[MARMAM] New paper: Net energy gained by northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) is impacted more by diet quality than by diet diversity

[Diaz Gomez, Mariana]

Dear Members,

My co-authors and I would like to bring your attention to our new publication 
titled "New paper: Net energy gained by northern fur seals (Callorhinus 
ursinus) is impacted more by diet quality than by diet diversity".
It was recently published in the Canadian Journal of Zoology and you can find 
it available here:

http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjz-2015-0143#.VwaplPkrJD8

Abstract: Understanding whether northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus (L., 
1758)) are negatively affected by changes in prey quality or diversity could 
provide insights into their on-going population decline in the central Bering 
Sea. We investigated how six captive female fur seals assimilated energy from 
eight different diets consisting of four prey species (walleye pollock (Gadus 
chalcogrammus Pallas, 1814, formerly Theragra chalcogrammus (Pallas, 1814)), 
Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii Valenciennes in Cuvier and Valenciennes, 
1847), capelin (Mallotus villosus (Müller, 1776)), and magister armhook squid 
(Berryteuthis magister (Berry, 1913))) fed alone or in combination. Net energy 
was quantified by measuring fecal energy loss, urinary energy loss, and heat 
increment of feeding. Digestible energy (95.9%–96.7%) was high (reflecting low 
fecal energy loss) and was negatively affected by ingested mass and dietary 
protein content. Urinary energy loss (9.3%–26.7%) increased significantly for 
high-protein diets. Heat increment of feeding (4.3%–12.4%) was significantly 
lower for high-lipid diets. Overall, net energy gain (57.9%–83.0%) was affected 
by lipid content and varied significantly across diets. Mixed-species diets did 
not provide any energetic benefit over single-species diets. Our study 
demonstrates that diet quality was more important in terms of energy gain than 
diet diversity. These findings suggest that fur seals consuming low-quality 
prey in the Bering Sea would be more challenged to obtain sufficient energy to 
satisfy energetic and metabolic demands, independent of high prey abundance.

Please email me if you have any questions or would like

Mariana Diaz Gomez
M.Sc. Department of Zoology
UBC Marine Mammal Research Unit
Room 215.7, AERL, 2202 Main Mall
Vancouver, B.C. Canada  V6T 1Z4
http://mmru.ubc.ca/personnel/mariana-diaz/

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[MARMAM] New publication: Diel and seasonal patterns in acoustic presence and foraging behaviour of free-ranging harbour porpoises

[Schaffeld, Tobias]

Dear colleagues,
We are pleased to announce the publication of our new article:


Title:
Diel and seasonal patterns in acoustic presence and foraging behaviour of 
free-ranging harbour porpoises


Authors:
Tobias Schaffeld, Stefan Bräger, Anja Gallus, Michael Dähne, Kathrin Krügel, 
Anne Herrmann, Martin Jabbusch, Thomas Ruf, Ursula K. Verfuß, Harald Benke, 
Jens C. Koblitz


Abstract:
A temporal and geographical analysis of echolocation activity can give insights 
into the behaviour of free-ranging harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). 
Seasonal and diel patterns in the presence and foraging activity of harbour 
porpoises were investigated based on a year-long passive acoustic monitoring 
data set recorded at 5 sites in the western Baltic Sea. Diel patterns in 
detection rates were found at 4 sites. A year-round rhythm in presence, 
however, was found at only 1 station, whereas the other 3 stations showed diel 
rhythms for 2 to 3 seasons. Three of the sites showed diel patterns in foraging 
sequences on a seasonal level, but no station showed such patterns for the 
complete year of investigation. Both diurnal and nocturnal patterns in harbor 
porpoise detections were observed, indicating that diel rhythmic behaviour is 
more complex than previously reported. In contrast, foraging behaviour showed 
only nocturnal rhythms. Owing to the limitations in passive acoustic 
monitoring, all categorized foraging sequences are a minimum estimate. 
Therefore, classified foraging sequences are most likely pelagic foraging, 
while bottom grubbing could have been missed. Differences in the occurrence of 
foraging sequences between station, season and time of day lead to the 
assumption that the long-term echolocation diel patterns of porpoises strongly 
depend on the temporal changes in food availability and composition within a 
certain habitat. Echolocation behaviour of foraging porpoises is strongly 
influenced by seasonally available prey resources, which require adaptive 
foraging strategies. Therefore, owing to seasonal variations, analyses of diel 
patterns need to be conducted over sufficiently long time periods and large 
geographic scales to allow generalized interpretation of the findings. 
Consequently, no general conclusion regarding diel rhythms in harbour porpoise 
echolocation was found. We hypothesize that porpoises in the study area 
alternate between foraging on benthic prey in shallow waters at daytime and in 
the pelagic in deeper waters at night.

doi: 10.3354/meps11627

The article is available at:
http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v547/p257-272/


With best regards,
Tobias Schaffeld
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[MARMAM] CRRU Internship Programme 2016 - places available

[Dr Kevin Robinson]

We still have places available on the CRRU’s “Whales and dolphins of the
Moray Firth” project in Scotland this summer, listed at:
http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp

Our field teams are run in the form of a training / educational programme,
with formal lectures, seminars and presentations by the research team,
practical training in field methodologies and data collection and analysis,
and direct participation in the research, education and rescue work of this
dynamic and outgoing conservation charity.

 

The cost for an 10 day internship in 2016 is £895, and this will cover you
for full board (all your accommodation and food costs), your full equipment
needs and ALL associated field costs during your stay with us in the
heritage fishing village of Gardenstown in northeast Scotland. You'll simply
need to arrange your own travel itinerary to us in Banff in Aberdeenshire
(nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by
coach) plus any personal spending money.

 

For full details, please visit the project page at
www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp 
, or email us directly at i...@crru.org.uk   for
further information or for a booking form.

 

Our full list of publications and reports can also be found at:
www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp

 

With all best wishes and thanks

Dr. Kevin Robinson 
Director, CRRU 
  kev.robin...@crru.org.uk 

Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, PO Box 11307, Banff, AB45 3WB, Scotland, UK
| ( +44 (0)1261 851696 |   www.crru.org.uk
Whale and  Dolphin Research | Environmental Educational Outreach | Marine
Wildlife Rescue | Consultancy | MMO Services


   
 

Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC035473 

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[MARMAM] Dolphin and porpoise Research Internships

[Bruno Diaz Lopez]

Could you please post the following.



Cetacean research internships announcement 
Hi everyone,
On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), I am pleased to 
announce that we are currently accepting internship applications for 
August-October 2016 and from January 16th for the new 2017 season (a minimum of 
30 days of participation) for our research project along the North-western 
coast of Spain. There are still few vacancies available. BDRI invites 
applications for internships/thesis projects in a dynamic, international, and 
competitive research environment.  Interns can expect to gain a solid 
foundation in cetaceans conservation behaviour with a focus on dolphins 
ethology, habitat use and communication. BDRI offers interns the chance to work 
through the many steps of research. Your participation means that you will not 
only be observing the studied animals at sea, but you will also be collecting 
different types of scientific data, using various research methods, and helping 
on board the research vessel in general. When back in the lab, you will 
participate in the transcription of the collected data, with the database work, 
you will use various softwares, perform photo-identification analysis, use of 
GIS and more. Furthermore, as the Galician coastline is known for frequent 
strandings of various marine mammals species, you will be a part of an 
important network for rescue and data collection from these stranded animals. 
The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is no compensation 
for the internship positions. There is an interships fee that includes the 
accommodation in an apartment, tuition and other expenses derived of your 
participation (housing, wifi, use of equipment, field trips by car, and use of 
research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own 
transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, 
Spain).
 Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a 
minimum of 30 days continuous. Approved applications are accepted on a 
first-come, first serve basis. Prior field research experience is recommended 
but not required. 
Please download the internships general information and application form at:


Send the application form, resume, recommendation letters, and cover letter by 
email to: sever...@thebdri.com
For more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit 
www.thebdri.com or our Facebook page.

See you on site! Bruno Diaz Lopez
Chief Biologist and DirectorBottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI)Av. 
Beiramar 192, O Grove CP. 36980Pontevedra-Spaintel. 00 34 605 
521441
This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be 
legally privileged or contain proprietary and private information. It is 
intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an 
intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If 
received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your 
system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research 
Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it 
is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any).


   

   

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[MARMAM] One volunteer position open for large marine vertebrates surveys in Berau, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, 2016

[Danielle Kreb]

Dear all,

We have one last position open for our large marine vertebrate survey in
the Marine Park of Derawan Islands, Berau, East Kalimantan due to late
cancellation. The position is for 16-27 June. The program aims to protect a
high diversity of large marine vertebrates including cetaceans, turtles, whale
sharks and manta rays in the Marine Park of Derawan Archipelago, East
Kalimantan, Indonesia.  Surveys are being conducted by the local NGO Yayasan
Konservasi RASI (Conservation Foundation for Rare Aquatic Species of
Indonesia) under guidance of Dr. Danielle Kreb and Ir. Budiono. The
research team involves experienced RASI staff, as well as local and
overseas (student) volunteers. We will collect data to determine relative
abundance, core area mapping, assessing seasonal species diversity and site
fidelity as well as habitat usage of large marine vertebrates. Underwater
photo-id will be taken of whale sharks as well. Through earlier surveys it
was found that the highest relative abundance of cetaceans was within 5km
radius of islands or reefs, and therefore we also conduct coral reef
monitoring at several locations by snorkling to asses its health.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn theory and practice of
Reefcheck monitoring for the Indo-Pacific.There will be an opportunity to
do recreational things such as snorkling in the stingless jelly fish lake
of Kakaban  and snorkling near Manta Rays and/or whale sharks following
good practice protocols.  .



Day by day schedule, qualifications for volunteers and costs involved can
be downloaded from a flyer posted on our website at:
http://www.ykrasi.org/coastal.html or by sending an email request.



We are looking forward to your participation!



Regards, Danielle and Budiono


--
Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.)
Scientific Program Advisor
Yayasan Konservasi RASI
Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia
Komplek Pandan Harum Indah
(Erlyza) Blok C, No. 52
Samarinda 75124
Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia
Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874
Mobile: 081346489515
http://www.ykrasi.org
Facebook group/page: Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia

*“To the dolphin alone, nature has given that which the best*
*philosophers seek: friendship for no advantage. Though it has no*
*need of help from any man, it is a genial friend to all and has helped
mankind.”*
*–Plutarch*
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[MARMAM] Seeking Beta-testers for Beaked whale detection software

[Aguasonic Acoustics]

All,

Currently seeking beta-testers for a new version of my "Beaked whale
detector", have it down to 9 seconds per minute of data, using 256000
sps/24 bps recordings.

If you are using passive acoustics to look for Beaked whales, and are
interested in giving this a spin, send a note. Oh. Matlab with Wavelet
toolbox is currently required, until the pure Java version is done.

Sincerely,

Mark Fischer
~
https://aguasonic.com/
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[MARMAM] PhD Grant call in Italy

[Sandro Mazzariol]

Dear Collegues

I'm forwarding you the following call for PhD grants. The University of 
Padova, through funding from the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova 
e Rovigo, offers research fellowships for foreign students to attend 
Doctoral Courses. During the 3-year doctorate programme, successful 
candidates are entitled to full board and lodging.


If you have any available candidate interested in submitting a research 
proposal on marine mammals *veter**inary sciences*, please give her/him 
this link ( http://www.unipd.it/en/node/1053) with the indication of 
selecting the Doctoral Course in Veterinary Sciences and preparing a 
research topic related to marine mammals anatomy, diseases and/or 
pathology. This could be an interesting opportunity for cooperation.


If you need further information this is my email: sandro.mazzar...@unipd.it.


Sincerely

Sandro Mazzariol




--
Dr. Sandro Mazzariol, DVM, PhD
Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione (BCA)
Università degli Studi di Padova
Cetaceans strandings Emergency Response Team (CERT)

AGRIPOLIS - Ed. Museo
Viale dell'Università 16
35020 - Legnaro (PD)

tel.: +39 049 827 2963
fax:  +39 049 827 2973
skype: smazzariol

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[MARMAM] Passive Acoustic Monitoring - Marine Mammals

[Carole Baggaley]

[cid:image001.jpg@01D17539.A367CE90]




Product Update from SA Instrumentation Limited




Issue 2
[cid:image002.jpg@01D17539.A367CE90]






New for May release - Decimus Mobile System[cid:image003.gif@01D17539.A367CE90]

The new Decimus Mobile system for marine mammal monitoring provides real-time 
data acquisition.

Complete with a touch-screen PC within a lid-mounted HD display, it is designed 
to take up to four hydrophones, each with its own channel.  The system has 
unique gain and filtering capability, powered by a sealed rechargeable battery, 
making it a useful portable system.

Read More



What else has Decimus being doing:-






Decimus on Autonomous Vehicle for Marine Mammal 
Research[cid:image005.gif@01D17539.A367CE90]

A team of scientists from East Carolina University has been able to 
acoustically record Bottlenose Dolphins, as well as a range of other sea 
mammals, using the Decimus system, which was integrated into the University's 
Wave Glider.

Read 
More





Decimus becomes the Bomb Listener [cid:image007.gif@01D17539.A367CE90]

Hon Yuen, of Factual TV, has made a film about our project in Malaysia, in 
conjunction with the UK-based Marine Conservation 
Society. The film shows how our technology can be used 
to help protect the Malaysian Coral Reefs.

Read 
More





Decimus to go to the Isle of Lewis[cid:image009.gif@01D17539.A367CE90]

Gallan Head Community Trust invited us to join its exciting new environmental 
project, Cetus, which aims to attract visitors to observe and listen to the 
rich marine wildlife of Lewis.

Read 
More









We are on Stand B101 with our friends Fastwave

Why not drop by and have a chat!





If you have a project and you want to find out if Decimus can work for you,
give us a call on +44 (0)1334 845 260
i...@sa-instrumentation.com  web www.sa-instrumentation.com
Copyright (c) 2016. SA Instrumentation Ltd. All rights reserved

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[MARMAM] Vacancy at HWDT: Science Officer

[Conor Ryan]

Dear Marmamers,

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is recruiting a Science Officer
to oversee the research programme which is pivotal to the organisation's
operation as a leading marine conservation charity in the west of Scotland.
HWDT’s research activities include long-term visual and acoustic monitoring
from the charity’s research vessel Silurian. 

The successful candidate will join a small
 team in our office at
Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. They will be required to work on the island
which is remote, but served by a good ferry network and public transport.
The area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and wilderness. 

We are seeking someone with a diverse skill set and demonstrable experience
in: high quality research outputs; project management;  website/app
management; acquisition of funds; community engagement; and working with a
range stake-holders (e.g. wildlife tour operators, government, NGOs,
fisheries, aquaculture, energy, universities). A full job description can be
found here
 . 

The post is generously funded by the   Heritage
Lottery Fund 

Salary: £24,000 per annum gross
Hours of work: 37 hours a week, flexible 
Length of contract: 2 years

To apply: Correspondence to be directed to Alison Lomax: send a CV and cover
letter with the names of two referees by e-mail to alison.lo...@hwdt.org 

Closing Date: Friday 29 April 2016 at 16:00 BST
Interviews: w/c 9 April 2016
Start Date: End of May 2016

 

Dr Conor Ryan

Science and Policy Officer

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

p: +44 (0)1688 302620 

w:   www.hwdt.org

t: @HWDT_org

a: 28 Main Street, 

Tobermory, 

Isle of Mull, 

Scotland PA75 6NU

 

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