[MARMAM] PhD opportunity at OSU: climate change impacts on blue whales and their prey
Dear MARMAM community, The Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna (GEMM) Lab,within the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University (OSU), isrecruiting a PhD student interested in marine predator and prey response toclimate change. The successful candidate will join a NSF funded multidisciplinaryproject called SAPPHIRE - Synthesis of Acoustics, Physiology, Prey, and Habitatin a Rapidly Changing Environment. The SAPPHIRE project aims to understand howshifting prey (krill) availability and quality due to climate change willimpact predator (blue whale) health and population resilience. We seek a PhDstudent to lead one of these two projects as their thesis work: (1) Assessrelationships between krill abundance, oceanography, and blue whale behaviorand body condition; (2) Integrate predator and prey physiological data todevelop predictive models of species vulnerability and resilience toenvironmental change. The PhD student will enroll in Fall 2024 and be advisedby Dr. Leigh Torres within the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife andConservation Sciences at OSU. Please read more about the GEMM Lab, theDepartment, required and desired qualifications, the SAPPHIRE project, and Dr.Torres’s letter to prospective students at this link: https://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab/prospective-studentsProspective students from diverse, minority, and underrepresented communities(including first generation college graduates) are particularly encouraged toapply. Interested candidates should send a 2-page CV and 1-page cover letteremphasizing fit for the project to leigh.tor...@oregonstate.edu;Applications are due March 15th, and a decision will be made by May 1. Cheers, LeighTorres, Ph.D.AssociateProfessor, Oregon State UniversityTheGeospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab (GEMM Lab)Marine MammalInstitute, Oregon Sea GrantDepartmentof Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation SciencesHatfieldMarine Science Center, 2030 SE Marine Science DriveNewport,OR 97365, U.S.AWebsite Blog ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper: Use of drones for behavioral observation
Hello Colleagues, My co-authors and I are proud to announce our recent publication that demonstrates the added value of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS; drones) to the behavioral observation of marine megafauna, specifically marine mammals: Drone Up! Quantifying Whale Behavior From a New Perspective Improves Observational Capacity. Torres, L. G., S. L. Nieukirk, L. Lemos and T. E. Chandler. 2018. Frontiers in Marine Science 5. The paper is open access and is freely accesible for download here: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2018.00319/full?_source=Email_to_authors__medium=Email_content=T1_11.5e1_author_campaign=Email_publication==Frontiers_in_Marine_Science=394495 The paper also includes a supplementary material of behavioral video clips of gray whale behaviors observed via the drone. Cheers,Leigh Abstract:During traditional boat-based surveys of marine megafauna, behavioral observations are typically limited to records of animal surfacings obtained from a horizontal perspective. Achieving an aerial perspective has been restricted to brief helicopter or airplane based observations that are costly, noisy, and risky. The emergence of commercial small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has significantly reduced these constraints to provide a stable, relatively quiet, and inexpensive platform that enables replicate observations for prolonged periods with minimal disturbance. The potential of UAS for behavioral observation appears immense, yet quantitative proof of utility as an observational tool is required. We use UAS footage of gray whales foraging in the coastal waters of Oregon, United States to develop video behavior analysis methods, determine the change in observation time enabled by UAS, and describe unique behaviors observed via UAS. Boat-based behavioral observations from 53 gray whale sightings between May and October 2016 were compared to behavioral data extracted from video analysis of UAS flights during those sightings. We used a DJI Phantom 3 Pro or 4 Advanced, recorded video from an altitude ≥25 m, and detected no behavioral response by whales to the UAS. Two experienced whale ethologists conducted UAS video behavioral analysis, including tabulation of whale behavior states and events, and whale surface time and whale visible time (total time the whale was visible including underwater). UAS provided three times more observational capacity than boat-based observations alone (300 vs. 103 min). When observation time is accounted for, UAS data provided more and longer observations of all primary behavior states (travel, forage, social, and rest) relative to boat-based data, especially foraging. Furthermore, UAS enable documentation of multiple novel gray whale foraging tactics (e.g., headstands: n = 58; side-swimming: n = 17; jaw snapping and flexing: n = 10) and 33 social events (nursing and pair coordinated surfacings) not identified from boat-based observation. This study demonstrates the significant added value of UAS to marine megafauna behavior and ecological studies. With technological advances, robust study designs, and effective analytical tools, we foresee increased UAS applications to marine megafauna studies to elucidate foraging strategies, habitat associations, social patterns, and response to human disturbance. Leigh Torres, PhD. Assistant Professor; Oregon Sea Grant Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365, U.S.A 541-867-0895 Webpage: http://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab Lab blog: http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/gemmlab/ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New paper on how cetaceans use their senses to find prey
Dear colleagues, Have you ever wondered how cetaceans locate and discriminate prey? If so, you may be interested in my recent review paper published in Marine Mammal Science about how cetaceans use their senses to find prey depending on distance to target: A sense of scale: Foraging cetaceans' use of scale-dependent multimodal sensory systems The paper is open access, so freely downloadable here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./mms.12426/full Abstract: Research on cetacean foraging ecology is central to our understanding oftheir spatial and behavioral ecology. Yet, functional mechanisms by whichcetaceans detect prey across different scales remain unclear. Here, I postulate thatcetaceans utilize a scale-dependent, multimodal sensory system to assess andincrease prey encounters. I review the literature on cetacean sensory systemsrelated to foraging ecology, and hypothesize the effective scales of eachsensory modality to inform foraging opportunities. Next, I build two“scale-of-senses” schematics for the general groups of dolphins and baleenwhales. These schematics illustrate the hypothetical interchange of sensory modalities used tolocate and discriminate prey at spatial scales ranging from 0 m to 1,000 km:(1) vision, (2) audition (sound production and sound reception), (3)chemoreception, (4) magnetoreception, and somatosensory perception of (5) preyor (6) oceanographic stimuli. The schematics illustrate how a cetacean may integratesensory modalities to form an adaptive foraging landscape as a function ofdistance to prey. The scale-of-senses schematic is flexible, allowing forcase-specific application and enhancement with improved cetacean sensory data.The framework serves to improve our understanding of functional cetaceanforaging ecology, and to develop new hypotheses, methods, and results regardinghow cetaceans forage at multiple scales. Cheers,Leigh Leigh Torres, Ph.D.Assistant Professor; Oregon Sea GrantDepartment of Fisheries and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center2030 SE Marine Science DriveNewport, OR 97365, U.S.A541-867-0895Webpage: http://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab Lab blog: http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/gemmlab/ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Post-doc on Steller sea lion habitat modeling
Dear MARMAM community, The Alaska SeaLife Center inSeward, Alaska, is recruiting for a postdoctoral researcher in EcologicalModeling. This 17 month position locatedin Seward will analyze existing tracking data from juvenile Steller sea lionsin the Gulf of Alaska. This is a collaborative project between the ASLC, OregonState University and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. For details and applicationmaterial, please visit:https://alaskasealifecenter.gatherdocs.com/listing/2459 The position will remain open until July 13, 2016. Cheers, Markus Horning Science Director Alaska SeaLife Center Direct: (907) 224-6324 P.O. Box 1329 • 301 Railway Ave • Seward, AK 99664 www.alaskasealife.org ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Marine Mammal Ecologist position, Wellington, New Zealand
Marine Mammal Ecologist – Wellington - NIWA NIWA is New Zealand's leading environmental science research institute and the key provider of atmospheric, freshwater and marine research and consultancy services. We wish to appoint talented and enthusiastic marine mammal researcher with demonstrated quantitative skills to lead a cetacean habitat use modelling project based upon existing sightings data. This project is funded by a combination of internal and external funds and will require establishing strong working relationships with external stakeholders. You will also work closely with a team undertaking research on the population demographics, foraging ecology, migrations and distribution of a variety of marine megafauna, with a particular focus on the relationships between key species, their environment and human activities. In addition, you will undertake consultancy work for government agencies and commercial entities, develop new research opportunities and prepare funding proposals. Regular and timely publication of high quality scientific reports and papers is expected. With a PhD in marine ecology or biology and at least two years post-graduate experience in quantitative marine mammal ecology, you will have a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of analysis of sightings, locations, and distribution data, habitat use modelling, marine mammal ecology, and environmental drivers of and threats to threatened cetacean populations, and experience in designing and carrying out field campaigns in remote locations. Your ability to communicate complex matters to both technical and general audiences will ideally be backed by a strong publication record and history of oral presentations and scientific reporting. We provide an excellent work environment, offer competitive remuneration and benefits, and an attractive waterfront location at Greta Point. A job description, online applications and further information about NIWA can be found at https://careers.sciencenewzealand.org/niwa/niwa-jobs Applications close on 5 January 2014.___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Paper on southern right whale offshore habitat use patterns, climate change and ship traffic
Dear friends and colleagues, I would like to inform you of a recent publication in the journal Diversity and Distributions by myself and colleagues regarding southern right whale habitat use patterns in the Australasian region and their potential threats from climate change and ship traffic. Our study uses historical whaling data from the 1800s in a boosted regression tree modelling framework to generate the first quantitative description of the offshore foraging habitat of southern right whale. The abstract is pasted below. You can download the article here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10./ddi.12069/abstract Or email me directly for a copy: l.tor...@niwa.co.nz Thanks for your interest. Cheers, Leigh Dr. Leigh G. Torres Spatial Marine Ecologist NIWA 301 Evans Bay Parade Private Bag 14901 Wellington, New Zealand Tel: +64 4 382 1628 Mob: +64 27 123 4567 l.tor...@niwa.co.nz http://www.niwa.co.nz/ From exploitation to conservation: Habitat models using whaling data predict distribution patterns and threat exposure of an endangered whale Abstract Aim: Sufficient data to describe spatial distributions of rare and threatened populations are typically difficult to obtain. For example, there are minimal modern offshore sightings of the endangered southern right whale, limiting our knowledge of foraging grounds and habitat use patterns. Using historical exploitation data of southern right whales, we aim to better understand their seasonal offshore distribution patterns in relation to broad-scale oceanography, and to predict their exposure to shipping traffic and response to global climate change. Location: Australasian region between 130°W and 100°E, and 30°S and 55°S. Methods: We model 19th century whaling data with boosted regression trees to determine functional responses of whale distribution relative to environmental factors. Habitat suitability maps are generated and we validate these predictions with independent historical and recent sightings. We identify areas of increased risk of ship-strike by integrating predicted whale distribution maps with shipping traffic patterns. We implement predicted ocean temperatures for the 2090-2100 decade in our models to predict changes in whale distribution due to climate change. Results: Temperature in the upper 200 m, distance from the subtropical front, mixed layer depth, chlorophyll concentration and distance from ridges are the most consistent and influential predictors of whale distribution. Validation tests of predicted distributions determined generally high predictive capacity. We identify two areas of increased risk of vessel strikes and predict substantial shifts in habitat suitability and availability due to climate change. Main conclusions: Our results represent the first quantitative description of the offshore foraging habitat of southern right whales. Conservation applications include identifying areas and causes of threats to southern right whales, generating effective mitigation strategies, and directing population monitoring and research efforts. Our study demonstrates the benefits of incorporating unconventional datasets such as historic exploitation data into species distribution models to inform management and help combat biodiversity loss. Keywords: Boosted regression trees, distribution patterns, global climate change, habitat use, historic data, rare species, species distribution models, southern right whale___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Habitat modeling paper
Dear Colleagues, I would like to bring your attention to the following paper that was recently published in Ecological Applications. In particular, I believe this paper will be of interest to those who are working on predictive habitat models of marine mammals. The article may be downloaded from ftp://ecap-18-06-07_07-1455_rfp:[EMAIL PROTECTED] or by request to me. Cheers, Leigh Torres Torres, L., Read, A., and Halpin, P. 2008. Fine-scale habitat modeling of a top marine predator: Do prey data improve predictive capacity? Ecological Applications. 18(7), 1702-1717. Abstract: Predators and prey assort themselves relative to each other, the availability of resources and refuges, and the temporal and spatial scale of their interaction. Predictive models of predator distributions often rely on these relationships by incorporating data on environmental variability and prey availability to determine predator habitat selection patterns. This approach to predictive modeling holds true in marine systems where observations of predators are logistically difficult, emphasizing the need for accurate models. In this paper, we ask whether including prey distribution data in fine-scale predictive models of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) habitat selection in Florida Bay, Florida, USA, improves predictive capacity. Environmental characteristics are often used as predictor variables in habitat models of top marine predators with the assumption that they act as proxies of prey distribution. We examine the validity of this assumption by comparing the response of dolphin distribution and fish catch rates to the same environmental variables. Next, the predictive capacities of four models, with and without prey distribution data, are tested to determine whether dolphin habitat selection can be predicted without recourse to describing the distribution of their prey. The final analysis determines the accuracy of predictive maps of dolphin distribution produced by modeling areas of high fish catch based on significant environmental characteristics. We use spatial analysis and independent data sets to train and test the models. Our results indicate that, due to high habitat heterogeneity and the spatial variability of prey patches, fine-scale models of dolphin habitat selection in coastal habitats will be more successful if environmental variables are used as predictor variables of predator distributions rather than relying on prey data as explanatory variables. However, predictive modeling of prey distribution as the response variable based on environmental variability did produce high predictive performance of dolphin habitat selection, particularly foraging habitat. Leigh G. Torres Post-doctoral researcher National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) 301 Evans Bay Parade, Greta Point, Kilbirnie, Wellington, New Zealand. E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
