., and R. R. Reeves (Editors). 1990. TheBottlenose Dolphin. Academic Press, 653 pp. HC. $42. Leatherwood, S., R. R. Reeves, W. F. Perrin, and W. E.Evans. 1982. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises of the eastern North Pacific andadjacent Arctic waters: A guide to their identification. NOAA Technical ReportNMFS Circular 444: 245 pp. PB. $10. Lilly, J. C. 1978. Communication Between Man and Dolphin.Crown Publishers, Inc. HC. $9. Mead, J. G., and J. P. Gold. 2002. Whales and Dolphins inQuestion. Smithsonian Institution Press (hardcover). HC (new). $5. Miller, G. S., and R. Kellogg. 1955. List of North Americanrecent mammals. Bulletin of the United States National Museum 205: 954 pp. PB. $12. Mitchell, E. (Editor), 1975. Review of biology and fisheriesfor smaller cetaceans. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada, 32. PB. $16. National Research Council. 1994. Low-Frequency Sound andMarine Mammals: Current Knowledge and Research Needs. National Academy Press. PB. $12. Norris, K. S. (Editor), 1966. Whales, Dolphins, andPorpoises. (First Edition). Universityof California Press, Berkeley, 789 pp. HC. $45. Norris, K. S. 1991. Dolphin Days: The Life and Times of theSpinner Dolphin. Norton. HC. $9. Norris, K. S., B. Wursig, R. S. Wells, and M. Wursig. 1994.The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin. University of California Press. HC. $28. Packard, E. L., and R. Kellogg. 1934. A new cetothere fromthe Miocene Astoria Formation of Newport, Oregon. In: E. L. Packard, R. Kelloggand E. Huber (eds.) Contributions to Paleontology: Marine Mammals. p pp. 1-62.Carnegie Institution of Washington. PB. $14.
[MARMAM] New Paper: Survival and abundance of short-finned pilot whales
Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of a new paper about the population parameters of short-finned pilot whales: Alves, F., Dinis, A., Nicolau, C., Ribeiro, C., Kaufmann, M., Fortuna, C. and Freitas, L. (2014), Survival and abundance of short-finned pilot whales in the archipelago of Madeira, NE Atlantic. Marine Mammal Science. doi: 10./mms.12137 Abstract Estimates of population parameters for the short-finned pilot whale, Globicephala macrorhynchus, are scarce in literature, contributing to an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status of Data Deficient. In this study, photo-identification data collected over 7 yr from Madeira were used to estimate for the first time survivorship, capture probability, and abundance in this species using mark-recapture methodology. The Cormack-Jolly-Seber model estimated that the adult island-associated (i.e., resident and regular visitor) whales had a constant survival rate of 0.960 (95% CI: 0.853–0.990) and an annual capture probability varying between 0.372 (CI: 0.178–0.619) and 0.843 (CI: 0.619–0.947). A parameterization of the Jolly-Seber model estimated that 140 island-associated whales (CI: 131–151) used the area throughout the course of the study. Based on a closed population model, the most precise (lower CV) annual estimate of the total number of pilot whales using the southern and eastern waters of Madeira (~900 km2) in a 3 mo period covering summer/autumn was 334 animals (CI: 260–437). No trend was observed. Despite including biases, the approach used in this study provided plausible estimates of population parameters, which can contribute to the regional conservation strategies. a PDF can be downloaded at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./mms.12137/pdf or request it by email: filal...@rocketmail.com Regards, Filipe Alves___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Sirenews 61
Sirenews 61, April 2014, is now available online at http://sea2shore.org/publications/sirenews/ Sirenews is the newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Sirenia Specialist Group. The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) is a science-based network of volunteer experts working together towards achieving the vision of A world that values and conserves present levels of biodiversity. The Sirenia Specialist Group is focused on the conservation of manatee and dugong populations around the world. Cynthia Taylor and James Powell, co-editors Sea to Shore Alliance www.sea2shore.org ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Volunteer field assistant opportunity - Heaviside’s dolphins research in Namibia
*Volunteer field assistant opportunity - Heaviside’s dolphins research in Namibia* *BACKROUND:* This volunteer position is to assist University of Pretoria MSc student Sara Golaski. The project aims to obtain baseline information on abundance and habitat use of Heaviside’s dolphins in Namibia using primarily photographic identification (photo-ID). *WHERE:* Walvis Bay, Namibia *WHEN:* June 1 until mid-July. *DATA ANALYSIS FIELDWORK:* The volunteer position is primarily office based processing photo-ID images, but you will be aiding the Namibian Dolphin Project in all project activities including some fieldwork, community outreach and attending cetacean strandings should they occur. *EXPECTATIONS*, volunteers are expected to: - Be experienced with photo-ID work - Have good attention to detail - Be reliable, adaptable and hard-working - Be prepared to work long days - Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude. - Participate for a minimum of 1 month, 6 weeks preferred Post would suit upper level undergrads and graduate students who have interest and background in Biology, Marine Biology and an interest in pursuing further study. Due to the training required, applicants should be available for a *minimum of 1 month.* *LIVING COSTS:* Volunteers are expected to cover their own living expenses, including flight costs. We can assist in finding accommodation which can be around ZAR 3000 ($300 USD) per month. Food and other personal expenses can be kept between ZAR 2000-3000 a month. *DEADLINE AND APPLICATIONS:* Interested volunteers should email Sara Golaski as soon as possible with a: *1 - LETTER of interest outlining relevant experience and motivation for participation* *2 – CV* *3 - Duration of stay (expected start and end date)* *to Sara Golaski **sgola...@coa.edu* sgola...@coa.edu *FOR MORE INFORMATION:* Namibian Dolphin Project website: http://www.namibiandolphinproject.com/ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
