From lauragonzalez at uvigo.es Mon Oct 1 10:26:54 2018 From: lauragonzalez at uvigo.es (=?UTF-8?Q?Laura_Gonz=C3=A1lez?=) Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2018 19:26:54 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Multi-scale habitat preference analyses for Azorean blue whales Message-ID: Good morning! We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper entitled "Multi-scale habitat preference analyses for Azorean blue whales"; carried out under my PhD project. The full text is available (open access) at: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0201786 I would be available for any further information or question you may have. Hope you enjoy it! Gonz?lez Garc?a L, Pierce GJ, Autret E, Torres-Palenzuela JM (2018) Multi-scale habitat preference analyses for Azorean blue whales. PLoS ONE 13(9): e0201786. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201786 Abstract: Blue whales are sighted every year around the Azores islands, which apparently provide an important seasonal foraging area. In this paper we aim to characterize habitat preferences and analyze the temporal distribution of blue whales around S?o Miguel Island. To do so, we applied Generalized Additive Models to an opportunistic cetacean occurrence dataset and remotely sensed environmental data on bathymetry, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll concentration and altimetry. We provide a brief description of the oceanography of the area, emphasizing its high spatio-temporal variability. In order to capture this dynamism, we used environmental data with two different spatial resolutions (low and high) and three different temporal resolutions (daily, weekly and monthly), thus accounting for both long-term oceanographic events such as the spring bloom, and shorter-term features such as eddies or fronts. Our results show that blue whales have a well-defined ecological niche around the Azores. They usually cross the archipelago from March to June and habitat suitability is highest in dynamic areas (with high Eddy Kinetic Energy) characterized by convergence or aggregation zones where productivity is enhanced. Multi-scale studies are useful to understand the ecological niche and habitat requirements of highly mobile species that can easily react to short-term changes in the environment. -- Laura Gonz?lez Garc?a http://sailandwhale.com/ PhD Student Applied Physics Department University of Vigo -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From JPost at imms.org Mon Oct 1 11:13:39 2018 From: JPost at imms.org (Jessica Post) Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2018 18:13:39 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] IMMS Research Internship Message-ID: The IMMS Research Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns may participate in projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-ID research as well as any other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Principle Duties and Requirements Interns must: ? Commit to a minimum of 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance ? Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. ? Have a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. ? Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills ? Principle Duties include: data entry, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-ID fin images, learning to use photo-ID programs such as Darwin (fin matching software) and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21' and 31' boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS ? Secondary Duties include: assisting animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting with educational tours ? Field Days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 ?F in summer to 30 ?F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this internship program. This is an unpaid position and interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will assist interns in finding rooms available to rent, usually with other staff members. The deadline to apply for the winter/spring session (Jan 7-Mar 29, 2019 or Mar 4-May 24, 2019) is November 1, 2018. For application and full details on how to apply please visit our website at http://imms.org/internship/ Jessica Post Research Assistant Research Intern Coordinator The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies 10801 Dolphin Lane Gulfport, MS 39503 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Andy.Garrett at MyFWC.com Wed Oct 3 06:05:29 2018 From: Andy.Garrett at MyFWC.com (Garrett, Andy) Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2018 13:05:29 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Biological Scientist- Manatee Research and Rescue Job Posting Message-ID: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907293 Date: Sep 28, 2018 Location: PORT CHARLOTTE, FL, US, 33954 Apply now > https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/PORT-CHARLOTTE-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-FWC-77907293-FL-33954/508988500/ Requisition No: 45303 Agency: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Working Title: OPS BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST I - FWC - 77907293 Position Number: 77907293 Salary: $13.50 per hour Posting Closing Date: 10/12/2018 Job Description The successful candidate will assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery of marine mammal carcasses for the Port Charlotte Field Lab (MMPL)/Southwest field station (Southwest region: ten county area along the southwest Florida coast). This is a 40 hour per week position which includes one weekend day and some holidays in rotation with other SWFL staff members for the purpose of responding to marine mammal emergencies as needed or assigned. Incumbent will be expected to respond to marine mammal strandings outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. Duties include but are not limited to: * Fielding calls from FWC Law Enforcement, other agencies, and the general public regarding marine mammals, particularly manatees and cetaceans; * Verification of mortalities and distressed manatees and cetaceans, potentially in need of rescue * Recovery and transportation of those carcasses to the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory (in St. Petersburg) for necropsy; participation in rescues and transportation of sick and injured manatees and cetaceans to appropriate facility; * Performing and assisting with field necropsies when appropriate * Vehicle, trailer and boat maintenance * Photographing and sketching manatees at winter refugia and known warm weather habitat areas on the southwest coast * Entering and/or mapping data such as carcasses using software such as ArcGIS, Excel, Access and Word * Completing paperwork including time sheets, manatee carcass and rescue reports, and technical reports * Participate in manatee aerial surveys and tracking projects, assisting with manatee outreach programs such as presentations for local groups and agencies as time permits * General cleaning of office and equipment, attend trainings, seminars and meetings Minimum Requirements A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Preferred Experience Applicants having live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience may be given preference. Desired Knowledge, Skill(s), and Abilities * Knowledge of the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan and state and federal legislation protecting manatees * Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of research and analysis * Knowledge of marine mammal anatomy and necropsy techniques * Knowledge of digital SLR cameras, filters, and lenses * Knowledge of marine mammal capture, handling, and transport techniques * Able to trailer flatbeds/utility trailers, and watercraft vessels up to 26' in length * Able to safely operate watercraft vessels 26' in length and smaller * Be capable of daily manual labor requiring handling of heavy and sharp objects and working under unpleasant conditions * Must be physically fit, able to vertically lift at least 75 lbs., and be able to swim sufficiently to save oneself * Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions * Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships * Be comfortable speaking to the public * Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Florida driver's license within a month of employment WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) employment is a temporary employer/employee relationship used solely for accomplishing short term or intermittent tasks. OPS employees do not fill established positions and may not be assigned the duties of any vacant authorized position. OPS employees are at-will employees and are subject to actions such as pay changes, changes to work assignment, and terminations at the pleasure of the agency head or designee. WHAT BENEFITS ARE APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan - mandatory * Workers' Compensation - mandatory * Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation) - mandatory * Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements. Consult with People First or the servicing Human Resource Office for details.) * Deferred Compensation - voluntary * Employee Assistance Program - voluntary WHAT BENEFITS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO OPS EMPLOYEES? * Any form of paid leave * Paid holidays * Participation in the Florida Retirement System * Reinstatement rights or retention rights The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Nearest Major Market: Fort Myers https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/PORT-CHARLOTTE-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-FWC-77907293-FL-33954/508988500/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From katy at dolphins.org Mon Oct 1 11:43:02 2018 From: katy at dolphins.org (Katy Donegan) Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2018 14:43:02 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] EXTENDED DEADLINE: Winter Research Internship at Dolphin Research Center Message-ID: Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Winter 2019 term (January - April). DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, home to a family of dolphins and sea lions. DRC is located on Grassy Key, in the heart of the Florida Keys. Internships at DRC are an exciting way to develop career skills as well as an opportunity to see how a marine mammal facility operates. Research interns participate in DRC's ongoing behavioral, cognitive, and field research projects, giving them broad exposure to a variety of research methodologies. Interns receive extensive on-the-job training in observing marine mammal behavior, collecting observational data, working with research equipment, and assisting with experimental research sessions. Note: conducting your own research projects is not part of this position. Specific job duties include: - Collecting observational behavioral data - Preparing stimuli for cognitive research sessions - Assisting in setting up and breaking down equipment for cognitive and acoustic research sessions - Operating video equipment - Entering or scanning data into the computer for analysis - General support of the facility through participation in the volunteer resource pool (facility maintenance, bird care, assisting with public programs, guest interactions, etc.) Internships require a minimum of a 16-week commitment, 40 hours per week. The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for providing their own housing. DRC will provide assistance in locating housing and/or matching up interns and volunteers desiring roommates. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior research experience is recommended but not required. *The extended deadline to apply is October 15th*. To apply, you must download the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Careers", and then "Internships?. It is mandatory that you please provide the following package: - A completed Application Form (including your Internship Preferences in order of choice under Section B) - A current Resume - Transcript (may be unofficial unless you are seeking a credit for your internship) - Two Letters of Recommendation with an original signature. (If currently enrolled in college, one letter must be from your Faculty Advisor) Currently, applications cannot be submitted online. Please send your application, supporting documentation and any additional information you wish that you feel would be beneficial to us in processing your application by fax to the attention of Volunteer Resource at (305) 743-7627 or by regular mail: Dolphin Research Center Attn: Volunteer Resources Department 58901 Overseas Highway Grassy Key, FL 33050 USA Select publications: Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Donegan, K., & King, S.L. (2018). Bottlenose dolphins can understand their partner?s role in a cooperative task. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences, 20180948. ( http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2018.0948) King, S.L., Guarino, E., Keaton, L., Erb, L., & Jaakkola, K. (2016). Maternal signature whistle use aids mother-calf reunions in a bottlenose dolphin,Tursiops truncatus. Behavioural Processes, 126, 64-70. King, S. L., Guarino, E., Donegan, K., Hecksher, J., & Jaakkola, K (in press). Further insights into postpatrum signature whistle use in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Marine Mammal Science. Jaakkola, K. (2014). Do animals understand invisible displacement? A critical review. Journal of Comparative Psychology, Vol. 128, No. 3, 225-239. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., & Hecksher, J. (2013). Switching strategies: A dolphin's use of passive and active acoustics to imitate motor actions. Animal Cognition, 16, 701-709. Jaakkola, K. (2012). Cetacean cognitive specializations. In J. Vonk & T. Shackleford (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Evolutionary Psychology (pp. 144?165). New York: Oxford University Press. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., & Rodriguez, M. (2010). Blindfolded imitation in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 23, 671-688. Jaakkola, K., Guarino, E., Rodriguez, M., Erb, L., & Trone, M. (2010). What do dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) understand about hidden objects? Animal Cognition, 13, 103-120. Jaakkola, K., Fellner, W., Erb, L., Rodriguez, A. M., & Guarino, E. (2005). Understanding the concept of numerically ?less? by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Comparative Psychology. Katy Donegan Research Coordinator Dolphin Research Center 305-289-1121, ext. 277 www.dolphins.org *Dolphin Research Center - Providing Sanctuary and a Forever Home since 1984.* -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From bouchet.philippe at gmail.com Wed Oct 3 05:50:02 2018 From: bouchet.philippe at gmail.com (Phil Bouchet) Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2018 13:50:02 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Comparative assessment of pelagic sampling methods Message-ID: <004E008D-A5C0-427B-B9EC-AFCC0C7D362C@gmail.com> Dear all, Apologies for any cross-postings. Last year, in a collaborative effort to audit field approaches to marine monitoring, scientists from the Australian Marine Biodiversity Hub released an online survey to gauge current patterns in users? perceptions and awareness of various marine sampling gears. Results from this questionnaire are now captured in the final project report, which is freely available online at: https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/document/comparative-assessment-pelagic-sampling-methods-used-marine-monitoring The report offers a detailed comparison of numerous gears/platforms commonly applied in pelagic monitoring and research (including marine mammal research), with an emphasis on their use in marine protected areas. It can be cited as: Bouchet P, Phillips C, Huang Z, Meeuwig J, Foster S, Przeslawski R (2018). Comparative assessment of pelagic sampling methods used in marine monitoring. Report to the National Environmental Science Programme, Marine Biodiversity Hub, 149 p. Please feel free to distribute it widely! Note that a companion piece on seafloor sampling is available for those also interested in benthic habitats/organisms. https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/document/comparative-assessment-seafloor-sampling-platforms Kind regards, Phil ------------------------------------------ Dr. Phil J Bouchet Postdoctoral Marine Top Predator Ecologist Email: p.bouchet at bangor.ac.uk / pjbouchet at gmail.com Phone: +44 7398 342547 School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University Menai Bridge, LL59 5AB Wales (UK) ------------------------------------------ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From amy.scholik at noaa.gov Mon Oct 1 12:01:48 2018 From: amy.scholik at noaa.gov (Amy SCHOLIK - NOAA Federal) Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2018 15:01:48 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Request for Public Comment, user feedback on Spreadsheet tool and Manual for 2018 Revised Technical Guidance Message-ID: NOAA Fisheries just opened a 45 day public comment period (September 21 through November 8) for user feedback to help improve the usability of our optional User Spreadsheet tool and User Manual associated with the 2018 revision of the Technical Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-59). We issued an updated optional User Spreadsheet tool with additional capabilities for applicants and a new companion User Manual for the optional Spreadsheet tool that provides detailed instructions and examples with the 2018 revision of the Technical Guidance in June 2018. We are now seeking comment on how we can further refine the User Manual to aid in the application and implementation of the 2018 Revised Technical Guidance. Input from stakeholders provided during this public comment period will inform future versions of the User Manual and the associated optional User Spreadsheet tool. Please note we are only soliciting comments on the User Manual and associated optional User Spreadsheet tool. This public comment period is not to solicit comments on the 2018 Revised Technical Guidance. The 2018 Revision to the Technical Guidance (NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-59), the updated optional User Spreadsheet tool, and the new companion User Manual are available in electronic form via the Internet at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/marine-mammal-acoustic-technical-guidance . Public comments can be submitted via Regulations.gov: www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2018-0100 Thank you for your interest in the Technical Guidance. For more information, please contact Amy Scholik-Schlomer (amy.scholik at noaa.gov or 301 427-8449). *Amy R. Scholik-Schlomer, Ph.D.* Fishery Biologist (Protected Resources Acoustic Coordinator) NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division 1315 East-West Hwy. SSMC3, Rm. 13605 Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301) 427-8449 Email: *Amy.Scholik at noaa.gov * https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-sound-ocean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From annap at alaskasealife.org Thu Oct 4 15:11:33 2018 From: annap at alaskasealife.org (Anna Pullins) Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2018 14:11:33 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Vet Lab Fellowship-Alaska SeaLife Center Message-ID: The Alaska SeaLife Center is recruiting for a Veterinary Laboratory Fellow!!! Find out more and apply at http://www.alaskasealife.org/fellowships *Veterinary Laboratory Fellow * *Date for this fellowship is: 1/2/2019-4/30/2019* *Position requirements: 75% of time per week will be spent in vet lab and 25% of time per week supporting the Interpretation department* Fellow will learn about the diagnostics and instruments commonly used in a veterinary laboratory specializing in Alaskan marine mammals, birds and fish. Fellow will be exposed to the methods used to maintain a clean and efficient laboratory. Skills and procedures learned will include: blood analysis, urine and fecal analysis, fecal coliform water quality analysis, sample collection during animal exams or necropsy, and maintaining veterinary records and sample inventory. Under guidance of Laboratory staff, the Fellow will be trained and expected to perform the following duties: - Assist with set up and processing routine blood samples. Work with laboratory technicians to perform plasma/serum separations, prepare blood slides, and assist with performing serum chemistries and cell counts using an automated analyzer. - Assist with maintaining laboratory and veterinary clinic cleanliness and routine maintenance of equipment. - Assist with weekly water quality testing. - Assist with maintaining sample inventory - Assist with shipping samples to outside researchers - Assist with maintaining medical and laboratory records and logs. - Assist with organizing and inventorying consumable supplies for the laboratories. - Assist with front of house operations as assigned Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas. Applicants must be comfortable working with database computer programs and sensitive equipment. Must be willing to work with frozen samples and in walk-in freezers and able to lift 50 pounds. Job duties will vary from day to day. *Although tasks will be in direct support of animal welfare, there is very little direct contact with animals in this position.* -- *Anna Pullins* *Human Resources Coordinator*Alaska SeaLife Center P.O. Box 1329 ? 301 Railway Ave ? Seward, AK 99664 Direct: 907-224-6327 Mobile: 907-362-7773 Fax: 907-224-6320 www.alaskasealife.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From biuro at oceansense.eu Thu Oct 4 10:26:51 2018 From: biuro at oceansense.eu (=?utf-8?Q?Ma=C5=82gorzata_Fojcik?=) Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2018 19:26:51 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] MMO/PAM job vacancies - Europe (urgent) Message-ID: <774BD639-B2F1-42B1-80FB-DF4185872F16@oceansense.eu> We need MMOs & PAM operators for work in Europe. Please contact us via e-mail (please include your CV): biuro at oceansense.eu or phone: +48 600 413 885 Best regards, Ocean Sense Maciej Fojcik ww.oceansense.eu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From bulula9 at hotmail.com Fri Oct 5 01:40:03 2018 From: bulula9 at hotmail.com (Paula M.F.) Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2018 08:40:03 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: From banana fields to the deep blue: Assessment of chlordecone contamination of oceanic cetaceans in the eastern Caribbean Message-ID: Dear MARMAM members, We are pleased to announce our novel article about the controversy pesticide, Chlordecone, in the marine mammals of the French Antilles. Paula M?ndez-Fernandez, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Michael R. Heithaus, Andria Beal, Ga?lle Vandersarren, Florence Caurant, J?r?me Spitz, Satie Taniguchi, Rosalinda C. Montone (2018) From banana fields to the deep blue: Assessment of chlordecone contamination of oceanic cetaceans in the eastern Caribbean. Mar Pollut Bull 137: 56-60 Abstract In the French West Indies (Caribbean), the insecticide Chlordecone (CLD) has been extensively used to reduce banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) infestations in banana plantations. Previous studies have shown high CLD concentrations in freshwater and coastal communities of the region. CLD concentrations, however, have not yet been assessed in marine top predators. We investigated CLD concentrations in cetacean blubber tissues from Guadeloupe, including Physeter macrocephalus, Lagenodelphis hosei, Stenella attenuata and Pseudorca crassidens. Chlordecone was detected in all blubber samples analysed, with the exception of four P. macrocephalus. Concentrations (range: 1 to 329?ng?g?1of lipid weight) were, however, lower than those found in species from fresh and brackish water. Ecological factors (open ocean habitat), CLD kinetics, and cetacean metabolism (high or specific enzymatic activity) might explain low concentrations found in cetacean blubber. Future analyses that include internal organ sampling would help to confirm CLD levels observed in this study. The following link provides 50 days' free access to the paper: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1Xr1-,ashq8PC Best regards Paula M?ndez-Fernandez Observatoire Pelagis (http://observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From brooke at brookebessesen.com Thu Oct 4 16:07:19 2018 From: brooke at brookebessesen.com (Brooke Bessesen) Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2018 16:07:19 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] VAQUITA book now available worldwide Message-ID: <000001d45c37$00883470$01989d50$@brookebessesen.com> Dear MARMAMers, Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez (foreword by Carl Safina) is now available in hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook versions through Amazon , AmazonMx , AmazonUK , AmazonCa , and all other national Amazon platforms. Hardcovers are also available direct from the publisher, Island Press, at 50% off until 10/7. In 2006, the last of China?s Yangtze river dolphins?baiji?succumbed to functional extinction, and la vaquita marina, a diminutive porpoise endemic to the Upper Gulf of California, quietly and without fanfare inherited the title of world?s most endangered marine mammal. Unlike many critically endangered species, the vaquita is not hunted. Nor is its habitat disappearing of degraded. The species is even protected by law. Why then have its numbers plummeted to near extinction? The answer lies in a shadowy mix of international cartels, fishermen entrapped by politics and culture, and an unlikely fish called totoaba. In this haunting story, Brooke Bessesen sets out to untangle the intricacies behind the vaquitas decline. She interviews townspeople, fishermen, scientists, and activists, teasing apart a complex story filled with villains and heroes, a story whose outcome is unclear. This beautifully written account of the forces driving extinctions around the world asks us to face a hard question: What will we do now? PRAISE FOR VAQUITA Passionate...a heartfelt and alarming tale. ?Publishers Weekly Intrepid conservation detective story. ?Nature Compelling. ?Library Journal A lucid, informed, and gripping account...a must-read. ?Science A well-told and moving tale of environmentalism and conservation. ?Kirkus Wonderful, heartbreaking beautifully written. ?Nature Conservancy If you teach biology, ecology, conservation, political science, environmental law, or a related subject and would like to include this informative and fast-paced narrative in your coursework, you can request an exam copy . ?Viva vaquita! Brooke Bessesen Research Fellow Osa Conservation 480.860.0700 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dawn.barlow at oregonstate.edu Fri Oct 5 11:18:00 2018 From: dawn.barlow at oregonstate.edu (Barlow, Dawn Renee) Date: Fri, 5 Oct 2018 18:18:00 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Estimating morphometric attributes of baleen whales from small UASs Message-ID: Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of our paper in Marine Mammal Science: Burnett, J. D., Lemos, L., Barlow, D. R., Wing, M. G., Chandler, T. E., Torres, L. G. (2018). Estimating morphometric attributes of baleen whales with photogrammetry from small UAS: a case study with blue and gray whales. Marine Mammal Science. doi:10.1111/mms.12527 ABSTRACT: Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUASs) are fostering novel approaches to marine mammal research, including baleen whale photogrammetry, by providing new observational perspectives. We collected vertical images of 89 gray and 6 blue whales using low cost sUASs to examine the accuracy of image based morphometry. Moreover, measurements from 192 images of a 1?m calibration object were used to examine four different scaling correction models. Results indicate that a linear mixed model including an error term for flight and date contained 0.17?m less error and 0.25?m less bias than no correction. We used the propagation uncertainty law to examine error contributions from scaling and image measurement (digitization) to determine that digitization accounted for 97% of total variance. Additionally, we present a new whale body size metric termed Body Area Index (BAI). BAI is scale invariant and is independent of body length (R2?=?0.11), enabling comparisons of body size within and among populations, and over time. With this study we present a three program analysis suite that measures baleen whales and compensates for lens distortion and corrects scaling error to produce 11 morphometric attributes from sUAS imagery. The program is freely available and is expected to improve processing efficiency and analytical continuity. The full article is open access, and is available online: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.12527 Furthermore, the code for the analysis programs are freely available, and can be accessed via the supplemental materials. Cheers, Dawn Dawn Barlow PhD Student Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab dawn.barlow at oregonstate.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From eknight at pewtrusts.org Thu Oct 4 14:07:41 2018 From: eknight at pewtrusts.org (Emily Knight) Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2018 21:07:41 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] NOW AVAILABLE: MMPA Bycatch Working Group webinar recording and two-pager products description Message-ID: <906fad88c04841b38e6e90f9f23bf5eb@pewtrusts.org> For: MARMAM listserv The Lenfest Ocean Program recently hosted a webinar featuring the Ocean Modeling Forum Working Group to Develop Recommendations for Estimating Bycatch for the MMPA Import Provisions on August 15, 2018. Please see two resources that may be of interest to this group: * The webinar recording: http://bit.ly/2Lf2Exy * Two-pager description of the products the group is now working to produce: http://bit.ly/2Pd48uY For next steps, the Working Group will have it's next workshop on November 19 - 21, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. Please don't hesitate to contact me (Emily Knight, Manager, Lenfest Ocean Program, eknight at pewtrusts.org) if you have any questions or wish to discuss the group further. Best, Emily Emily Knight Manager, Lenfest Ocean Program [LenfestOceanProgram-Logo-Color-(2)] 901 E Street NW, 10th Floor Washington, DC 20004 SIGN UP FOR LENFEST OCEAN NEWS w: 202-540-6389 | c: 202-384-6534 | e: eknight at pewtrusts.org www.lenfestocean.org|twitter: @lenfestocean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.png Type: image/png Size: 9934 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: From rjoy at sfu.ca Thu Oct 4 12:01:17 2018 From: rjoy at sfu.ca (Ruth Joy) Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2018 12:01:17 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Empirical measures of harbor seal behavior and avoidance of an operational tidal turbine. Message-ID: Dear MARMAM-Users, We are pleased to announce that the following new paper has been published online: "Empirical measures of harbor seal behavior and avoidance of an operational tidal turbine" : Joy, Ruth, Jason D. Wood, Carol E. Sparling, Dom J. Tollit, Andrea E. Copping, and Bernie J. McConnell. "Empirical measures of harbor seal behavior and avoidance of an operational tidal turbine." *Marine Pollution Bulletin* 136 (2018): 92-106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.08.052 ABSTRACT There is global interest in marine renewable energy from underwater tidal turbines. Due to overlap in animal habitat with locations for tidal turbines, the potential for collisions has led to concern around strike risk. Using data from tagged harbor seals collected before construction and after operation of the SeaGen tidal turbine in Northern Ireland, this study quantifies risks of an operational turbine to harbor seals by taking into account turbine characteristics, tidal state, and seal behavior. We found 68% spatial avoidance (95% C.I., 37%, 83%) by harbor seals within 200?m of the turbine. When additionally accounting for variation in seal occupancy over depth and tidal flows, there is an overall reduction in collision risk from 1.29 to 0.125 seals per tidal cycle (90.3% reduction; (95% C.I., 83%, 98%)) compared to risk calculated under assumptions of uniform habitat use. This demonstrates the need to incorporate environmental conditions to properly assess strike risk. Free access to the article will be available until the end of October 2018, via the following link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1XiSy,ashq8Ak For any questions do not hesitate to contact me at: rj at smruconsulting.com Best regards, Ruth Joy. http://www.sfu.ca/~rjoy/ http://www.smruconsulting.com/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tbranch at uw.edu Mon Oct 1 17:22:40 2018 From: tbranch at uw.edu (Trevor A Branch) Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2018 17:22:40 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] University of Washington faculty position: top marine predators (open rank, without tenure) Message-ID: The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS; http://fish.washington.edu) at the University of Washington (UW) is seeking a full-time (100% FTE) faculty member in the Without Tenure (WOT) track at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor rank who conducts research on marine top predators such as marine mammals, seabirds, and large fishes. The position has a 12-month service period, and will be supported by three months of salary annually from the University of Washington combined with research grants obtained by the successful candidate. The duration of the position depends on the rank at which it is filled: term for Assistant Professors, and continuous for Associate or Full Professors commensurate with experience and qualifications. All UW faculty engage in research, teaching, mentorship, and service. The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with external partners including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and tribal governments. The successful candidate will be expected to fulfill our commitment to inclusion, and to fully engage audiences from a wide spectrum of backgrounds in research and teaching. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the University?s distinctive educational objectives, which include interdisciplinary perspectives, intercultural understanding, and concern with social responsibility and the ethical implications of knowledge and action. The University of Washington has a unique natural setting from which to base research and education. SAFS is housed within the University?s College of the Environment, which provides a broad interdisciplinary and global position for education and basic and applied research. SAFS maintains unique research and teaching facilities, such as the UW Fish Collection, and field stations in the San Juan Islands and southwestern Alaska. SAFS is a dedicated team of educators, enabling our students to successfully explore and interpret the rich array of disciplines and perspectives contained within the aquatic and fishery sciences. The University of Washington provides a wide range of networking, mentoring and development opportunities for junior faculty and a comprehensive benefits package (details can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/BAAG-Faculty-9-mo-or-more-appointments_2-81.pdf. Qualifications A Ph.D. or foreign equivalent is required. Application Instructions Candidates should submit their application to https://apply.interfolio.com/55339 including the following information: 1) curriculum vitae, 2) statement of research and teaching interests and philosophies including experience with and commitment to diverse audiences and inclusive approaches (4 pages maximum), 3) copies (PDF) of three representative publications, and 4) names and contact information for three professional references. Applicants should describe how they expect their research, teaching, and mentorship will enhance collaborative, interdisciplinary linkages within SAFS and across other disciplines within the College of the Environment and the UW. Priority will be given to applications received by November 1, 2018, and consideration of applicants will continue until the position is filled. Questions pertaining to this search can be addressed to Prof. Trevor Branch, Search Committee Chair (tbranch at uw.edu). Questions regarding potential disability accommodations during the application process should be directed to Katie Effert at keffert at uw.edu or 206-685-6083. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Commitment to Diversity The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University?s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member?s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432). Apply here: https://apply.interfolio.com/55339 -- Richard C. and Lois M. Worthington Endowed Professor in Fisheries Management, School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences, University of Washington Twitter: @TrevorABranch @BlueWhaleNews; http://fish.washington.edu/people/branch/ Barnett LAK, Branch TA, Ranasinghe RA, Essington TE (2017) Old-growth fishes become scarce under fishing. Current Biology 27:2843-2848 Anderson SC, Branch TA, Cooper AB, Dulvy NK (2017) Black-swan events in animal populations. PNAS 114:3252-3257 Rudd MB, Branch TA (2017) Does unreported catch lead to overfishing? Fish and Fisheries 18:313-323 From giovanni.damiani at gmail.com Thu Oct 4 13:18:43 2018 From: giovanni.damiani at gmail.com (Giovanni Damiani) Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2018 16:18:43 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Music playback research Message-ID: Dear Marmamers, I have been unable to find any studies in the literature that have conducted musical playback experiments to marine mammals, either in captivity or in the wild. I am looking for evidence regarding behavioural or physiological responses of marine mammals to various types of human music as part of a documentary film. Could anyone point me in the right direction? Any help much appreciated. Best regards, Giovanni Damiani -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From keating.marine at gmail.com Thu Oct 4 00:40:25 2018 From: keating.marine at gmail.com (James Keating) Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2018 15:40:25 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] MMO Range-Finder Version 4 available for iOS Message-ID: Dear fellow MARMAM'ers, Version 4.0.1 of the MMO Range-Finder has been field-tested and is now available for iOS devices through your app store or follow this link; https://appsto.re/au/PRVblb.i I've made comprehensive changes to the app to include data logging and export, mapping, configuring settings within the app, great-circle distance between animal and source and much much more (spoiler alert... you can set your ships map-icon to be the Ramform Hyperion if you're lucky enough to be onboard). For more info check out the website at; https://spatial-exploration.com/marine-ex?/mmo-range-finder/ Most importantly, once you've used the app please leave a review on the app store and send me any feedback positive or negative and I will ensure to respond ASAP. You can do both through the app itself. Last but not least, I would love to know where the app has been used and add it to the map on the website. If you wish to share an approximate latitude/longitude and type of survey please get in touch (no client or survey name will be recorded or shown). There is a rumor of some free swag for those who contribute :) p.s. version 3 of the Android version is still available through the Google Play store. I will update this in due course. Many thanks, James James Keating, PhD *Marine Ecological Consultant* Perth, Western Australia Phone: +61 475 075 340 Email: keating.marine at gmail.com ABN: 46550792461 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From interns at aimm-portugal.org Tue Oct 2 09:36:28 2018 From: interns at aimm-portugal.org (AIMM Internships) Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2018 17:36:28 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP 2019 - EARLY BIRD PRICES Message-ID: *DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from May 1 - October 31, 2019. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: ? Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; ? Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; ? Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; ? Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board; ? Secchi methodology; ? Help to collect of drone footage from the marine environment. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2019 season, please contact: interns at aimm-portugal.org We have a special deal for you book the internship until 31st December 2018. *Included* in the fee is: ? Accommodation in the research house; ? Transportation to/from the marina; ? Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); ? Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: ? Transportation to/from Albufeira; ? Meals in restaurants and snacks; ? Free time activities; ? Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); ? Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* ? Be above the age of 16; ? Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; ? Be autonomous and flexible; ? Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; ? Speak English; ? Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: ? Relevant marine mammal field experience ? Working experience on research vessels ? Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms ? Experience in photo-identification ? Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID ? Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/dolphin-research-internship AIMM will send a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the internship and asking for your Resume/CV, motivation letter (small statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM) and the period of time that you want do the program. OR Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns at aimm-portugal.org, with the subject ?*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*?. You will receive and e-mail with the availability and all the others details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. *Contacts*: interns at aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | Andr? Cid -- AIMM - Associa??o para Investiga??o do Meio Marinho *Marine Environment Research Association* Website: www.aimmportugal.org Youtube: https://Youtube/AIMMPortugal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/aimmportugal_org Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From heerolee1104 at gmail.com Sat Oct 6 10:06:37 2018 From: heerolee1104 at gmail.com (Wen-Ta Li) Date: Sun, 7 Oct 2018 01:06:37 +0800 Subject: [MARMAM] New publications: Use of Autometallography to Localize and Semi-Quantify Silver in Cetacean Tissues Message-ID: Dear Colleague, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the new publication of the following article in Journal of Visualized Experiments. *Use of Autometallography to Localize and Semi-Quantify Silver in Cetacean Tissues* Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively used in commercial products, including textiles, cosmetics, and health care items, due to their strong antimicrobial effects. They also may be released into the environment and accumulate in the ocean. Therefore, AgNPs are the major source of Ag contamination, and public awareness of the environmental toxicity of Ag is increasing. Previous studies have demonstrated the bioaccumulation (in producers) and magnification (in consumers/predators) of Ag. Cetaceans, as the apex predators of ocean, may have been negatively affected by the Ag/Ag compounds. Although the concentrations of Ag/Ag compounds in cetacean tissues can be measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), the use of ICP-MS is limited by its high capital cost and the requirement for tissue storage/preparation. Therefore, an autometallography (AMG) method with an image quantitative analysis by using formalin-fixed, paraffin- embedded (FFPE) tissue may be an adjuvant method to localize Ag distribution at the suborgan level and estimate the Ag concentration in cetacean tissues. The AMG positive signals are mainly brown to black granules of various sizes in the cytoplasm of proximal renal tubular epithelium, hepatocytes, and Kupffer cells. Occasionally, some amorphous golden yellow to brown AMG positive signals are noted in the lumen and basement membrane of some proximal renal tubules. The assay for estimating the Ag concentration is named the Cetacean Histological Ag Assay (CHAA), which is a regression model established by the data from image quantitative analysis of the AMG method and ICP-MS. The use of AMG with CHAA to localize and semi-quantify heavy metals provides a convenient methodology for spatio-temporal and cross-species studies *You can get more information in https://www.jove.com/video/58232/ or by email: heerolee1104 at gmail.com * This method has been used in another article previously published in environmental pollution: Investigation of silver (Ag) deposition in tissues from stranded cetaceans by autometallography (AMG) Cheers, Wen-Ta -- Wen-Ta Li, DVM, PhD Veterinary Pathologist, Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University Veterinarian/Director, Taiwan Cetacean Society -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From pernille-t at bios.au.dk Mon Oct 8 02:23:39 2018 From: pernille-t at bios.au.dk (=?iso-8859-1?Q?Pernille_Helene_T=F8nnesen?=) Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2018 09:23:39 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on sperm whale ontogeny Message-ID: <1538990619411.15495@bios.au.dk> Dear all at MARMAM I am very happy to announce that our paper on the ontogeny of echolocation, diving, and communication in sperm whales has just been published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. Below you can find the abstract and a link to the full text. I am very happy to answer any questions or send out a pdf version of the paper, just contact me at: pernille-t at bios.au.dk. Best Pernille T?nnesen Aarhus University, Denmark First year sperm whale calves echolocate and perform long, deep dives Pernille T?nnesen1, Shane Gero1, Michael Ladegaard1, Mark Johnson2, and Peter T. Madsen1,3 1 Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark. 2 Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews KY16 8LB, Scotland, UK. 3 Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, H?egh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark Abstract Deep diving sperm whales have a complex social structure and the biggest brains on the planet, but very little is known about the ontogeny of their diving, foraging, echolocation, and communication skills. In large brained terrestrial species, social skills develop earlier than locomotor abilities; but this may not be feasible for sperm whales, which require locomotor skills from birth to breathe, swim, and suckle. Here we show the first evidence in any wild toothed whale for the relative development of social and locomotor capabilities. Sound and movement recording tags deployed on three first-year sperm whale calves for a total of 15 hours revealed that these calves rarely produced codas for communication with adult whales, but likely tracked the ample passive acoustic cues emitted by clicking adults. The calves' diving capabilities were well developed (maximum dive depth: 285, 337, and 662 m, maximum dive time: 11, 31, and 44 min) and they all produced clicks in a way that is consistent with echolocation. The calf performing the longest and deepest dives additionally emitted two echolocation buzzes, suggesting that it attempted to forage. Thus, sperm whales calves may supplement their milk diet with food caught independently at depth much earlier than previously believed. Contrary to terrestrial mammals, we propose that the maturation of locomotor, diving, and echolocation skills are favored over investment in developing social communication skills at an early age in sperm whales. Link to full text: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00265-018-2570-y -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sclymene at aol.com Sat Oct 6 14:52:57 2018 From: sclymene at aol.com (Thomas Jefferson) Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2018 17:52:57 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] LOOKING FOR THE JOURNAL Norsk Hvalfangst-Tidende Message-ID: <1664b5e82e9-1ec0-2d66@webjas-vae169.srv.aolmail.net> Dear MARMAMers, We are looking for a set of the journal, Norsk Hvalfangst-Tidende (Norwegian Whaling Gazette), which someone would be willing to donate or sell to us. We are making arrangements to scan the entire journal as hi-res PDFs, which would then be available to the person who provided the copies, as well as others in the field. If you have a set you might be interested in providing, or know someone who might, please contact me. Thanks very much. Tom Jefferson VIVA Vaquita (non-profit) sclymene at aol.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From davide.ascheri at gmail.com Sun Oct 7 12:16:15 2018 From: davide.ascheri at gmail.com (Davide Ascheri) Date: Sun, 7 Oct 2018 21:16:15 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] LAST CALL- RESEARCH INTERNSHIP FALL 2018 Message-ID: *BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERSHIP IN ITALY ? last call NOVEMBER 2018* *The project* The dolphins research project ?Delfini del Ponente? is the first project focused on monitoring bottlenose dolphins in the Western Ligurian Sea. Due to the morphology of the seafloor, this area is not a usual habitat for this species and historically, sightings have a been more rare and sporadic than in the Levantine side of the region. The continental shelf is, in fact, very short and high depths (around 2000 m) are reached quite close to the shore making the area suitable for other cetacean species but not for bottlenose dolphins, which tend to remain in waters with depth not exceeding 200 m. Despite this knowledge of the range of the species, an interesting change has been noted in recent years in the area. Reports of bottlenose dolphins by boats, fishermen and whale watching vessels are almost tripled compared to previous seasons. Therefore, the project aims to monitor bottlenose dolphins in the region to understand the extent of this change and what drove it. It is structured on an annual basis, in order to obtain data not only on the distribution during the summer, but also changes during the different seasons. *WHERE:* Imperia, Italy *WHEN:* 1 November ? 30 November Minimum required: *30 days* Number of interns per month: *2* *Programme**:* Interns are invited to assist the biologists of Costa Balenae in different activities of the research project on bottlenose dolphins: ? Boat-based surveys (10-12 per month) ? Collect data on species, group size, interaction with boats.. ? Take pictures to photo-identification ? Photo-id matching/classwork ? Data entry ? Opportunistic surveys ? land base surveys This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, enjoy marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travelling and exploring the beautiful Liguria region while supporting cetacean research and conservation. Fieldwork will be made in coastal waters (Western Ligurian Sea). Surveys will be conducted onboard dedicated vessels (5-6 m inflatable boat) 10-12 times per month. Training will focus on collecting photo for photo-ID purposes, environmental, geographical (GPS) and dolphins' behavioural data. Fieldwork will help participants gaining first-hand experience in collecting data on free-ranging cetaceans and improve skills on cetaceans boat-based surveys as well as on the use of the photo-ID technique. Surveys are weather dependent and they can change during the period. Interns will be involved 5 days a week, 6-8 hours/day (depending on fieldwork or labwork) During free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visit museums, sailing. *Skills/qualification:* ? Minimum age of 18 ? Prior experience in cetaceans or boat-based surveys is not required, but preferred ? Degree or on-going studies in biology, natural science, veterinary or similar (preferred) ? Strong motivation and interest in cetaceans and research ? Speak, read and write in fluent English ? Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent ? Be prepared to spend many hours on a small zodiac (5-6 m) and under the sun ? Be sociable and willing as they are expected to live and work in an international team ? Boat driving licence or experience in handling small boats (preferred) *Internship fee* Delfini del Ponente is a self-funded research project, so participation in this programme requires a tuition fee. Fee includes the accommodation in an apartment in Imperia, tuition and all associated field costs during the internship period (use of research vessel, training, use of equipment, field trips). Transportation expenses to and from Imperia (Italy), own insurances, and food costs during the stay are not included in the fee. *Information about Costa Balenae* Costa Balenae is a cooperative organization founded by a group of biologists and naturalists with twenty years of experience in the fields of scientific research, environmental education, territorial development and sustainable tourism. The passion for nature, its conservation and the development of commercial tourism activities that make knowledge, awareness and sustainability a point of strong entrepreneurial imprinting are the main characteristic of the cooperative. *How to apply: * Send your CV with a letter of interest (please indicate the preferred period, date of arriving and departure) to *info at costabalenae.it * addressed to Davide Ascheri *no longer than the 15th of October.* Successful applicants could be contacted for a skype interview. For any further enquiry and detail, please send an email to *info at costabalenae.it * Davide Ascheri Marine Biologist - Costa Balenae Whale and Nature Watching *info at costabalenae.it * -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ksanchez at cmaquarium.org Mon Oct 8 08:54:09 2018 From: ksanchez at cmaquarium.org (Kerry Sanchez) Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2018 15:54:09 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] 2018 Clearwater Marine Aquarium Stranding Conference Message-ID: Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be hosting our 2018 CMA Stranding Conference on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. On Oct. 27 a lecture series will be conducted including presentations from Dr. Katie McHugh; Chicago Zoological Society; Dr. Robert Bonde, USGS; Dr. Michael Walsh, University of Florida; George Biedenbach, Georgia Aquarium Conservation Field Station; Dr. Stefanie Gazda, University of Florida; Dr. Lauren Smith, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park; Rebeccah Hazelkorn, Mote Marine Laboratory; personnel from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and more! Lunch and snacks are provided throughout the day. On Oct. 28 please join us for concentrated breakout sessions. Lunch and snacks are provided. Undergraduate and Graduate students interested in careers in marine mammology, conservation, and research are encouraged to attend and network. CMA staff will be available on Oct 28th to review resumes and provide feedback and to answer questions regarding volunteer and internship opportunities. https://www.seewinter.com/2018-stranding-conference-registration/ If you have any questions please contact Kerry Sanchez at Ksanchez at cmaquarium.org or 727.441.1790 ext 301 Kerry S?nchez Senior Rescue Biologist /Education Specialist Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage Clearwater, FL 33767 727-441-1790 ext 301 www.SeeWinter.com [cid:3CC8C79C-80D8-41B4-846D-9591EEFEB493] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 11006 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From pw at marspecialists.org Mon Oct 8 12:14:27 2018 From: pw at marspecialists.org (Peter Wallerstein) Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2018 12:14:27 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Rescuer Message-ID: <22395C28-096E-40CA-8E32-4E8DBBC3C04D@marspecialists.org> JOB OPPORTUNITY WITH MARINE ANIMAL RESCUE SPECIALISTS Marine Animal Rescue Specialists (MAR), www.marspecialists.org , is authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service for pinniped and dolphin rescues, and whale disentanglement calls. Over the past three decades MAR has conducted over 6,000 marine mammal rescues. POSITION: MARINE ANIMAL RESCUE SPECIALIST MAR is looking for committed individuals who would like to make rescuing marine animals a career. You must have pinniped, especially sea lion rescue experience to apply. Training will be provided by MAR to ensure continued high-level response to any marine animal calls. MAR will not consider candidates looking for a temporary position. JOB DESCRIPTION: Part-time. Must be available 2-3 days a week, 8 hours per day for response, rescue and transportation from jetties, docks, and both common and uncommon stranding locations. Must be able to learn the proper use of specialized marine animal rescue, transportation and safety equipment. Must be able to work in cooperation with local agencies and volunteers and be familiar with all local, state and federal laws pertaining to the rescuing of marine animals. LOCATION: MAR?s authorized territory is Los Angeles County, from Pacific Palisades to Long Beach and west to Catalina, California. HOURS: Approximately 8 hours per day, 2-3 days per week. Be prepared to work long days from January to June. SALARY: Commensurate with experience and skills START: Within a couple of months REFERENCES AND REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS ? Provide background/references ? A valid driver?s license with no points ? Minimum one year experience in rescuing seals and sea lions ? Must correctly identify local marine animal species and demonstrate knowledge of birthing seasons and natural behaviors of marine animals ? Some animal-related emergency medical experience ? Must meet challenging physical fitness requirements ? Must possess 24-hour Hazwhoper certificate ? Skill in small boat handling ? Able to drive 4WD Pickup truck OTHER REQUIRED RESPONSIBILITIES: ? Maintain rescue and transportation equipment ? Responsible for school visits ? Must be enthusiastic with good communication skills and be able to work with others, including Coast Guard, Lifeguards, Police, etc. ? When on-call, must answer calls promptly ? Must pass County Beach Safety Driving Course ? Coordinate volunteers Send your cover letter, resume and references to the email address below: Contact: Peter Wallerstein, pw at marspecialists.org www.marspecialists.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From celeste.parry at nmmpfoundation.org Mon Oct 8 12:24:39 2018 From: celeste.parry at nmmpfoundation.org (Celeste Parry) Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2018 12:24:39 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] POST: Veterinary Lab and Clinical Research Internship, San Diego, CA Message-ID: U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program Veterinary Lab and Clinical Research Internship - Internship Description The animal care staff of the U.S Navy Marine Mammal Program (MMP) and National Marine Mammal Foundation are looking for individuals enthusiastic about the care of bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions to participate in a 15-week internship. The internship will focus on the two key elements of Vetlab?s daily work; the daily veterinary care of Navy marine mammals and the record keeping and biological sample submission in support of the animal?s care. The internship will be held in San Diego, CA. Work performed in support of record keeping and biologic sample submission. Responsibilities include: Assist in the daily maintenance and clean-up of the marine mammal hospital and medical equipment. Assist in preparation and performance of animal care procedures. Assist in processing and archiving of biologic specimens such as blood, urine, feces, etc. Assist in medical data entry. Assist in preparing specimens for lab analysis and shipment. Assist in the collection, processing, and recording of environmental data. Assist with on-going research projects as assigned. Research scientific articles. Prepare and deliver a presentation regarding some aspect of the interns stay at the MMP. Applicants for this position should have the following qualifications: *Passion and enthusiasm for animal care, strong attention to detail, and a creative can-do attitude while working in a team environment. *Personal computer skills including data entry and word processing. *Applicants for the position must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid driver?s license, have proof of health insurance, be able to carry 25 lbs, and be comfortable working on piers or boats and around the water. Applicants should submit the following materials: 1) A cover letter/statement outlining the applicant's goals and interests in the area of marine mammal care 2) A current resume 3) Three references with email and phone numbers If you would like to learn more about the NMMP, I encourage you to visit our website at www.spawar.navy.mil/sandiego/technology/mammals/. Please forward all application materials to the address listed below or fax it to (619) 553-2678. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Erika Putman at (619) 767-4100, or email at nmmp_intern at spawar.navy.mil -- Celeste Benham Parry Research Coordinator and Laboratory Manager National Marine Mammal Foundation U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program celeste.parry at nmmf.org Office phone: (619) 553-1346 (main) or (619) 767-4004 (lab) Cell phone: (858) 775-2365 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From alex.zerbini at noaa.gov Mon Oct 8 12:32:39 2018 From: alex.zerbini at noaa.gov (Alex Zerbini - NOAA Affiliate) Date: Mon, 8 Oct 2018 12:32:39 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Workshop at the SOLAMAC meeting in Peru: Introduction to Mapping and Spatial Analysis with R Message-ID: This is an announcement of a workshop that will take place on 4 November 2018, prior the 12th Congress of the Latin American Society for Aquatic Mammals (SOLAMAC) in Lima, Peru. In addition to English, this message is sent in Spanish and Portuguese with the specific goal of reaching colleagues in Latin America. Please, scroll down to read the announcement in these other two languages. English Version ---------------------------------- Dear colleagues, We would like to invite you to participate on the following workshop: ?Introduction to Mapping and Spatial Analysis in R: Examples with Marine Mammals?. The workshop will take place on 4 November 2018 prior to the SOLAMAC Conference in Lima, Peru, and will be taught by Dr. Josh London from the Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA. An abstract for the workshop is provided below: Geographic visualization and spatial analysis are essential to understanding the ecology and informing the conservation of marine mammals. There a wide variety of tools that can be used to visualize geographic information, including GIS applications such as ArcGIS and QGIS, and web-based tools like Google Maps. There are advantages and disadvantages to these different types of tools. Programming languages, such as R, have also developed sophisticated tools for advanced spatial analysis and mapping. R has the benefit of enabling approaches to analysis and visualization that are customizable, transparent, and reproducible. The purpose of this workshop is to provide an introduction to mapping and spatial analysis in R. There are a number of packages developed in support of spatial analysis and mapping in R. Examples include the ggplot, ggmap, leaflet, raster, and sf packages. During the workshop, we will use marine mammal data to illustrate creation of publication-quality maps and how to implement spatial analysis commonly performed in other environments. The focus will be on movement analysis from telemetry data and common line-transect survey data. Participants will be encouraged to bring their own datasets for use during the workshop. The workshop will be limited to a maximum of 30 participants at a cost of US$ 50.00 per person. If you are interested in attending it, you can sign up here: http://solamac2018.com/xii-congreso-y-xviii-reunion-de-trabajo-de-la-sociedad-latinoamericana-de-especialistas-en-mamiferos-acuaticos-solamac/ or contact me directly at alex.zerbini at noaa.gov for further information. Spanish Version ---------------------------------- Estimados colegas, Nos gustar?a invitarlo a participar en el siguiente taller: ?Introducci?n al mapeo y an?lisis espacial en R: ejemplos con mam?feros marinos?. El taller se llevar? a cabo el 4 de noviembre de 2018 antes de la Conferencia de SOLAMAC en Lima, Per?, y ser? ministrado por el Dr. Josh London del Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA. A continuaci?n se presenta un resumen del taller: La visualizaci?n geogr?fica y el an?lisis espacial son esenciales para comprender la ecolog?a e informar la conservaci?n de los mam?feros marinos. Existe una amplia variedad de herramientas que se pueden usar para visualizar informaci?n geogr?fica, incluidas aplicaciones GIS como ArcGIS y QGIS, y herramientas basadas en la web como Google Maps. Existen ventajas y desventajas para estos diferentes tipos de herramientas. Los lenguajes de programaci?n, como R, tambi?n han desarrollado herramientas sofisticadas para el an?lisis y mapeo espacial avanzado. R tiene la ventaja de permitir enfoques de an?lisis y visualizaci?n que son personalizables, transparentes y reproducibles. El prop?sito de este taller es proporcionar una introducci?n al mapeo y al an?lisis espacial en R. Hay varios paquetes desarrollados para el an?lisis espacial y el mapeo en R. Ejemplos incluyen los paquetes ggplot, ggmap, leaflet, raster y sf. Durante el taller, utilizaremos datos de mam?feros marinos para ilustrar la creaci?n de mapas con calidad de publicaci?n y c?mo implementar el an?lisis espacial que se realiza com?nmente en otras aplicaciones. La atenci?n se centrar? en el an?lisis del movimiento a partir de los datos de telemetr?a y los datos de transectos lineares. Se encoraja a los participantes a traer sus propios conjuntos de datos para usar durante el taller. El taller se limitar? a un m?ximo de 30 participantes a un costo de US $ 50.00 por persona. Si est?s interesado en asistir, puedes registrarte aqu?: http://solamac2018.com/xii-congreso-y-xviii-reunion-de-trabajo-de-la-sociedad-latinoamericana-de-especialistas-en-mamiferos-acuaticos-solamac/ o contacterme directamente en el email alex.zerbini at noaa.gov si necessitas mas detalles. Vers?o em Portugu?s ---------------------------------- Estimados Colegas, Gostar?amos de convid?-lo a participar do seguinte workshop: ?Introdu??o ao Mapeamento e An?lise Espacial em R: Exemplos com Mam?feros Marinhos?. O workshop ser? realizado em 4 de novembro de 2018 antes da Confer?ncia SOLAMAC em Lima, Peru, e ser? ministrado pelo Dr. Josh London, do Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA. Um resumo para o workshop ? apresentado abaixo: A visualiza??o geogr?fica e a an?lise espacial s?o essenciais para entender a ecologia e informar a conserva??o de mam?feros marinhos. Existe uma grande variedade de ferramentas que podem ser usadas para visualizar informa??es geogr?ficas, incluindo aplicativos GIS, como ArcGIS e QGIS, e ferramentas baseadas na web, como o Google Maps. Existem vantagens e desvantagens para esses diferentes tipos de ferramentas. Linguagens de programa??o, como R, tamb?m desenvolveram ferramentas sofisticadas para an?lise e mapeamento espacial avan?ado. R tem o benef?cio de possibilitar abordagens de an?lise e visualiza??o personaliz?veis, transparentes e reproduz?veis. O objetivo deste workshop ? fornecer uma introdu??o ao mapeamento e an?lise espacial em R. Existem v?rios pacotes desenvolvidos em apoio ? an?lise espacial e mapeamento em R. Exemplos incluem os pacotes ggplot, ggmap, leaflet, raster e sf. Durante o workshop, usaremos dados de mam?feros marinhos para ilustrar a cria??o de mapas com qualidade de publica??o e como implementar an?lises espaciais comumente realizadas em outros aplicativos. O foco ser? na an?lise de movimento a partir de dados de telemetria e dados de transectos lineares. Incentivamos os participantes a trazer seus pr?prios conjuntos de dados para uso durante o workshop. O workshop ser? limitado a um m?ximo de 30 participantes, a um custo de US $ 50,00 por pessoa. Se voc? estiver interessado em participar, inscreva-se aqui: http://solamac2018.com/xii-congreso-y-xviii-reunion-de-trabajo-de-la-sociedad-latinoamericana-de-especialistas-en-mamiferos-acuaticos-solamac/ ou entre em contato no email alex.zerbini at noaa.gov para maiores detalhes. ----------- Alexandre N Zerbini, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115-649, USA Phone: (206) 526.4511 <(206)%20526-4511> Email: alex.zerbini at noaa.gov www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml Cascadia Research Collective 218 1/2 W 4th Ave Olympia, WA, 98501, USA www.cascadiaresearch.org Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research 2468 Camp McKenzie Tr NW Seabeck, WA 98380 www.marecotel.org ---------- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jat at bios.au.dk Thu Oct 11 03:48:30 2018 From: jat at bios.au.dk (Jakob Tougaard) Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2018 10:48:30 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Practical implementation of NOAA/NMFS weighting Message-ID: <8d3fce3fea51449b85d8bf741d0e9248@Exch06.uni.au.dk> Dear all, We have just published a paper describing some simple tools to perform auitory frequency weighting according to the NOAA/NMFS recommendations, as well as temporal weighting (rms-fast, running average). We hope that they will provide useful. Follow the link at the bottom for full text and matlab files. Tougaard, J. and K. Beedholm. 2019. Practical implementation of auditory time and frequency weighting in marine bioacoustics. Applied Acoustics 145:137-143. Much effort is currently directed at describing the behavioral reactions of marine mammals following exposure to sound with the aim of deriving generalized thresholds and dose-response functions. The perceived loudness of a given sound is a candidate for a common metric for sound exposure. The loudness of a signal relates to various factors, including the stimulus duration and frequency content, and it can be approximated by an appropriate time and frequency weighting of the signal. Auditory frequency weighting is achieved by applying a frequency weighting function (band-pass ?lter), with a frequency response resembling the shape of an inverted audiogram. Temporal weighting may be achieved by computing the running rms-average (Leq) with a time constant that is comparable to that of the mammalian auditory system. The practical implementation of such weighting functions are presented in the form of Matlab functions. These functions generate output signals that are weighted according to current recommendations for different groups of marine mammals. With these functions, it is possible to derive the weighted peak Leq of a signal, which is likely to be a good proxy for the loudness of the signal. Ultimately, this weighted level is conjectured to be a predictor of behavioral response of marine mammals to the sound https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0003682X18303967 ************************************************************************* Jakob Tougaard, Ph.D. Senior Scientist Department of Bioscience, section for Marine Mammal Research Aarhus University Frederiksborgvej 399 DK-4000 Roskilde Denmark Phone: +45 4098 4585 E-mail: jat at bios.au.dk -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From info.meris at gmail.com Thu Oct 11 03:09:13 2018 From: info.meris at gmail.com (Associazione Me.Ri.S.) Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2018 12:09:13 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper: How citizens can encourage scientific research: the case study of bottlenose dolphins monitoring Message-ID: Dear MARMAM readers, On behalf of my co-authors, I'd like to draw your attention to a recently published paper: "*How citizens can encourage scientific research: the case study of bottlenose dolphins monitoring*". Alessi, J., Bruccoleri, F., Cafaro, V. (2019). Ocean & Coastal Management, 167, 9-19. *Abstract* Citizen science projects are an advantageous method to carry out research in the marine environmental field, especially concerning high mobile and often elusive species like cetaceans, allowing the collection of data in wide spatial-temporal scale. This project aims to validate the feasibility and accuracy of cetacean monitoring program through the citizen science approach and to test the efficiency of this method to large scale study area. In this work data obtained by researchers monitoring were compared with data coming from citizen, which followed specifically developed protocol. Data collected were used to investigate the presence and distribution of bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in the Sicilian Channel and to evaluate the contribution of citizen scientist to improve knowledge about species, in this case for bottlenose dolphin a vulnerable species listed in the Annex II of Habitat Directive (92/43 CE). The results show that citizen dataset contributes to increase the distribution map of the 22% more than only research data were considered. Citizen science programme results useful to gain information in small areas not monitored by scientific programs, such as in this study, and they would be very useful if applied at large-scale. The promotion of citizen science programs in specified small areas could be helpful to cover unmonitored zones, to gain preliminary results and bridge the gap of knowledge about species occurrence and distribution. For this reason, citizen support might help competent authorities to answer to the environmental policies as Habitat Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive. This study is a demonstration of how citizen can encourage scientists to start long-term research project in not regularly monitored areas. Free access to the article will be available until the end of November 2018, via the following link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569118303880 The "Associazione Me.Ri.S. Mediterraneo Ricerca e Sviluppo" is a no-profit and apolitical Organisation for the protection of marine mammals and their environment. It is engaged in research activities on cetaceans in the Sicily Channel (Mediterranean Sea). Me.Ri.S. starts focusing its researches on bottlenose dolphin population inhabiting the water off Agrigento Province (Mediterranean Sea). It promotes educational activities and scientific training. For more information about Me.Ri.S activities visit our website: *http://associazione-meris.wix.com/associazionemeris* Or write to: *info.meris at gmail.com* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- P.S. We have updated our Privacy Policy to comply with the provisions of EU Regulation 2016/679 also known as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), the new European Regulation on the Protection of Personal Data. We invite you to read the new information published on our website -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jessica.lundin at noaa.gov Thu Oct 11 13:34:01 2018 From: jessica.lundin at noaa.gov (Jessica Lundin - NOAA Affiliate) Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2018 13:34:01 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on Southern Resident killer whales sampled near Washington state, USA Message-ID: Hello, We are excited to share a new publication on a wild (and endangered) population of killer whales sampled near Washington state. "Pre-oil spill baseline profiling for contaminants in Southern Resident killer whales fecal samples indicates possible exposure to vessel exhaust" will appear in the November 2018 issue of Marine Pollution Bulletin. The article is available at the link below. The abstract follows the link. Thank you for your interest! https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X18306544 The Southern Resident killer whale population (Orcinus orca) was listed as endangered in 2005 and shows little sign of recovery. Exposure to contaminants and risk of an oil spill are identified threats. Previous studies on contaminants have largely focused on legacy pollutants. Here we measure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in whale fecal (scat) samples. PAHs are a diverse group of hazardous compounds (e.g., carcinogenic, mutagenic), and are a component of crude and refined oil as well as motor exhaust. The central finding from this study indicates low concentrations of the measured PAHs (< 10 ppb, wet weight), as expected; however, PAHs were as high as 104 ppb prior to implementation of guidelines mandating increased distance between vessels and whales. While causality is unclear, the potential PAH exposure from vessels warrants continued monitoring. Historical precedent similarly emphasizes the importance of having pre-oil spill exposure data available as baseline to guide remediation goals. -- Jessica I. Lundin, Ph.D. National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Associate Ecotoxicology Program NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center 2725 Montlake Blvd.East Seattle, WA 98112 206.860.3310 https://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/contact/display_staffprofile.cfm?staffid=3297 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jhawse at islandpress.org Fri Oct 12 07:52:43 2018 From: jhawse at islandpress.org (Jen Hawse) Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2018 14:52:43 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Registration open for VAQUITA WEBINAR on November 8 Message-ID: Join us for this insightful one-hour webinar, free and open to everyone Saving Vaquita: Considerations in the Race Against Extinction DATE: Thursday, November 8, 2018 TIME: 12:00 pm PST /1:00 pm MST /2:00 pm CST/ 3:00 pm EST REGISTER: here As Brooke Bessesen writes in her new book, Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez, "Conservation is messy business." Economic, cultural, political, and legislative forces all come into play when considering protection strategies for an at-risk species. And, frustratingly, the best approach for victory isn't always clear. Local communities have to balance potential job losses and preservation of their cultural history with conservation goals. When governments help or hinder the cause, lawsuits become tools for action. Because of these complex dynamics, key players in the conservation effort may, at times, find themselves at odds-even if their end goal is the same. This webinar, moderated by Dr. Tom Jefferson, explores the complicated issue of endangered species recovery through the lens of the now extremely rare porpoise, the vaquita, asking: When it comes to saving a species, is it possible to unify all concerned parties to fight for a common, singular objective? Bessesen will introduce the world's smallest cetacean and explain the history of its plight. By examining the economic, cultural, and legislative aspects of vaquita conservation, audience members are encouraged to consider the universal goals and challenges related to disappearing species worldwide. We end with a Q&A. Please share this event information with colleagues and members of the public, as we hope to draw a broad audience and bring everyone into this important conversation. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Register today! Jen Hawse | Partnerships Manager Island Press 2000 M St NW, Suite 650 Washington, DC 20036 202.232.7933 fax 202.234.1328 http://www.islandpress.org +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the addressee and may not be disclosed to or used by anyone other than the addressee. If you have received this e-mail in error, please advise the sender immediately and delete the email (and all attachments) from your computer system. Thank you. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From africanbioacoustics at gmail.com Tue Oct 9 06:59:37 2018 From: africanbioacoustics at gmail.com (ABC) Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2018 15:59:37 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] African Bioacoustics Community conference Student/Unwaged Support Message-ID: *Student support to attend the First African Bioacoustics Community Conference - 2nd to 7th Dec - **Open to Students/ Unwaged based in Africa* *This conference will be **held at The University of Cape Town and is o**rganised by SEEC and Sea Search Research and Conservation. * *The conference has a strong marine mammal focus, including plenaries on underwater noise effects (Prof. Christine Erbe), seal communication (Dr. Isabelle Charrier) and passive acoustic monitoring of baleen whales (Dr. Salvatore Cerchio).* Great News - The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) is providing financial support for a limited number of students/unwaged persons to attend the First African Bioacoustics Community conference in December 2018. This will include the conference, icebreaker event and associated conference evenings (but not workshops or seal outing). For more info please check out: https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com/abcommunity for further information Application Deadline - 14th October 2018. Please note the following: ? This opportunity is open to current students or unwaged scientists/students from Africa or students registered at African Universities. ? The opportunities will be provided on a merit basis. ? Conference presentation is not a pre-requisite to receiving these awards, however, preference may be given to presenting students. ? Supported persons are expected to attend the icebreaker (2nd Dec) and full conference days - 3rd to 6th December 8:30 am to 6pm. ? Supported students are expected to write a short blog post about their experiences ? To Apply - Please Send a short (300 word) letter of motivation and CV to: africanbioacoustics at gmail.com Regards, ABC organising committee -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lthompson at mysticaquarium.org Fri Oct 12 09:04:19 2018 From: lthompson at mysticaquarium.org (Thompson, Laura) Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2018 16:04:19 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Registration & Abstract Submission Reminder: 2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research & Conservation at Mystic Aquarium In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <6FF75ECF34BC864BAC9CD230D1DFFCAD02EC050496@EX2010.searesearch.local> Dear MARMAM, A reminder that abstracts for the 2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research and Conservation, hosted by Mystic Aquarium, are due October 20, 2018 ! See below for the links to registration and abstract submission. Registration & Abstract Submission Reminder: 2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research & Conservation at Mystic Aquarium | View in browser [https://media.wordfly.com/mysticaquarium/emails/ravs-beluga-conf-19-reminder/save-the-date.png] CALL FOR ABSTRACTS REMINDER [2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research & Conservation] March 12 - 14, 2019 Hosted by Mystic Aquarium 55 Coogan Boulevard Mystic, Connecticut, USA Learn More & Register Submit Abstracts Join us to connect, communicate and collaborate as we share traditional knowledge and explore advances in aquarium husbandry, field biology and the latest science impacting beluga whales. By sharing our expertise and establishing new collaborations, we hope to better inform conservation and management decisions of belugas in both aquarium and wild settings. REMINDER- The Abstract deadline for the Beluga Whale Research & Conservation Workshop is October 20, 2018. Questions? Email BelugaConf at MysticAquarium.org [facebook] [twitter] [instagram] [youtube] [pinterest] [snapchat] Unsubscribe | Forward | View in browser You are receiving this email because you have shown interest in attending the 2nd International Workshop on Beluga Whale Research & Conservation conference in 2019. If you would like to be removed from this list, please click the Unsubscribe link above. Mystic Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education and research. MYSTIC AQUARIUM 55 Coogan Blvd | Mystic, CT 06355 | 860.572.5955 [https://media.wordfly.com/mysticaquarium/emails/event-starter/ma-white-nopro.png] Laura Thompson, PhD Research Fellow Mystic Aquarium 860.572.5955 x155 [MA_Web] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 12528 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From nam.dolphin.project at gmail.com Fri Oct 12 07:13:21 2018 From: nam.dolphin.project at gmail.com (Tess Gridley - Namibian Dolphin Project) Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2018 16:13:21 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Student support to attend the First African Bioacoustics Community Conference - Cape Town 2nd to 7th Dec Message-ID: *Student support to attend the First African Bioacoustics Community Conference - Cape Town 2nd to 7th Dec * *- **Open to Students/ Unwaged based in Africa* *This conference will be held at The University of Cape Town and is organised by SEEC and Sea Search Research and Conservation. * *The conference has a strong marine mammal focus, including plenaries on underwater noise effects (Prof. Christine Erbe), seal communication (Dr. Isabelle Charrier) and passive acoustic monitoring of baleen whales (Dr. Salvatore Cerchio).* Great News - The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) is providing financial support for a limited number of students/unwaged persons to attend the First African Bioacoustics Community conference in December 2018. This will include the conference, icebreaker event and associated conference evenings (but not workshops or seal outing). For more info please check out: https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com/abcommunity for further information Application Deadline - 21st October 2018. Please note the following: ? This opportunity is open to current students or unwaged scientists/students from Africa or students registered at African Universities. ? The opportunities will be provided on a merit basis. ? Conference presentation is not a pre-requisite to receiving these awards, however, preference may be given to presenting students. ? Supported persons are expected to attend the icebreaker (2nd Dec) and full conference days - 3rd to 6th December 8:30 am to 6pm. ? Supported students are expected to write a short blog post about their experiences ? To Apply - Please Send a short (300 word) letter of motivation and CV to: africanbioacoustics at gmail.com Regards, ABC organising committee -- --------------------------------------------------- Join us! The first *African Bioacoustics Community conference will be held in Cape Town on the **3rd-7th December 2018*. https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com/abcommunity https://www.facebook.com/africanbioacousticscommunity/ Tess Gridley PhD Namibian Dolphin Project & Sea Search www.namibiandolphinproject.o rg www.seasearch.co.za Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa Tel: 021 788 1206 Cell: 0794292702 Skype: tess.gridley -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From simeonec at TMMC.org Thu Oct 11 08:10:11 2018 From: simeonec at TMMC.org (Claire Simeone) Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2018 15:10:11 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Response Manager & Community Engagement Specialist - The Marine Mammal Center, Ke Kai Ola, Kailua-Kona Hawaii (JOB POSTING) Message-ID: <4016AE73-6EAC-4D3C-9F16-1579047F5521@tmmc.org> OVERVIEW In 2014, The Marine Mammal Center opened Ke Kai Ola (?The Healing Sea?), a hospital and education center dedicated to caring for injured, ill, and orphaned Hawaiian monk seals and returning them to the wild, and to be a place where children and the community learn to care for this beautiful marine mammal. The goal of Ke Kai Ola is to promote Hawaiian monk seal recovery through 1) a science-based rehabilitation program; 2) a highly trained and well-managed volunteer stranding response network; and 3) coordinated community efforts and partnerships to inspire the local community to protect, care for, and ensure the future of this endangered species. ROLE DESCRIPTION The Response Manager & Community Engagement Specialist leads the Marine Mammal Response Program for Hawai?i Island, which responds to reports of Hawaiian monk seal sightings to ensure a safe environment for both people and seals. This role provides communication, administration, coordination and training of response and community engagement volunteers. This role is responsible for executing Ke Kai Ola?s community outreach strategy, and will work closely with the Center?s Education department to ensure community outreach will be consistent. This position reports to the Hospital Director, with direct support from the Manager of School and Youth Programs (based in Sausalito, CA). The Response Manager & Community Engagement Specialist requires self-direction and initiative. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES -Recruit, train and develop Ke Kai Ola Response and Community Engagement volunteers to maintain a thriving volunteer corps, in collaboration with the Center?s Volunteer Engagement department -Coordinate all Hawaiian monk seal responses on Hawai?i Island, which vary between occasional sightings and highly intensive events like births or molts -Actively facilitate communications between partner agencies, volunteers, staff and the public during a response -Manage 24hr Response Hotline to respond to public reports, questions and concerns about sighted animals -Maintain animal records and database, and provide required reporting to NOAA -Lead community campaigns and events such as partner meetings, fundraisers, and business outreach, in collaboration with the Center?s Education department -Support Education team members by representing Ke Kai Ola in community fairs, on-site tours, and school and youth programs -Maintain Ke Kai Ola vehicle fleet -Provide support to other Ke Kai Ola programs (Education, Animal Care) in times of high intensity KNOWLEDGE + ABILITIES -Demonstrated ability to foster positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders and community members (familiarity with Hawaiian communities, culture and customs is highly desirable) -Strong interpersonal skills -Excellent oral and written communication skills -Knowledge of current rescue techniques and partner agencies -Knowledge of Hawaiian monk seal history throughout the state of Hawaii -Demonstrated ability to direct and train staff and volunteers to advance their knowledge of Hawaiian monk seals -Strong administrative, organizational, and presentation skills -Ability to record, manage, and report volunteer data -Proficiency using Microsoft Office suite of programs, and web-based programs (e.g. Google Drive) -Adept at detail-oriented work -Ability to multi-task -Ability to delegate effectively -Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team -Competent use of independent judgment -Demonstrated capability to conduct one?s self in a calm and professional manner when dealing with the public, volunteers and/or difficult situations QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE -Bachelor?s degree -Background and/or relevant experience in public education and outreach -Prior volunteer management experience highly valued -Experience handling wild monk seals highly desirable -Grant writing and/or some fundraising experience highly desired -Valid Hawaiian driver?s license and a clean driving record -Must submit to and pass background check ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS -Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds -Ability to stand/walk up to 3 hours in extreme weather conditions without a break -Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer screen, walking, and climbing stairs -Hospital environment with access to other parts of the facilities via outdoor pathways -Limited exposure to zoonotic diseases FURTHER INFORMATION Location: Ke Kai Ola Hospital, Kailua-Kona, HI Hours: This role is full-time typically working at least 1-3 weekends a month, and may be required to shift schedule to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays, depending on program or facility needs Reports To: Hospital Director Direct Reports: None To Apply: Visit http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about-us/organization-information/jobs/ to learn more, and to apply via Recruiterbox. [page1image1697456] Claire Simeone, DVM Hospital Director, Ke Kai Ola The Marine Mammal Center 73-731 Makako Bay Drive Kailua Kona, HI 96740 simeonec at tmmc.org (808) 326-7325 KeKaiOla.org If you spot a Hawaiian monk seal, call our 24-hour hotline to report the sighting at 808-987-0765. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: page1image1697456.png Type: image/png Size: 263 bytes Desc: page1image1697456.png URL: From antonio.fernandez at ulpgc.es Tue Oct 16 15:52:07 2018 From: antonio.fernandez at ulpgc.es (=?Windows-1252?Q?Antonio_Jes=FAs_Fern=E1ndez_Rodr=EDguez?=) Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2018 22:52:07 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Long term pathological studies (06.12)(99-05) Canary Islands Message-ID: Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper: D?az-Delgado, J., Fern?ndez, A., Sierra, E., Sacchini, S., Andrada, M., Vela, A.I., Quesada-Canales, ?., Paz, Y., Zucca, D., Groch, K., and Arbelo, M. (2018). Pathologic findings and causes of death of stranded cetaceans in the Canary Islands (2006-2012). PLOS ONE 13, e0204444. This represents (PhD work) a the second long term systematic pathological study (06-12). The article is open access, and available from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0204444 Abstract: This study describes the pathologic findings and most probable causes of death (CD) of 224 cetaceans stranded along the coastline of the Canary Islands (Spain) over a 7-year period, 2006?2012. Most probable CD, grouped as pathologic categories (PCs), was identified in 208/224 (92.8%) examined animals. Within natural PCs, those associated with good nutritional status represented 70/208 (33.6%), whereas, those associated with significant loss of nutritional status represented 49/208 (23.5%). Fatal intra- and interspecific traumatic interactions were 37/208 (17.8%). Vessel collisions included 24/208 (11.5%). Neonatal/perinatal pathology involved 13/208 (6.2%). Fatal interaction with fishing activities comprised 10/208 (4.8%). Within anthropogenic PCs, foreign body-associated pathology represented 5/208 (2.4%). A CD could not be determined in 16/208 (7.7%) cases. Natural PCs were dominated by infectious and parasitic disease processes. Herein, our results suggest that between 2006 and 2012, in the Canary Islands, direct human activity appeared responsible for 19% of cetaceans deaths, while natural pathologies accounted for 81%. These results, integrating novel findings and published reports, aid in delineating baseline knowledge on cetacean pathology and may be of value to rehabilitators, caregivers, diagnosticians and future conservation policies. The first long term systematical study (99-05) is also avaliable here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236099462_Pathology_and_causes_of_death_of_stranded_cetaceans_in_the_Canary_Islands_1999-2005 Regards, Dr. Antonio Fern?ndez (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Antonio_Fernandez6) Dr. Manuel Arbelo Institute of Animal Health University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. www.iusa.eu Antes de imprimir este correo electr?nico, piense bien si es necesario hacerlo: el medio ambiente es una cuesti?n de todos. Please consider the environment before printing this email. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From misabelcgoncalves at gmail.com Mon Oct 15 07:10:47 2018 From: misabelcgoncalves at gmail.com (=?UTF-8?Q?Maria_Isabel_Gon=C3=A7alves?=) Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2018 11:10:47 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper: "Movement patterns of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) reoccupying a Brazilian breeding ground" Message-ID: Dear all, On behalf of my co-authors, I would like to inform you about the publication of our recent paper: Movement patterns of humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) reoccupying a Brazilian breeding ground. Gon?alves, M.I.C, Sousa-Lima, R.S., Teixeira, N.N., Carvalho, G.H., Danilewicz, D., Baumgarten, J.E. Biota Neotropica 18(4): e20180567, 2018 Abstract: The population of humpback whales from breeding stock A is increasing, and little is known about the routes used by humpbacks that move north of the main calving area of Brazil, the Abrolhos Bank. The aim of this study was to describe the movements of humpback whales in a reoccupation wintering area (Serra Grande, Bahia state, Brazil) based on land-based surveys to test if movement patterns change during the season and between years, due to group composition, behavioral state, and distance to the coast. The mean leg speed of the groups sighted was 6.88 (?2.92) km/h, and leg speed was positively correlated with distance to the coast. There was an increase in leg speed and distance to the coast with increasing number of escorts in the groups with calves. The mean linearity value for group trajectory was 0.81 (?0.19) and the mean reorientation rate was 25.72 (?19.09) ?/min. We observed a predominance of trajectories heading south throughout the study. Groups exhibiting more erratic movements early in the season, and groups moving south showed more linear trajectories than groups moving north, indicating the beginning of their migration back to the feeding grounds. Energy conserving strategies and social context affect the movements of humpback whales in Serra Grande, resulting in the observed patterns of the reoccupation of available and suitable habitat north of Abrolhos. Thereby, special attention should be given managing activities with the potential to disturb or displace whales using the region to calve and breed. To have free access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1676-06032018000400210&lng=en&tlng=en Or you can request by email: misabelcgoncalves at gmail.com Best, Maria Isabel -- Maria Isabel C. Gon?alves, PhD Bi?loga marinha / *Marine biologist* Coordenadora do Projeto Baleias na Serra /* Project manager of "Baleias na Serra"* Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz /* State University of Santa Cruz* Laborat?rio de Ecologia Aplicada ? Conserva??o /* Applied Ecology & Conservation Lab* LaB - Laborat?rio de Bioac?stica / *LaB - Laboratory of Bioacoustics* Telefone / *Phone*: (+55) 73 991276590 / 998241751 Skype: isinhas_goncalves -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nam.dolphin.project at gmail.com Mon Oct 15 13:27:32 2018 From: nam.dolphin.project at gmail.com (Tess Gridley - Namibian Dolphin Project) Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2018 22:27:32 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] =?utf-8?q?Hybridization_in_bottlenose_dolphins_-_A_case_?= =?utf-8?q?study_of_Tursiops_aduncus_=C3=97_T=2E_truncatus_hybrids_?= =?utf-8?q?and_successful_backcross_hybridization_events?= Message-ID: Myself and co-authors are happy to announce the publication of the following research in Plos One: Hybridization in bottlenose dolphins - A case study of Tursiops aduncus ? T. truncatus hybrids and successful backcross hybridization events Authors:T. Gridley, S. H. Elwen, G. Harris, D. M. Moore, A. R. Hoelzel, F. Lampen *Abstract: * The bottlenose dolphin, genus *Tursiops* is one of the best studied of all the Cetacea with a minimum of two species widely recognised. Common bottlenose dolphins (*T. truncatus*), are the cetacean species most frequently held in captivity and are known to hybridize with species from at least 6 different genera. In this study, we document several intra-generic hybridization events between *T. truncatus* and *T. aduncus* held in captivity. We demonstrate that the F1 hybrids are fertile and can backcross producing apparently healthy offspring, thereby showing introgressive inter-specific hybridization within the genus. We document that female F1 hybrids can reach sexual maturity at 4 yr and 3 mo of age, and can become pregnant and give birth before being fully weaned. The information presented has implications for understanding hybrid reticulation among cetacean species and practical implications for captive facilities housing either *Tursiops* species or hybrids thereof. pdfs can be downloaded from this link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/comments?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0201722 Kind Regards Tess Gridley -- --------------------------------------------------- Join us! The first *African Bioacoustics Community conference will be held in Cape Town on the **3rd-7th December 2018*. https://africanbioacoustic.wixsite.com/abcommunity https://www.facebook.com/africanbioacousticscommunity/ Tess Gridley PhD Namibian Dolphin Project & Sea Search www.namibiandolphinproject.o rg www.seasearch.co.za Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa Tel: 021 788 1206 Cell: 0794292702 Skype: tess.gridley -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Molly.Schubert at MyFWC.com Tue Oct 16 07:07:36 2018 From: Molly.Schubert at MyFWC.com (Schubert, Molly) Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2018 14:07:36 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] FWC MARINE MAMMAL INTERNSHIP IN PORT CHARLOTTE, FL Message-ID: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Marine Mammals section at the Charlotte Harbor Field Lab in Port Charlotte, FL is accepting applications for winter/spring interns. The Southwest Field Lab is offering two internships to driven, self-motivated individuals for the Winter/Spring 2019 season. The expected start date for the internship is early-mid January, however, start dates will be flexible. Working hours are typically four to five days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some additional night and weekend hours may be required. The position is located in Port Charlotte on the west coast of Florida, just north of Fort Myers. The intern's duties would include assisting with manatee and cetacean carcass salvage, necropsies, research projects (temperature monitoring, Photo ID, etc.), public outreach, and occasional rescues. The intern will also assist with office duties including mortality reports, upkeep of databases, and other office work as needed. To perform the tasks mentioned, interns will operate FWC trucks and dependent upon experience, trailers and boats up to 22' in length. At the end of the internship, interns are required to complete a project and a 10-15 minute presentation on a marine mammal topic of their choosing. Qualifications: * College juniors, seniors, and recent graduates are eligible * Interns must have some research field experience * Interns must be comfortable operating large trucks and speaking to the public * Familiarity with digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters is preferred, but can be trained * Computer literacy * Previous animal handling experience is desirable but not necessary * Ability to trailer and operate watercrafts up to 22' in length and experience with radio telemetry tracking gear is desirable, but not necessary * Interns must be able to lift 50 lbs., swim, and possess a valid driver's license * Interns should understand that this job will require them to be wet, dirty and outdoors in all weather conditions for long periods of time Application Process: If you are interested in applying for an internship with the FWRI, please provide the following information: * A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability * A resume describing training and experience * Names and contact information for at least three references * An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns at MyFWC.com If electronic submission is not possible, hard copies can be mailed to: Internship Coordinator 585 Prineville Street Port Charlotte, FL 33954 Molly R. Schubert Marine Mammal Biologist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Southwest Field Lab 585 Prineville St Port Charlotte, FL 33954 Office:(941)613-0946 ext 115 Fax:(941)613-0948 Molly.Schubert at myfwc.com Manatee Hotline:1-888-404-3922 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Anete.BERZINA at iucn.org Mon Oct 15 07:03:10 2018 From: Anete.BERZINA at iucn.org (BERZINA-RODRIGO Anete) Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2018 14:03:10 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] IUCN call for applications - WGWAP Chair 2019-2021 - due 21 October 2018 Message-ID: <7e51465269d84cc9b4179b3cfe23475a@iucn.org> Dear colleagues, I would like to raise your attention to the IUCN's Call for Applications for a Chair's position of IUCN's Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel (WGWAP). The position will run for a 3 year period, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021. All interested and qualified experts for the Chair's position are encouraged to submit their application in English by 21 October 2018. The interviews of the short-listed candidates will be conducted on Skype between 19-23 November 2018, and the final selection will be made in early December 2018. The post will then be active as of January 2019. For more details, please see the full Call for Applications on the IUCN Human Resources Management System: https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.offline.download&offline_vacancy_id=1509. Once the Chair has been appointed, the recruitment of the members of the Panel will follow (also for a 3 year period, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021). We are proud of the WGWAP accomplishments over the last 14 years and look forward to receiving expressions of interest. Therefore, please feel free to share this Call for Applications widely within your networks. To learn more about the Panel's work, please see www.iucn.org/wgwap. Kind regards, Anete Berzina-Rodrigo Manager - Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel Global Marine & Polar Programme & Global Business & Biodiversity Programme IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) 28 rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland Tel. +41 22 999 0703; Fax +41 22 999 0002 www.iucn.org [cid:image001.png at 01D4566B.E4C433E0] [cid:image002.jpg at 01D22541.8305C0E0] [cid:image003.jpg at 01D22541.8305C0E0] ________________________________ This communication, together with any attachment, may contain confidential information and/or copyright material and is intended only for the person(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or if you received it in error, you are asked to kindly delete it and promptly notify us. Any review, copying, use, disclosure or distribution of any part of this communication, unless duly authorized by or on behalf of IUCN, is strictly forbidden. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 3497 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1573 bytes Desc: image002.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1627 bytes Desc: image003.jpg URL: From Anete.BERZINA at iucn.org Mon Oct 15 14:42:05 2018 From: Anete.BERZINA at iucn.org (BERZINA-RODRIGO Anete) Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2018 21:42:05 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New ESR paper: Entanglement risk to western gray whales from commercial fisheries in the Russian Far East Message-ID: Dear colleagues, I am pleased to announce the following new Open Access scientific paper: Lowry LF, Burkanov VN, Altukhov A, Weller DW, Reeves RR (2018) Entanglement risk to western gray whales from commercial fisheries in the Russian Far East. Endang Species Res 37:133-148. The full text of the paper and a link to the Russian translation (commissioned by IUCN) is available at https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00914 ABSTRACT: Western gray whales Eschrichtius robustus (WGWs) are endangered, and their range overlaps areas where several important commercial fisheries operate in the Russian Far East (RFE). Throughout their range, gray whales commonly become entangled or entrapped in fishing gear. In the western North Pacific, they have been killed in set nets and seen entangled with ropes and float lines. Signs of fishery interactions on 28 of 150 living whales photographed near Sakhalin Island were reported in a published study. We describe characteristics of RFE fisheries that might entangle WGWs, including fishing effort based on daily catch reports from 2010-2014. We make a preliminary qualitative assessment of entanglement risk, taking into account factors including (1) evidence that the gear type has entangled large whales, (2) fishing effort, and (3) geographic and temporal overlap between WGWs and fishing activity. Fishing for salmonids with pelagic gillnets is no longer allowed in the RFE, and as long as the prohibition is being followed such fishing poses no risk to WGWs. In contrast, the coastal salmon set net fishery poses a high entanglement risk off northeastern Sakhalin and Kamchatka where WGWs feed very close to shore, and that situation should be mitigated. Bottom-set gillnet, demersal longline, snurrevad (also called Danish seine), and trap and pot fisheries overlap substantially with WGW distribution, and bycatch in those fisheries should at least be monitored. More rigorous risk assessment would require additional information on WGW distribution and movements. The associated IUCN news in English and Russian can be found at https://www.iucn.org/wgwap or directly here: https://www.iucn.org/news/business-and-biodiversity/201810/western-gray-whales-great-risk-salmon-nets-iucn-backed-study Please do share widely within your networks as you see fit. Kind regards, Anete Anete Berzina-Rodrigo Manager - Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel Global Marine & Polar Programme & Global Business & Biodiversity Programme IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) 28 rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland Tel. +41 22 999 0703; Fax +41 22 999 0002 www.iucn.org [cid:image001.png at 01D4649E.0C999870] [cid:image002.jpg at 01D22541.8305C0E0] [cid:image003.jpg at 01D22541.8305C0E0] ________________________________ This communication, together with any attachment, may contain confidential information and/or copyright material and is intended only for the person(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or if you received it in error, you are asked to kindly delete it and promptly notify us. Any review, copying, use, disclosure or distribution of any part of this communication, unless duly authorized by or on behalf of IUCN, is strictly forbidden. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 3497 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1573 bytes Desc: image002.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1627 bytes Desc: image003.jpg URL: From ailbhe.kavanagh at ucc.ie Thu Oct 18 05:30:41 2018 From: ailbhe.kavanagh at ucc.ie (Kavanagh, Ailbhe) Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2018 12:30:41 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: High latitude winter sightings of common minke whale calves (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the Northeast Atlantic Message-ID: Dear MARMAM-Users, We are pleased to announce the following publication in Marine Biodiversity Records: " High latitude winter sightings of common minke whale calves (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the Northeast Atlantic? Kavanagh AS, Kett G, Richardson N, Rogan E, Jessopp MJ. High latitude winter sightings of common minke whale calves (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the Northeast Atlantic. Marine Biodiversity Records. 2018;11(1):22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41200-018-0157-y Abstract: Although common minke whales occur in relatively high numbers in the North Atlantic, relatively little is known about their seasonal movements or the location of their breeding and calving grounds. This lack of knowledge compromises our ability to protect potentially important areas for this species. Here we report high latitude winter sightings of unweaned minke whale calves recorded in offshore waters in the Northeast Atlantic. We discuss how such sightings may contribute to our understanding of the winter distribution and movements of this species; raising the possibility that a proportion of the population may over-winter at high latitudes in offshore waters, and that calving may occasionally occur in the warm North Atlantic Drift waters of western Europe?s continental shelf. The article is open access and available online: https://mbr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41200-018-0157-y For any questions do not hesitate to contact me at: ailbheskabvanagh at gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Ailbhe Kavanagh Post Doctoral Researcher MaREI Centre for Marine and Renewable Energy Environmental Research Institute Beaufort Building University College Cork Haulbowline Rd | Ringaskiddy Co. Cork | Ireland P: +353 (0)21 486 4359 P: +353 (0)21 486 4300 ailbhe.kavanagh at ucc.ie ailbheskavanagh at gmail.com http://marei.ie/ https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=2DMLafAAAAAJ&hl=en }( ._)????? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From J.Symons at murdoch.edu.au Thu Oct 18 09:28:32 2018 From: J.Symons at murdoch.edu.au (John Symons) Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2018 16:28:32 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Implications of survey effort on estimating demographic parameters of a long-lived marine top predator Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following paper published in Ecology and Evolution: Title: Implications of survey effort on estimating demographic parameters of a long?\lived marine top predator Authors: John Symons, Kate R. Sprogis, and Lars Bejder. Abstract: Effective management of wildlife populations rely on knowledge of their abundance, survival, and reproductive rates. Maintaining long?\term studies capable of estimating demographic parameters for long?\lived, slow?\reproducing species is challenging. Insights into the effects of research intensity on the statistical power to estimate demographic parameters are limited. Here, we investigate implications of survey effort on estimating abundance, home range sizes, and reproductive output of Indo?\Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), using a 3?\year subsample of a long?\term, capture?Crecapture study off Bunbury, Western Australia. Photo?\identification on individual dolphins was collected following Pollock's Robust Design, where seasons were defined as ??primary periods??, each consisting of multiple ??secondary periods.?? The full dataset consisted of 12 primary periods and 72 secondary periods, resulting in the study area being surveyed 24 times/year. We simulated reduced survey effort by randomly removing one, two, or three secondary periods per primary period. Capture?Crecapture models were used to assess the effect of survey intensity on the power to detect trends in population abundance, while individual dolphin sighting histories were used to assess the ability to conduct home range analyses. We used sighting records of adult females and their calving histories to assess survey effort on quantifying reproductive output. A 50% reduction in survey effort resulted in (a) up to a 36% decline in population abundance at the time of detection; (b) a reduced ability to estimate home range sizes, by increasing the time for individuals to be sighted on ??30 occasions (an often?\used metric for home range analyses) from 7.74 to 14.32 years; and (c) 33%, 24%, and 33% of annual calving events across three years going undocumented, respectively. Results clearly illustrate the importance of survey effort on the ability to assess demographic parameters with clear implications for population viability analyses, population forecasting, and conservation efforts to manage human?Cwildlife interactions. Reference: J Symons, KR Sprogis, and L Bejder (2018) Implications of survey effort on estimating demographic parameters of a long-lived marine top predator. Ecology and Evolution. doi: 10.1002/ece3.4512. The full text can be downloaded at the following link and is open access: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ece3.4512 Kind regards, John Symons -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From interns at aimm-portugal.org Mon Oct 15 03:31:48 2018 From: interns at aimm-portugal.org (AIMM Internships) Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2018 11:31:48 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL, SEASON 2019 Message-ID: *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of May to 31st October 2019. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: ? Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; ? Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; ? Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; ? Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board; ? Secchi disk methodology; ? Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2019 season, please contact: interns at aimm-portugal.org We have a special deal for you book the internship until 31st December 2018. *Included* in the fee is: ? Accommodation in the research house; ? Transportation to/from the marina; ? Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); ? Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: ? Transportation to/from Albufeira; ? Meals in restaurants and snacks; ? Free time activities; ? Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); ? Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* ? Be above the age of 16; ? Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; ? Be autonomous and flexible; ? Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; ? Speak English; ? Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: ? Relevant marine mammal field experience ? Working experience on research vessels ? Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms ? Experience in photo-identification ? Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID ? Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/dolphin-research-internship AIMM will send a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the internship and asking for your Resume/CV, motivation letter (small statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM) and the period of time that you want do the program. OR Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns at aimm-portugal.org, with the subject ?*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*?. You will receive and e-mail with the availability and all the others details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow link is a short video about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns at aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | Andr? Cid -- AIMM - Associa??o para Investiga??o do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association* Website: www.aimmportugal.org Youtube: https://Youtube/AIMMPortugal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/aimmportugal_org Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Anete.BERZINA at iucn.org Fri Oct 19 13:50:57 2018 From: Anete.BERZINA at iucn.org (BERZINA-RODRIGO Anete) Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2018 20:50:57 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Extended to 31 October: IUCN call for applications - WGWAP Chair 2019-2021 - due 21 October 2018 Message-ID: <68a5c7b9e0bf4bfcada51bdcfa82a236@iucn.org> Dear colleagues, I am writing to raise your attention that IUCN has extended the deadline for applications to 31 October 2018. Please see https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.offline.download&offline_vacancy_id=1509 (same link as before). Kind regards, Anete From: BERZINA-RODRIGO Anete Sent: 15 October 2018 16:03 To: 'marmam at lists.uvic.ca' Cc: CARBONE Giulia Subject: IUCN call for applications - WGWAP Chair 2019-2021 - due 21 October 2018 Dear colleagues, I would like to raise your attention to the IUCN's Call for Applications for a Chair's position of IUCN's Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel (WGWAP). The position will run for a 3 year period, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021. All interested and qualified experts for the Chair's position are encouraged to submit their application in English by 21 October 2018. The interviews of the short-listed candidates will be conducted on Skype between 19-23 November 2018, and the final selection will be made in early December 2018. The post will then be active as of January 2019. For more details, please see the full Call for Applications on the IUCN Human Resources Management System: https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.offline.download&offline_vacancy_id=1509. Once the Chair has been appointed, the recruitment of the members of the Panel will follow (also for a 3 year period, from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021). We are proud of the WGWAP accomplishments over the last 14 years and look forward to receiving expressions of interest. Therefore, please feel free to share this Call for Applications widely within your networks. To learn more about the Panel's work, please see www.iucn.org/wgwap. Kind regards, Anete Berzina-Rodrigo Manager - Western Gray Whale Advisory Panel Global Marine & Polar Programme & Global Business & Biodiversity Programme IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) 28 rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland Tel. +41 22 999 0703; Fax +41 22 999 0002 www.iucn.org [cid:image001.png at 01D467FE.325D33B0] [cid:image002.jpg at 01D22541.8305C0E0] [cid:image003.jpg at 01D22541.8305C0E0] ________________________________ This communication, together with any attachment, may contain confidential information and/or copyright material and is intended only for the person(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, or if you received it in error, you are asked to kindly delete it and promptly notify us. Any review, copying, use, disclosure or distribution of any part of this communication, unless duly authorized by or on behalf of IUCN, is strictly forbidden. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 3497 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1573 bytes Desc: image002.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 1627 bytes Desc: image003.jpg URL: From ag_marina at hotmail.com Wed Oct 24 15:26:20 2018 From: ag_marina at hotmail.com (marina arregui) Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2018 22:26:20 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New article: Stable isotope analysis of fecal material provides insight into the diet of fin whales. Message-ID: Dear MARMAMers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Mammal Science: Stable isotope analysis of fecal material provides insight into the diet of fin whales Marina Arregui, Asunci?n Borrell, Gisli V?kingsson, Droplaug ?lafsd?ttir and Alex Aguilar Article DOI: 10.1111/mms.12504 Abstract: In cetaceans, stable isotope analysis of tissues overcomes some of the potential biases encountered in studies of diet based on stomach content or fecal analysis. However, stable isotope ratios of tissues are only indicative of long-term feeding and may be misleading when recent shifts in prey consumption have occurred. Stable isotope ratios of feces stand as a potential alternative source for resolving short-term diet, but may be biased by digestive enzymes and bacteria. We investigate whether fecal stable isotope ratios of freshly dead fin whales are consistent with those of the main food found in their stomachs (krill) and with those of other potential prey. Results show that stable isotope ratios of krill remain unaltered after their transit along the digestive tract and, therefore, values in feces are reliable indicators of this prey consumption. In addition, the low isotope ratios of feces that visually appeared to contain only fish remains revealed a substantial contribution of krill in the digested food. This demonstrates that macroscopic gross fecal analysis may be misleading because less digestible components, like fish bones, may be overrepresented. We conclude that stable isotope ratios of feces contribute significant information to other techniques for short-term diet reconstruction. The paper is available online at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.12504 or you can contact me for a pdf version or for any questions at marina.arregui at ulpgc.es Best, Marina Arregui Enviado desde Outlook -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From anzscsmm at gmail.com Wed Oct 24 22:11:52 2018 From: anzscsmm at gmail.com (ANZSCSMM ANZSCSMM) Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2018 15:11:52 +1000 Subject: [MARMAM] ANZSCSMM Abstract Deadline Message-ID: Dear ANZSCSMM members, This is a friendly reminder that the fourth Australia/New Zealand Student Chapter Meeting of the Society for Marine Mammalogy will take place on November 29th and 30th, 2018, starting at 9 AM at Griffith University (Queensland). There will be an optional half-day R workshop on Wednesday afternoon, November 28th, which will be run by our colleagues at Griffth. This opportunity will be free, suitable for all levels of R users, and open to all interested conference participants. The Chapter has funding to provide meals during the two days of the conference, as well as the opportunity to cover most, if not all, accommodation costs for those travelling from outside of Brisbane (3 nights; depending upon need). We would, therefore, like to reiterate that all university students (undergraduates to postdocs) from Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia are welcome to attend. We encourage attendees to give an oral presentation (15 minutes) or to present a poster about their current (or planned) work on marine mammals. The deadline to submit an abstract (max. 300 words) has been extended to Friday, November 9th. Please send an email as soon as possible to anzscsmm at gmail.com with the subject 'ANZSCSMM Abstract', along with your name, affiliation, presentation preference, abstract, the state/country you'll be travelling from, any dietary requirements, and a request for accommodation (if applicable). We will make decisions about travel grants based on the final number of participants. Those chosen to receive a travel grant will be notified the week after the deadline and will be reimbursed at the conference. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us! We will be sending out a schedule and an abstract book two weeks prior to the conference. We look forward to meeting you all, ANZ Student Chapter Heads Kate Indeck, Dana Cusano, and Jasmin Gross -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From arycyk at ncf.edu Wed Oct 24 10:52:57 2018 From: arycyk at ncf.edu (Athena Rycyk) Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2018 13:52:57 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Manatee behavioral response to boats Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, We are happy to announce the following paper in Marine Mammal Science: *Manatee behavioral response to boats* Athena M. Rycyk, Charles J. Deutsch, Margaret E. Barlas, Stacie K. Hardy, Katherine Frisch, Erin H. Leone, and Douglas P. Nowacek *Abstract* The long?term viability of the Florida manatee is threatened in part by mortality from boat collisions. This study investigated manatee behavior during boat approaches to better understand factors that lead to manatee?boat collisions. Digital acoustic recording tags (DTAGs) and Argos?linked GPS tags were deployed on 18 manatees in southwest Florida, and boat traffic around them was mapped. Suites of manatee behavioral, environmental, and boat?related factors were recorded during opportunistic boat passes. We built generalized linear mixed models to determine which factors accounted for variation in occurrence, number, and timing of manatee behavioral changes during boat passes. Manatees responded to boats, changing their orientation, depth, and fluking behavior most often when a boat approached closely (<10 m). Manatees were also more likely to change their depth when not on a seagrass bed and when actively fluking before a boat pass. Boat speed did not affect the occurrence or intensity of manatee response. Compared to fast approaches, however, slower passes allowed the manatee more time to respond, and behavioral change occurred earlier relative to the time of the boat's closest point of approach. We conclude that faster boats likely pose a greater risk of collision with manatees than do slower boats. The full text can be accessed using the link below (*Open Access*): http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.12491 Please feel free to contact me with any questions! Best regards, Athena Rycyk arycyk at ncf.edu -- *Athena Rycyk, Ph.D.* New College of Florida Assistant Professor of Biology & Marine Science 5800 Bay Shore Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243-2109 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ckarniski at gmail.com Thu Oct 25 12:54:36 2018 From: ckarniski at gmail.com (Caitlin Karniski) Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2018 15:54:36 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Georgetown University Biology Graduate Student Applicants Wanted Message-ID: Georgetown University Biology Graduate Student Applicants Wanted Professor Janet Mann https://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/00336000014RY0bAAG/janet-mann (GU) and Dr. C?line Fr?re https://www.celinefrerelab.com/ (USC) are seeking graduate student (PhD) applicants to Georgetown University to work on a study of maternal effects in wild bottlenose dolphins, funded by the National Science Foundation. Competitive applicants should have a strong quantitative and theoretical background in genetics and behavioral ecology. Refer to https://biology.georgetown.edu/graduate/applicants for details. Email Janet Mann mannj2 at georgetown.edu for additional information. *Deadline is December 1*. General Project Description: While several studies link sociality to fitness in long-lived mammals, maternal influence on inter- and intra-individual variation in sociality (e.g. dynamic social patterns) and fitness outcomes is relatively unexplored. Recent computational advances allow this project to incorporate multi-level, dynamic variation to advance understanding of how sociality evolved, i.e., transmission pathways. This study system, a 35-year longitudinal study of wild bottlenose dolphins, provides a unique opportunity to address these questions because of species characteristics, and the size, detail, and long-term nature of the dataset. This project will use: (1) novel quantitative genetics methodologies to unravel the importance of maternal effects on social behavior while accounting for both additive genetic variation and the mothers? social environment; (2) next-generation sequencing combined with demographic data to construct accurate pedigree information from high- density single nucleotide polymorphisms; (3) dynamic social network modeling (social association/interaction matrices) to account for changing social attributes of individuals rather than just static traits. As such, this study will be a comprehensive exploration of how maternal effects impact social traits over the lifespan and across more than one generation within an evolutionary framework. In addition, this is the first study to do so in wild long-lived mammal with extensive maternal social transmission, while accounting for additive genetic variation. The results will provide significant advances by extending our study of the genetic and non-genetic mechanisms of inheritance, which play critical roles in evolution and responses to environmental change. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From equintana at neaq.org Wed Oct 24 08:15:41 2018 From: equintana at neaq.org (Ester Quintana) Date: Wed, 24 Oct 2018 15:15:41 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Associate Scientist, Aerial Observer - New England Aquarium Message-ID: Good morning, We are looking to hire an experienced aerial observer to participate in aerial surveys for whales, dolphins and sea turtles in outer continental shelf federal waters off Massachusetts and Rhode Island, an area proposed for offshore alternative energy development. Duties will include serving as an observer on all aerial surveys; quality checking data; coordination with the chief scientist and flight crew; and analysis of vertical photographs for the detection and identification of marine mammal and turtle species. The majority of fieldwork will be aerial, although there may be opportunities to get involved in shipboard surveys with collaborators depending on contract opportunities. This is a grant funded staff position with at least 10 months of staffing provided. Additional service may be afforded only if additional grant funding is secured. SCHEDULE Office schedule will be Monday -- Friday, 9:00 AM -- 5:00 PM. Flight days will require irregular hours and some long days. Occasional weekends and holidays will be required. This is a temporary position with a 10 month time frame. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 1. Participates in all aerial survey activities, including observer logistics, scientific data collection, monthly reporting, photographic and data analysis. 2. Assists with monthly reports and final annual report writing. 3. Survey safety equipment and camera maintenance, preparation and in-flight troubleshooting. 4. Follow safe operational requirements for every survey area, maintains flight and data logs, assists data quality checking and assurance, assists summarizing data and reports. 5. Photo-analysis of digital imagery for species detection and identifications, data processing and analysis. 6. Conducts data quality checking and assurance. 7. Helps to oversee budgeting and spending for the program. 8. Performs other position-related duties, as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Training and Experience * B.A or B.S in Biology or related science, M.S with comparable experience preferred. * A minimum of one year of marine mammal aerial survey flight time * Ditch training certified * CPR/First Aid certification * Field and lab safety and safety awareness training * Good communication and coordination skills * Meeting deadlines for data and report deliverables * Specialized photographic skills and photo-identification experience * Attention to detail for proofing and quality checking data * Ability to spend long hours performing photo analysis in the office * Comfortable flying in a small aircraft (Can?t get motion sickness) * Valid driver?s license Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Participation in right whale, other large whale, and turtle aerial research programs * Maintaining and purchasing aerial survey equipment * Familiarity with digital photography equipment and field use * Computer skills, especially excel, access, word Physical Demands The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to lift and operate photographic equipment weighing approximately 8 lbs during circling. Occasionally the employee is required to lift up to 50 lbs. Employee is required to apply advanced manual dexterity that requires extreme accuracy such as those used to repair complex equipment or electronic instruments. The employee must be comfortable sitting in a confined space during survey flights, for up to five hours at a time without a break. The employee must have excellent vision to sight marine species in-flight and confirm detections in photo analysis. Acute attention to detail is imperative for proofing documents, and quality checking data. It is necessary for the employee to differentiate between colors. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Aerial surveys will be conducted approximately one to four times per month. Survey work is performed in a small twin-engine aircraft, which is a noisy, confined environment and may include some vessel-based time so it is imperative that the employee does not suffer from motion sickness. Field work is performed outside, exposed to variations in the weather or in confined, cramped quarters for extended periods. Applicants can apply online at: https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/875349.html Ester Quintana, Ph.D. Chief Scientist, Marine Mammal Surveys Anderson-Cabot Center for Ocean Life New England Aquarium Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110 Office number 617-226-2195 [cid:a3b003f6-d2fa-467d-b2b0-d789c4755cb9] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Outlook-gcgkjw44.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 23440 bytes Desc: Outlook-gcgkjw44.jpg URL: From footead at gmail.com Thu Oct 25 01:32:15 2018 From: footead at gmail.com (Andy Foote) Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2018 09:32:15 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: High-throughput sequencing data provides insight into killer whale skin microbiome Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce our study of variation in the killer whale skin microbiome published in a forthcoming special issue of Molecular Ecology on Species Interactions, Ecological Networks and Community Dynamics is now available online and can be freely viewed via this link: rdcu.be/91W7. Abstract Recent exploration into the interactions and relationship between hosts and their microbiota has revealed a connection between many aspects of the host's biology, health and associated micro?organisms. Whereas amplicon sequencing has traditionally been used to characterize the microbiome, the increasing number of published population genomics data sets offers an underexploited opportunity to study microbial profiles from the host shotgun sequencing data. Here, we use sequence data originally generated from killer whale (Orcinus orca) skin biopsies for population genomics, to characterize the skin microbiome and investigate how host social and geographical factors influence the microbial community composition. Having identified 845 microbial taxa from 2.4 million reads that did not map to the killer whale reference genome, we found that both ecotypic and geographical factors influence community composition of killer whale skin microbiomes. Furthermore, we uncovered key taxa that drive the microbiome community composition and showed that they are embedded in unique networks, one of which is tentatively linked to diatom presence and poor skin condition. Community composition differed between Antarctic killer whales with and without diatom coverage, suggesting that the previously reported episodic migrations of Antarctic killer whales to warmer waters associated with skin turnover may control the effects of potentially pathogenic bacteriasuch as Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of microbiome studies from host shotgun sequencing data and highlights the importance of metagenomics in understanding the relationship between host and microbial ecology. Sent on behalf of Beki, Jaelle, Katja and all coauthors, Andy -- Dr Andrew Foote Molecular Ecology Fisheries Genetics Lab, School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Wales From J.Tyne at murdoch.edu.au Thu Oct 25 15:43:42 2018 From: J.Tyne at murdoch.edu.au (Julian Tyne) Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2018 22:43:42 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Chronic exposure of Hawaii Island spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) to human activities Message-ID: Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following publication in the Royal Society Open Science entitled: Chronic exposure of Hawaii Island spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) to human activities. http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/5/10/171506 Authors: Julian A. Tyne, Fredrik Christiansen, Heather L. Heenehan, David W. Johnston and Lars Bejder Abstract Habitat selection is strongly influenced by spatial variations in habitat quality and predation risk. Repeated exposure of wildlife to anthropogenic activities in important habitats may affect habitat selection, leading to negative biological consequences. We quantified the cumulative human exposure of a small, genetically isolated and behaviourally constrained spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) population, off Hawaii Island, and exposure effects on their daytime cumulative activity budget. Dolphins were exposed to human activities within 100 m for 82.7% of the daytime, with a median duration of 10 min between exposure events. Individual dolphins spent on average 61.7% (s.d. = 6.5) of their daytime resting. Of their total rest time, greater than 90% occurred inside sheltered bays. Despite high levels of human exposure, we did not observe an effect on dolphin resting behaviour. The short intervals between exposure events probably prevent dolphins from returning to a natural resting state before the next exposure event. Consequently, 'control' observations may represent a resting behaviour of a more vigilant nature. Chronic levels of exposure to human activities could lead to rest deprivation, displacement from preferred resting habitats and ultimately negative population level effects. These results have implications for new proposed legislation aiming to reduce dolphin exposure to human activities. Kind regards, Julian ______________________________________________________________ [GIC2018_Toolkit_eSignature] Julian Tyne PhD, Aquatic Megafauna Research Unit (AMRU) School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University South Street Murdoch WA 6150 http://amru.org.au/group-member/julian-tyne/ http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WQoZ0dUAAAAJ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Julian_Tyne?ev=hdr_xprf http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0676-5659 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 22660 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From JStewart at LBAOP.ORG Thu Oct 25 14:03:28 2018 From: JStewart at LBAOP.ORG (James Stewart) Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2018 21:03:28 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Aquarium of the Pacific Internship opportunity Message-ID: <2bee4d563ed646c6a9dd3b0649e83195@E2K13ENT.aop.org> The purpose of the photo ID intern position is to give candidates experience in the process of collecting sighting photos and data in the field and preparing that material for later research. Photo ID interns will be collecting data on various cetaceans (dolphins, blue whales, humpbacks, fin whales, gray whales, etc.) while on whale watches. Primary responsibilities of the position include but are not limited, to handling photography equipment, participating in whale watches in various weather conditions, uploading photos and data to our database, and processing photos and sighting data for further utilization. Commitment: 240 hours total, average 15-20 hours per week for 12-15 weeks -Interns will receive training and experience in the following -Learning the methods of wildlife observation and data collection in the field -Using DSLR photography equipment -Taking dorsal and caudal fin photos of animals encountered during daily whale watches -Maintaining detailed data logs of sightings -Create a project to display to Aquarium guests using whale data -Photo processing with Adobe Lightroom and data entry with Microsoft Access What the Aquarium of the Pacific expects from interns -The drive and ability to learn tasks quickly and well -To perform all of their assigned duties promptly and reliably -To be prompt and on time -To exercise care and judgment when working on a boat -To abide by all Aquarium of the Pacific staff guidelines and policies -The ability to meet the minimum time commitments of the position Qualifications -Must be 18 years of age or older -Completed and pass a background check Skills, Knowledge and Abilities -Basic knowledge of ecological and biological principles -Some background knowledge of marine mammals -Strong communication skills to transmit information to staff, visitors and whale watch participants in a clear and thorough manner -Ability to manage multiple tasks -Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs on stairs, boats, docks, etc. -Prior experience with DSLR cameras or photo software is preferred but not required Requirements -Must complete general orientation session -Research project completed during internship period (to be determined by student in collaboration with program coordinator) Follow the link to apply: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/volunteer/college_internships/marine_mammal_photo_id_internship James Stewart Education Coordinator Aquarium of the Pacific jstewart at lbaop.org 562-951-1651 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From KShaffer at aqua.org Tue Oct 23 06:13:30 2018 From: KShaffer at aqua.org (Shaffer, Kate) Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2018 13:13:30 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] National Aquarium Position Announcement: Rehabilitation Biologist Message-ID: The National Aquarium is seeking a Rehabilitation Biologist to provide excellent day-to-day husbandry and medical care of marine turtles and marine mammals undergoing rehabilitation for the purpose of release back to the natural environment. The Rehabilitation Biologist will keep rehabilitation pools, equipment, and workspaces well maintained to National Aquarium and NOAA Fisheries Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service standards. The person in this role is fully accountable for the patients and systems under their care. They will participate in planning and implementation of special projects (renovations, enrichment, animal transports & releases) as assigned. They will also train and mentor volunteers and interns. This position is grant funded for 1-year with possibility of extension dependent on available funding. Rehabilitation Biologist Essential Functions: * Organizes the day to day husbandry and feeding of sea turtles and marine mammals in rehabilitation. * Completes inspection rounds of patients, life support systems, and enclosures daily to check status and identify and report any potential problems. Resolves problems independently where possible. * Prepares daily diets and feeds patients according to their medical plan and dietary needs. Cleans and provides daily maintenance to food preparation areas, equipment and utensils. * Prepares diets, supplements, and medications according to established protocols to ensure nutrition and vitamin content are maintained to improve animal health. * Follows established feeding schedules and feeds appropriate amounts to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Develop strategies to get inappetent patients to eat. Monitor patient weights. * Administers oral supplements and medications. * Utilizes various feeding techniques and develop new strategies to overcome the challenges of getting the correct diet and medications to the appropriate patients when animals are housed together. * Monitors health of patients, and works with manager and Animal Health staff to implement treatment plans as instructed. * Observes and recognizes changes in patient behavior, medical condition, and appetite and reports observations. Discusses best course with the senior Animal Rescue staff and Animal Health & Welfare staff as appropriate. * Administers medications and maintains quarantine protocols when working in and between animal rescue workspaces. * Provide safe restraint and handling of animals during husbandry and clinical procedures. * Maintains detailed, daily animal and medical records in accordance with federal and aquarium standards using computerized medical system and hardcopy files. Reviews records regularly to identify important trends and reports them to the Rehabilitation Manager. * Develops basic understanding of behavioral models to accomplish conditioning, enrichment, and husbandry goals for animals in rehabilitation, with an emphasis on ensuring releasable animals maintain natural behaviors. * Plans and conducts enrichment sessions and opportunities as assigned. * Participates in the admission, rehabilitation, transport, and release of patients. * Monitors patient food supply and ensures proper food rotation. Orders food, hardware, husbandry supplies, medical treatment supplies, and supplements as needed. * Observes animal behavior such as intra- species aggression, feeding, habitat use, etc., and gathers data to advise on management decisions. * Responds to animal emergencies, at times after hours. * Provide daily cleaning and maintenance of rehabilitation facilities, life support, animal enclosures, & equipment. * Services and cleans rehab enclosures and pools daily. * Monitors and records temperature and water chemistry data, etc. * Monitors, operates, and maintains life support equipment. Performs water changes, backwashing and other procedures necessary to care for pumps, filters, and maintains water quality standards. * Maintains current knowledge of all pumps, valves, filters, and chillers dealing with the life support of rehabilitation areas * Maintains cleanliness and organization of workspaces, rehab facilities, food prep, and support equipment. * Assists with enclosure improvements and implementing new enrichment. * Maintains safety, animal, and response equipment as directed. * Gives input to rehabilitation protocols and procedures to help improve the program. * Assists in pest control. * Participates in outreach and continuing education. * Supports collection of digital content (photos, videos, etc) as directed. * Provides back-up tours, presentations, and guest engagement as directed * Participates in and presents at workshops, lectures, seminars, trainings, and other continuing education opportunities. * Participates in formal and informal public presentations * Represents NA in partnerships with outside organization working on common projects or goals. * Participates in research projects * Maintains established Aquarium protocols, policies, and quarantine. * Coordinates departmental volunteer and intern support. * Assists with the training of less experienced staff, new staff, volunteers and interns * Acts as section liaison and lead in the absence of managerial staff as assigned. * Attends weekly staff department meetings, committee meetings, and quarterly full staff meetings * Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures * Other duties as assigned or required. * Assists with necropsy of animals, including collection and distribution of samples. Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements: Required: * Bachelor?s degree in biology, aquatic sciences, environmental or related science or equivalent experience. * Minimum one year previous professional work experience with a rehabilitation, and or stranding response organization with preference to those with experience with both pinnipeds and sea turtles (especially cold stunned sea turtles) * Experience with animal husbandry, diet preparation, life support and record keeping in a professional setting * Must be able to apply solid knowledge of biology, and zoology to a rehabilitation setting. * Competent regarding wound treatment, administration of oral medications, and familiar with quarantine protocols * Adept at observation and the ability to watch for changes in patient health, monitor eating patterns, and any changes in behavior. * Must be able to follow established safety protocols. * Ability to communicate effectively with aquarium visitors, and staff at all levels verbally or in writing. Must have the ability to follow the directions of supervisors, and work as a team player. * Ability to mentor and train interns and volunteers. * Must have keen observation skills, should be highly detail orientated and adept at problem solving. * Employees assigned to this position will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator?s license, have an acceptable driving record, and possess the ability to drive a variety of vehicles (cars, vans/trucks). * Necropsy experience a plus Competencies * Must have basic knowledge about marine biology and have an affinity for animals, including a reasonable comfort level around large and/or aggressive animals. Must be able to work productively in a teamwork environment. * Must have the capacity to make decisions, based on the best interest of the animals, public health, and staff safety. Familiarity with computers is necessary, including MS Office software (Word/Excel) and Adobe; ability to learn & effectively use all proprietary Aquarium software. * Must be able to follow established policies and protocols. Must be able to work well under direction and have capacity to absorb feedback from manager or staff, and have the capacity to decide when to act independently and when to seek consultation from manager. * Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule that will include weekends, holidays and possible evening hours. The National Aquarium is committed to diversity and invites individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience and ideas to apply. ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM Recently named one of Baltimore?s Best Places to Work, the National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a nonprofit aquatic education and conservation organization, the jewel of the city?s Inner Harbor redevelopment. SmartCEO Magazine honored the National Aquarium with the Healthiest Workplace award and the Corporate Culture award in 2016. With a mission to inspire conservation of the world?s aquatic treasures, the Aquarium is consistently ranked one of the nation?s two top aquariums and has hosted over 51 million guests since opening. Today, the National Aquarium builds on a 37-year history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Welfare and Science teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet. HOW TO APPLY Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR at aqua.org [http://www.aqua.org/-/media/Aquarium/Global/Logo/shareThis97x97.ashx] National Aquarium | Working at the Aquarium aqua.org Find an inspiring job, career, internship or volunteer opportunity. Work for an organization that is fun, fast-paced, and focused on inspiring conservation of the world's aquatic treasures. KATE SHAFFER Rehabilitation Manager 410-986-2378 410-986-2362 KShaffer at aqua.org aqua.org We are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the world?s aquatic treasures. National Aquarium 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202 (Aquarium) ?111 Market Pl, STE 800, Baltimore, MD 21202 (Office) Please consider our ocean planet before printing. [NAISIG1] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image273760.png Type: image/png Size: 535 bytes Desc: image273760.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image450174.png Type: image/png Size: 562 bytes Desc: image450174.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image801101.png Type: image/png Size: 370 bytes Desc: image801101.png URL: From mef264 at cornell.edu Mon Oct 22 17:21:49 2018 From: mef264 at cornell.edu (Michelle Elizabeth Fournet) Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2018 00:21:49 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on humpback whale acoustic ecology Message-ID: Hello All, We are pleased to announce that the following paper has been published online in Marine Mammal Science: Incorporating tides into the acoustic ecology of humpback whales Dawn R. Barlow*, Michelle EH Fournet*, Fred Sharpe https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12534 Abstract: North Pacific humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate annually to foraging grounds in Southeast Alaska that are characterized by semidiurnal tidal cycles. Tidal activity is an important driver of marine mammal behavior on foraging grounds, but is often omitted in studies of acoustic ecology. To better understand the role of sound in this vocal species we investigated the influence of tidal height and direction on humpback whale nonsong calling behavior in Frederick Sound and described new call types for this population. The likelihood of detecting a call from the low?\frequency?\harmonic, pulsed, or noisy?\complex call classes was independent of tidal activity. The likelihood of detecting a call from the tonal call class, and a feeding call in particular, was 2.1 times higher during flood tides than during ebb tides (95% CI 1.1?C4.4). This likely reflects an indirect relationship between humpback whale foraging and tides. Please don't hesitate to contact myself (michelle.fournet at cornell.edu) or Dawn Barlow (dawn.barlow at oregonstate.edu) with any questions. -- Michelle E.H. Fournet, PhD Postdoctoral Research Associate Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bioacoustics Research Program 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca, NY, 14850-1999 michelle.fournet at cornell.edu (907) 723-2752 mfournet.wordpress.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From recruitment at osc.co.uk Mon Oct 22 14:25:09 2018 From: recruitment at osc.co.uk (Recruitment) Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2018 21:25:09 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] MMO vacancies for USA citizens, and permanent positions for MMOs and PAMOs In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Dear MMOs, OSC seeks MMOs for a project in the USA. The survey vessel is Jones Act Compliant, so anyone who boards must be a US citizen; consequently, we are only looking for US-citizen applicants on this particular project. To minimise mobilisation and demobilisation costs, we are ideally looking for applicants who are based in Louisiana or Texas, but US citizens from all locations will be considered. Rates are negotiable and on a door-to-door policy plus logistical (travel) expenses. The mobilisation date is anticipated around 28-29 October, initially involving about 1-2 weeks offshore Freeport Texas, then either direct transfer onto another vessel, or 1-2 weeks at home and then onto another vessel, operating in the same location for approximately 3 weeks. If you are interested and available, and not already on OSC's database, please provide copies of your CV, passport, offshore survival and medical certificates, MMO and/or PAM and any degree certificates. Please apply by email only to recruitment at osc.co.uk - recruitment enquiries to other OSC email addresses will not be considered. Also, OSC is currently interviewing for permanent MMO and PAMO positions for UK and EU citizens only, and successful candidates will need to relocate to Dunbar or nearby. OSC also has contract positions on a regular basis. Please feel free to circulate this email amongst colleagues seeking contract (temporary) and permanent employment. Thanks and kind regards, -- Recruitment Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Shelby.Beard at MyFWC.com Thu Oct 25 08:59:11 2018 From: Shelby.Beard at MyFWC.com (Beard, Shelby) Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2018 15:59:11 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] FWC manatee internship availability Message-ID: The Southeast manatee field station is currently seeking a candidate for the Winter 2019 internship! Application deadline is Sunday, November 11th. Interns will assist with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. The Southeast Field lab is offering one internship: a 6 month term for the winter 2019 session. The expected start date for the Winter 2019 internship will be around January 2nd, 2019. Start and end dates will be flexible. Working hours are typically five days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some nights and weekends required. The position is located in Tequesta (east coast of Florida, just north of Palm Beach). The intern's duties include assisting with manatee rescue, carcass salvage, and research in South Florida. Interns will assist with manatee and cetacean field necropsies, temperature monitoring research, and conduct manatee photo ID. Interns will also complete mortality and rescue reports and assist with other office and public outreach work as needed. To perform the duties of the position, interns will operate trucks, trailers, and boats up to 22' in length. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10-15 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Qualifications: Junior or senior college students and recent graduates are eligible. Applicants should have some research field experience; be able to drive large trucks; be computer literate; be comfortable speaking to the public; and be proficient in the use of digital cameras, telephoto lenses, and filters. Previous animal-handling experience is desirable. Ability to trailer flatbeds and boats, as well as operate watercraft up to 22' in length is desirable. Interns must possess a valid driver's license, be able to lift 50 pounds, and be able to swim. Applicants should understand that this internship will require them to be wet, dirty, and outdoors in all weather conditions. This position is unpaid and housing is not provided. Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the field station. If you are interested in applying for an internship with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the following information is required: * A cover letter describing area(s) of interest and the dates, days, and hours of availability * A r?sum? describing training and experience * A list of three references * An unofficial copy of your academic transcript Please send these items as e-mail attachments to: Interns at MyFWC.com Or mail hard copies to: Internship Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 http://myfwc.com/research/manatee/research/internships-volunteers/se-fl-intern/ Shelby Beard Biological Scientist Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Mammal Section 19100 SE Federal Highway, Tequesta, FL 33469 Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-3922 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From yoghy_ at hotmail.com Mon Oct 22 10:56:31 2018 From: yoghy_ at hotmail.com (=?iso-8859-1?Q?Sonia_Espa=F1ol_Jimenez?=) Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2018 17:56:31 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Cetacean course at SOLAMAC, Peru: Methods of acoustic and visual studies for the conservation of cetaceans Message-ID: Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the next course in the 2018 SOLAMAC, Lima, Peru: " M?todos de estudios ac?sticos y visuales para la conservaci?n de cet?ceos. " This course will be imparted in Spanish. Here there are more details: Taller: M?todos de estudios ac?sticos y visuales para la conservaci?n de cet?ceos Si eres estudiante, egresado y te gustar?a investigar sobre la ecolog?a comportamental y poblacional de cet?ceos aplicando m?todos visuales y ac?sticos. Te invitamos a participar en el presente taller que se impartir? en colaboraci?n con las siguientes instituciones: - Laboratorio de Ecolog?a Ac?stica e Comportamiento Anima, Universidade Federal do Reconcavo da Bahia, Brasil - Fundaci?n MERI, Santiago de Chile. - Madre Agua Ecoturismo e Investigaci?n, Colombia. - Proyecto CETACEA Ecuador, USFQ. ?Te esperamos el s?bado 03 de Noviembre en Lima, Solamac 2018! Inscripciones en: http://solamac2018.com/xii-congreso-y-xviii-reunion-de-trabajo-de-la-sociedad-latinoamericana-de-especialistas-en-mamiferos-acuaticos-solamac/ Thanks, Dra. Sonia Espa?ol-Jim?nez Investigadora Asociada Fundaci?n MERI sespanol at fundacionmeri.cl -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From emchuron at ucsc.edu Fri Oct 26 16:36:02 2018 From: emchuron at ucsc.edu (Elizabeth McHuron) Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2018 16:36:02 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: stable isotope analysis of seal whiskers Message-ID: Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper online in Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry What's in a whisker? Disentangling ecological and physiological isotopic signals. McHuron, EA, Holser, RR, and DP Costa. https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.8312 *Abstract:* *Rationale:* Stable isotope analysis of keratinized tissues is an informative tool to quantify foraging ecology that can address questions related to niche specialization and temporal variation in behavior. Application of this approach relies on an understanding of tissue growth and how isotope ratios relate to physiological and ecological processes, data that are lacking for many species. *Methods:* We collected paired whisker length measurements from northern elephant seals to estimate growth and shedding patterns (n = 16). A subset of seals (n = 5) carried a satellite tag and time-depth recorder across the 7+ month foraging trip following the annual pelage molt. Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen were measured in segments grown across the 6+ week fasting on land and the subsequent foraging trip; profiles were combined with growth parameters to timestamp each segment and investigate relationships with foraging behavior. *Results:* Whisker loss and initial regrowth primarily occurred during the annual pelage molt, but newly grown whiskers exhibited active, nonlinear growth across the foraging trip. ?13C and ?15N values were higher in segments grown on land than at sea and exhibited a characteristic decline upon departure from the rookery. There was a relationship between latitude and longitude and ?15N values, and individual whisker segments grown at sea could be classified to the correct ecoregion with 81% accuracy. *Conclusions: *Fasting affected both ?13C and ?15N values and the ability to exclude these values from ecological investigations is crucial given the temporal overlap with tissue growth. The rapid decline in isotope ratios upon departure can be used to isolate portions of the whisker with a strong physiological signal, even for whiskers with unknown growth histories. The active growth across the foraging trip combined with the ability to identify differences in foraging behavior validate the utility of this approach for addressing ecological questions. Please don't hesitate to contact me (emchuron at ucsc.edu) with any questions or for a copy of the manuscript if you do not have access to the journal. -- Elizabeth McHuron, Ph.D. Research Scientist University of Washington JISAO 115 McAllister Way Santa Cruz, CA 95060 emchuron at uw.edu emchuron at ucsc.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From hannanuuttila at gmail.com Fri Oct 26 11:20:58 2018 From: hannanuuttila at gmail.com (Hanna Nuuttila) Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2018 19:20:58 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Estimating effective detection area of static passive acoustic data loggers from playback experiments with cetacean vocalisations. Message-ID: Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the following publication in the Methods of Ecology and Evolution entitled: Estimating effective detection area of static passive acoustic data loggers from playback experiments with cetacean vocalisations. https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/2041-210X.13097 Authors: Hanna K. Nuuttila Katharina Brundiers Michael D?hne Jens C. Koblitz Len Thomas Winnie Courtene?Jones Peter G. H. Evans John R. Turner Jim D. Bennell Jan G. Hiddink Abstract Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is used for many vocal species. However, few studies have quantified the fraction of vocalisations captured, and how animal distance and sound source level affect detection probability. Quantifying the detection probability or effective detection area (EDA) of a recorder is a prerequisite for designing and implementing monitoring studies, and essential for estimating absolute density and abundance from PAM data. We tested the detector performance of cetacean click loggers (C?PODs) using artificial and recorded harbour porpoise clicks played at a range of distances and source levels. Detection rate of individual clicks and click sequences (or click trains) was calculated. A Generalised Additive Model (GAM) was used to create a detection function and estimate the effective detection radius (EDR) and EDA for both types of signals. Source level and distance from logger influenced the detection probability. Whilst differences between loggers were evident, detectability was influenced more by the deployment site than within?logger variability. Maximum distance for detecting real recorded porpoise clicks was 566 m. Mean EDR for artificial signals with source level 176 dB re 1 ?Pa @ 1m was 187 m., and for a recorded vocalisation with source level up to 182 dB re 1 ?Pa was 188 m. For detections classified as harbour porpoise click sequences the mean EDR was 72 m. The analytical methods presented are a valid technique for estimating the EDA of any logger used in abundance estimates. We present a practical way to obtain data with a cetacean click logger, with the caveat that artificial playbacks cannot mimic real animal behaviour and are at best able to account for some of the variability in detections between sites, removing logger and propagation effects so that what remains is density and behavioural differences. If calibrated against real?world EDAs (e.g., from tagged animals) it is possible to estimate site?specific detection area and absolute density. We highlight the importance of accounting for both biological and environmental factors affecting vocalisations so that accurate estimates of detection area can be determined, and effective monitoring regimes implemented. This completes a set of publications on the performance on acoustic data loggers, C-PODs. For more information and access to the previous papers see https://www.swansea.ac.uk/staff/science/biosciences/h.k.nuuttila/name,168788,en.php Sostres Alonso, M. & Nuuttila, H. (2014). Detection rates of wild harbour porpoises and bottlenose dolphins using static acoustic click loggers vary with depth. Bioacoustics, 1-10. https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa19380 doi:10.1080/09524622.2014.980319 Nuuttila, H., Thomas, L., Hiddink, J., Meier, R., Turner, J., Bennell, J., et. al. (2013). Acoustic detection probability of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, with static acoustic dataloggers in Cardigan Bay, Wales. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 134(3), 2596 https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa19381 doi:10.1121/1.4816586 Nuuttila, H. (2013). Identifying Foraging Behaviour of Wild Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) with Static Acoustic Dataloggers. Aquatic Mammals 39(2), 147-161. https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa19382 doi:10.1578/AM.39.2.2013.147 Kind regards, Hanna < < < < < Dr. Hanna Nuuttila SEACAMS2 Scientific Officer Open ocean ecology, marine mammals & marine renewables College of Science, Wallace Building Swansea University, Singleton Park , Swansea, Wales Coleg Gwyddoniaeth, Adelaid Wallace Prifysgol Abertawe, Parc Singleton, Abertawe, Cymru -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From matt.s.leslie at gmail.com Mon Oct 29 12:46:29 2018 From: matt.s.leslie at gmail.com (Matt Leslie) Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2018 15:46:29 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Mitogenomic structure in spinner and pantropical spotted dolphins from the eastern tropical Pacific Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors I would like to announce the publication of the following research article online in Marine Mammal Science: Leslie, M. S., Archer, F. I. and Morin, P. A. (2018), Mitogenomic differentiation in spinner (*Stenella longirostris*) and pantropical spotted dolphins (*S. attenuata*) from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Mar. Mam. Sci.. . doi:10.1111/mms.12545 Abstract: Spinner dolphins (*Stenella longirostris*) and pantropical spotted dolphins (*S. attenuata*) show high intraspecific morphological diversity and endemic subspecies in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP). Previous studies of mitochondrial DNA have found low genetic differentiation among most of these groups, possibly due to demographic factors, ongoing gene flow, and/or recent divergence. These species were heavily depleted due to bycatch in the ETP yellowfin tuna fishery. Because understanding population structure is important for accurate management of the recovery of these species, we collected whole mitochondrial genome sequences from 104 spinner and 76 spotted dolphins to test structure hypotheses at multiple hierarchical taxonomic levels. Results show differences between subspecies of spinner and spotted dolphins, but no support for the division of existing offshore stocks of spotted dolphins. We compare these results to previous results of genome?wide nuclear SNP data and suggest high haplotype diversity, female dispersal, and/or relative power of the two data sets explains the differences observed. Interestingly, increasing the amount of mitochondrial data (base pairs and genes) did not increase ability to delimit population units. This study supports a genetic basis for management units at the subspecies level, and provides critical information for mitigating historical and continued fisheries impacts. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.12545 Please contact me directly if you would like a copy of the manuscript: < matt.s.leslie at gmail.com> Have a wonderful week! All the Best, Matt ------------------------------ Matthew S. Leslie, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant Professor Biology Department Swarthmore College -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From pavale03 at evergreen.edu Mon Oct 29 11:15:14 2018 From: pavale03 at evergreen.edu (Pavlinovic, Alexander) Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2018 18:15:14 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Marine Mammal Special Session Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, Marine mammals are good barometers of our environment. The status of these species and current efforts at their conservation are very timely due to climate change, shortages of salmon, increases in boats and humans, and high levels of contaminants off of the West Coast of the United States. On February 28th, 2019, there will be a marine mammal special session ?consisting of 18 speakers. The talks will cover cetaceans, pinnipeds, and mustelids. We plan on having speakers from Cascadia, NOAA-NMFS, OSU, WDFW, UBC, UW, Seattle Aquarium, Sealife Response Rehabilitation Research (SR3), and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Including John Calambokidis, Dr. Scott Baker, Steven Jefferies, Dr. Alex Zerbini, Dr. Robyn Angliss, and others. Talks will cover porpoise and sea otter recovery in Washington, comparing manned to unmanned aerial surveys, eDNA, the southern resident pod of killer whales, increased entanglement of whales off of the Washington Coast, and other interesting and timely topics. This special session will take place on February 28th, 2019, during the annual meeting of the Washington chapter of the Wildlife Society (TWS) and the Society for NW Vertebrate Biologists and will go from 9am till 5pm with a couple of breaks and a hour for lunch. The meeting will take place? in between Olympia and Centralia, WA (Great Wolf Lodge). These meetings are wonderful venues for disseminating information and sharing research results. TWS is very interested in increasing its focus on marine wildlife, especially marine mammals. For further details, you can reach out to me by email at pavale03 at evergreen.edu or read more about the meeting in the second call for papers at http://thesnvb.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2019-2nd-Call-for-Papers.pdf. Thank you, Alexander (Alex) Pavlinovic pavale03 at evergreen.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From peter.evans at bangor.ac.uk Sun Oct 28 14:54:05 2018 From: peter.evans at bangor.ac.uk (Peter Evans) Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2018 21:54:05 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Special Issue on North Sea Cetaceans Message-ID: Dear MARMAM readers, In memory of the late Chris Smeenk who for many years was curator of mammals and strandings coordinator at Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie (RMNH) in Leiden, The Netherlands, we have produced a special issue of the Dutch mammal journal Lutra, on North Sea cetaceans. The issue contains the following contributions: CONTENTS Evans, P.G.H., Kinze, C.C. & Pierce, G.J. Preface. Lutra 61(1): 1. Evans, P.G.H. North Sea cetacean research since the 19690s: advances and gaps.Lutra 61(1): 3-13. Brekhuizen, S., Camphuysen, K., Hoekstra, B., & van Laar, V. Chris Smeenk 1942-2017. Lutra 61(1): 15-28. Smeenk, C. & Evans, P.G.H. Review of sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)strandings around the North Sea. Lutra 61(1): 29-70. Pierce, G.J., Ward, N., Brownlow, A., and Santos, M.B. Analysis of historical and recent diet and strandings of sperm whales (Physeter microcephalus) in the North Sea. Lutra 61(1): 71-86. Kinze, C.C., Th?stesen, C.B., & Olsen, M.T. Cetacean stranding records along the Danish coastline: records for the period 2008-2017 and a comparative review. Lutra 61(1): 87-105. Haelters, J., Kerckhof, F., & Jauniaux, T. Strandings of cetaceans in Belgium from 1995 to 2017. Lutra 61(1): 107-126. Geelhoed, S.C.V. & Scheidat, M. Abundance of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) on the Dutch continental shelf, aerial surveys 2012-2017. Lutra 61(1): 127-136. Weel, S.M.H., Geelhoed, S., Tulp, I., & Scheidat, M. Feeding behaviour of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the Elms estuary. Lutra 61(1): 137-152. IJsseldijk, L.L., Brownlow, A., Davison, N.J., Deaville, R., Haelters, J., Keijl, G., Siebert, U., & ten Doeschate, M.T.I. Spatiotemporal trends in white-beaked dolphin strandings along the North Sea coast from 1991-2017. Lutra 61(1): 153-163. Leopold, M., Rotshuizen, E., & Evans, P.G.H. From nought to 100 in no time: how humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) came into the southern North Sea. Lutra 61(1): 165-188. Kinze, C.C. A case for Tursiops tursio(Gunnerus, 1768). Lutra 61(1): 189-195. Smeenk, C.C. A chronological review of the nomenclature of Delphinus rostratusShaw, 1801 and Delphinus bredanesis(Lesson, 1828). Lutra 61(1): 197-214. For anyone interested in any of these papers, please contact the lead authors or myself. kind regards, Peter G.H. Evans Mae croeso i chi gysylltu gyda'r Brifysgol yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg You are welcome to contact the University in Welsh or English Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 1141565 - Registered Charity No. 1141565 Gall y neges e-bost hon, ac unrhyw atodiadau a anfonwyd gyda hi, gynnwys deunydd cyfrinachol ac wedi eu bwriadu i'w defnyddio'n unig gan y sawl y cawsant eu cyfeirio ato (atynt). Os ydych wedi derbyn y neges e-bost hon trwy gamgymeriad, rhowch wybod i'r anfonwr ar unwaith a dilewch y neges. Os na fwriadwyd anfon y neges atoch chi, rhaid i chi beidio a defnyddio, cadw neu ddatgelu unrhyw wybodaeth a gynhwysir ynddi. Mae unrhyw farn neu safbwynt yn eiddo i'r sawl a'i hanfonodd yn unig ac nid yw o anghenraid yn cynrychioli barn Prifysgol Bangor. Nid yw Prifysgol Bangor yn gwarantu bod y neges e-bost hon neu unrhyw atodiadau yn rhydd rhag firysau neu 100% yn ddiogel. Oni bai fod hyn wedi ei ddatgan yn uniongyrchol yn nhestun yr e-bost, nid bwriad y neges e-bost hon yw ffurfio contract rhwymol - mae rhestr o lofnodwyr awdurdodedig ar gael o Swyddfa Cyllid Prifysgol Bangor. This email and any attachments may contain confidential material and is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you must not use, retain or disclose any information contained in this email. Any views or opinions are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of Bangor University. Bangor University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of the text of the email, this email is not intended to form a binding contract - a list of authorised signatories is available from the Bangor University Finance Office. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From info_ICMMPA5 at wwf.gr Tue Oct 30 07:52:45 2018 From: info_ICMMPA5 at wwf.gr (info_ICMMPA5) Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2018 14:52:45 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] 5th ICMMPA in Greece 2019 - Announcement of Early Registrations! In-Reply-To: <732905c766e54225a985aeb363992688@wwf.gr> References: <732905c766e54225a985aeb363992688@wwf.gr> Message-ID: <2577b1aff8ad459b8b8ed170287482ea@wwf.gr> The 5th ICMMPA Early Registration is now open! The International Committee on Marine Mammal Protected Areas in collaboration with WWF Greece is pleased to announce that the early registration for the 5th International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas is now open and will remain open until the 31st of December! After the 1st of January 2019, regular registration rates will apply. With the title ?Celebrating a decade of MMPA Collaboration?, the 5th ICMMPA will be hosted, for the first time in Europe, and specifically in Greece, from 8-12th April 2019. The conference will have the honor to have HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, as the opening speaker, a champion in marine conservation. The conference will evaluate the up to date progress and identify a path forward towards marine mammal protection, establishment of area-based management measures and their implementation in MPAs throughout the world. Registrations: https://www.fifth.icmmpa.org/registration For more information about the 5th ICMMPA: Amalia Alberini, Conference Co-host, WWF Greece (info_ICMMPA5 at wwf.gr), WWF Greece or Naomi McIntosh, Chair, ICMMPA (naomi.mcintosh at noaa.gov) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Invitation.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 985556 bytes Desc: Invitation.pdf URL: From kzagzebski at nmlc.org Mon Oct 29 17:12:58 2018 From: kzagzebski at nmlc.org (Kathy Zagzebski) Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:12:58 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Job Opportunity: Animal Care & Necropsy Tech, National Marine Life Center Message-ID: <02ba01d46fe5$50caaa00$f25ffe00$@nmlc.org> ANIMAL CARE & NECROPSY TECHNICIAN (part-time): The National Marine Life Center, an independent, non-profit marine animal hospital and science and education center on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, seeks a part-time Animal Care & Necropsy Technician to work with stranded sea turtles and seals. Responsibilities include: animal husbandry; animal necropsies; performing animal health assessments; scheduling procedures; collecting samples; animal handling and restraint, preparing food and feeding; administering vitamins and medications; training and supervising volunteers; cleaning and maintaining the facilities; testing water quality; and maintaining the life support systems. Additional duties include: presenting educational programs to the public, participating in fundraising activities, and assisting with general office duties. Requirements: rehabilitation experience with marine mammals and sea turtles; necropsy experience on marine mammals and sea turtles; B.A./B.S. in biology, zoology, or related field, and/or veterinary technician degree/certification, and/or equivalent work experience; excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficiency with standard MS Office software. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. This is a part-time position, working approximately 20 hours per week. The position is open until filled. We are looking to fill this position quickly. For more info and a full job description, please visit: http://nmlc.org/about/staff/job-opportunities/#animalcarenecrotech Send cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references to Lisa Becker, Animal Care Manager, lbecker at nmlc.org , (fax) 508-759-5477, National Marine Life Center, P.O. Box 269, Buzzards Bay, MA, 02532-0269. The National Marine Life Center is an equal opportunity employer. www.nmlc.org . *********************************** Kathy Zagzebski President & Executive Director National Marine Life Center P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 kzagzebski at nmlc.org www.nmlc.org @MarineLifeCtr 508-743-9888 x301 Fax 508-759-5477 Cell 774-313-8850 I Goodsearch.com for the National Marine Life Center! I #shopwithasmile for the National Marine Life Center at https://smile.amazon.com/ch/04-3290276 ********************************** --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From marchesimc at gmail.com Mon Oct 29 17:30:44 2018 From: marchesimc at gmail.com (=?utf-8?Q?Mar=C3=ADa_Constanza_Marchesi?=) Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2018 21:30:44 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication on Long-finned pilot whale skull morphometry, MarMamSci References: <92E871DB-A430-44A4-9E4C-0028CF808687@gmail.com> Message-ID: <108A13E6-10DD-4308-889B-FFB3E2F2C8AC@gmail.com> Dear Colleagues, We are happy to announce the publication of our note in Marine Mammal Science entitled: "Long-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala melas, Traill 1809) subspecies in the Atlantic Ocean: Are there differences in their skulls?? by T.I. Marina, M.C. Marchesi and R.N.P Goodall, DOI: 10.1111/mms.12548. In this note, we employed traditional morphometrics to characterize in detail the skull morphometry of the two subspecies of long-finned pilot whale (G. melas melas and G. melas edwardii) in the Atlantic Ocean and compare them in order to provide new information about their cranial structure, as well as to contribute to the taxonomic resolution of the subspecies. We hypothesized morphometric differences in the skull of both subspecies, based on the fact that they are completely isolated and on the presence of analogous skull distinction in the short- and long-finned pilot whale species, and in the eastern and western North Atlantic populations of the long-finned pilot whale. This is the first study that characterizes and compares the skull morphometry of the two long-finned pilot whale subspecies in detail. Our results lead to the conclusion that these subspecies exhibit significant differences in skull morphology in the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, we suggest functional implications for feeding habits, diving behavior and sound production that should be tested in future studies. You can access the article at:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12548 If you cannot download the publication, you can request a pdf copy by emailing the leading author: tomasimarina at gmail.com Regards, Lic. Mar?a Constanza Marchesi Doctoral Fellow, Laboratorio de Mam?feros Marinos, Centro para el Estudio de los Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR, CENPAT-CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Argentina > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From michael at graywhalescount.org Tue Oct 30 11:58:39 2018 From: michael at graywhalescount.org (Michael H Smith) Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2018 11:58:39 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Seeking Research Assistants for Gray Whales Count 2019, Santa Barbara, CA, USA Message-ID: <6FA371EF-882F-4328-B4EF-E9EBB1BF2D42@graywhalescount.org> RESEARCH ASSISTANT (RA) POSITIONS AVAILABLE - seeking volunteer Research Assistants to participate in Gray Whales Count (GWC) 2019 survey of the northbound migration of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) migrating through the nearshore of the Santa Barbara Channel. GWC is seeking Research Assistants (RA) to work with Project Coordinator and team of observers to assist in our annual survey, conducted from shore at Counter Point, in the Coal Oil Point Reserve, Goleta, California, USA, adjacent to the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). This position is open to citizens of the United States of America and those authorized to work in the United States with an appropriate visa in hand. The 2019 survey begins Wednesday, February 13 and continues every day through May 29, from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Sunday . If gray whale calves are continuing, we may need to extend the survey through May 31. We are looking for passionate, caring individuals who are willing to commit for the entire survey, ~100 survey days, and be available to begin Saturday, February 9 to train and to assist with preparations. GWC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for research and education. The primary goal of research is to estimate the number of gray whales and gray whale calves migrating northbound through our corridor and to share our data to complement similar sampling-studies along the California coast. A secondary goal is to document the variety and quantity of other marine mammals in the ocean area around our site, which is now a Marine Protected Area. Goals of education are to teach the process of scientific research to Counters and to give them the opportunity to conduct a meaningful study, to experience marine mammals in their natural environment, and to share this process and our enthusiasm with publics through direct interchange, outreach, and various media. RAs will be trained by the Project Coordinator and, in-turn, share the responsibility for training new volunteers and conducting research and education. Applicable skills learned and achieved include: > Process, concepts, and protocols of the survey, including use of equipment and data-entry. > Ability to identify a multitude of marine mammal species from a distance, including but not limited to: gray whales, humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, harbor seals, California sea lions, sea otters, etc. > Identify behaviors of these marine mammals > Distinguish calves from juveniles and adults > Identify vessels and vessel operations > Gather detailed, consistent data, with ability to teach and check others? work > Learn about marine mammals in their natural environment and the forces that affect them, both natural and anthropogenic > Developing responsibility and a working relationship within a team Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit full-time to the project for the time period involved, approximately 100 days. This will entail up to 9 hours of work a day for at least 5 days a week. (With training, RA?s are required to work everyday the first two weeks.) The Count is 6 days per week (no counting Tuesdays). The more time you can put in, the more you will get out of your experience. Priority will be given to those candidates with associative career goals. Previous experience is a plus but not a condition. This is an invaluable opportunity to gain extensive experience in real-time, scientific fieldwork in an environment rich with diverse populations of marine mammals. You will work with equally diverse individuals who are caring, attentive, and curious. Gray whales are a sentinel species traveling from temperate lagoons in Mexico, along the dynamic California Current at the eastern edge of the North Pacific Ocean to the Arctic waters of northern Alaska in one of the longest marine mammal migrations. Requirements: > Even though we are situated in Southern California, you must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Fieldwork can be, at times, physically and mentally demanding. > Willingness to work long hours. > Commit for a minimum of 100 days, full time (minimum five days per week). > Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, zoology, environmental science, animal behavior or a related field. > Previous field experience with marine wildlife and observation is a plus but not required. > Ability to work in a team environment to produce consistent, high quality results. We cannot stress this enough. You will be trained to be a leader of an operation with people of differing experience and dedication. > Be enthusiastic and possess a caring, positive attitude, with a strong desire to learn. > Be adaptable and patient. The migration is characterized by pulses rather than a steady stream; and weather is the unknown factor: wind, rain, and fog can shut us down. > We strive for a perfection that cannot be attained. We are forgiving and learn from experience. This is a volunteer position. The selected RAs will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Santa Barbara/Goleta, California and daily to the survey site. Recognizing that living costs are high in this area, Gray Whales Count will award a $500 stipend to assist each RA with expenses upon successful completion of the RA position. RAs will be responsible for all for living expenses while volunteering for Gray Whales Count. To apply: Please send cover letter/r?sum? to Project Coordinator, Michael Smith michael at graywhalescount.org . We strongly recommend you look over our website: graywhalescount.org to familiarize yourself with our operation. In the cover letter, please address why you wish to participate in Gray Whales Count; how this particular experience will be meaningful to you; and how this might advance your career goals. There is no deadline to apply. The position will remain open until it is filled. Please consider applying early in order to arrange travel plans and to secure room and board. _______________________________________________ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM at lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From interns at aimm-portugal.org Mon Oct 29 13:52:59 2018 From: interns at aimm-portugal.org (AIMM Internships) Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:52:59 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL Message-ID: *DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species such as Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of May to 31st October 2019. The minimum internship attendance is 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: ? Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; ? Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; ? Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; ? Collect photos to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board; ? Secchi disk methodology; ? Help to collect of drone footage from the marine mammals. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2019 season, please contact: interns at aimm-portugal.org We have a special deal for you book the internship until 31st December 2018. *Included* in the fee is: ? Accommodation in the research house; ? Transportation to/from the marina; ? Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); ? Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: ? Transportation to/from Albufeira; ? Meals in restaurants and snacks; ? Free time activities; ? Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); ? Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* ? Be above the age of 16; ? Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; ? Be autonomous and flexible; ? Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; ? Speak English; ? Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: ? Relevant marine mammal field experience ? Working experience on research vessels ? Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms ? Experience in photo-identification ? Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID ? Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/dolphin-research-internship AIMM will send a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the internship and asking for your Resume/CV, motivation letter (small statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM) and the period of time that you want do the program. OR Applicants should send an e-mail to: interns at aimm-portugal.org, with the subject ?*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP*?. You will receive and e-mail with the availability and all the others details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. The follow link is a short video about the internship in Albufeira. You get a different perspective and feedback from old participants about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zTIEQEsftA *Contacts*: interns at aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- AIMM - Associa??o para Investiga??o do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association* Website: www.aimmportugal.org Youtube: https://Youtube/AIMMPortugal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIMM.org/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/aimmportugal_org Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIMMPortugal -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jgramm at imms.org Sun Oct 28 11:59:02 2018 From: jgramm at imms.org (Jeanette Gramm) Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2018 18:59:02 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] IMMS Animal Training Internship (Spring) Message-ID: IMMS Animal Training Internship Spring: Feb ? April 2019 Deadline: December 1, 2018 The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (?IMMS?) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 for the purposes of public education, conservation, and research on marine mammals in the wild and under human care. Located in Gulfport, Mississippi, IMMS has been an active participant of the National Stranding Network since its inception. IMMS is the premier stranding organization in the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama region of the Gulf Coast with the capability and expertise to care for sick and injured marine mammals. IMMS serves as an important educational outlet for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, incorporating programs for conservation, education and research of marine mammals and their environment. Program Description The IMMS Animal Training Internship Program is designed as a way for students/individuals interested in a career in animal care and training to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. Interns will primarily be trained in aspects of animal care, but will also participate in other activities at IMMS. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Duties The IMMS animal care and training staff is in charge of caring for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, and large parrots. Interns will work directly with animal care staff and be exposed to all aspects of the daily routine. Heavy emphasis is placed on basic tasks such as food preparation, and daily cleaning and facility maintenance. Interns will learn how to train animals with operant conditioning through observation and may assist during sessions. Interns will also complete a project during their internship, give educational presentations to guests before they interact with our animals, as well as help staff with daily water quality. Because we want interns to have a well-rounded experience, they will also be asked to assist in other departments. Interns may participate as 1) environmental educators and assist in giving presentations to the public, 2) research assistants that help with our many wild dolphin based research studies, or 3) emergency responders as IMMS is part of the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network and responds to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Eligibility Requirements Interns must be: ? 18 years or older. ? A recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences. ? Willing to accept the internship as an unpaid position. ? Able to commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. ? Available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. ? Able to lift 50 lbs, work long hours on your feet, and work outside in extreme conditions. ? Able to maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. ? Financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, though IMMS staff will do their best to assist you in making arrangements. ? Able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations. To Apply Please send the following documents to: jgramm at imms.org with ?Animal Training Internship? in the subject line. * IMMS Animal Training Internship Application * Resume with cover letter. * Two letters of recommendation - Provide at least one academic, and one work/volunteer- related reference if applicable. Letters may be emailed from the applicant or the person providing the recommendation letter. * A copy of your current official college transcript. Applicants may submit an unofficial copy. * Full photograph Documents must be in one of the following formats - PDF, .doc, .docx, and must be submitted together with your first and last name and the date in the file name. Ex) 2013Aug_Jane_Doe_Resume, 2013Aug_Jane_Doe_Application, 2013Aug_Jane_Doe_Transcript. Jeanette Gramm Marine Mammal Trainer Animal Training Internship Coordinator Institute for Marine Mammal Studies Gulfport, MS -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dagmar_fertl at hotmail.com Tue Oct 30 17:38:37 2018 From: dagmar_fertl at hotmail.com (Dagmar Fertl) Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2018 00:38:37 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Photo-ID software - finFindR Message-ID: Posted by request of Dr. Sam Ridgway (National Marine Mammal Foundation). WEST and the National Marine Mammal Foundation and Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST) have released an innovative, automated system, ?finFindR?, that identifies wild dolphins using photographs of the nicks and notches on their dorsal fins. This free, opensource software application allows researchers to compare fin characteristics in their dolphin photographs with those in finFindR?s catalog of known individuals. 'finFindR' compares images in a fraction of second. More information about this software can be found here: https://github.com/haimeh/finFindR/wiki? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From alonso.mb at gmail.com Wed Oct 31 11:42:53 2018 From: alonso.mb at gmail.com (Mariana Alonso) Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2018 15:42:53 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] Publication Message-ID: Dear all, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of the following article: ?*Preliminary study of long-range transport of halogenated flame retardants using Antarctic marine mammals**?. *Oscar Aznar-Alemany, Xuefei Yang, Mariana B. Alonso, Erli Schneider Costa, Jo?o Paulo M. Torres, Olaf Malm, Dami? Barcelo, Ethel Eljarrat (2019) *Science of the Total Environment* 650: 1889?1897 DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.287 *Capsule abstract:* Halogenated flame retardants were in tissues of Antarctic seals proving long-range transport. Dechloranes showed similar behaviour to PBDEs, additionally they crossed the BBB (blood-brain barrier). *Abstract:* Eight PBDE congeners, three emerging brominated flame retardants, five dechloranes and eight MeO-PBDEs were monitored in tissues (muscular, adipose, brain) and fur of southern elephant seal and Antarctic fur seal of the South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula. Total PBDEs and total dechloranes concentrations ranged between n.d.?6 ng/g lw. While PBDEs were not detected in brain tissue, Dec 602 was found in brain tissue of both seal species indicating that dechloranes ?with potential neurological toxicity? could cross the blood-brain barrier. Emerging brominated flame retardants were not detected in any sample and only two MeOPBDEs, which are of natural origin, were found. The presence of the detected compounds in biota from the Antarctic evidences their long-range transportation, being of special interest the detection of emerging compounds such as dechloranes. This is the first time that these contaminants have been detected in marine mammals from the Antarctic. BDE-47 concentrations were lower than previously reported for the same species, suggesting a successful effect of the existing regulation and bans on PBDEs. The full text and pdf are available from: *https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969718337380?via%3Dihub * For any questions or pdf requests please email: Mariana Alonso: alonso.mb at gmail.com Best regards, *Mariana Batha Alonso**, Ph.D.* Adjunct Professor Laboratory of Radioisotopes Eduardo Penna Franca Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From marchesimc at gmail.com Wed Oct 31 13:03:41 2018 From: marchesimc at gmail.com (=?utf-8?Q?Mar=C3=ADa_Constanza_Marchesi?=) Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2018 17:03:41 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication FUNCTIONAL SUBDIVISION OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN IN FOUR SOUTH AMERICAN DOLPHINS (Mastozoologia Neotropical) Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, My coauthors and I are very pleased to announce the online publication of our paper in Mastozoolog?a Neotropical entitled: FUNCTIONAL SUBDIVISION OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN IN FOUR SOUTH AMERICAN DOLPHINS by M.C. Marchesi, M. S. Mora, E. A. Crespo, C. Boy, R. Gonz?lez-Jos? and R.N.P Goodall, doi.org/10.31687/saremMN.18.25.2.0.12 ABSTRACT. Description and functional interpretation of morphological variation in the dolphin column can be facilitated by recognizing structural units. This information offers important clues to the proportion of the column involved in the oscillation and displacement of the ukes, and how swimming style can vary among species. Thus, the morphological characterization and functional subdivision of the vertebral column is of key importance to gain insights into the locomotor performance of cetacean species occurring in di erent environ- ments. We employed traditional morphometrics to establish the functional subdivision of the vertebral column of Commerson?s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii), a coastal species, and the dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), a shelf species. These species are closely related, and some of them are partially sympatric. We also compared the obtained results against information previously reported by Marchesi et al (2017) on Peale?s dolphin (Lagenorhynchus australis), a coastal species, and the hourglass dolphin (Lagenorhynchus cruciger), an oceanic species. These results bring further support to our hypothesis that coastal species have morphological traits associated with higher flexibility, whilst platform and oceanic species have features associated with higher stability in a greater proportion of their column. You can access the article at: http://www.sarem.org.ar/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SAREM_MastNeotrop_en-prensa_Marchesi.pdf You can request a pdf copy by emailing me: marchesimc at gmail.com Regards, Lic. Mar?a Constanza Marchesi Doctoral Fellow, Laboratorio de Mam?feros Marinos, Centro para el Estudio de los Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR, CENPAT-CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Argentina Lic. Mar?a Constanza Marchesi Becaria Doctoral/Doctoral Fellow Laboratorio de Mam?feros Marinos (LAMAMA) Centro para el Estudio de los Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR) CCT CENPAT-CONICET Blvd. Brown 2915 U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina Research Gate Profile: www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria_Constanza_Marchesi -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From tbohuszewicz at marineventures.com Wed Oct 31 15:08:18 2018 From: tbohuszewicz at marineventures.com (Teresa Bohuszewicz) Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2018 22:08:18 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Manatee observers needed for Tampa project Message-ID: Manatee observers needed for dredging project in Tampa, Florida. Must have manatee monitoring experience, specifically, manatee observations in aggregation areas, observations of high concentrations of manatees and nighttime monitoring experience. Start date in two weeks. Expected to be 4-5 months of work. Please, submit resume ASAP to tbohuszewicz at marineventures.com. Teresa (Bohuszewicz) Espy | MMO/PSO Services Mgr Marine Ventures International, Inc. 8524 SW Kansas Avenue Stuart, FL USA 34997 +1 772-419-9627 Main Office +1 772 419-9634 Direct +1 321-537-3291 (no longer active) +1 772-419-9628 Fax www.marineventures.com [marine-ventures-logo-v14b-font-5] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 13695 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From Valeria.Vergara at ocean.org Wed Oct 31 09:24:34 2018 From: Valeria.Vergara at ocean.org (Valeria Vergara) Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2018 16:24:34 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Contact call diversity in natural beluga entrapments in an Arctic estuary: Preliminary evidence of vocal signatures in wild belugas Message-ID: <1c704ea1bdc5468580996a0a6000a16d@va-ex01.vanaqua.local> Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce our recent article in Marine Mammal Science: Contact call diversity in natural beluga entrapments in an Arctic estuary: Preliminary evidence of vocal signatures in wild belugas. DOI:10.1111/mms.12538. Authors: Valeria Vergara and Marie-Ana Mikus The paper is available in early view at https://rdcu.be/bajyx Abstract: Broadband, pulsed contact calls have been described for captive and temporarily restrained belugas, but little information exists on their usage in the wild. We examined vocal production during 14 natural beluga entrapments in a shallow channel in Cunningham Inlet, as isolation events offer ideal contexts to study contact calls. Drone footage, overhead photos, and shore-based photos confirmed the number of individuals and age composition in each entrapment. Contact calls comprised the majority (61%) of vocalizations produced by entrapped whales compared to the free-ranging herd (10%). We divided contact calls into complex (80%), those with a stereotyped, spectrographically prominent component overlapping the pulse train that characterizes all beluga contact calls, and simple (20%), those with no overlapping component. For each entrapment, we generated a catalogue of complex contact call types, totaling 87 types. Our classification was corroborated both quantitatively and by 55 na?ve human judges. Occasional instances of overlapping contact calls of the same type indicated dyadic production. The number of contact call types per entrapment was strongly related to (never exceeding) the number of individuals, excluding neonates. Although this suggests a system of vocal signatures in belugas, consistent with their fission-fusion society and earlier findings, whether signature identity is encoded individually or shared with related animals remains unknown. Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions, or for a PDF (valeria.vergara at ocean.org) Regards, Valeria Vergara, Ph.D. Research Scientist Valeria.Vergara at ocean.org D 604 659 3452 | M 604 220 7593 ________________________________ Our vision is a world in which oceans are healthy and flourishing. | ocean.org [Facebook][Twitter][Instagram][Youtube][Snapchat] [Ocean Wise Logo] ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY WARNING - THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE ADDRESSEE, IT MAY CONTAIN PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. ANY UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY SO THAT WE MAY CORRECT OUR INTERNAL RECORDS. PLEASE THEN DELETE THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE. THANK YOU ________________________________ We enjoy talking to you - If you do not wish to receive further information from us (where applicable), please email PRIVACY at OCEAN.ORG or write to our policy officer at Ocean Wise Conservation Association, PO Box 3232 Vancouver, BC V6B 3X8 For more information about our privacy or anti-spam policies, please visit www.ocean.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 312 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.png Type: image/png Size: 370 bytes Desc: image002.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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