From gui.frainer at gmail.com Tue Oct 1 07:28:15 2019 From: gui.frainer at gmail.com (Guilherme Frainer) Date: Tue, 1 Oct 2019 11:28:15 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] Fwd: New article on the ontogeny and evolution of the sound-generating structures in dolphins In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Dear all, We are happy to share our recent publication in Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blz118 Abstract The ontogeny of the structures involved in sound generation and modulation in dolphins was investigated through a comparison of the soft nasal structures of foetal, perinatal, neonatal and adult specimens of Pontoporiidae, Phocoenidae and Delphinidae. Foetal samples were sectioned at 10 ?m in the saggital and coronal planes, and stained for histological examination. Computed tomography and magentic resonance imaging scan series were combined with new data to represent the ontogenetic stages of the three groups. The images were analysed in 3D-Slicer to characterize the general head topography. The origins of the melon and the vestibular air sac were detected between Carnegie stages C16 and F22. The three groups analysed showed distinct formation of the nasal plug and nasal plug muscles, mainly with regard to the loss of fat pathways (or their maintenance in Pontoporiidae) and the development of the nasal plug muscles on both sides (during perinatal development of Phocoenidae) or just on the left side (during postnatal development in Delphinidae). Broadband vocalizing delphinidans might have evolved under heterochronic events acting on the formation of sound-generating structures such as the rostrum and vestibular air sacs, and on the transformation of the branches of the melon, probably leading to a reduced directionality of the sonar beam. All the best, Gui -- *Guilherme Frainer * Programa de P?s-Gradua??o em Biologia Animal (PPGBAN/UFRGS). Departamento De Zoologia. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Livre de v?rus. www.avg.com . <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From f.christiansen at live.se Wed Oct 2 05:07:47 2019 From: f.christiansen at live.se (Fredrik Christiansen) Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2019 12:07:47 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on estimating body mass of free-living whales using drone photogrammetry and 3D modelling Message-ID: Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Methods in Ecology and Evolution: Christiansen, F., Sironi, M., Moore, M.J., Di Martino, M., Ricciardi, M., Warick, H.A. & Uhart, M.M. 2019. Estimating body mass of free-living whales using aerial photogrammetry and 3D volumetrics. Methods in Ecology and Evolution: 1-11. DOI: /10.1111/2041-210X.13298 In this study we used unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to measure the body shape (length, width and height) of southern right whales in Pen??nsula Vald??s, Argentina, from which we estimated body volume. We also calculated the body girth of the free-living whales, and developed a model to predict body volume from body length and girths. Using this model we then predicted the volume of North Pacific right whales caught in whaling operations, for which body length, girth and mass was known. From this we could calculate a volume-to-mass conversion factor, or body density, of the dead whales, which we then applied to the free-living southern right whales to calculate their body mass. Please find the abstract and a link to the paper below: Abstract: 1. Body mass is a key life?\history trait in animals. Despite being the largest animals on the planet, no method currently exists to estimate body mass of free?\living whales. 2. We combined aerial photographs and historical catch records to estimate the body mass of free?\living right whales (Eubalaena sp.). First, aerial photogrammetry from unmanned aerial vehicles was used to measure the body length, width (lateral distance) and height (dorso?\ventral distance) of free?\living southern right whales (Eubalaena australis; 48 calves, seven juveniles and 31 lactating females). From these data, body volume was estimated by modelling the whales as a series of infinitely small ellipses. The body girth of the whales was next calculated at three measurement sites (across the pectoral fin, the umbilicus and the anus) and a linear model was developed to predict body volume from the body girth and length data. To obtain a volume?\to?\mass conversion factor, this model was then used to estimate the body volume of eight lethally caught North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica), for which body mass was measured. This conversion factor was consequently used to predict the body mass of the free?\living whales. 3. The cross?\sectional body shape (height?Cwidth ratio) of the whales was slightly flattened dorso?\ventrally at the anterior end of the body, almost circular in the mid region, and significantly flattened in the lateral plane across the posterior half of the body. Compared to a circular cross?\sectional model, our body mass model incorporating body length, width and height improved mass estimates by up to 23.6% (mean = 6.1%, SD = 5.27). Our model had a mean error of only 1.6% (SD = 0.012), compared to 9.5% (SD = 7.68) for a simpler body length?\to?\mass model. The volume?\to?\mass conversion factor was estimated at 754.63 kg/m3 (SD = 50.03). Predicted body mass estimates were within a close range of existing body mass measurements. 4. We provide a non?\invasive method to accurately estimate body mass of free?\living whales while accounting for both their structural size (body length) and relative body condition (body width). Our approach can be directly applied to other marine mammals by adjusting the model parameters (body mass model script provided). The paper can be accessed from the following link: https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/2041-210X.13298 This study was done in collaboration with the Digital Life Project at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and CG artist Robert Gutierrez, which created a 3D model of a southern right whale. To access the 3D mesh model of a right whale you can follow this link: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-55b-3d-mesh-southern-right-whale-e0eaf794df2045c28e703219dcddcf56 To access a full colour 3D model of a southern right whale you can follow this link: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-55a-southern-right-whale-3bddfdfafc6c43758df9b94bc9e0fe9e Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Assistant Professor/Postdoctoral Research Fellow Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies Aarhus University, Denmark +4531332367 f.christiansen at aias.au.dk http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From JPost at imms.org Tue Oct 1 13:15:03 2019 From: JPost at imms.org (Jessica Post) Date: Tue, 1 Oct 2019 20:15:03 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] IMMS Winter/Spring 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. 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' boat), 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 educational staff 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 sessions (January 6-March 27, 2020 or March 2-May 22, 2020) is November 1, 2019. 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 corrie.curtice at duke.edu Tue Oct 1 15:20:57 2019 From: corrie.curtice at duke.edu (Corrie Curtice) Date: Tue, 1 Oct 2019 22:20:57 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication available: The importance of migratory connectivity to global ocean policy Message-ID: Dear marine mammal community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to announce our recent paper in Proceedings B on ?The importance of migratory connectivity to global ocean policy,? an effort by a large working group within the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean (MiCO) initiative (https://www.mico.eco) co-led by Daniel Dunn (University of Queensland & the Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab at Duke University) and Autumn-Lynn Harrison (Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center). The paper discusses the current need and suggests recommendations to address the major gap between the large amounts of data being collected on marine animal movements, and the accessibility and application of those data for policy makers and managers. It also introduces a prototype knowledge (not data) repository: https://mico.eco/system. Rather than aggregating data, MiCO seeks to aggregate usable knowledge in the form of model results that can be easily ingested or understood by managers and policymakers, while also garnering benefits for contributors. Specifically, the system never distributes contributed datasets, but freely disseminates synthesized area-use and (soon) network models, and ensures attribution of all derived products back to the original contributors to allow them to track the impact of their research by tracking the use of the derived products. We appreciate all of those who have contributed data, expertise, and knowledge to the initiative. The MiCO concept and prototype system have already informed and received very positive feedback from regional (Regional Seas Organizations) and global policy processes (CMS, International Whaling Commission, and Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction negotiations), as well as industry (to inform siting, EIAs, etc.). If you are interested in contributing to MiCO or learning more, please feel free to reach out (https://mico.eco/about/contact/). Our paper is freely available at: http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/lookup/doi/10.1098/rspb.2019.1472. Lastly, I will be presenting MiCO with a speed talk at the World Marine Mammal Conference in Barcelona on December 12 at 9:55am. Thank you, Corrie Curtice, on behalf of my co-authors -- Corrie Curtice Research Analyst Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University http://mgel.env.duke.edu em: corrie.curtice at duke.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From gemmlagos at gmail.com Wed Oct 2 09:38:14 2019 From: gemmlagos at gmail.com (Salvatore Siciliano) Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2019 13:38:14 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: A stop for a snack: Apparent humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) feeding off South-eastern Brazil Message-ID: Dear MARMAM Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm pleased to announce our publication (short note) in Boletim do Labohidro, which describes apparent feeding behavior of humpback whales while migrating along SE Brazil and interactions with gillnets. A stop for a snack: Apparent humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) feeding behavior and association with gillnets during migration off South-eastern Brazil. Bol. do Labohidro, 29: 41-49, 2019.Short summary: Cases of humpback whales feeding on breeding grounds are still poorly known in the world. This study reports field observations of a juvenile whale - yearling, in Brazilian waters, with evidence of foraging behavior, in search of prey that seemed to be prawn or squid, during short dives. In addition, other similar observations are reported in southeastern Brazil in which the whales showed interest and approach gillnets, probably attracted by entangled fish. In some of these cases, it is considered that whale approaching towards the nets has caused entanglements, and in at least one case the specimen freed itself from nets. In other cases, nets may have caused humpback whale injuries. A follow-up of these interactions throughout the Brazilian coast is recommended for a better evaluation of these interactions with fishing nets, since they may represent a new form of behavior of these whales in their migratory period. The article can be downloaded here: http://www.periodicoseletronicos.ufma.br/index.php/blabohidro/article/view/11035/6880 or http://www.periodicoseletronicos.ufma.br/index.php/blabohidro/index Best, Salvatore -- Grupo de Estudos de Mam?feros Marinhos da Regi?o dos Lagos -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From B.J.Godley at exeter.ac.uk Tue Oct 1 13:13:22 2019 From: B.J.Godley at exeter.ac.uk (Godley, Brendan) Date: Tue, 1 Oct 2019 20:13:22 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] FW: Announcing new Masters Degree: Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Dear Colleagues At the University of Exeter we have a proud history of training students at all levels from BSc to PhD. Building on our research strengths in marine vertebrates, including marine mammals, we are launching a new MSc programme ?MSc Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation? (1 year, full time) starting September 2020 and now open for applications. http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/biosciences/marine/ Please share with likely interested students and colleagues! Although this is our first announcement, we have already received a deal of interest. More material such as alumni profiles, lists of collaborating organisations and affiliated staff will be shared on the website and through our @ExeterMarine social media channels on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Linkedin, but for the moment: Structure of the course: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/biosciences/marine/#Programme-structure Educational style and key staff: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/biosciences/marine/#Learning Scholarships: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/international/globalexcellencetaught/ As course director, I am happy to answer any queries. With kind regards Brendan Brendan Godley Chair in Conservation Science #ExeterMarine Strategy Lead Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC) University of Exeter, Penryn Campus https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/marine/researchthemes/ Twitter: @BrendanGodley Twitter: @ExeterMarine I recently gave a TEDx Talk ?Sea Turtles: United by Oceans? You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT3PQN9bojc -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "IUCN-SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to iucn-mtsg+unsubscribe at googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iucn-mtsg/LO2P265MB147199B7A008CE4CAAEEC94CE99D0%40LO2P265MB1471.GBRP265.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From er26 at st-andrews.ac.uk Wed Oct 2 03:40:07 2019 From: er26 at st-andrews.ac.uk (Eric Rexstad) Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2019 11:40:07 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] Interactive introductory online distance sampling training 04-15 November 2019 Message-ID: <7d0ff067-c30b-16f8-5908-6fa80fa0fc97@st-andrews.ac.uk> Interactive introductory distance sampling training The University of St Andrews has been training people in design and analysis of distance sampling studies for decades.? Perhaps you've wanted to attend but could not get permission for travel to Scotland or the scheduling of workshops in August conflicted with your field work.? We are offering the training workshop in 10 two-hour blocks in early November.? You will be invited to interact in short lectures on distance sampling principles. ??? Exercises analysing data sets in R will reinforce those principles and the lecturer will be available to assist during the practical session via screen sharing.? The block will conclude with a summary of the exercise and question/answer session for both lecture and exercise. ? The workshop will be delivered using Zoom web conferencing software along with R-Studio "in the cloud"??; both free software tools.? You will need no-cost accounts for both pieces of software. I encourage you to experiment with Zoom (at https://zoom.us) and https://rstudio.cloud before the course begins. Important details: * Workshop dates and time: 04 - 15 November 2019 o 1800-2000 UK time (1300-1500 EST, 1000-1200 PST, 0900-1100AKST) ?? * Registration deadline: *28 October 2019*? * Enrolment limit: 10 (so everybody can get attention they desire) * Cost: 170 British pounds (roughly $205 at current exchange rates)? * What is included: Lectures, exercises, code, data all available online? Further details are available at the CREEM website: https://www.creem.st-andrews.ac.uk/distance-live-online-workshops/ At this page you will find a link to the St Andrews online shop where you register and make payment. Feel free to contact me with questions.? We expect to offer this training again in early 2020 if November timing does not suit you.? Future offerings may use the Distance for Windows software if there is sufficient demand.? The interactive workshops do not replace face-to-face distance sampling workshops that will be held in August 2020. -- Eric Rexstad Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9LZ +44 (0)1334 461833 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From vjf5 at georgetown.edu Mon Oct 7 07:00:47 2019 From: vjf5 at georgetown.edu (Vivienne Foroughirad) Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2019 10:00:47 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Postdoctoral fellowship opportunity at Georgetown University Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, Janet Mann's lab welcomes applicants to the 21st Century Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunity at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. This is a competitive university-wide fellowship aimed at under-represented groups in our field. Recipients will be provided a competitive salary for two years, as well as research and travel allowances. Applications must be US citizens or permanent residents and must have earned their PhD within the last three years. Deadline is *OCTOBER 20, 2019*. We study bottlenose dolphins (T. *aduncus* and T. *truncatus*) at two sites- Shark Bay, Australia and the Potomac-Chesapeake, U.S.A respectively. We are focused on a range of topics such as: maternal care, calf and juvenile development, maternal effects, female reproduction and senescence, genetic relatedness (in collaboration with Dr. Celine Frere at Univ of the Sunshine Coast, Qld), fitness, ecological and social phenotypes, life history, fission-fusion dynamics, social networks, disease transmission, population structure, and tourism impacts. We also welcome new project ideas. The Shark Bay Dolphin Research Project database extends back to 1984. The Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project was initiated in 2015. Visit our websites pcdolphinproject.org and monkeymiadolphins.org for more information. Please contact Janet Mann at mannj2 at georgetown.edu if you are interested in applying. -- Vivienne Foroughirad Postdoctoral Fellow Georgetown University vjf5 at georgetown.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From julie.patris at univ-amu.fr Sat Oct 5 02:08:50 2019 From: julie.patris at univ-amu.fr (PATRIS Julie) Date: Sat, 5 Oct 2019 09:08:50 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] "A standardized method of classifying pulsed sounds" Message-ID: Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share the publication of our new paper "A standardized method of classifying pulsed sounds and its application to pulse rate measurement of blue whale southeast Pacific song units" by Julie Patris, Franck Malige, Herve Glotin, Mark Asch and Susannah Buchan, in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (Vol.146, No.4). The abstract can be found following this message, and a copy can be accessed at https://asa.scitation.org/doi/10.1121/1.5126710 or by writing to Dr. Julie Patris at julie.patris at univ-amu.fr. All the best, Julie Abstract Pulsed sounds are an interesting example of complex biological sounds, frequent in cetaceans' vocalizations. A two-group classification of these sounds is proposed: tonal or non-tonal. Through two simple mathematical models, it is shown that this classification can lead to better techniques for measuring the pulse rate. This classification is thus useful for improving measurement accuracy, but can also help in formulating hypotheses regarding mechanisms of sound production. This method of classification is applied to south Pacific blue whale vocalizations and it is found that the pulse rate corresponds to the fundamental frequency (not expressed in the spectrum) of the song. Thus, the hypothesis that the sound is produced by only one organ and then filtered by the body of the giant is reinforced. From kelsey.wheeler at h-mar.org Thu Oct 3 18:38:23 2019 From: kelsey.wheeler at h-mar.org (kelsey.wheeler at h-mar.org) Date: Thu, 03 Oct 2019 18:38:23 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Deadline Approaching - Marine Animal Response Internships in Hawaii Message-ID: <20191003183823.1103d9c06790c5b3ee95f100add89486.6ce834c822.wbe@email25.godaddy.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From pw at marspecialists.org Thu Oct 3 12:58:01 2019 From: pw at marspecialists.org (Peter Wallerstein) Date: Thu, 3 Oct 2019 12:58:01 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Last Call for Job Opportunity with MAR Message-ID: JOB OPPORTUNITY WITH MARINE ANIMAL RESCUE SPECIALISTS Marine Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization providing rescue response as far north as the Pacific Palisades, south to Long Beach, and as far west as Catalina Island. MAR conducts hundreds of marine mammal rescues annually. Rescued animals consist primarily of sea lions, seals, and seabirds with occasional dolphins and sea turtles. MAR has rescued 6,000 marine mammals over the past 30 years. MAR also works as a member of the large whale disentanglement network. You must have pinniped rescue experience to apply for this position. 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. Only long-term applicants will be considered. JOB DESCRIPTION: Must be available 5 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, 5 days per week. Be prepared to work long days from January to June. SALARY: Commensurate with experience and skills START: Within 6 months REFERENCES AND REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS A bachelor's degree and marine mammal handling experience ? Provide background/references ? A valid driver?s license with no points ? Minimum two 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 be able to lift 75 pounds into truck ? Must possess 24-hour Hazwhoper certificate ? Skill in small boat handling ? Able to drive 4WD Pickup truck in a sandy environment 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 russell.kenzielee at gmail.com Mon Oct 7 19:39:53 2019 From: russell.kenzielee at gmail.com (Mackenzie Russell) Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2019 21:39:53 -0500 Subject: [MARMAM] Dauphin Island Sea Lab - Assistant Stranding Coordinator and Research Technician Job Opening Message-ID: DAUPHIN ISLAND SEA LAB JOB OPENING Position: Assistant Stranding Coordinator and Research Technician The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN), located at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) in Dauphin Island, AL, is recruiting a highly motivated technician to assist with marine mammal stranding response and research in coastal Alabama waters. Established in 2011, ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network partner, and works in conjunction with NOAA's NMFS and USFWS to respond to dolphin, whale and manatee strandings. ALMMSN responds to an average of 38 cetacean and 3 manatee strandings annually, including an average of 3 live marine mammal strandings per year. The primary goal of ALMMSN is to enhance reporting and response efforts for marine mammal strandings to ensure collection of consistent, high-quality data that are used to evaluate causes of strandings and/or death. This is a physically demanding position that often requires field response and necropsy on unscheduled long days in a variety of weather conditions. *Daily duties**: * ? Collaborate with ALMMSN Stranding Coordinator, staff, students, interns and volunteers to manage a 24-hour stranding hotline ? Participate and lead field stranding response ? Participate in necropsy events ? Sample handling, inventory, and shipment of samples ? Collect and manage data ? Maintain medical records and enter diagnostic results into database ? Assist with research projects, data mining, and analysis ? Equipment cleaning and maintenance ? Public outreach and volunteer coordination The Assistant Stranding Coordinator will have the opportunity to assist the ALMMSN veterinarian with stranding response and ongoing research projects as well as the DISL Manatee Sighting Network and Marine Ecosystem Response Lab staff with projects including data entry, sonic & radio telemetry, and photo-identification to develop a broader set of skills. *Ideal candidate requirements:* ? Bachelor?s degree in biology, marine science, oceanography, zoology or related program ? Familiarity with MMPA, NOAA/NMFS and USFWS stranding protocols ? Effective written and verbal communication, including speaking to the public and media ? Physically fit, able to lift at least 50 lbs and strong swimmer ? Ability to endure unpleasant field conditions including temperatures between 30?F-100?F, rain, humidity and biting insects ? Prior experience with marine mammal stranding response and necropsy ? Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships ? Think quickly, independently, logically and apply problem-solving techniques ? Knowledge and experience operating large vehicles, vessels up to 24? and trailering (Applicant must obtain an Alabama vessel license and complete a DISL boating safety class within 6 months of beginning employment) ? Preference will be given to candidates with veterinary assistant experience ? Experience with computer software such as MS Office, ArcGIS, R, and SigmaPlot This is a grant-funded, temporary position up to 40 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays on-call as necessary. This position is for 1 year, with possibility for extension based on funding and performance. Rate of pay is commensurate with experience. Applicant must be eligible to legally work in the U.S. at the time of application. More information about ALMMSN and the Marine Ecosystem Response Laboratory can be found at http://almmsn.disl.org/ and http://www.disl.org/about/faculty/rcarmichael. Interested applicants must send a* cover letter, CV, list of three references and date of availability* to *mrussell at disl.org * before *October 18, 2019* to be considered. *Application review will begin immediately* and will continue until a successful applicant is chosen. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From scott_gende at nps.gov Mon Oct 7 14:26:21 2019 From: scott_gende at nps.gov (Gende, Scott) Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2019 13:26:21 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Active whale avoidance to minimize ship strike risk Message-ID: On behalf of my co-authors, including marine pilots, I?m pleased to share the following link to our Open Access paper titled ?Active whale avoidance by large ships: components and constraints of a complementary approach to reducing ship strike risk?. *Gende, S.M., Vose, L., Baken, J., Gabriele, C.M., Preston, R., and A. Noble Hendrix. 2019. Active Whale Avoidance by Large Ships: Components and Constraints of a Complementary Approach to Reducing Ship Strike Risk. Front. Mar. Sci., 30 September 2019 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00592 * Abstract is below and the article can be found here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2019.00592/full Best, Scott *Abstract*: The recurrence of lethal ship-whale collisions (?ship strikes?) has prompted management entities across the globe to seek effective ways for reducing collision risk. Here we describe ?active whale avoidance? defined as a mariner making operational decisions to reduce the chance of a collision with a sighted whale. We generated a conceptual model of active whale avoidance and, as a proof of concept, apply data to the model based on observations of humpback whales surfacing in the proximity of large cruise ships, and simulations run in a full-mission bridge simulator and commonly used pilotage software. Application of the model demonstrated that (1) the opportunities for detecting a surfacing whale are often limited and temporary, (2) the cumulative probability of detecting one of the available ?cues? of whale?s presence (and direction of travel) decreases with increased ship-to-whale distances, and (3) following detection time delays occur related to avoidance operations. These delays were attributed to the mariner evaluating competing risks (e.g., risk of whale collision vs. risk to human life, the ship, or other aspects of the marine environment), deciding upon an appropriate avoidance action, and achieving a new operational state by the ship once a maneuver is commanded. We thus identify several options for enhancing whale avoidance including training Lookouts to focus search efforts on a ?Cone of Concern,? defined here as the area forward of the ship where whales are at risk of collision based on the whale and ship?s transit/swimming speed and direction of travel. Standardizing protocols for rapid communication of relevant sighting information among bridge team members can also increase avoidance by sharing information on the whale that is of sufficient quality to be actionable. We also found that, for marine pilots in Alaska, a slight change in course tends to be preferable to slowing the ship in response to a single sighted whale, owing, in part, to the substantial distance required to achieve an effective speed reduction in a safe manner. However, planned, temporary speed reductions in known areas of whale aggregations, particularly in navigationally constrained areas, provide a greater range of options for avoidance, highlighting the value of real-time sharing of whale sighting data by mariners. Development and application of these concepts in modules in full mission ship simulators can be of significant value in training inexperienced mariners by replicating situations and effective avoidance maneuvers (reducing the need to ?learn on the water?), helping regulators understand the feasibility of avoidance options, and, identifying priority research threads. We conclude that application of active whale avoidance techniques by large ships is a feasible yet underdeveloped tool for reducing collision risk globally, and highlight the value of local collaboration and integration of ideas across disciplines to finding solutions to mutually desired conservation outcomes. Please send inquiries or questions to: Scott M. Gende, Ph.D. Senior Science Advisor Glacier Bay Field Station 3100 National Park Road, Juneau, AK 99801 Scott_Gende at nps.gov 907-364-2622 (office); 907-364-2606 (fax) -- Scott M. Gende, Ph.D. Senior Science Advisor Glacier Bay Field Station 3100 National Park Road, Juneau, AK 99801 907-364-2622 (office); 907-364-2606 (fax) https://www.nps.gov/articles/scott-gende.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From william_beatty at fws.gov Tue Oct 8 09:45:23 2019 From: william_beatty at fws.gov (Beatty, William) Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2019 08:45:23 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] Post-doc - sea otter population dynamics and monitoring Message-ID: Post-Doc Announcement Title: Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Topic: Sea Otter Population Dynamics and Monitoring Location: Reno, Nevada (Potential to work remotely if necessary) Salary: $54,000 (plus benefits) Start date: Fall or Winter 2019-2020 Full-time, one-year initial term with possible extension. Description: We seek a postdoctoral researcher to 1) examine population dynamics of sea otters in southeast Alaska and 2) to develop a monitoring framework that helps address important questions for sea otter management. We are interested in learning about sea otter distribution, abundance, and population trends to understand the ecological processes that govern population change. Important information required for the southeast Alaska sea otter population are: precise and reliable estimates of distribution, abundance, and trends. Additionally, understanding the underlying processes driving population change will help to forecast future population change, which will permit us to assess population-level effects from sea otter harvest, mitigate for and manage potential impacts of sea otters on human subsistence users, and predict colonization rates and patterns of sea otters to inform fisheries management. Additionally, this position will assist in developing a monitoring framework for the southeast Alaska sea otter population that will help resolve information gaps required for effective management. We aim to develop and implement a monitoring framework that will: be responsive to management and conservation needs; be flexible enough to accommodate advancements in methodology and technology; and integrate with similar monitoring efforts in Glacier Bay, which is part of a national park and is a major component of the southeast Alaska sea otter population. This work will be done through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science at the University of Nevada, Reno under supervision of Dr. Perry Williams (www.perrywilliams.us), and in collaboration with federal biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The researcher will be based in Reno with occasional travel to Alaska to discuss the project with federal biologists. The candidate may be able to work remotely during the project. Qualifications: 1) Ph.D. in ecology, wildlife ecology, statistics, or related field 2) Demonstrated publication record and desire to publish research findings 3) Proficiency with R Statistical Software 4) Fundamental understanding in probability and statistics 5) Ability to work independently 6) Ability to travel to Juneau for two workshops How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter (including earliest possible start date and summary of quantitative and programming experience), CV, and names and contact information for three references to: perryw at unr.edu. Application open until filled with review of applications beginning October 15th. -- William Beatty, Ph.D. Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Marine Mammals Management Anchorage, Alaska 907-786-3806 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Alex.Borowicz at stonybrook.edu Wed Oct 9 12:43:44 2019 From: Alex.Borowicz at stonybrook.edu (Alex Borowicz) Date: Wed, 9 Oct 2019 15:43:44 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper using aerial imagery to train AI to detect whales in satellite imagery Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, We're excited to announce our new open-access paper, in which we train a deep-learning algorithm to detect whales in high-resolution satellite imagery using images captured from aerial surveys. We hope that this can be a method that will help fill in some of our survey data gaps and help better target at-sea work such as tissue sampling and tag deployment. Aerial-trained deep learning networks for surveying cetaceans from satellite imagery https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0212532 Borowicz A, Le H, Humphries G, Nehls G, H?schle C, Kosarev V, et al. (2019) Aerial-trained deep learning networks for surveying cetaceans from satellite imagery. PLoS ONE 14(10): e0212532 Most cetacean species are wide-ranging and highly mobile, creating significant challenges for researchers by limiting the scope of data that can be collected and leaving large areas un-surveyed. Aerial surveys have proven an effective way to locate and study cetacean movements but are costly and limited in spatial extent. Here we present a semi-automated pipeline for whale detection from very high-resolution (sub-meter) satellite imagery that makes use of a convolutional neural network (CNN). We trained ResNet, and DenseNet CNNs using down-scaled aerial imagery and tested each model on 31 cm-resolution imagery obtained from the WorldView-3 sensor. Satellite imagery was tiled and the trained algorithms were used to classify whether or not a tile was likely to contain a whale. Our best model correctly classified 100% of tiles with whales, and 94% of tiles containing only water. All model architectures performed well, with learning rate controlling performance more than architecture. While the resolution of commercially-available satellite imagery continues to make whale identification a challenging problem, our approach provides the means to efficiently eliminate areas without whales and, in doing so, greatly accelerates ocean surveys for large cetaceans. Alex Borowicz PhD Candidate Ecology & Evolution Stony Brook University aborowicz.github.io 262-339-5413 "That's true enough," said Candide, "but we must go and work in the garden." Voltaire -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From boto at live.co.uk Tue Oct 8 08:01:37 2019 From: boto at live.co.uk (Tony Martin) Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2019 15:01:37 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] River dolphin internships in the Brazilian Amazon In-Reply-To: References: , , Message-ID: RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirau? Reserve, Amazon State, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak excellent Spanish, in addition to English. Unfortunately, there can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria, and this is counter-productive for all. Please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 60 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially a harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. Over the years, our interns have collected vital data on the loss of dolphins that we are now directly using to help conserve and protect them. We are seeking two people to commence work as soon as possible. Because of visa restrictions introduced by the Brazilian Government, which restrict the length of stay of many nationalities, we may need to give priority to applicants from South American countries. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 680 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend (approx $100 US). Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tef?, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. They must also have adequate medical insurance. Please do not apply unless you know that you can obtain the airfare to reach Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Internships offer the opportunity of a lifetime. You will see dolphins, monkeys, caimans and exotic birds every day. These appointments reward hard work and dedication with unique experiences and a chance to stand out from the crowd in subsequent applications for higher degrees and employment. Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 and physically fit speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience, especially in the use of photo-ID Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva at gmail.com) & Prof. Tony Martin (boto at live.co.uk). Closing date is 20 October 2019. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 2 days of the closing date, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 22 October latest. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From guido.p at archipelago.gr Wed Oct 9 02:41:06 2019 From: guido.p at archipelago.gr (Dr. Guido Pietroluongo) Date: Wed, 9 Oct 2019 12:41:06 +0300 Subject: [MARMAM] Job opportunity - Supervisor and Supervisor Assistant - Archipelagos IMC - GREECE Message-ID: *Marine Mammal Team Supervisor and Supervisor Assistant Position* *ARCHIPELAGOS INSTITUTE OF MARINE CONSERVATION IN GREECE* http://archipelago.gr/en/ Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is looking for a ?*Marine Mammal Team Supervisor and Supervisor Assistant*? to join us *as soon as possible* (*October - November*) at our research bases, located in the NE Aegean islands. *The position will be open until filled.* *ESSENTIAL REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:* ? MSc Degree in a related field. ? Managing and training students and volunteers and demonstrated leadership, supervision, and team-building skills. ? Knowledge of methods of data collection and principles and techniques of research and analysis, in particular: bioacoustics technics, P-ID, behaviour, GIS, data analysis and modelling. ? Previous experience in research conservation projects and field surveys on marine mammals. ? Able to conduct fieldwork in all weather conditions and be comfortable to spend long time on a research vessel. ? Excellent verbal and written English communication skills and good computer skills. ? Ability to write scientific reports and papers. ? Work during weekends and holidays when required. ? Drive license. *PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:* Experience in field research projects on marine mammals, boat-based monitoring, bioacoustics and GIS; experience in volunteers and interns training and recruitment. *Location:* Lipsi and Samos Islands, Greece. *We offer:* *- Supervisor*: salary according to the experience, accommodation and full board. *- Assistant*: initially we offer accommodation and full board, and this can be later extended to also include financial compensation. *APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:* Please submit a current resume (maximum 5 pages), list of three references, and a cover letter expressing your interest to guido.p at archipelago.gr and info at archipelago.gr Many thanks for your interest Sincerely Dr Guido Pietroluongo *-------------------------------------------------------* *Dr Guido Pietroluongo* *Head of Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles Research* *Doctor of Veterinary Medicine* *Environmental impacts and scientific communication expert* *Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation* *www.archipelago.gr * *guido.p at archipelago.gr * Marine Research Base: P.O. Box 42, Pythagorio, Samos 83103, Greece Telephone: +30 22730 61191 Fax: +30 22730 37533 [image: Archipelagos] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kathrynr at aisobservers.com Wed Oct 9 15:22:22 2019 From: kathrynr at aisobservers.com (Kathryn Roy) Date: Wed, 9 Oct 2019 22:22:22 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Seeking PAM Operators for October 12th Deployment Message-ID: A.I.S. Inc. is seeking Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators for a project mobilizing out of New Bedford, MA on September 12th, 2019. The suitable candidate will deploy aboard a geo-survey vessel and remain on board for 4 weeks. During the project, PAM Operators are responsible for listening and maintain constant watch for marine mammals using passive acoustic monitoring equipment and software. Any detections of marine mammals are documented on project specific logs. Project activity, times, location, and environmental conditions are also documented. PAM Operators are responsible for notifying appropriate personnel if protected species are detected approaching or within harmful range of sound producing equipment and calling for mitigation measures outlined in the project specific planning documents. Minimum qualifications: * At least one year of experience identifying marine animals using passive acoustic monitoring equipment and software; * At least one year experience working on offshore survey vessel; * Ability to vigilantly monitor for acoustic detections of marine mammals around observation platform/vessel for up to 4 hours at a time and not more than 12 hours in a 24 hour period; * Must be approved by the National Marine Fisheries as a PSO in the G&G industry; * Must be certified by a physician as fit for sea duty including; * Must have a valid offshore safety training certificate; * Acustomed to working during nightime hours; * Ability to clearly and consicely describe protected species detection events and relay information to on site manager; * Familiar with operation, deployment and troubleshooting PAM equipment; * Professional, personable and positive! A.I.S. Inc. offers a competitive salary, in addition to compensating for travel to and from the port of deployment. Please submit a resume, a cover letter detailing your PSO experience, 3 professional references (name, e-mail address and phone number), and any applicable credentials/certificates to kathrynr at aisobservers.com Kathryn Roy Protected Species Program Manager A.I.S., Inc Cell: 774.392.7127 www.aisobservers.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From patrick.lyne at iwdg.ie Wed Oct 9 10:20:54 2019 From: patrick.lyne at iwdg.ie (Patrick Lyne) Date: Wed, 9 Oct 2019 18:20:54 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] WMMC19 PAMguard Workshop Saturday Dec 7th Message-ID: <5d9e16f7.1c69fb81.9a8d7.5a7e@mx.google.com> Dear All I would like to bring to attention to all users of PAMguard a workshop on Saturday December 7th at 13:30 hrs during the upcoming World Marine Mammal Conference (WMMC) in Barcelona see https://www.wmmconference.org/workshops/#PAMguard%20upcoming%20and%20desirab le%20changes. The aim of the workshop is to give an overview of upcoming changes in PAMguard and look at some novel uses of PAMguard, before having an open discussion on what changes can be made to PAMguard to improve usability, user friendliness and reliability of the software. All users of PAMguard are welcome and encouraged to attend, to assist and improve the usage of the software and contribute ideas to help improve acoustic studies and mitigation for marine mammals. Workshop attendees need to register with the WMMC committee online at https://www.wmmconference.org/ Best regards Patrick Lyne IWDG - Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Email: Patrick.lyne at iwdg.ie --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From davidzeddies at gmail.com Fri Oct 11 13:23:38 2019 From: davidzeddies at gmail.com (David Zeddies) Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:23:38 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] JASCO job posting Message-ID: Dear MARMAM Community, Below is a short description of two job posting that may be of interest: JASCO Applied Sciences, a leader in the science related to anthropogenic noise and its effects on marine life, has openings in our Silver Spring, MD office for an *Environmental Specialist/Project Manager* and an *Acoustic Measurement Specialist. *Under the guidance of senior project managers, the *Environmental Specialist/Project Manager* will work within a team of engineers and acousticians, and with our clients, regulators and stakeholders to plan and coordinate the completion of projects. The projects will include environmental and acoustic impact assessment, scoping and coordinating environmental studies and compliance monitoring, and interpreting data and preparing reports for regulatory submission. The* Acoustic Measurement Specialist *will conduct scientific research programs in the field and at sea; participating in the preparation, deployment, and retrieval of a variety of underwater acoustic instrumentation packages, and process and report on the collected data. This position may require considerable worldwide travel. For more detail and to apply for either position, please visit our postings on Indeed.com: https://www.indeedjobs.com/jasco-applied-sciences-usa-inc/_hl/en_US?cpref=JXWAtnzf3XWjLOi4YeVNLm2bgyBz8ZTNo6kXVUnKOis Thank you, David ___________________ David Zeddies, Ph.D. Senior Scientist ___________________ JASCO APPLIED SCIENCES 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 218 Silver Spring, MD 20910 David.Zeddies at jasco.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jpowell at sea2shore.org Thu Oct 10 11:56:15 2019 From: jpowell at sea2shore.org (James Powell) Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2019 14:56:15 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Latest issue of Sirenews available for download Message-ID: The editors of Sirenews, the newsletter of the IUCN Sirenia Specialist Group, are pleased to announce that the latest issue (October 2019, Number 70) is available at: http://cmaresearchinstitute.org/sirenews/ You can also find archived issues of Sirenews there as well. To join our distribution list to receive Sirenews directly, please email sirenews at sea2shore.org to be added to the list. Robert Bonde and James Powell Editors Sirenews -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From joelle.de.weerdt at gmail.com Thu Oct 10 02:09:06 2019 From: joelle.de.weerdt at gmail.com (=?UTF-8?Q?Jo=C3=ABlle_De_Weerdt?=) Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2019 11:09:06 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Deadline reminder : Research assistants Nicaragua 2020 Message-ID: **About Association ELI-S** ELI-S is a small nonprofit organization based in France that has been created in 2013. Our organization aims at promoting, protecting and conserving cetaceans in Central America. We are running the Cetacean Conservation Project of Nicaragua since 2016. This pioneer project aims to generate knowledge on cetacean presence, population size, distribution and habitat use patterns. The expected output is to generate:1) scientific data on cetaceans in Nicaragua, 2) environmental awareness to the local communities in order to create a socio-economic relevance in conserving and protecting their natural environment and 3) responsible eco-tourism. ELI-Scientific is recruiting volunteer research assistants for field work, photo-identification and data entry from between January and April 2020 in Padre Ramos and San Juan del Sur. All team members will have a training beforehand on field methodologies and protocols as well as data entry and data management. Research assistants should expect to spend time on the computer for data analysis but also to spend some days on the field to gather data during the 16-week field study. The Research Assistant have a unique opportunity to participate to a pioneer research project under the supervision of experienced marine biologists, which gives the opportunity for the assistant to develop both professionally but also personally thanks to the unique experience to live within local communities. A commitment of minimum 1 month is expected. *Location: *San Juan del Sur South-West of Nicaragua and Padre Ramos North-West of Nicaragua *Period: *Between January and April with a start on the first of each month (1 month commitment) *Type of agreement: *Full time. *Duties:* - Assist in Boat based and land based surveys in collecting data on cetaceans - Photo-identification of whale and dolphin species - Update photo-ID catalogue - Data entry of collected data - Participate to public outreach and events *Desirable Skills and qualifications:* - *Bsc or Mc in biology / environmental sciences* - *Fluency in Spanish (!)* - *Enthusiastic, conscientious and hard working (!)* - Experience of working in developing countries - Proactive with ability to work unsupervised - Interest in wildlife and conservation - Being comfortable on a small boat and spend long hours on a boat in the sun - Excellent verbal and written communication skills - Being able to work in a small team - Being able to live in basic living conditions - An interest and knowledge of marine life - A background in science (chemistry, physics or biology) - Be able to swim *Successful candidate will:* - Gain valuable experience in cetacean survey techniques and behavioral studies - Work in a very dynamic environment - Get insight in running a research project in developing countries This position is an *unpaid position* and requires a participation fee of 900 euros per month *This fee includes:* - Accommodation in a shared room - All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and cook - Water and electricity - Fieldwork expenses - One week Training to marine mammal survey material and methodologies - Membership to the organization for a year - 2 t-shirts *Fee does not include:* - Flights to the country - Personal expenses: restaurants, bars, telephone, internet, cleaning clothes, etc. *To apply:* Please email your CV, 2 references and cover letter outlining your experience and motivations. Send this to v.pouey at hotmail.fr *and * eliscientific at gmail.com in copy with"Research assistant 2020" in the subject line. Interviews via Skype. Deadline: 15th of October 2019. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Sheanna.M.Steingass at state.or.us Thu Oct 10 10:23:43 2019 From: Sheanna.M.Steingass at state.or.us (Sheanna M Steingass) Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2019 17:23:43 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New Paper on Best Practice Recommendations for External Telemetry Devices on Pinnipeds Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, We are excited to announce a new collaborative paper with updated best practice recommendations for the use and application of external telemetry devices on pinnipeds. You may find and download our open-access publication at: https://animalbiotelemetry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40317-019-0182-6 Citation Horning M, Andrews RD, Bishop AM, Boveng PL, Costa DP, Crocker DE, Haulena M, Hindell M, Hindle AG, Holser RR, Hooker SK, H?ckst?dt LA, Johnson S, Lea MA, McDonald BI, McMahon CR, Robinson PW, Sattler RL, Shuert CR, Steingass SM, Thompson D, Tuomi PA, Williams CL & Womble JN. Best practice recommendations for the use of external telemetry devices on pinnipeds. Animal Biotelemetry. 2019 Dec;7(1):1-7. Abstract Pinnipeds spend large portions of their lives at sea, submerged, or hauled-out on land, often on remote off-shore islands. This fundamentally limits access by researchers to critical parts of pinniped life history and has spurred the development and implementation of a variety of externally attached telemetry devices (ETDs) to collect information about movement patterns, physiology and ecology of marine animals when they cannot be directly observed. ETDs are less invasive and easier to apply than implanted internal devices, making them more widely used. However, ETDs have limited retention times and their use may result in negative short- and long-term consequences including capture myopathy, impacts to energetics, behavior, and entanglement risk. We identify 15 best practice recommendations for the use of ETDs with pinnipeds that address experimental justification, animal capture, tag design, tag attachment, effects assessments, preparation, and reporting. Continued improvement of best practices is critical within the framework of the Three Rs (Reduction, Refinement, Replacement); these best practice recommendations provide current guidance to mitigate known potential negative outcomes for individuals and local populations. These recommendations were developed specifically for pinnipeds; however, they may also be applicable to studies of other marine taxa. We conclude with four desired future directions for the use of ETDs in technology development, validation studies, experimental designs and data sharing. Paper inquiries may be directed towards the primary and corresponding author, Markus Horning at markush at alaskasealife.org. Best regards, Sheanna Steingass, PhD | Marine Mammal Program Leader Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife O: 541.757.5245 sheanna.m.steingass at state.or.us -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From siri at bios.au.dk Thu Oct 10 23:19:49 2019 From: siri at bios.au.dk (Siri Lander Elmegaard) Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2019 06:19:49 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper investigating the porpoise dive response (Siri Elmegaard) Message-ID: Dear colleagues, We are happy to announce the publication of a study investigating the physical stimulators of diving bradycardia and surfacing tachycardia in trained harbour porpoises, providing insight into the drivers of the cetacean diving physiology. We found that blowhole submergence is an important driver of bradycardia, while apnoea will lead to delayed bradycardia; however, anticipatory/volitional modulation can overrule such responses to sensory inputs. Drivers of the dive response in trained harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) Siri L. Elmegaard, Birgitte I. McDonald and Peter T. Madsen Abstract: Pronounced dive responses through peripheral vasoconstriction and bradycardia enable prolonged apnoea in marine mammals. For most vertebrates, the dive response is initiated upon face immersion, but little is known about the physical drivers of diving and surfacing heart rate in cetaceans whose faces are always mostly submerged. Using two trained harbour porpoises instrumented with an ECG-measuring sound-and-movement tag (DTAG-3), we investigated the initiation and progression of bradycardia and tachycardia during apnoea and eupnoea for varying levels of immersion. We show that paranasal wetting drives bradycardia initiation and progression, whereas apnoea leads to dive-level bradycardia eventually, but not instantly. At the end of dives, heart rate accelerates independently of lung expansion, perhaps in anticipation of surfacing; however, full tachycardia is only engaged upon inhalation. We conclude that breathing drives surface tachycardia, whereas blowhole wetting is an important driver of bradycardia; however, anticipatory/volitional modulation can overrule such responses to sensory inputs. Find the paper via Journal of Experimental Biology: http://jeb.biologists.org/lookup/doi/10.1242/jeb.208637 Or I will be happy to share a copy upon request. Best wishes, Siri Siri Lander Elmegaard PhD fellow, Dept. Bioscience Section for Zoophysiology & Section for Marine Mammal Research Aarhus University, Denmark (+45) 26858014 siri at bios.au.dk [AU-logo-mail-150] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 5553 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From aceveda at wwu.edu Sat Oct 12 13:18:23 2019 From: aceveda at wwu.edu (Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez) Date: Sat, 12 Oct 2019 20:18:23 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] MSc position opportunity at Western Washington University Message-ID: The Marine Mammal Ecology Lab at Western Washington University and the Makah Tribe are looking for a MSc student to assist in a project funded by Washington Sea Grant. The student will conduct a study on predation by harbor seals and Steller sea lions on Chinook salmon along the Pacific coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. The student will help collect scat in the field, process scat in the laboratory, determine sex-biased predation using molecular techniques, analyze diet data generated by collaborators, determine prey consumption by sex, model predation impact on Chinook salmon, mentor students, and give presentations to scientists and public alike. At least one peer-reviewed publication is expected from this work. The successful applicant will begin Fall quarter of 2020 and will be funded for two years, including summers, entirely through an RAship. The student will work with Adrianne Akmajian (Marine Ecologist of the Makah Tribe), Dr. Dietmar Schwarz (Professor in Biology), and Dr. Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez (Professor in Biology and Science Education). You can learn more about the Makah Tribe at https://makah.com/makah-tribal-info/ and about the Marine Mammal Ecology Lab at http://myweb.facstaff.wwu.edu/aceveda/. We are looking for students who are extremely motivated, responsible, congenial, experienced in the field and top-notch academically, willing to publish their thesis in a scientific journal, and that will ultimately use the skills and knowledge that they acquire at Western in research, education, or conservation. We also are looking for students who know how to write well, are meticulous and organized, have experience working with scat, molecular techniques, and/or models, and have strong statistical skills. This opportunity is open to U.S. citizens or residents. If you are interested in being part of this project, please email me at aceveda at wwu.edu the following information before Nov 28th of 2019: * -Unofficial copy of undergraduate transcript (a scanned copy or a photocopy is fine) * -Copy of either a curriculum vitae or a resume summarizing your work and academic experience * -A 1-2 page statement of purpose outlining a) your short- and long-term career goals, b) why you want to be part of this project, and c) how your experience and qualifications make you a good fit to work with us. * -Unofficial copy of general GRE results (a write-up of the scores AND percentiles is all we want) and, if you took the exam, biology GRE scores * -Names, addresses, telephone, and email of three references, whom we will contact if needed We are looking forward to your application Alejandro Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez, Professor in Biology and Science Education Western Washington University Bellingham, WA 98225-9160 USA aceveda at wwu.edu or Alejandro.Acevedo-Gutierrez at wwu.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ligia.meirinhos.pereira at usp.br Mon Oct 14 13:40:27 2019 From: ligia.meirinhos.pereira at usp.br (Ligia Meirinhos Pereira) Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2019 17:40:27 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] Survey: Education and Conservation of marine mammals Message-ID: Survey: Education and Conservation of marine mammals https://forms.gle/AkvpSVdTJFFbLTwq9 The survey is part of a study being conducted by CHOICES (Culture and Historicity in Out-of-school Innovations for Communication and Education in Science), a research group from the University of S?o Paulo, Brazil. The purpose of this survey is to better understand the ideas about conservation from those who work with marine mammals. We would also like to understand what participants think about biodiversity conservation as a whole and how their educational background contributed to these ideas. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. The survey will be open until 28 October 2019. https://forms.gle/AkvpSVdTJFFbLTwq9 Thank you, CHOICES Department of Biological Sciences 14 Matao street Butant?, S?o Paulo (Brazil) Phone: (+55) 1130917575 choices at ib.usp.br -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From L.L.IJsseldijk at uu.nl Sat Oct 12 01:11:59 2019 From: L.L.IJsseldijk at uu.nl (IJsseldijk, L.L. (Lonneke)) Date: Sat, 12 Oct 2019 08:11:59 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on fatal bite injuries on harbour porpoises by grey seals Message-ID: Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following in Scientific Reports: Title: Forensic microbiology reveals that Neisseria animaloris infections in harbour porpoises follow traumatic injuries by grey seals Authors: Geoffrey Foster, Adrian M. Whatmore, Mark P. Dagleish, Henry Malnick, Maarten J. Gilbert, Lineke Begeman, Shaheed K. Macgregor, Nicholas J. Davison, Hendrik Jan Roest, Paul Jepson, Fiona Howie, Jakub Muchowski, Andrew C. Brownlow, Jaap A. Wagenaar, Marja J. L. Kik, Rob Deaville, Mariel T. I. ten Doeschate, Jason Barley, Laura Hunter & Lonneke L. IJsseldijk Abstract: Neisseria animaloris is considered to be a commensal of the canine and feline oral cavities. It is able to cause systemic infections in animals as well as humans, usually after a biting trauma has occurred. We recovered N. animaloris from chronically inflamed bite wounds on pectoral fins and tailstocks, from lungs and other internal organs of eight harbour porpoises. Gross and histopathological evidence suggest that fatal disseminated N. animaloris infections had occurred due to traumatic injury from grey seals. We therefore conclude that these porpoises survived a grey seal predatory attack, with the bite lesions representing the subsequent portal of entry for bacteria to infect the animals causing abscesses in multiple tissues, and eventually death. We demonstrate that forensic microbiology provides a useful tool for linking a perpetrator to its victim. Moreover, N. animaloris should be added to the list of potential zoonotic bacteria following interactions with seals, as the finding of systemic transfer to the lungs and other tissues of the harbour porpoises may suggest a potential to do likewise in humans. It is open access and can be downloaded from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-50979-3 Best wishes, Geoffrey Foster & Lonneke IJsseldijk Lonneke L. IJsseldijk, MSc Project Manager Cetacean Research Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University Department of Pathobiology T +31 30 253 5312, M +31 6 244 556 98 Website: http://www.uu.nl/strandingsonderzoek Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strandingresearch/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From vanessa.pirotta at hdr.mq.edu.au Sun Oct 13 13:24:25 2019 From: vanessa.pirotta at hdr.mq.edu.au (Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)) Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2019 20:24:25 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Challenges of collecting blow from small cetaceans Message-ID: Dear MARMAM readers, My colleagues and I would like to share our new publication: Challenges of collecting blow from small cetaceans Raudino, H. C., J. A. Tyne, A. Smith, K. Ottewell, S. McArthur, A. M. Kopps, D. Chabanne, R. G.Harcourt, V. Pirotta, and K. Waples. 2019. Challenges of collecting blow from small cetaceans. Ecosphere 10(10):e02901. 10.1002/ecs2.2901 Abstract We trialed the collection of blow samples using a waterproof electric multirotor (quadcopter) drone from two free-ranging dolphin species, the abundant and approachable bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) and the less common and boat shy humpback dolphin (Sousa sahulensis). This drone was fast, maneuverable, and quiet compared to other drones commonly used in studies of cetaceans and relative to their hearing thresholds. We were successful in collecting blow samples from four individual dolphins (three bottlenose dolphins and one humpback dolphin) in two groups. The success of obtaining samples was dependent on the individual dolphin?s activity. We were successful in sampling when dolphins were resting and socializing but found that socializing dolphins were not predictable in their surfacing and direction and therefore do not recommend drone sampling socializing dolphins. The suitability and preference of the sampling technique over biopsy sampling is highly dependent on the dolphin activity. We also attempted to extract DNA from the blow samples with the aim of assessing the feasibility of using blow sampling by drone for population genetic studies. We were unsuccessful in extracting DNA and recommend that others attempting to sample dolphin blow with a drone should prioritize collecting a larger volume of blow that may yield adequate concentrations of DNA to be amplified. Blow sample volume could potentially be increased by sampling with more absorbent materials. Available online here: https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ecs2.2901 Vanessa Dr. Vanessa Pirotta Marine Predator Research Group Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia Twitter: @vanessapirotta Watch my TEDx talk here -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Virginia.Andrews-Goff at aad.gov.au Sun Oct 13 16:31:39 2019 From: Virginia.Andrews-Goff at aad.gov.au (Virginia Andrews-Goff) Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2019 23:31:39 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: New insights into prime Southern Ocean forage grounds for thriving Western Australian humpback whales [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED] Message-ID: On behalf of my co-authors, please find below information about our recent Scientific Reports publication: 'New insights into prime Southern Ocean forage grounds for thriving Western Australian humpback whales,' https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-50497-2. Many thanks, Virginia Bestley S, Andrews-Goff V, van Wijk E, Rintoul SR, Double MC and How J 2019. New insights into prime Southern Ocean forage grounds for thriving Western Australian humpback whales. Scientific Reports 9(1): 13988. Humpback whale populations migrate extensively between winter breeding grounds and summer feeding grounds, however known links to remote Antarctic feeding grounds remain limited in many cases. New satellite tracks detail humpback whale migration pathways from Western Australia into the Southern Ocean. These highlight a focal feeding area during austral spring and early summer at the southern Kerguelen plateau, in a western boundary current where a sharp northward turn and retroflection of ocean fronts occurs along the eastern plateau edge. The topographic steering of oceanographic features here likely supports a predictable, productive and persistent forage ground. The spatial distribution of whaling catches and Discovery era mark-recaptures confirms the importance of this region to Western Australian humpback whales since at least historical times. Movement modelling discriminates sex-related behaviours, with females moving faster during both transit and resident periods, which may be a consequence of size or indicate differential energetic requirements. Relatively short and directed migratory pathways overall, together with high-quality, reliable forage resources may provide a partial explanation for the ongoing strong recovery demonstrated by this population. The combination of new oceanographic information and movement data provides enhanced understanding of important biological processes, which are relevant within the context of the current spatial management and conservation efforts in the Southern Ocean. Dr Virginia Andrews-Goff Marine Mammal Research Scientist Science Branch Australian Antarctic Division Department of the Environment and Energy 203 Channel Highway, Kingston Tasmania Australia 7050 T: 03 6232 3122 M: 0404 668 639 Please note: I am in the office on Monday, Tuesday and Friday [cid:image001.jpg at 01D5827A.8F5F5BF0] ___________________________________________________________________________ Australian Antarctic Division - Commonwealth of Australia IMPORTANT: This transmission is intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that use or dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited by Commonwealth law. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail or by telephoning +61 3 6232 3209 and DELETE the message. Visit our web site at http://www.antarctica.gov.au/ ___________________________________________________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 62617 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From james.robbins at orcaweb.org.uk Mon Oct 14 06:04:21 2019 From: james.robbins at orcaweb.org.uk (James Robbins) Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2019 13:04:21 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Supernumerary teeth observed in a live True's beaked whale in the Bay of Biscay Message-ID: Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I'm pleased to announce that the following article has been published open access in PeerJ. Robbins JR, Park T, Coombs EJ. 2019. Supernumerary teeth observed in a live True?s beaked whale in the Bay of Biscay. PeerJ 7:e7809 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7809 Abstract: Mesoplodont beaked whales are one of the most enigmatic mammalian genera. We document a pod of four beaked whales in the Bay of Biscay breaching and tail slapping alongside a large passenger ferry. Photographs of the animals were independently reviewed by experts, and identified as True?s beaked whales (Mesoplodon mirus). This is the first conclusive live sighting of these animals in the north-east Atlantic, and adds information to previous sightings that are likely to have been M. mirus. Photographs of an adult male appears to show two supernumerary teeth posterior to the apical mandibular tusks. Whilst analysed museum specimens (n = 8) did not show evidence of alveoli in this location, there is evidence of vestigial teeth and variable dentition in many beaked whale species. This is the first such record of supernumerary teeth in True?s beaked whales. The paper can be accessed freely using the following link: https://peerj.com/articles/7809/ Please feel free to contact me on james.robbins at orcaweb.org.uk if you have any queries. Best wishes, James Robbins [https://dfzljdn9uc3pi.cloudfront.net/2019/7809/1/fig-5-1x.jpg] Supernumerary teeth observed in a live True?s beaked whale in the Bay of Biscay - peerj.com Mesoplodont beaked whales are one of the most enigmatic mammalian genera. We document a pod of four beaked whales in the Bay of Biscay breaching and tail slapping alongside a large passenger ferry. Photographs of the animals were independently reviewed by experts, and identified as True?s beaked whales (Mesoplodon mirus). This is the first conclusive live sighting of these animals in the ... peerj.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From matt.s.leslie at gmail.com Tue Oct 15 06:52:34 2019 From: matt.s.leslie at gmail.com (Matt Leslie) Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2019 09:52:34 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Norrisanima miocaena, a new generic name and redescription of a stem balaenopteroid mysticete (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the Miocene of California Message-ID: Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to announce the publication of the following open access article in PeerJ: https://peerj.com/articles/7629/ Norrisanima miocaena: a new generic name and redescription of a stem balaenopteroid mysticete (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the Miocene of California Citation: Leslie MS, Peredo CM, Pyenson ND. 2019. *Norrisanima miocaena*, a new generic name and redescription of a stem balaenopteroid mysticete (Mammalia, Cetacea) from the Miocene of California. PeerJ 7:e7629 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7629 Abstract: Rorqual whales are among the most species rich group of baleen whales (or mysticetes) alive today, yet the monophyly of the traditional grouping (i.e., Balaenopteridae) remains unclear. Additionally, many fossil mysticetes putatively assigned to either Balaenopteridae or Balaenopteroidea may actually belong to stem lineages, although many of these fossil taxa suffer from inadequate descriptions of fragmentary skeletal material. Here we provide a redescription of the holotype of *Megaptera miocaena*, a fossil balaenopteroid from the Monterey Formation of California, which consists of a partial cranium, a fragment of the rostrum, a single vertebra, and both tympanoperiotics. Kellogg (1922) assigned the type specimen to the genus *Megaptera* Gray (1846) , on the basis of its broad similarities to distinctive traits in the cranium of extant humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae* (Borowski, 1781 )). Subsequent phylogenetic analyses have found these two species as sister taxa in morphological datasets alone; the most recent systematic analyses using both molecular and morphological data sets place *Megaptera miocaena* as a stem balaenopteroid unrelated to humpback whales. Here, we redescribe the type specimen of *Megaptera miocaena* in the context of other fossil balaenopteroids discovered nearly a century since Kellogg?s original description and provide a morphological basis for discriminating it from *Megaptera novaeangliae*. We also provide a new generic name and recombine the taxon as *Norrisanima miocaena*, gen. nov., to reflect its phylogenetic position outside of crown Balaenopteroidea, unrelated to extant *Megaptera*. Lastly, we refine the stratigraphic age of *Norrisanima miocaena*, based on associated microfossils to a Tortonian age (7.6?7.3 Ma), which carries implications for understanding the origin of key features associated with feeding and body size evolution in this group of whales. Etymology: Combining the surname Norris and the Latin *anima* (breath of life), the generic name honors the late Dr. Kenneth S. Norris and his son, Dr. Richard D. Norris, for their contributions to the natural history of California, marine mammalogy, and evolution in the marine realm. Sincerely, Matt ---------- Matthew S. Leslie Ph.D. Department of Biology Swarthmore College -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lobeddia at yahoo.com Wed Oct 16 06:49:52 2019 From: lobeddia at yahoo.com (Lauren Rust) Date: Wed, 16 Oct 2019 13:49:52 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [MARMAM] NEW paper: Accuracy and precision of age determination using growth layer groups for California sea lions with known ages References: <2036169559.2363592.1571233792267.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <2036169559.2363592.1571233792267@mail.yahoo.com> My co-authors and I are pleased to announce a new paper recently published in Marine Mammal Science:? Accuracy and precision of age determination using growth layer groups for California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) with known ages.?LAUREN B. RUST ,1 The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito,California 94965, U.S.A.; KERRI DANIL, Southwest Fisheries Science Center,NMFS, NOAA, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, California 92037, U.S.A.;SHARON R. MELIN, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, NOAA, 7600 SandPoint Way N.E., Building 4, Seattle, Washington 98115, U.S.A.; BRENT WILKERSON,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington98195, U.S.A. MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, 35(4): 1355?1368 (2019)? 2019 Society for Marine MammalogyDOI: 10.1111/mms.12605https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mms.12605 AbstractAge determination from counts of growthlayer groups (GLGs) in tooth dentine is a common method for aging marinemammals. Using known-aged animals, we validated this method for acid etchedteeth of California sea lions (CSLs), Zalophuscalifornianus. Between 1991 and 2013, the upper left canine (n=33) was collected opportunisticallyduring necropsy from animals tagged or branded as pups that later died.Overall, 55%-61% of age estimates by GLG counting were within 1 yr of the known-agein the sample of 1-30 yr old CSLs. Accuracy of age estimates was found to bedependent on age of the CSLs, however. 71%-79% of age estimates were within 1 yrof the known-age in CSLs less than 10 yr old. ?These findings support the validity ofcounting GLGs to estimate age for CSLs less than 10 yr old to within one yearof accuracy.?For copies of the full PDF, please email: laurenbeddiarust at gmail.comThank you,Lauren Rust -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From alyson.fleming at gmail.com Wed Oct 16 11:10:38 2019 From: alyson.fleming at gmail.com (Alyson Fleming) Date: Wed, 16 Oct 2019 14:10:38 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] PhD student opportunity in Antarctic baleen whale historical ecology Message-ID: We are seeking a PhD student for a project on blue and fin whale biology and Antarctic historical ecology. This project will use an archive of baleen plates from Antarctic blue and fin whales harvested in the mid 1940s that was recently rediscovered in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. A suite of modern molecular techniques will be applied to these archived specimens to ask how blue and fin whale foraging and reproduction responded to climate variability, changes at the base of the food web, and whaling activities in the early 1940s. Methods will include bulk stable isotope analysis, compound-specific stable isotope analyses (CSIA-AA), and hormone analysis. The student will be based at the University of North Carolina Wilmington under the supervision of Dr. Alyson Fleming in collaboration with Drs. Ari Friedlaender and Matt McCarthy (UC Santa Cruz) and Dr. Kathleen Hunt (George Mason University). Candidates should have a strong background in lab work and familiarity with stable isotope or hormone methods (ideally both). The position will require frequent/extended travel to the museum for sampling and the collaborating universities for laboratory analyses and meetings. The candidate should have strong communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills given the collaborative nature of the project. The student must be comfortable with working independently and overseeing undergraduate or Master?s students. General requirements include a bachelor and Master?s degree in either biology, marine science, or ecology. A Master?s degree is required to enter UNCW as a PhD student. Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter to Dr. Fleming at FlemingA at uncw.edu. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From alex.zerbini at noaa.gov Wed Oct 16 11:24:19 2019 From: alex.zerbini at noaa.gov (Alex Zerbini - NOAA Affiliate) Date: Wed, 16 Oct 2019 11:24:19 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New assessment of Western South Atlantic humpback whales Message-ID: Dear Marmamers, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of a new assessment of the conservation status of western South Atlantic humpback whales. The abstract is provided below. The paper can be read/downloaded here: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.190368 Thank you for your interest and best wishes, Alex --------------------------- Assessing the recovery of an Antarctic predator from historical exploitation A.N. Zerbini, G. Adams, J. Best, P.J. Clapham, J.A. Jackson and A.E. Punt The recovery of whale populations from centuries of exploitation will have important management and ecological implications due to greater exposure to anthropogenic activities and increasing prey consumption. Here, a Bayesian population model integrates catch data, estimates of abundance, and information on genetics and biology to assess the recovery of western South Atlantic (WSA) humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*). Modelling scenarios evaluated the sensitivity of model outputs resulting from the use of different data, different model assumptions and uncertainty in catch allocation and in accounting for whales killed but not landed. A long period of exploitation drove WSA humpback whales to the brink of extinction. They declined from nearly 27 000 (95% PI = 22 800?33 000) individuals in 1830 to only 450 (95% PI = 200?1400) whales in the mid-1950s. Protection led to a strong recovery and the current population is estimated to be at 93% (95% PI = 73?100%) of its pre-exploitation size. The recovery of WSA humpback whales may result in large removals of their primary prey, the Antarctic krill (*Euphausia superba*), and has the potential to modify the community structure in their feeding grounds. Continued monitoring is needed to understand how these whales will respond to modern threats and to climate-driven changes to their habitats. ----------- Alexandre N Zerbini, Ph.D. Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115-6349, 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 madison.kosma at gmail.com Wed Oct 16 12:23:48 2019 From: madison.kosma at gmail.com (Madison Kosma) Date: Wed, 16 Oct 2019 11:23:48 -0800 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Pectoral herding Message-ID: Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to announce the publication of the following open access article in Royal Society Open Science : http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191104 Pectoral herding: an innovative tactic for humpback whale foraging Citation: Kosma MM, Werth AJ, Szabo AR, Straley JM. 2019 Pectoral herding: an innovative tactic for humpback whale foraging. R. Soc. open sci. 6: 191104. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191104 Abstract: Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have exceptionally long pectorals (i.e. flippers) that aid in shallow water navigation, rapid acceleration and increased manoeuvrability. The use of pectorals to herd or manipulate prey has been hypothesized since the 1930s. We combined new technology and a unique viewing platform to document the additional use of pectorals to aggregate prey during foraging events. Here, we provide a description of ?pectoral herding? and explore the conditions that may promote this innovative foraging behaviour. Specifically, we analysed aerial videos and photographic sequences to assess the function of pectorals during feeding events near salmon hatchery release sites in Southeast Alaska (2016?2018). We observed the use of solo bubble-nets to initially corral prey, followed by calculated movements to establish a secondary boundary with the pectorals?further condensing prey and increasing foraging efficiency. We found three ways in which humpback whales use pectorals to herd prey: (i) create a physical barrier to prevent evasion, (ii) cause water motion to guide prey towards the mouth, and (iii) position the ventral side to reflect light and alter prey movement. Our findings suggest that behavioural plasticity may aid foraging in changing environments and shifts in prey availability. Further study would clarify if ?pectoral herding? is used as a principal foraging tool by the broader humpback whale population and the conditions that promote its use. The paper can be accessed freely using the following link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191104 Please feel free to contact me at madison.kosma at gmail.com if you have any queries. Sincerely, Madison Kosma Madison M. Kosma Masters Student, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Juneau Fisheries Division, University of Alaska Fairbanks mobile: (231) 282.0061 email: mmkosma at alaska.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: CFOS.png Type: image/png Size: 22247 bytes Desc: not available URL: From vanessa.pirotta at hdr.mq.edu.au Wed Oct 16 18:09:46 2019 From: vanessa.pirotta at hdr.mq.edu.au (Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)) Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2019 01:09:46 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] =?utf-8?q?New_publication=3A_Cost=E2=80=90effective_miti?= =?utf-8?q?gation_strategies_to_reduce_bycatch_threats_to_cetaceans_identi?= =?utf-8?q?fied_using_return=E2=80=90on=E2=80=90investment_analysis?= Message-ID: Dear MARMAM readers, My colleagues and I would like to share our new publication: Cost?effective mitigation strategies to reduce bycatch threats to cetaceans identified using return?on?investment analysis Tulloch, V. , Grech, A. , Jonsen, I. , Pirotta, V. and Harcourt, R. (2019), Cost?effective mitigation strategies to reduce bycatch threats to cetaceans identified using return?on?investment analysis. Conservation Biology. doi:10.1111/cobi.13418 Abstract Globally, fisheries bycatch threatens the survival of many whale and dolphin species. Strategies for reducing bycatch can be expensive. Management is inclined to prioritize investment in actions that are inexpensive, but these may not be the most effective. We used an economic tool, return?on?investment, to identify cost?effective measures to reduce cetacean bycatch in the trawl, net, and line fisheries of Australia. We examined 3 management actions: spatial closures, acoustic deterrents, and gear modifications. We compared an approach for which the primary goal was to reduce the cost of bycatch reduction to fisheries with an approach that aims solely to protect whale and dolphin species. Based on cost?effectiveness and at a fine spatial resolution, we identified the management strategies across Australia that most effectively abated dolphin and whale bycatch. Although trawl?net modifications were the cheapest strategy overall, there were many locations where spatial closures were the most cost?effective solution, despite their high costs to fisheries, due to their effectiveness in reducing all fisheries interactions. Our method can be used to delineate strategies to reduce bycatch threats to mobile marine species across diverse fisheries at relevant spatial scales to improve conservation outcomes. Available online here: https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cobi.13418 Vanessa Dr. Vanessa Pirotta Marine Predator Research Group? Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia Twitter: @vanessapirotta Watch my TEDx talk here -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From swoodman213 at gmail.com Thu Oct 17 15:45:52 2019 From: swoodman213 at gmail.com (Sam Woodman) Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2019 15:45:52 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on creating ensembles of SDM predictions Message-ID: Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the following publication in Methods in Ecology and Evolution: Woodman, S.M., Forney, K.A., Becker, E.A., DeAngelis, M.L., Hazen, E.L., Palacios, D.M., Redfern, J.V. (2019). eSDM: A tool for creating and exploring ensembles of predictions from species distribution and abundance models. Methods in Ecology and Evolution. 2019;00:1-11. doi:10.1111/2041-210X.13283 The paper is open access and is available at https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.13283 The abstract is below, while more information about the eSDM R package and accompanying GUI can be found at https://github.com/smwoodman/eSDM (the package is also on CRAN). Best, Sam Woodman Abstract 1. Species distribution models (SDMs) are a valuable statistical approach for both understanding species distributions and identifying potential impacts of environmental changes or management decisions to species, but multiple SDMs for the same species in a region can create confusion in decision?making processes. 2. One solution is to create ensembles (i.e. combinations) of predictions from existing SDMs. However, creating ensembles can be challenging if the predictions were made at different spatial resolutions, using different data sources, or with different prediction value types (e.g. abundance and probability of occurrence). 3. We present eSDM, an R package that allows users to create an ensemble of SDM predictions overlaid onto a single base geometry. These predictions can be evaluated (e.g. through among?model uncertainty or AUC, TSS and RMSE metrics), mapped, and exported. eSDM includes a built?in GUI created using the R package shiny, which makes the package accessible to non?R users. 4. We provide an overview of eSDM functionality and use eSDM to create an ensemble of predictions from three blue whale (*Balaenoptera musculus*) SDMs for the California Current Ecosystem. -- Samuel Woodman Harvey Mudd College 2016 Mathematical and Computational Biology -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From asalerno at koyapartners.com Fri Oct 18 06:33:58 2019 From: asalerno at koyapartners.com (Alicia Salerno) Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2019 09:33:58 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Job Opportunity: Director of Programs, Pacific Whale Foundation Message-ID: Koya Leadership Partners is leading a search for a Director of Programs for the Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF). Located in Ma'alea Harbor on the island of Maui, HI, PWF is on a mission to protect the ocean through science and advocacy and to inspire environmental stewardship. PWF is also a social enterprise that offers fee-based programs and services through PacWhale Eco-Adventures and all of the profits generated go to supporting Pacific Whale Foundation?s work. Reporting to the Executive Director, and working in collaboration with other members of the core leadership team, this is a new role responsible for overseeing the Research, Education, and Conservation programs of PWF. The Director of Programs will also be responsible for identifying new funding opportunities through research, conservation, and education grants, and will serve as a key external face and brand ambassador for PWF in the community. This is an exciting new role for an entrepreneurial and dynamic leader who is passionate about protecting the ocean and inspiring environmental stewardship for an innovative and growing organization! To learn more you can read the full job description here . We encourage you to share with your networks as appropriate and if you have an interest, please apply directly online. Thank you! -- Alicia Salerno Pronouns: She, Her, Hers Vice President, Executive Search | Koya Leadership Partners 978-309-3235 | asalerno at koyapartners.com | www.koyapartners.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From astimpert at mlml.calstate.edu Thu Oct 17 18:35:37 2019 From: astimpert at mlml.calstate.edu (Alison Stimpert) Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2019 18:35:37 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Funded M.S. position available: MLML/Monterey Bay, California -- deadline October 30 Message-ID: I am recruiting a student for a funded master's of marine science position at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in Moss Landing, California. The student will work on a NOAA/Navy funded collaborative project using passive acoustic monitoring to describe ocean soundscapes in the US West Coast Sanctuaries (Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, and Olympic Coast: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/science/monitoring/sound/). The student will be responsible for running established Matlab code to generate analysis products, attending group meetings, and assisting with field deployments and recoveries as needed, as well as developing an individual analysis project which will become a master's thesis. Required qualifications include those listed for applying to the CSU/MLML graduate program ( https://www.mlml.calstate.edu/gradprog/faqs/). The ideal candidate will also have experience with marine bioacoustic/PAM data as well as programming in Matlab. Position includes funding through August 2021, including tuition, travel, and salary, and preference will be given to those who can begin work in January 2020. The accepted student will be expected to be an active participant in the MLML graduate program and a contributing member of the Vertebrate Ecology Lab team (https://www.mlml.calstate.edu/birdmam/ ) . To be considered, please send an email to Alison Stimpert (astimpert at mlml.calstate.edu) with the subject line: "SanctSound MS position" that includes: 1) a brief description of your qualifications, 2) 1 or 2 thesis project ideas related to the research effort listed above, and 3) your available start date. Deadline: October 30. -- Alison Stimpert, PhD Research Faculty, Bioacoustics/Vertebrate Ecology Moss Landing Marine Laboratories Moss Landing, CA astimpert at mlml.calstate.edu / 831.771.4493 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sergio.cobarrubia at gmail.com Thu Oct 17 12:20:18 2019 From: sergio.cobarrubia at gmail.com (Sergio Cobarrubia) Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2019 15:20:18 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Bottlenose dolphin - Atlantic spotted dolphin project research in Venezuela. Interns and volunteer program 2019 Message-ID: *BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN - ATLANTIC SPOTTED DOLPHIN PROJECT RESEARCH IN VENEZUELA* *INTERNS AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 2019* *Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC-IVIC) and Provita.* BACKGROUND: The Laboratory of Ecosystems and Global Change (LEGC) of the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC) invites the first season of internships-volunteering (2019) in the study of coastal dolphins. LEGC is a scientific team that among its research lines on the fauna of coastal and riparian ecosystems, it has established the first one on aquatic mammals in Venezuela. On the other hand, Provita is an important NGO that contributes to the research and conservation in Venezuela. This research will begin with a project focused on sociobiology (social structure, social networks and bioacoustics) of resident groups of the coastal bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (*Stenella frontalis*) in the central coast of Venezuela. This, after an experience of 5 years in that locality studying ecological aspects of *T. truncatus *(https://doi.org/10.1007/s13364-018-0401-1). The coast of Aragua not only houses these species, but also the Bryde's whale (*Balaenoptera edeni*), the common dolphin (*Delphinus* sp.) and the spinner dolphin (*Stenella longirostris*). Of which basic information is collected too. LEGC interns and volunteers are young, hard-working who are willing to contribute to research by learning as they experience fieldwork in teams, field techniques for collecting and processing data and methodologies. All team members and interns share academic space, housing in the Institute, housework in the study area, knowledge and experience in a friendly and multicultural environment. The internship consists of three weeks: The first week of theoretical-practical preparation (24 theoretical hours and 16 practicals hours) at the IVIC Ecology Center. The second week of seven field surveys for data collection (42 h) on the Cata Bay (Aragua state) and the third week for data storage and analysis at the IVIC Ecology Center (40 h). The volunteering consist of the second and third weeks. WHERE: Theory: LEGC, Center of Ecology (IVIC) Miranda State, Caracas (10 23 N - 66 58 W. http://www.ivic.gob.ve/es/). Practice: Cata Bay, western coast of the (rain forest) National Park Henry Pittier, Aragua state (central coast of Venezuela) 150 km from Caracas (DC) (10 29 N - 67 44 W). PROGRAM: Interns (Three weeks) ? Volunteers (Two weeks). 1st WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns). - Monday: What is a cetacean? The cetaceans and the human in history. Origin, evolution and diversity. Adaptations for aquatic life: Anatomy and Physiology. Life histories. Biogeography Distribution. Ecology Behavior. Conservation. - Tuesday: Identification of species reported for Venezuela. Basic logistics for the study of cetaceans on the mainland, sea and air. Basic equipment to collect information. - Wednesday: How to detect cetaceans and record an effective sighting? Basic data to collect during a sighting, calibration and use of GPS. Configuration and use of the SLR cameras. Download of sightings (GIS). Download pictures and selection (software). - Thursday: Daily encounter ratio. Photo-identification as a tool for ecological and behavioral studies. Estimates of abundance. Local distribution and areas of action. - Friday: Residential patterns. Behavior (deployments, states, daily budget). Habitat use. Social structure and social networks. Bioacoustics. Saturday: Break. Sunday: Transfer to the Cata Bay. 2nd WEEK (Cata Bay-Provita, 42 hours. For Interns and Volunteers). The field surveys will be carried out in a fishing vessel of 9 m in length by 2 of beam. The field work will depend on the climatic conditions, however, the Aragua coast offers few climatic inconveniences throughout the year. There will be 7 mornings of field surveys in the week, after each survey is lunch, rest and then proceed to download the data of sightings and then interpret them preliminarily and discuss them. In the field surveys, it will be implemented: - The identification and recognition of the elements of the marine landscape and the method of tracking and detection of cetaceans. - Ethical navigation mode to study cetaceans. - The basic data collection / sighting. - Use of GPS. - Use of SRL camera. - Counting of individuals and composition of a group. - Identification of the behavioral states that configure group behavior and its recording. - Use of hydrophone. In the afternoon the information of the sightings will be downloaded: - Sighting forms. - Latitude and longitude. - Photographs and their selection. - Voice recordings (behavior). - Recordings of vocalizations. 3rd WEEK (LEGC-Ecology Center, 40 hours. For Interns and volunteers). PRACTICAL FEES: Accommodation, food and transport (airport-IVIC-Cata Bay-IVIC-airport) are paid. The cost of internships and volunteers is US $ 690 for the exclusive compensation of logistical expenses of the field surveys. For more information, please contact: sergio.cobarrubia at gmail.com. Especially it has to do with any doubt about the false dystopian scenarios of the "anti-Venezuela" campaign that seek to prevent the development of activities of this type among others. Ask all your questions. WHEN: During the year there will be 6 internships-volunteering sessions (February, April, June, August, October, November). For interns, second, third and fourth week of the months scheduled. For volunteers, third and fourth week of the scheduled months. VACANTS: 4 people / internship or volunteerng. Not included in the rate: - Meals in restaurants - Free time activities - Personal insurance (all participants must have health and / or travel insurance) - Personal expenses. INTEREST IS EXPECTED: - Being over 18 years - Iterns: Preference will be given to undergraduate students and professional students (biology, marine biology, environmental, conservation and plus). - Volunteer: No preferences. - Have a mature attitude towards the investigation of marine mammals and environment - Be autonomous and flexible - To be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors in the sea - Speak Spanish, English or Portuguese. ACADEMIC CREDITS: The LEGC will certify the work performed by intern or volunteer through a diploma with the recognition of the hours (academic-practical) worked. APPLICATION AND QUESTIONS: Applicants must write to sergio.cobarrubia at gmail.com with the subject "DOLPHINS PROJECT_Name". You will be sent a confirmation email with all the details about the study area and the species present, the practices and requesting your CV resume, motivation letter (small statement about what your expectations are and why you want to work with LEGC) and the internship month of your choice. Applications will be accepted throughout the year, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. -- *Sergio Enrique Cobarrubia Russo* Laboratorio de Ecosistemas y Cambio Global Centro de Ecolog?a Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cient?ficas Venezuela. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sonja.kromann at noaa.gov Thu Oct 17 11:19:37 2019 From: sonja.kromann at noaa.gov (Sonja Kromann - NOAA Federal) Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2019 11:19:37 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] =?utf-8?q?Cetacean_Research_Vacancy_at_NOAA=E2=80=99S_Ma?= =?utf-8?q?rine_Mammal_Laboratory?= Message-ID: *CETACEAN RESEARCH VACANCY IS NOW OPEN AT NOAA?S MARINE MAMMAL LABORATORY* The Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML) of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA) has opened a vacancy announcement for a permanent federal position as Program Leader for MML?s Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program. This position is a permanent, Band IV, supervisory position in the federal ZP series. Applications will be accepted for 14 days from 15 ? 28 October 2019. Announcements for this Supervisory Research Biologist ZP-0401-4 position have been posted in two categories (candidates may apply for this single position under one or both of the categories for which they qualify).Information can be found at USAJOBS under the following links: *NMFS-AKC-2019-0057:* https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/547237500 (Delegated Examining Authority -- open to U.S. citizens). *NMFS-AKC-2019-0058:* https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/547237600 (Merit Promotion Authority -- open only to current and former federal employees). The Marine Mammal Laboratory?s Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program (CAEP) is responsible for conducting studies and reviewing research to assess the status of whales in Alaskan waters (from the North Pacific Ocean to the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas). Recent studies have focused on North Pacific right, bowhead,gray, humpback, beluga and killer whales, as well as and Dall?s and harbor porpoise. Past studies have looked at blue, fin, sei, minke, sperm, and beaked whales, as well as the Pacific white-sided dolphin. Species-specific information is gathered on abundance, trends, stock structure, habitat use, seasonal movements, and feeding ecology using aerial or vessel counts, acoustic studies, satellite telemetry, genetic studies, and photo-identification. CAEP currently has a total of about 25 staff, including permanent employees, non-federal collaborators, and post-docs. The program is known for its innovative work and its strong publication record. Some of the Program?s scientists participate in domestic and international science and management meetings, including representing the United Statesat the International Whaling Commission. The Program Leader is responsible for the scientific direction and administration of CAEP, as well as direct and indirect supervision of staff. Candidates are sought who have demonstrated leadership skills, supervisory experience, and a broad scientific vision. A Ph.D. in biology (or a related field) and a strong publication record are considered essential. This is a special opportunity to join and lead a talented and dynamic group of cetacean researchers, who are an important part of the nearly 100 staff comprising the Marine Mammal Laboratory. We welcome applications from all qualified and interested members of the marine mammal research community. If that is you, please go to USAJOBS and submit an application. And please pass this notification along to others who may be interested as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at +1 (206) 526-4016. All the best, John L. Bengtson, Director Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA Seattle -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From interns at aimm-portugal.org Thu Oct 17 06:27:50 2019 From: interns at aimm-portugal.org (AIMM Internships) Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2019 14:27:50 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] DOLPHIN RESERACH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL 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 2020. 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 2020 season, please contact: interns at aimm-portugal.org We have a special deal for you, if you book you internship until 31th December 2019. *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 Portugal* - Ass. Investiga??o do Meio Marinho | Marine Environment Research Association *Website*: www.aimmportugal.org [image: AIMM Portugal | facebook] [image: AIMM Portugal | twitter] [image: AIMM Portugal | instagram] [image: AIMM Portugal | youtube] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Bill.Greer at MyFWC.com Fri Oct 18 17:00:15 2019 From: Bill.Greer at MyFWC.com (Greer, Bill) Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2019 00:00:15 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Manatee Position in Melbourne Beach, FL In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/MELBOURNE-BEACH-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-F-77902141-FL-32951/601920100/ This position will assist in the coordination of salvage and recovery efforts of marine mammal carcasses for the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) East Central Field Laboratory. The incumbent will serve as member of FWC?s manatee necropsy team conducting field and laboratory necropsies on manatee and other marine mammal carcasses, record observations and complete associated necropsy reports. This position will recover marine mammal carcasses for necropsy from the East Central region (coastal and inland waterways of southern Volusia County through Indian River County) of Florida and assist in manatee rescue and transport operations in the East Central region as well as assist with manatee rescue and capture operations away from designated area as needed. This position will be responsible for preparation and labeling of sample containers, carcass disposal, and cleaning of equipment and instruments. This position will be responsible for managing the East Central region?s intern and volunteer network which includes identifying candidates, interviewing, tracking their effort and training when needed. This position will be responsible for deployment, retrieval, maintenance and data collection of temperature probes throughout the winter months. This position will be responsible for assisting with other East Central regions projects such as photo identification and assisting with basic maintenance of vehicles, trailers and vessels as well purchasing needs and other tasks as assigned by supervisor. This position will assist with aerial surveys for manatees as needed. This position will have an assigned work schedule of Tuesday to Saturday (8:00 am-5:00 pm) and will be asked to respond to marine mammal emergencies and carcasses outside of normal work schedule as needed or assigned. This position will serve in a rotation with other East Central staff members for the purpose of covering the East Central Region during state holidays. Knowledge, Skills, 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 * 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 Minimum Requirements: A bachelor?s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the biological sciences. Experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management. **Preference may be given to candidates who have experience with dissection, pathology, or animal necropsies and data management; having live and dead marine mammal stranding/necropsy experience; having photo-id collection experience in the field; or experience working alongside volunteers/interns. WHAT IS OPS EMPLOYMENT? Other Personal Services (OPS) 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 Application Process: Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com) by the closing date listed. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time you are applying online, faxed, or mailed to People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida Employment Application Form. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. If a conditional offer of employment is made, you will be required to provide identification and proof of citizenship or authorization to work in the United States for the hiring authority to which application is made. 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: Melbourne Bill Greer Marine Mammal Biologist Melbourne Beach Marine Mammal Lab 4020 South Highway A1A Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951 Cell (321) 626-7367 Office (321) 953-5037 [FWC LOGO1] Wildlife Alert: 1-888-404-3922 ? From: Greer, Bill Sent: Friday, October 18, 2019 7:44 PM To: marmam at lists.uvic.ca Subject: Manatee Position in Melbourne Beach, FL https://jobs.myflorida.com/job/MELBOURNE-BEACH-OPS-BIOLOGICAL-SCIENTIST-I-F-77902141-FL-32951/601920100/ Bill Greer Marine Mammal Biologist Melbourne Beach Marine Mammal Lab 4020 South Highway A1A Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951 Cell (321) 626-7367 Office (321) 953-5037 [FWC LOGO1] Wildlife Alert: 1-888-404-3922 ? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 4465 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From tracy.gill at noaa.gov Mon Oct 21 06:55:00 2019 From: tracy.gill at noaa.gov (Tracy Gill - NOAA Federal) Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2019 09:55:00 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] 10/23: NOAA Seminar: Chesapeake DolphinWatch: Dolphins in the Chesapeake Bay Message-ID: *OneNOAA Science Seminar Series * *Please forward to folks who might be interested; thanks.* *Title: **Chesapeake DolphinWatch: Dolphins in the Chesapeake Bay* *Speaker: *Helen Bailey, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. *Presenting at NOAA in Silver Spring* *When: *Wednesday, October 23, 12-1pm EDT *Where: *Via webinar (see below) or for NOAA Silver Spring staff, SSMC4, Rm 8150 *Sponsor: *NOAA's National Ocean Service Science Seminar; coordinator is Tracy.Gill at noaa.gov *Webinar Access: *Please register at: https://noaabroadcast.adobeconnect.com/dolphins/event/registration.html *After registering, an email will arrive with the webinar address.* Users should use either IE or Edge on Windows or Safari if using a Mac. Audio will be available thru the computer only; no phone. Questions will be addressed in the chat window. This Webcast will be recorded, archived and made accessible in the near future. You can test your ability to us Adobe Connect at the following link: https://noaabroadcast.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm Audio is over the computer, so adjust volume on your computer speakers or headsets. Questions? Email Tracy.Gill at noaa.gov *Abstract: *Although documented sightings of bottlenose dolphins in the Chesapeake Bay date back to the 1800s, there is very little information on where they go, how long they spend there and what they are doing. Through our Chesapeake DolphinWatch app and website (www.chesapeakedolphinwatch.org ) we have been able to raise public awareness about bottlenose dolphins in the Bay. As well allowing users to view and report dolphin sightings, we provide responsible viewing guidelines to encourage safe and respectful encounters with these wild animals. This sighting information has helped to guide where we have conducted passive acoustic monitoring to learn more about the dolphins' movements and behaviors within the Chesapeake Bay, and characterize the underwater soundscape. Through analysis of dolphin signature whistles we have identified individual calls allowing us to record the number and identity of individual bottlenose dolphins. These data provide an important baseline on the distribution and seasonal occurrence of bottlenose dolphins in the Chesapeake Bay. *About the Speaker: *Helen Bailey is a Research Associate Professor at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. She has published over 50 journal articles, specializing in marine mammals and sea turtles. She received her B.A. (Hons) in Biological Sciences from the University of Oxford, UK, and her M.Sc. in Oceanography from the University of Southampton, UK. Dr. Bailey was awarded her Ph.D. at the University of Aberdeen (UK) for her work on the habitat use of bottlenose dolphins. She subsequently studied the underwater sound levels and environmental impacts of offshore wind turbines on marine mammals. Dr. Bailey then received a National Research Council postdoctoral award to study migration pathways and hot spots of marine predators at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as part of the Census of Marine Life?s Tagging of Pacific Predators project. She joined the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science in 2010 where her research focuses on studying movement ecology, patterns of habitat use and behavior of marine species, and its application to management and conservation. *Subscribe to the OneNOAA Science Seminar weekly email: *Send an email to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request at list.woc.noaa.gov with the word `subscribe' in the subject or body. Visit the OneNOAA Science Seminar Series website for more information. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From 1mmcgowen1 at gmail.com Mon Oct 21 13:46:29 2019 From: 1mmcgowen1 at gmail.com (Michael McGowen) Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2019 16:46:29 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Publication of new paper: Phylogenomic Resolution of the Cetacean Tree of Life Using Target Sequence Capture Message-ID: Publication of new paper in Systematic Biology: Phylogenomic Resolution of the Cetacean Tree of Life Using Target Sequence Capture Michael R McGowen, Georgia Tsagkogeorga, Sandra ?lvarez-Carretero, Mario dos Reis, Monika Struebig, Robert Deaville, Paul D Jepson, Simon Jarman, Andrea Polanowski, Phillip A Morin, Stephen J Rossiter Abstract: The evolution of cetaceans, from their early transition to an aquatic lifestyle to their subsequent diversification, has been the subject of numerous studies. However, while the higher-level relationships among cetacean families have been largely settled, several aspects of the systematics within these groups remain unresolved. Problematic clades include the oceanic dolphins (37 spp.), which have experienced a recent rapid radiation, and the beaked whales (22 spp.), which have not been investigated in detail using nuclear loci. The combined application of high-throughput sequencing with techniques that target specific genomic sequences provide a powerful means of rapidly generating large volumes of orthologous sequence data for use in phylogenomic studies. To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships within the Cetacea, we combined sequence capture with Illumina sequencing to generate data for ?3200 protein-coding genes for 68 cetacean species and their close relatives including the pygmy hippopotamus. By combining data from >38,000 exons with existing sequences from 11 cetaceans and seven outgroup taxa, we produced the first comprehensive comparative genomic dataset for cetaceans, spanning 6,527,596 aligned base pairs and 89 taxa. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed with maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference of concatenated loci, as well as with coalescence analyses of individual gene trees, produced mostly concordant and well-supported trees. Our results completely resolve the relationships among beaked whales as well as the contentious relationships among oceanic dolphins, especially the problematic subfamily Delphininae. We carried out Bayesian estimation of species divergence times using MCMCTree, and compared our complete dataset to a subset of clocklike genes. Analyses using the complete dataset consistently showed less variance in divergence times than the reduced dataset. In addition, integration of new fossils (e.g., Mystacodon selenensis) indicate that the diversification of Crown Cetacea began before the Late Eocene and the divergence of Crown Delphinidae as early as the Middle Miocene. https://academic.oup.com/sysbio/advance-article/doi/10.1093/sysbio/syz068/5601630 ------ Michael McGowen, PhD Research Zoologist and Curator of Marine Mammals Curator-in-Charge, Division of Mammals Department of Vertebrate Zoology National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution 10th St & Constitution Ave. NW Washington, DC 20560 USA +1 (202) 633-1292 mcgowenm at si.edu 1mmcgowen1 at gmail.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Koen.Broker at shell.com Sun Oct 20 07:23:32 2019 From: Koen.Broker at shell.com (Koen.Broker at shell.com) Date: Sun, 20 Oct 2019 14:23:32 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication on comparing image and observer based aerial surveys of narwhal Message-ID: Dear MARMAM readers, My co-authors and I would like to share our new publication: A comparison of image and observer based aerial surveys of narwhal. Abstract From 25 to 30 August 2014 a double-observer line-transect survey was conducted over Melville Bay, home to one of two summering populations of narwhal (Monodon monoceros) off West Greenland. A total of 1,932 linear kilometers was surveyed along 33 transects. In addition to using observers, the aircraft was equipped with two oblique cameras to capture a comparable data set. Analysts reviewed the images for narwhal sightings, which were then matched to the observer sightings. The objectives of the study were to determine advantages and disadvantages of the detection capabilities of both methodologies, and to conduct a comparative analysis of population abundance estimates. Correcting for the truncated detection distance of the images (500 m), the image analysts recorded more sightings (62) and a lower mean group size (2.2) compared to aerial observers (36 and 3.5, respectively), resulting in comparable numbers of individuals detected by both platforms (135 vs. 126). The abundance estimate based on the image sightings was 2,536 (CV = 0.51, 95% CI: 1,003?6,406), which was not signi?cantly different from the aerial observers estimate of 2,596 individuals (CV = 0.51; 95% CI: 961?7,008). This study supports the potential of using UAS for marine mammal abundance studies. Broker, K., Hansen, R., Leonard, K., Koski, W. (2019). A comparison of image and observer based aerial surveys of narwhal. Marine Mammal Science, 35(4): 1253?1279. The open access paper can be downloaded here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/mms.12586 Best regards, Koen Broker -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From s.barnicoat at seichetraining.com Mon Oct 21 01:20:09 2019 From: s.barnicoat at seichetraining.com (Stephanie Barnicoat (Training)) Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2019 08:20:09 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Applied Marine Acoustics with Practical Signal Processing Message-ID: Dear Colleagues Seiche Training is running our successful new course ?Applied Marine Acoustics with Practical Signal Processing? ? with a focus on noise impact studies on marine mammals. This course is for consultants, contractors, engineers, enthusiasts, managers, environmental regulators, scientists & students. Attendees will improve their understanding of underwater acoustics, improve their data processing skills, will learn to critically analyze sound measurement reports, and leading onto practical modules that assess the impact of anthropogenic noise on various marine mammal groups. The course provides a unique opportunity to understand the marine acoustic environment. With a strong focus on the physical principles, coupled with insights into signal processing techniques, this course aims to equip delegates with the practical EIA skills and other signal processing tools they can immediately use. The transferable skills gained by the candidate can be used in both commercial and research scenarios. The course is 2.5 days, scheduled 4-6 February 2020, in Okehampton, Devon. The course cost ?700 plus VAT For more information or to book a place on this new exciting course, please follow the link or contact training at seiche.com http://www.seiche.com/seichetraining/applied-marine-acoustics-with-practical-signal-processing/ [Seiche Training Ltd] Stephanie Barnicoat (Training)? Seiche Training Ltd Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom T: +44(0)1837 503386 E: s.barnicoat at seichetraining.com W: http://www.seichetraining.com [cid:image004.png at 01D587F0.E8765E70][cid:image002.png at 01D5326C.ED9FD770] Registered in England & Wales No. 9312435, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents. Seiche Training Ltd Stephanie Barnicoat (Training) Seiche Training Ltd Bradworthy Industrial Estate, Langdon Road, Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 7SF, United Kingdom T: +44(0)1837 503386 E: s.barnicoat at seichetraining.com W: http://www.seichetraining.com Registered in England & Wales No. 9312435, Registered Office: The Custom House, The Strand, Barnstaple, Devon The information contained in this e-mail transmission, and any documents, files or previous e-mail messages attached to it, is privileged and confidential, and solely intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or a person responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient you should not read, copy, distribute or otherwise use the information, and you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of any of the information contained in or attached to this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and delete this e-mail and attached documents. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 2464 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.png Type: image/png Size: 860 bytes Desc: image002.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image004.png Type: image/png Size: 173 bytes Desc: image004.png URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image795000.jpg Type: image/png Size: 62863 bytes Desc: image795000.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: Applied Marine Acoustics & Signal Processing.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 1060606 bytes Desc: Applied Marine Acoustics & Signal Processing.pdf URL: From a.stokes at sscnh.org Sat Oct 19 08:13:59 2019 From: a.stokes at sscnh.org (Ashley Stokes) Date: Sat, 19 Oct 2019 11:13:59 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Job Posting (New Hampshire / Northern Massachusetts) Message-ID: Dear Marmam Community, Below is a job posting that may be of interest to some subscribers. *Marine Mammal Rescue Community Outreach Manager* The Seacoast Science Center, located in Rye NH, is seeking a dynamic and accomplished applicant for its open vacancy with the marine mammal rescue program: *Community Outreach Manager. * The Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue Program (SSC MMR) advances the Seacoast Science Center?s mission to spark curiosity, enhance understanding and inspire conservation of our Blue Planet through wildlife conservation, community education, outreach and marine mammal field response in New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. The Marine Mammal Rescue Community Outreach Manager (COM) ensures community relevance by advancing brand awareness, deepening community relationships, providing high quality education outreach programs, and cultivating a new network of donors, stakeholders, program sponsors, community members, and volunteers in Northern Massachusetts. To view the full job posting and how to apply, please click here . Thank you, *Ashley Stokes | Marine Mammal Rescue Manager* *Seacoast Science Center* 570 Ocean Blvd. Rye, NH 03870 603-436-8043 ext. 29 Rescue Hotline: 603-997-9448 www.seacoastsciencecenter.org *Inspiring conservation of our Blue Planet.* Learn about our Marine Mammal Rescue program. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ligia.meirinhos.pereira at usp.br Mon Oct 21 13:31:24 2019 From: ligia.meirinhos.pereira at usp.br (Ligia Meirinhos Pereira) Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2019 17:31:24 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] Survey: Education and Conservation of marine mammals Message-ID: Survey: Education and Conservation of marine mammals https://forms.gle/AkvpSVdTJFFbLTwq9 The survey is part of a study being conducted by CHOICES (Culture and Historicity in Out-of-school Innovations for Communication and Education in Science), a research group from the University of S?o Paulo, Brazil. The purpose of this survey is to better understand the ideas about conservation from those who work with marine mammals. We would also like to understand what participants think about biodiversity conservation as a whole and how their educational background contributed to these ideas. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. The survey will be open until 28 October 2019. https://forms.gle/AkvpSVdTJFFbLTwq9 Thank you, CHOICES Department of Biological Sciences 14 Matao street Butant?, S?o Paulo (Brazil) Phone: (+55) 1130917575 choices at ib.usp.br -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From yeaterd at sacredheart.edu Wed Oct 23 14:46:52 2019 From: yeaterd at sacredheart.edu (Yeater, Prof. Deirdre M.) Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2019 21:46:52 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Field Course in Cetacean Ecology Message-ID: STUDY ABROAD BIMINI, THE BAHAMAS BI/PS 247 Bimini Field Course in Cetacean Ecology for Biology/Psychology Majors and Non-Majors/Majors elective (3 Credits) Summer 2019: May 26 - June 1, 2020 Please apply before December 15, 2019! Led by Dr. Deirdre Yeater in the Sacred Heart University Psychology department in collaboration with Dolphin Communication Project, this course will examine the behavioral and social ecology of coastal cetaceans, particularly Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. You will enjoy a hands-on learning experience with wild dolphins, in the beautiful waters surrounding the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. On the program, you will earn three credits while learning to record and analyze dolphin behaviors. You will also learn about ecotourism and human impacts on the marine environment. The field work at Bimini will consist of 4 to 5 hour boat surveys. If the group is able to make underwater observations, you will be assisting in the use of underwater slates, video cameras, and digital still cameras. The number of students accepted will be limited by the size of the research vessel. Therefore, you should apply as soon as possible. You MUST be able to swim and snorkel as part of the program. Application Deadline Dec. 15! For more information, contact: Sacred Heart University Office of Global Affairs studyabroad at sacredheart.edu www.sacredheart.edu/studyabroad Bahamas or Dolphin Communication Project http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/ Deirdre Yeater, Ph.D Professor Sacred Heart University 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT 06825 Phone: 203-365-4870 Fax: 203-371-7998 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sc at osc.co.uk Wed Oct 23 06:52:42 2019 From: sc at osc.co.uk (Sophie Cox) Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2019 13:52:42 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Full-time permanent MMO and/or PAM vacancies (UK-based) Message-ID: Dear Marmam Members, Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) seeks to expand its UK-based team. This is a rare opportunity for permanent, full-time employment as an MMO and/or PAM operator. Applicants should be able to assist competently with reports, publications, articles, and must be self-motivated when offshore to continue these tasks during project downtime. These roles should be based primarily offshore, with project durations lasting from a few days to months at a time, and between offshore projects, personnel will contribute to shore-based duties at the Company's HQ in Dunbar, Scotland. OSC is a privately-owned technology-focused international marine science company involved principally in the global supply of underwater noise measurement and modelling, marine mammal monitoring, and risk mitigation services. OSC reinvests > 80% of profits into Research & Development (R&D), orientated primarily towards high-level research on the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and other marine life interactions with offshore installations, improving marine mammal and environmental monitoring standards worldwide, and underwater noise measurement. OSC's research has resulted in several peer-reviewed publications (www.osc.co.uk/publications-and-press-covers) and a non-profit book entitled the Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Handbook (www.pelagicpublishing.com/the-marine-mammal-observer-and-passive-acoustic-monitoring-handbook.html) Individual Job descriptions can be found on: http://www.osc.co.uk/careers/vacancies/ Apply only if you meet the requirements. Preference will go towards those with pre-existing offshore certifications, or those willing to acquire qualifications before commencing employment. A sense of humour helps in this industry role. Short-listed candidates should expect to receive small written and skills tests during the interview process. If interested, please send your CV and cover letter to: admin at osc.co.uk . Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please activate a return/read receipt function on your email application, as we expect high volumes of applicants. Application deadline: 10th November 2019 Kind regards, OSC Recruitment Team -- Sophie Cox Team Manager & Data Privacy Officer Ocean Science Consulting Limited (OSC) Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1RR, Scotland, UK M: +44 (0)7974 135 788 T: +44 (0)1368 865 722 W: www.osc.co.uk . MMO or PAM requirement? We wrote the book. Now available on Amazon: www.marinemammalobserverhandbook.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jennifer.tennessen at noaa.gov Mon Oct 21 16:57:12 2019 From: jennifer.tennessen at noaa.gov (Jennifer Tennessen - NOAA Affiliate) Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2019 16:57:12 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on Hidden Markov models and killer whale behavior Message-ID: Dear MARMAM readers, My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the open access publication of the following paper in Scientific Reports, available here : https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-50942-2 Tennessen, J. B., Holt, M. M., Ward, E. J., Hanson, M. B., Emmons, C. K., Giles, D. A., & Hogan, J. T. (2019). Hidden Markov models reveal temporal patterns and sex differences in killer whale behavior. *Scientific Reports* , *9*(1), 1-12. *Abstract* Behavioral data can be important for effective management of endangered marine predators, but can be challenging to obtain. We utilized suction cup-attached biologging tags equipped with stereo hydrophones, triaxial accelerometers, magnetometers, pressure and temperature sensors, to characterize the subsurface behavior of an endangered population of killer whales (*Orcinus orca)*. Tags recorded depth, acoustic and movement behavior on fish-eating killer whales in the Salish Sea between 2010-2014. We tested the hypotheses that (a) distinct behavioral states can be characterized by integrating movement and acoustic variables, (b) subsurface foraging occurs in bouts, with distinct periods of searching and capture temporally separated from travel, and (c) the probabilities of transitioning between behavioral states differ by sex. Using Hidden Markov modeling of two acoustic and four movement variables, we identified five temporally distinct behavioral states. Persistence in the same state on a subsequent dive had the greatest likelihood, with the exception of deep prey pursuit, indicating that behavior was clustered in time. Additionally, females spent more time at the surface than males, and engaged in less foraging behavior. These results reveal significant complexity and sex differences in subsurface foraging behavior, and underscore the importance of incorporating behavior into the design of conservation strategies. Please contact me with any questions. Cheers, Jennifer Tennessen -- Jennifer B. Tennessen, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Scientist, contractor with Lynker, LLC Marine Mammal & Seabird Ecology Team, Conservation Biology Division NOAA/NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center 2725 Montlake Blvd East Seattle, WA 98112 Phone: (206) 860-3473 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From cristian.ss104 at gmail.com Tue Oct 22 02:18:42 2019 From: cristian.ss104 at gmail.com (=?utf-8?Q?Cristian_Su=C3=A1rez_Santana?=) Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:18:42 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper describes the anatomy of the cetacean prostate. Message-ID: We are pleasured to inform you that there is a new paper that describes in detail the anatomy of the cetacean prostate from the Institute of Animal Health in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain). You can check it in the following link: (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31587464 ) Comparative morphology, histology, and cytology of odontocete cetaceans prostates. Su?rez-Santana CM , Fern?ndez A , Sierra E , Arbelo M , Bernaldo de Quir?s Y , Andrada M , Mompeo B , P?rez L , Blanco A , M?ndez A , Espinosa de Los Monteros A , Rivero MA . The prostate is the only male accessory gland in cetaceans. However, little is known about this organ in these species. Anatomical and histological characteristics of the prostate have been described in only a few cetacean species, further, one study reported a high incidence of prostatic pathologies in cetaceans that may impair reproduction. The objective of this work was to describe and compare the morphological, histological, and cytological characteristics of the prostate in different odontocete cetaceans. To this end, the prostate glands of 47 animals from nine different species of cetaceans were macroscopically and microscopically studied. Members of the families Delphinidae, Ziphiidae, and Physeteridae were included. In general, the prostate appeared as a musculo-glandular organ with two distinct parts?the Corpus prostatae and the Pars disseminata prostatae. In the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) and the Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), the prostate was a discrete gland with a small Corpus prostatae. Microscopically, the prostates of different delphinids species shared similarities; however, the prostate of the pygmy sperm whale revealed significant histological differences compared to those of the delphinids. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using low- and high-molecular-weight cytokeratin, vimentin, and prostatic specific antigen commercial antibodies. Electron microscopy analysis was performed on the prostate of a bottlenose dolphin and the cytomorphological differences among the major epithelial components of the prostatic epithelium were described. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: smime.p7s Type: application/pkcs7-signature Size: 2736 bytes Desc: not available URL: From avmoura at gmail.com Thu Oct 24 05:58:21 2019 From: avmoura at gmail.com (Andre Moura) Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2019 12:58:21 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Post-doctoral position in Dolphin Evolutionary Genomics, Museum and Institute of Zoology, Poland Message-ID: Dear Marmam subscribers, Applications are now open for a post-doctoral position in dolphin evolutionary genomics, at the newly established Cetacean Ecology and Evolution Research Group led by Dr. Andre E. Moura. The position is available for 2 years and 9 months, and is expected to start on the 3rd of February 2020. The research group is based at the Research Station of the Museum and Institute of Zoology (MIZ), Polish Academy of Sciences in Gda?sk, a vibrant city located on the shores of the Baltic Sea surrounded by areas of natural beauty, with an inclusive atmosphere and rich history. The group maintains strong links with the main research facilities of the MIZ in Warsaw, and research visits to the Warsaw location may be required. The Research Station also hosts groups working on canid genomics and avian immunogenetics. The post-doctoral assistant will have expertise in bioinformatics, with background (BSc or MSc degree) in bioinformatics, computer science, systems biology or other fields relevant to the project, and a PhD degree (awarded or to be awarded soon) in a relevant area. The PhD degree should have been awarded no longer than 7 years before the start of employment. A list of required skills can be seen at the end of this message. To apply, the following documents should be sent to Andre Moura at avmoura at miiz.waw.pl no later than 27.11. 2019: 1. Copy of a PhD certificate 2. Curriculum vitae including a publication list, with the following statement provided at the end and signed: ?I give my consent to the processing of personal data provided in my application documents by the Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS for the purpose of the recruitment process, pursuant to the Personal Data Protection Act of 10 May 2018 (Journal of Laws 2018, item 1000) and in agreement with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation; L 119 from 04.05.2016)?. IMPORTANT: Applications that do not include this statement won't be considered. 3. Motivation letter (maximum one page) 4. A copy of one research paper to be evaluated in the recruitment process 5. Contact details of two persons who can be contacted for references. The interviews of shortlisted candidates will take place between 2 and 6 of December at the Research Station of the Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS in Gda?sk-G?rki Wschodnie. A Skype interview can be arranged. The candidate selection is expected to be completed by 20 December 2019. Informal inquiries can also be addressed to Andre Moura. Essential skills: 1. Excellent knowledge of Linux/Unix environment; 2. Proficiency with at least one coding language (e.g. Python, Perl); 3. Experience with processing NGS data; 4. Good organisational skills; 5. Experience with large databases; 6. Ability to work independently and to communicate with a multi-disciplinary team; Desirable skills: 7. Experience with analysing whole-genome datasets, aligning to reference genomes, SNP detection; 8. Experience with software for evolutionary genomic analyses; 9. Experience with online genomic databases; 10. Good understanding of natural selection theory; 11. Good understanding of mammalian immune system; 12. Experience of working in an international team. Research environment The research at the MIZ is focused on a broad range of themes in animal biology, including systematics, biogeography, evolutionary biology, ecology and population genetics. Andre Moura?s research group is part of the Laboratory of the Molecular and Biometric Techniques led by Prof. Wieslaw Bogdanowicz, grouping researchers focused on population genetics, phylogeography and evolutionary genomics of a broad range of animal taxa. MIZ laboratories contain modern equipment for genomic analyses, including Pacific Biosciences RSII long-read sequencer and Illumina MiSeq System. The state-of-the-art ancient DNA laboratory carries out work on mammalian palaeogenetics. The Museum?s zoological collection is among the largest and most valuable in Europe. From bruno at thebdri.com Wed Oct 23 08:10:50 2019 From: bruno at thebdri.com (Bruno Diaz Lopez) Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2019 15:10:50 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [MARMAM] Undergraduate & Postgraduate Thesis Opportunities References: <1172283965.7314327.1571843450922.ref@mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1172283965.7314327.1571843450922@mail.yahoo.com> On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) , I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for our Undergraduate and Postgraduate Work Placement Programme 2020. Our work placement programme aims to prepare students for a professional career in the research of marine mammals, and conservation of the marine environment. The BDRI offers a limited number of independent studies to advanced undergraduate and graduate students (bachelor and master students). Highly motivated bachelor and master students in the fields of zoology, marine biology, veterinary and related disciplines are invited to apply for a research placement at the BDRI. We do not confer degrees but rather provide a research environment including a fully equipped and staffed laboratory, accommodation, and training in the field under the mentorship of experienced marine scientists. The BDRI offers to the students the chance to work through the many steps of research, collecting the data on the field, thesis co-supervision and analysis of the data at the lab. The main research topics of the 2020 BDRI research season will include marine mammal ecology, ethology, ecological modelling and bioacoustics (on cetaceans), as well as marine birds and otters ecology.? Lasting between one and nine months, there?s a variety of research projects that will help you explore what you may want to do long term. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, participants will be trained to get involved with multiple research projects involving a combination of boat-based surveys onboard research vessels, land-based observations, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, diving behaviour, video analysis, database work, etc).? BDRI 2020 thesis topics (non exhaustive list): 1. Behavioural budget of bottlenose dolphins? 2. Determining critical areas (foraging/nursing grounds) for cetaceans* 3. Anthropogenic-induced behavioural changes of cetaceans* 4. Diving behaviour of cetaceans* 5. Impact of marine traffic on cetaceans diving behaviour* 6. Social structure of bottlenose dolphins 7. Whistle production and characteristics in resident bottlenose dolphins 8. Acoustic communication and associated behaviour of bottlenose dolphins 9. Impact of marine traffic on bottlenose dolphin sound production 10. Using GIS to identify suitable sites for marine protected areas for cetaceans/marine birds* 11. Cetaceans distribution and use of habitat* 12. Bottlenose dolphins? habitat preferences? 13. Harbour porpoises? distribution and habitat use 14. Common dolphins? distribution and habitat use 15. Impact of human activities (aquaculture, fisheries or marine traffic) on cetacean distribution* 16. Spatio-temporal distribution of marine birds* 17. Co-occurrence of cetaceans and marine birds* 18. Marine debris and dolphins? distribution* 19. Influence of environmental variables on cetaceans? distribution* 20. Modelling cetaceans/marine birds? habitat and distribution* 21. Determining the importance of cetaceans in marine ecosystems through the use of mass-balance models* 22. Abundance estimations of cetacean species using mark-recapture techniques* 23. Distribution of blue sharks? 24. Environmental drivers of cetaceans/marine birds/sharks? distribution* 25. Abundance and description of body marks in cetaceans* 26. Occurrence of anthropogenic body marks in cetaceans* 27. Diet of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in a coastal ecosystem Data are collected on wild cetaceans, marine birds, sharks and otters in Galicia (NW Spain). The BDRI has a research permit delivered by the Spanish Government in order to approach and study these animals. * The BDRI collects data on more than 10 species of cetaceans and 30 species of marine birds. These topics will therefore be based on one or several species of cetaceans or birds, depending on availability and candidate?s preference. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - Thesis opportunities are open as part of our internship programme. Start and end dates are flexible depending on the needs of the institute and the intern?s availability, but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between January 2020 through to November 2020. Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. BDRI internships are not paid and this research placement requires a tuition fee which is used to off-set the cost of training, thesis supervision, use of research equipment and data, facilities and research vessels, shared accommodation, and other expenses. The fee reflects the real world costs and expenses that go into making the research program possible and the BDRI Placement Program worthwhile. HOW TO APPLY - Interested candidates should submit an e-mail to info at thebdri.com, and we will provide you further information about the program. Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled (maximum 15 vacancies). For more information and details, please visit: ? Some of our ex-interns shared their BDRI internship experience at: ? For regular updates with photos and videos about our programs and research activities feel free to visit BDRI?s reputation for success rests solidly on its ability to carry out studies published in prestigious scientific journals. Scientific articles published by the BDRI team in 2019 (for a full list of publications please visit: ): - Methion S, Diaz Lopez B (2019) Individual foraging variation drives social organization in bottlenose dolphins. Behavioral Ecology. doi:10.1093/beheco/arz160? - Diaz Lopez B, Methion S (2019) Habitat drivers of endangered rorqual whales in a highly impacted upwelling region. Ecological Indicators 103, 610 ? 616.? - Methion B, D?az L?pez B (2019) First record of atypical pigmentation pattern in fin whale Balaenoptera physalus in the Atlantic Ocean. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 135:121-?125. DOI: 10.3354/dao03385? - Diaz Lopez B, Methion S, Giralt Paradell O (2019) Living on the edge: Overlap between a marine predator?s habitat use and fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic waters (NW Spain). Progress in Oceanography 175, 115 ? 223.? - Methion S, Diaz Lopez B (2019) Natural and anthropogenic drivers of foraging behaviour in bottlenose dolphins: influence of shellfish aquaculture. Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems? ? ?29(6), 927-937.? - Giralt Paradell O, Diaz Lopez B, Methion S, (2019) Modelling common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) coastal distribution and habitat use: insights for conservation. Ocean and Coastal Management 179, 104836.? - Diaz Lopez B (2019) "Hot deals at sea": responses of a top predator (Bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus) to human-induced changes in the coastal ecosystem. Behavioural Ecology 2(3), 291-300. Best regards, Bruno D?az L?pez Ph.D Chief biologist and Director The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Avenida Beiramar 192, O Grove 36980, Pontevedra, Spain www.thebdri.com 0034 684248552 Like us on?Facebook. Follow us on?Instagram. Mention us on?Twitter. This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private informations. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any). Thank you for your cooperation. From hbarriosg at gmail.com Mon Oct 21 17:01:12 2019 From: hbarriosg at gmail.com (Hector Barrios-Garrido PhD) Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2019 20:01:12 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Sotalia guianensis in the southern Gulf of Venezuela Message-ID: Dear MARMAM readers: We are happy to share #GeneralEcologyLab_LUZ latest article entitled: Guiana Dolphin (*Sotalia guianensis*) in the southern Gulf of Venezuela: Seasonal distribution, group size, and habitat use. Free to download (for 50 days): https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1Zx9v8MvAtjw4K More than happy to answer questions, comments, and collaboration opportunities! The authors Abstract: Small cetaceans, such as the Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), do not migrate long distances to forage but use rather small areas subject to food source variations. Information on their distribution, behaviour, habitat use, and estimated population density play an important role in the identification of critical areas and regulating human activities within. Here we examine the seasonal variations, group size, and distribution of Guiana dolphin in the southern Gulf of Venezuela, to identify their critical habitats and thus aid mitigation planning. We used boat-based surveys with a follow-group protocol where observers monitor groups of animals for 30 min, from a distance of 20 to 30 m, gathering the following data: date, time observed, GPS position, estimated number of individuals, presence of calves, behavioural observations (when possible); and environmental parameters (sea-surface temperature, water transparency, salinity, sea state [Beaufort], and cloud cover). We found that Guiana dolphins did not use the studied area (6.33 Km2) homogeneously but rather aggregated in north of Zapara Island?s retaining wall. The highest density of dolphins was between 301 and 573 individuals within 4.22 Km2 approximately off north of Zapara Island, and the lowest (1 - 150 individuals) at the entrance of the main navigation channel. The group size was considerably larger in the wet season (mean ? SD = 6.4 ? 1.9 individuals, range = 1 to 80) than the dry season (2.2 ? 2.7 individuals, range = 1 to 27). The number of sightings differed among seasons (dry/wet), there were more sightings in the wet season (1.3414 ? 0.4389 groups, range = 1 to 5) than dry season (1.1233 ? 0.7418 groups, range = 1 to 5). Our data suggest this population might be highly adapted to local conditions and prey movements, and use the areas intensely year around, particularly during the wet season. Citation: Espinoza Rodr?guez, N., De Turris-Morales, K., Shimada, T., & Barrios-Garrido, H. 2019. Guiana Dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) in the southern Gulf of Venezuela: Seasonal distribution, group size, and habitat use: Guiana Dolphin in the southern Gulf of Venezuela. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 1-8. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2019.100874 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jean.potvin at slu.edu Tue Oct 22 13:03:58 2019 From: jean.potvin at slu.edu (Jean Potvin) Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2019 20:03:58 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New review on Lunge Feeding in Rorqual Whales Message-ID: Dear MARMAM readers, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our new paper which has just appeared in Physiology: Lunge Feeding in Rorqual Whales Abstract: The largest animals are baleen filter feeders that exploit large aggregations of small-bodied plankton. Although this feeding mechanism has evolved multiple times in marine vertebrates, rorqual whales exhibit a distinct lunge filter feeding mode that requires extreme physiological adaptations?most of which remain poorly understood. Here, we review the biomechanics of the lunge feeding mechanism in rorqual whales that underlies their extraordinary foraging performance and gigantic body size.? Shadwick, RE, Potvin, J and Goldbogen JA (2019). "Lunge feeding in rorqual whales" Physiology 34: 409 ? 418, 2019; doi:10.1152/physiol.00010.2019 Requests for a PDF copy can be sent to: potvinj at slu.edu Sincerely Jean Potvin potvinj at slu.edu "So many ideas, so little time..." Jean Potvin Department of Physics Shannon Hall rm. 111 Saint Louis University 3511 Laclede Ave. St. Louis MO, 63103 314-977-8424 https://sites.google.com/a/slu.edu/jeanpotvin/ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jean_Potvin https://twitter.com/LaboPotvin -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From joelle.de.weerdt at gmail.com Wed Oct 23 01:14:30 2019 From: joelle.de.weerdt at gmail.com (=?UTF-8?Q?Jo=C3=ABlle_De_Weerdt?=) Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2019 10:14:30 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Team Leader Cetacean research Nicaragua 2020 Message-ID: *About Association ELI-S* Association ELI-S is a small French nonprofit organization created in 2013. Our organization aims at promoting, protecting and conserving cetaceans in Central America, and launched since 2016 the pioneer project ? Cetacean Conservation of Nicaragua ?. The aim is to generate knowledge on cetacean presence, population size, distribution and habitat use patterns. The expected output is to generate:1) scientific data on cetaceans in Nicaragua, 2) environmental awareness to the local communities in order to create a socio-economic relevance in conserving and protecting their natural environment and 3) responsible eco-tourism. Eight species were identified and the most abundant species are: humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins and pantropical spotted dolphins. ELI-Scientific is recruiting a team leader for field work, photo-identification and data entry from between January and April 2020 in San Juan del Sur. This position is a great opportunity for a scientist that wish to gain additional experience on the field and learn how a small non-profit organization works. *Location: *San Juan del Sur South-West of Nicaragua *Period: *01 January to 30 April - 4 month commitment *Type of agreement: *Full time. *Duties:* - Assist in Boat based and land based surveys in collecting data on cetaceans - Photo-identification of whale and dolphin species - Coordinate a group of research assistants with the project director - Verify Data entry of collected data - Verify Data entry of collected data - Participate to public outreach and events *Desirable Skills and qualifications:* - *Mc in biology / environmental sciences* - *Fluency in Spanish and English (!)* - *Enthusiastic, conscientious and hard working (!)* - Experience of working in developing countries - Proactive - Interest in marine mammal research - Experience with photo-identification : matching and grading systems - Excellent verbal and written communication skills - Being able to manage a small team - Being able to live in basic living conditions This position is an *unpaid position* but food and accomodation will be provided. *To apply:* Please email a CV, 2 references and cover letter outlining your experience and motivations. Send this to v.pouey at hotmail.fr and eliscientific at gmail.com in copy with "Team Leader 2020" in the subject line. Deadline of Application: 31th of October 2019. Interviews via Skype on 01 November 2019. *Contact:* For further information or any queries, please contact *Joelle De Weerdt, Project Director* via eliscientific at gmail.com Website: www.nicacetacea.org / www.eli-s.com Find us on : Facebook , Instagram , Twitter -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From carissacabrera1 at gmail.com Tue Oct 22 11:55:18 2019 From: carissacabrera1 at gmail.com (Carissa Cabrera) Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2019 08:55:18 -1000 Subject: [MARMAM] Deadline Approaching - Marine Animal Response Internships in Hawaii Message-ID: JOIN OUR FIELD RESPONSE TEAM on the beautiful island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. We are accepting applications for interns for our Spring 2020 internship period. The deadline is November 30, 2019 however applications will be reviewed and positions will be assigned as responses are received so apply soon. Here is more detail about this opportunity. ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR) is the field operations arm of Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance Inc. and is the largest Hawaii-based non-profit marine species conservation and response organization. We cover nearly 300 miles of coastline on the islands of Oahu and Molokai with our team of volunteers, interns and staff. We are a U.S. based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, conservation and stewardship of Hawaii's protected marine species and our ocean ecosystem. We focus our work on marine species whose natural behaviors and habitat put animals in close proximity to and are therefore most affected by human impacts. These species include the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, the threatened green sea turtle, the endangered hawksbill sea turtle and several vulnerable seabird species. HMAR is supported by private donations, corporate funding and government grants and operates under partnerships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Hawaii and others. More information about HMAR is available at http://h-mar.org. FIELD RESPONSE TEAM INTERN DUTIES: - Responding to sightings of endangered or threatened marine species such as Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles to provide shoreline response to haul-outs and strandings. - Perform or assist in field escalations, interventions, stranding support and rescues. - Report on animal behavior, provide animal assessment information, provide photo-documentation and other important data used in protected marine species research, health management and species recovery efforts. - Perform outreach to the public to teach sustainable human interaction and fishery behaviors and encourage stewardship of protected marine species and the ocean ecosystem. - Participate in dispatch and reporting activity such as the taking and documenting phone call reports of marine species activity, coordinating field response activity, data entry and generating reports. LOCATION: These positions require on-island travel throughout the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. FIELD RESPONSE TEAM (FRT) INTERN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: - This is an un-paid internship that requires the intern to live on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii for the period beginning 2 weeks prior to the start of the internship until the end of the internship. The intern is responsible for all lodging, living and transportation costs associated with the internship. - U.S. citizenship or possession of a passport and all applicable visas and work permits are needed prior to and during the internship period. - 18 or more years of age. - English language fluency. - Must be a degree-seeking student or a graduate of a college or university program associated with one of the following courses of study: marine biology, marine ecology, conservation, environmental science or a related field. - Minimum grade point average (GPA). For college/university graduates, a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to the internship. For current students, a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to and during the internship. - If college credit for this internship is desired it is the responsibility of the intern to obtain necessary approvals from the applicable college or university. - Ability to walk in sandy, rocky and unstable shoreline conditions for 2 miles. - Ability to work outdoors in a sunny, rainy, windy and hot climate. - Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 75 pounds for 100 feet in shoreline beach and rocky conditions. - Ability to swim required. - Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions. - Possess a team-based work ethic and attitude. - Acceptance of our Intern Policies, Waivers, Releases and Indemnifications agreement. - Attend mandatory in-field or classroom training sessions as required. - Possess an interest in and a desire to engage with the public. - Must have access to a reliable car or truck (truck preferred) during the internship period. Motorcycles or scooters will not be sufficient. - Possession a valid drivers license. - Proof of automobile insurance carrying Hawaii minimum liability coverage levels. - Access to a cellular phone with 4G data service and camera. - Access to binoculars with at least a 10X magnification level, OR access to a digital camera (not a smartphone) with at least a 35X zoom lens and Wi-Fi capability. One of these two items is required. FIELD RESPONSE TEAM (FRT) INTERNSHIP ACTIVITY EXPECTATIONS: - Internship term: Minimum of 3 months (may be extended for up to 1 year upon mutual agreement). Start date for 3-month minimum internship is somewhat flexible but must be between December 15, 2019 and January 15, 2020. Interns must be on Oahu, settled and ready to begin training at least 2 weeks prior to the internship start date. - Hours per week: 20 hours minimum, however due to the unpredictable nature of marine animal response the intern may sometimes be required to work beyond, or outside of, their normal scheduled hours. Work hours flexibility is required. Travel time to and from training and field response locations is not included in these minimum hours. The intern must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays. - The intern must be available for response anywhere on the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. FIELD RESPONSE TEAM (FRT) INTERNSHIP DEADLINE AND APPLICATION PROCESS: The deadline for Spring 2020 internships is November 30, 2019 however applications will be reviewed and internship positions will be assigned as they are received so apply soon. To apply, please go to http://h-mar.org/apply and complete the online application. IN ADDITION to completion of the online application, please submit the following information via email to KELSEY.WHEELER at H-MAR.ORG. (1) A cover letter of interest, maximum of 1 page, including your dates of availability. (2) Confirmation that you have, or will have, access to a reliable car or truck during the internship period (truck preferred). (3) A resume describing your training, experience, relevant skills and GPA (maximum of 2 pages). (4) Names and contact information for three references. Your application cannot be considered unless both the online application and the required documents listed above are received. We look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From heatherh at cawildlife.org Wed Oct 23 18:52:43 2019 From: heatherh at cawildlife.org (Heather Henderson) Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2019 01:52:43 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] 2020 Marine Mammal Rescue & Rehabilitation Internship Announcement Message-ID: 2020 Marine Mammal Rescue & Rehabilitation Internship Opportunity California Wildlife Center is accepting applications for the 2020 Marine Mammal Internship program. California Wildlife Center is located in Malibu, California, and responds to reports of stranded marine mammals 365 days a year. Our rehabilitation facility is active during the region?s period of highest stranding activity, which is January through July. Pinnipeds are cared for in-house. There are three, 2-month sessions: Session I: February 1st to the end of March Session II: April 1st to the end of May Session III: June 1st to the end of July Time Commitment: 40 hours per week. Summary/Program Description The California Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned, sick, malnourished and entangled native wildlife. CWC fulfills this mission through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, and treatment of avian and terrestrial wildlife in our rehabilitation hospital. This internship will provide an exciting and challenging educational experience in the marine mammal field. Working closely with the Marine Mammal program staff, individuals will be exposed to many aspects of stranding response and rehabilitation, including: logistics, assessment, capture/restraint, transportation, husbandry, feeding techniques, data collection, necropsy and public relations. The marine mammal teams also perform rescues on coastal native marine avian species, providing interns a view into the skills necessary for capture and transport of these species. To minimize cross contamination potential, all rehabilitative care of non-marine mammal species is handled solely by the hospital staff / volunteers. To apply, please visit our website: http://cawildlife.org/volunteer/internshipsexternshipspreceptorships/ Heather A. Henderson Stranding Coordinator California Wildlife Center P.O. Box 2022 Malibu CA 90265 310-458-WILD (9453) www.cawildlife.org [medium CA_Wildlife_Center_Logo_Since_1998_CMYK500px] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Outlook-medium CA_.png Type: image/png Size: 39089 bytes Desc: Outlook-medium CA_.png URL: From vicki.hamilton at utas.edu.au Thu Oct 24 22:12:25 2019 From: vicki.hamilton at utas.edu.au (Vicki Hamilton) Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2019 05:12:25 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] MARMAM New Publication: Message-ID: Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to announce the recent publication of the following paper in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Hamilton V, Evans K, Raymond B, Betty E, Hindell MA (2019) Spatial variability in responses to environmental conditions in Southern Hemisphere long-finned pilot whales. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 629:207-218. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13109 Abstract: Investigating past responses to variations in the marine environment can provide insights into how species might respond to future change. Using long-finned pilot whales Globicephala melas stranded in New Zealand (2011) and Australia (2012), we investigated relationships between tooth growth chronologies, as a proxy for energy budgets (which underpin population state), and interannual variations in broad-scale climate indices (Southern Oscillation Index: SOI, Indian Ocean Dipole: IOD) and spatially explicit, seasonally averaged sea surface temperature (SST). Tooth chronologies from pilot whales that stranded in Australia had a positive relationship with the SOI and a negative relationship with the IOD. Those from New Zealand had a positive relationship with the SOI, but at a 1 yr lag. Positive SOI and negative IOD conditions are associated with increased storm activity across the southern Australian/New Zealand region. The resulting changes in regional SST, currents and frontal activity likely influences the distribution of prey resources and associated high-order predators such as pilot whales. Correlation maps between tooth growth chronologies and SSTs suggest differences in habitat utilisation between the 2 regional groups, with pilot whales stranded in Australia associating with the subtropical and subantarctic fronts south of Tasmania, and those stranded in New Zealand associating with a number of regions of seasonally enhanced productivity close to New Zealand. This study greatly enhances our understanding of the environmental conditions influencing populations of an insufficiently studied species in the region. Please feel free to contact me on vicki.hamilton at utas.edu.au if you have any queries. Best regards, Dr Vicki Hamilton Adjunct Researcher Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) University of Tasmania Mail: IMAS/UTAS, Private Bag 129, Hobart TAS Australia 7000 T +61 3 6226 6379 | M 0408 127 092 University of Tasmania Electronic Communications Policy (December, 2014). This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipient organisation is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of the University of Tasmania, unless clearly intended otherwise. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kylie.owen at uqconnect.edu.au Thu Oct 24 06:29:57 2019 From: kylie.owen at uqconnect.edu.au (Ms Kylie Owen) Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2019 13:29:57 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on the influence of the lunar cycle on pilot whales in Hawaii Message-ID: Dear MARMAM readers, My co-authors and I are pleased to share our latest publication on the impact of lunar and solar light levels on the diving behaviour and habitat usage of short-finned pilot whales around the Hawaiian Islands. Owen K, Andrews RD, Baird RW, Schorr GS, Webster DL (2019) Lunar cycles influence the diving behavior and habitat use of short-finned pilot whales around the main Hawaiian Islands. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 629: 193-206. Abstract The availability of light, both solar and lunar, is likely to influence the behavior of vertically migrating aquatic animals and their predators. However, the influence of light level on the diving behavior and habitat use of deep-diving cetaceans is not well understood. We used data from 28 depth-transmitting satellite tags deployed on short-finned pilot whales Globicephala macrorhynchus around the main Hawaiian Islands to examine movements and diving behavior in relation to lunar cycles and oceanographic season. During a full moon, dives were deeper (48.1%) and longer (16.7%) than during a new moon. This change appeared to be driven primarily by an increase (25.2%) in the depth of deep dives (>200 m) completed at night and an increase in the proportion of deeper daytime and twilight dives during a full moon. Dives occurred a mean of 18.3 km farther offshore (more than twice as far from shore) during a full moon compared to a new moon. During the oceanographic season with the shortest day length (fall), dives were shallower (25.4%) and shorter (14.2%) than seasons with longer days (summer). This suggests that changes in light level, both solar and lunar, affect the depth of prey targeted by pilot whales, which in turn influences pilot whale diving behavior and distribution. Future research should determine how these changes influence the feeding success and energetics of pilot whales. The article is available here: https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v629/p193-206/ All the best. Kylie -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From maxxvanw at gmail.com Thu Oct 24 11:13:48 2019 From: maxxvanw at gmail.com (Maxx Van Waeyenberghe) Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2019 14:13:48 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Protected Species Observer and Migratory Bird Monitor Positions Message-ID: Dear All, Vantage Observing, LLC is seeking experienced National Marine Fisheries Service approved PSO?s, and Migratory Bird Monitors for ongoing and upcoming dredging, and marine construction projects. Candidates with previous Hopper Dredging, Clamshell Dredging, and Pile Driving experience are preferred. We have immediate openings available aboard hopper dredges as well as upcoming long term Manatee observing positions aboard clamshell dredges/pile driving barges. We are also seeking candidates with Migratory Bird Monitoring experience to join our team for a long term migratory bird abatement contract. Vantage Observing provides a professional work environment with highly competitive compensation, and flexible scheduling. Requirements: Bachelor?s Degree in Marine Biology or related field. 2 Years of protected species observing experience during dredging, or marine construction projects. Previous experience monitoring for Sea Turtles, Sturgeon, Manatees, and Whales. 2 years of migratory bird monitoring experience. Previous experience in bird abatement and techniques. Excellent communication and report writing skills. Work independently and in a team environment. Work outdoors in the elements for long periods of time. For more information or to submit your resume email VantageObserving at gmail.com Best Regards, Maxx Van Waeyenberghe Vantage Observing, LLC Manager -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From sarah.marley at port.ac.uk Fri Oct 25 08:22:18 2019 From: sarah.marley at port.ac.uk (Sarah Marley) Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2019 16:22:18 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] MRes Opportunities at the University of Portsmouth (UK) Message-ID: Dear MARMAM Community, I am inviting applications for two MRes projects at the University of Portsmouth, UK, to start in January 2020. *Project 1: Investigating changing harbour porpoise distributions around the UK* An understanding of the current distribution and drivers of mobile marine megafauna is integral to appropriate conservation management. Harbour porpoise are conserved under Article IV of the Habitats Directive, but are at risk of bycatch in fisheries gear. Large-scale surveys have revealed a shift in distribution, with porpoises appearing to move into the English Channel. In collaboration with the whale and dolphin charity ORCA, this project will use long-term citizen science time series to further investigate the shift in distribution and the environmental drivers, and whether this may lead to greater overlap with anthropogenic threats. This project will be primarily computer-based and will suit a student with strong quantitative skills (i.e. previous experience in R and GIS). *Project 2: Haul-out patterns and anthropogenic disturbance of the Solent seals* The number of harbour seals and grey seals utilising the Solent is increasing. Monthly counts by local monitoring schemes have identified two main haul-out sites, which are vital for seals to rest, moult and breed. In collaboration with the Chichester Harbour Conservancy and Langstone Harbour Board, this project will use a combination of existing datasets and field observations to investigate the environmental and anthropogenic variables influencing haul-out behaviour in seals. This project will have a strong fieldwork component and will suit a student with their own transportation who is willing to spend long hours outdoors, as well as being confident with data handling and analysis. *Requirements:* - BSc (minimum second-class or equivalent) or a Masters degree in a relevant subject - English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (with no component score below 6.0) *The following would also be advantageous:* - Previous marine mammal field experience - Proficiency in R and GIS software - Strong background in statistical techniques *Application Deadline:* 6pm (UK time) Friday 15th November 2019 *Application Process: *Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the main supervisor Dr Sarah Marley (sarah.marley at port.ac.uk) to discuss their suitability. Candidates will be asked to submit a formal application to the University of Portsmouth and write a short research proposal. Applicants will then be short-listed for interview. *More Info: *Further information regarding entry requirements and course costs are available at https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/mres-science. All the best, Sarah *Dr Sarah Marley * Lecturer in Marine Biology, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth *Email:* sarah.marley at port.ac.uk *| Phone: *+44 (0)23 9284 5012 *| **Web:* https://bit.ly/2RVVd28 *Recent Papers:* Effects of ship noise on marine mammals Behavioural and acoustical responses of dolphins to vessel traffic and underwater noise Spatial and temporal variation in dolphin acoustic habitats Diversity and variation in fish choruses in Darwin Harbour -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From kathrynr at aisobservers.com Fri Oct 25 14:28:12 2019 From: kathrynr at aisobservers.com (Kathryn Roy) Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2019 21:28:12 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] UPDATE - Seeking PAM Operators for October 29th Deployment Message-ID: Please use this version, not previous. A.I.S. Inc. is seeking Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operators for a project mobilizing out of Boston, MA on October 29th, 2019. The suitable candidate will deploy aboard a geo-survey vessel and remain on board for 4 weeks. During the project, PAM Operators are responsible for listening and maintain constant watch for marine mammals using passive acoustic monitoring equipment and software. Any detections of marine mammals are documented on project specific logs. Project activity, times, location, and environmental conditions are also documented. PAM Operators are responsible for notifying appropriate personnel if protected species are detected approaching or within harmful range of sound producing equipment and calling for mitigation measures outlined in the project specific planning documents. Minimum qualifications: * At least one year of experience identifying marine animals using passive acoustic monitoring equipment and software; * At least one year experience working on offshore survey vessel; * Ability to vigilantly monitor for acoustic detections of marine mammals around observation platform/vessel for up to 4 hours at a time and not more than 12 hours in a 24 hour period; * Must be approved by the National Marine Fisheries as a PSO in the G&G industry; * Must be certified by a physician as fit for sea duty including; * Must have a valid offshore safety training certificate; * Acustomed to working during nightime hours; * Ability to clearly and consicely describe protected species detection events and relay information to on site manager; * Familiar with operation, deployment and troubleshooting PAM equipment; * Professional, personable and positive! A.I.S. Inc. offers a competitive salary, in addition to compensating for travel to and from the port of deployment. Please submit a resume, a cover letter detailing your PSO experience, 3 professional references (name, e-mail address and phone number), and any applicable credentials/certificates to kathrynr at aisobservers.com Kathryn Roy Protected Species Program Manager A.I.S., Inc Cell: 774.392.7127 www.aisobservers.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From miamorete at gmail.com Fri Oct 25 04:49:42 2019 From: miamorete at gmail.com (Maria Emilia Morete) Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2019 08:49:42 -0300 Subject: [MARMAM] bycatch images - footage and/or photo Message-ID: Hello! We, from VIVA Instituto Verde Azul*, are preparing a short movie about bycatch for educational purpose and to raise awareness about this devasting threat. We are needing photos and footages of entangled marine animals. The name of the photographer and Institution will be credited. Please send the images to contato at viva.bio.br until November 1st. Thank you so much! Mia Morete **VIVA Baleias, Golfinhos e cia* is an independent Brazilian organization which aims to contribute to the preservation of aquatic mammals and their habitats in an ethical and responsible manner, researching and fomenting research, supporting students and young researchers, teaching and disseminating scientific information, raising awareness and sensitizing human beings, showing the problems and challenges that these animals face, and seeking ways to protect them and keep them on the Planet. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From oliverhooker at prstatistics.com Tue Oct 22 11:42:15 2019 From: oliverhooker at prstatistics.com (Oliver Hooker) Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2019 19:42:15 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] =?utf-8?q?Geostatistics_=28held_in_Canada=29_=E2=80=93_H?= =?utf-8?q?andling_Spatial_and_Spatial-temporal_data_Using_R_=28GSF?= =?utf-8?q?E01=29?= Message-ID: Geostatistics ? Handling Spatial and Spatial-temporal data Using R (GSFE01) https://www.prstatistics.com/course/geostatistics-handling-spatial-and-spatial-temporal-data-using-r-gsfe01/ This course will be delivered by Dr. Guillaume Blanchet from November 18th-22nd in Winnipeg, Canada. Course Overview: This 5-day course will cover the concepts, methods, and R tools that can be used to analyse spatial and spatiotemporal data relevant to the study of marine mammals through Geostatistic. The course will review data processing techniques relevant to spatial and spatiotemporal data sets. Following, we will cover spatial interpolation methods such as inverse distance weighted interpolation as well as simple, ordinary and universal kriging, sequential Gaussian (co)simulation and sequential indicator (co)simulation. Through these different interpolation methods, we will learn about the different types of variograms and variogram models including directional and omnidirectional variograms. As advance topic, depending on time and interest, we will discuss about spatial modelling of stream networks using \texttt{SSN} and spatial and spatiotemporal modelling of large data using \texttt{INLA}. COURSE PROGRAMME Monday 18th ? Classes from 09:00 to 17:00-17:30 Morning ? Structure of spatial and spatiotemporal data ? Theory ? Points, lines, polygons, raster ? Coordinates and projections ? Practice using the following R package ? sp ? spacetime ? sf Afternoon ? Inverse distance weighted interpolation ? Theory ? Illustration ? Practice using the gstat R package Tuesday 19th ? Classes from 09:00 to 17:00-17:30 Morning ? Variogram ? Theory ? Lagged scatter plot ? Cloud variogram ? Sample variogram ? Model variogram ? Practice using the gstat R package Afternoon ? First steps into spatial interpolation ? Inverse distance weighted interpolation ? (Local) trend surface prediction ? Theory ? Illustration ? Practice using the gstat R package Wednesday 20th ? Classes from 009:00 to 17:00-17:30 Morning ? Variogram ? Theory ? Lagged scatter plot ? Cloud variogram ? Sample variogram ? Model variogram ? Directional variogram ? spatiotemporal variogram ? Practice using the gstat R package Afternoon ? Kriging ? Simple kriging ? Ordinary kriging ? Universal kriging ? Theory ? Illustration ? Practice using the gstat R package Thursday 21st ? Classes from 09:00 to 17:00-17:30 Morning ? Simulations ? Sequential Gaussian simulations ? Sequential indicator simulations ? Theory ? Illustration ? Practice using the gstat R package The last 1.5 days can either focus on spatial and spatiotemporal geostatistics for large datasets or spatial modelling for stream networks. Option 1 ? Spatial and spatiotemporal geostatistics for large datasets Thursday 21st ? Afternoon ? The problems of large datasets ? Model estimation using integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) ? Theoretical foundation in using INLA in a geostatistics context Friday 22nd ? Morning ? Ingredients to build a geostatistical model with the INLA R package ? A spatial model with the INLA R package ? A spatiotemporal model with the INLA R package Friday 22nd ? Afternoon ? Practical using the INLA R package Option 2 ? Spatial modelling for stream networks Thursday 21st ? Afternoon ? The particularities of stream networks ? Geostatistical theory for stream network Friday 22nd ? Morning 09:00-12:30 ? The Torgegram ? Spatial stream prediction Friday 22nd ? Afternoon 13:30-16:30 ? Practical using SSN For more details email oliverhooker at PRstatistics.com Check out our sister sites www.PRstatistics.com (Ecology and Life Sciences) www.PRstatistics.com/consultancy (Statistical and bioinformatics consultancy in all fields) www.PRinformatics.com (Bioinformatics and data science) www.PSstatistics.com (Behaviour and cognition) 1. October 21st ? 25th 2019 MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES USING THE VEGAN PACKAGE (VGNR01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Guillaume Blanchet www.prstatistics.com/course/multivariate-analysis-of-ecological-communities-in-r-with-the-vegan-package-vgnr01/ 2. November 4th ? 8th 2019 INTRODUCTION TO BAYESIAN DATA ANALYSIS FOR SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES USING R AND STAN (BDRS02) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Mark Andrews https://www.psstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-bayesian-data-analysis-for-social-and-behavioural-sciences-using-r-and-stan-bdrs02/ 3. November 11th ? 15th 2019 APPLIED BAYESIAN MODELLING FOR ECOLOGISTS AND EPIDEMIOLOGISTS (ABME05) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr Matt Denwood, Emma Howard https://www.prstatistics.com/course/applied-bayesian-modelling-for-ecologists-and-epidemiologists-abme05/ 4. November 18th ? 22nd 2019 GEOSTATISTICS ? HANDLING SPATIAL AND SPATIAL-TEMPORAL DATA USING R (GSFE01) Wimmipeg, CANADA, Dr Guillaume Blanchet https://www.prstatistics.com/course/geostatistics-handling-spatial-and-spatial-temporal-data-using-r-gsfe01/ 5. January 20th ? 24th2020 R4ALL ? INTRODUCTION TO R (R4ALL Glasgow, Scotland, Dr Andrew Beckerman, Dr. Dylan Childs https://www.prstatistics.com/course/r-4-all-andrew-beckerman-dylan-childs-r4ll01/ 6. February 3rd ? 7th 2020 INTRODUCTION TO SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF ECOLOGICAL DATA USING R (ISPE02) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Jakub Nowosad https://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-spatial-analysis-of-ecological-data-using-r-ispe02/ 7. February 24th ? 28TH 2020 MOVEMENT ECOLOGY (MOVE03) Margam Discovery Centre, Wales, Dr. Luca Borger, Dr Jonathan Potts https://www.prstatistics.com/course/movement-ecology-move03/ 8. March 16th ? 20th 2020 POPULATION GENETICS INFERENCE WITH ?MIGRATE? (PGMG01) Glasgow, Scotland, Prof. Peter Beerli https://www.prstatistics.com/course/population-genetics-inference-with-migrate-pgmg01/ 9. May 11th ? 15th 2020 FORMALIZING UNCERTAINTY: FUZZY LOGIC IN SPECIES DISTRIBUTION AND DIVERSITY PATTERNS (FLDM01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Marcia Barbosa https://www.prstatistics.com/course/formalizing-uncertainty-fuzzy-logic-in-species-distribution-and-diversity-patterns-fldm01/ 10. May 18th ? 22nd 2020 STRUCTUAL EQUATION MODELLING FOR ECOLOGISTS AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGISTS (SEMR02) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Jonathan Lefcheck, Dr. Jim (ames) Grace https://www.prstatistics.com/course/structural-equation-modelling-for-ecologists-and-evolutionary-biologists-semr02/ 11. October 5th ? 9th 2020 ECOLOGICAL NICHE MODELLING USING R (ENMR04) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Neftali Sillero http://www.prstatistics.com/course/ecological-niche-modelling-using-r-enmr04/ 12. October 11th ? 16th 2020 ADVANCED ECOLOGICAL NICHE MODELLING USING R (ABNMR01) Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Neftali Sillero http://www.prstatistics.com/course/advanced-ecological-niche-modelling-using-r-anmr01/ -- Oliver Hooker PhD. PR statistics 2019 publications; A way forward with eco evo devo: an extended theory of resource polymorphism with postglacial fishes as model systems. Biological Reviews (2019). prstatistics.com facebook.com/prstatistics/ twitter.com/PRstatistics groups.google.com/d/forum/pr-statistics-post-course-forum prstatistics.com/organiser/oliver-hooker/ 6 Hope Park Crescent Edinburgh EH8 9NA +44 (0) 7966500340 From ligia.meirinhos.pereira at usp.br Sat Oct 26 19:20:16 2019 From: ligia.meirinhos.pereira at usp.br (Ligia Meirinhos Pereira) Date: Sun, 27 Oct 2019 00:20:16 -0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Survey: Education and Conservation of marine mammals Message-ID: Survey: Education and Conservation of marine mammals https://forms.gle/AkvpSVdTJFFbLTwq9 The survey is part of a study being conducted by CHOICES (Culture and Historicity in Out-of-school Innovations for Communication and Education in Science), a research group from the University of S?o Paulo, Brazil. The purpose of this survey is to better understand the ideas about conservation from those who work with marine mammals. We would also like to understand what participants think about biodiversity conservation as a whole and how their educational background contributed to these ideas. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. The survey will be open until 29 October 2019. Please come and tell us your opinion about conservation, last chance to participate! https://forms.gle/AkvpSVdTJFFbLTwq9 Thank you, CHOICES Department of Biological Sciences 14 Matao street Butanta, S?o Paulo (Brazil) Phone: (+55) 1130917575 choices at ib.usp.br -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From simon.allen at bristol.ac.uk Sun Oct 27 10:16:14 2019 From: simon.allen at bristol.ac.uk (Simon Allen) Date: Sun, 27 Oct 2019 17:16:14 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Book chapter: The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin Message-ID: Dear colleagues, As alluded to a short while back, the book W?rsig B. (ed.) 2019. Ethology and Behavioral Ecology of Odontocetes. Springer Nature, Cham, Switzerland was recently published, with information on the e-book, chapters, and hard copy available at: http://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030166625 My co-authors and I are most pleased to bring to your attention Ch16, the coming out party of sorts for a species that has taught us (and continues to teach us) so much about social ecology and more in the Cetacea: the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). The abstract reads as follows: Abstract: The behavioral ecology of Tursiops aduncus (Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin) is usually reviewed alongside the much more widely studied T. truncatus (common bottlenose dolphin). However, the smaller, typically shallow water T. aduncus has been closely scrutinized in Australian and Japanese waters. As a result, there now exists a robust body of information spanning all three of Hinde?s levels of social analysis?interactions, relationships, and social structure?that may be unmatched in any other cetacean. Research on T. aduncus has contributed significantly to the social complexity hypothesis of large brain evolution and our understanding of delphinid mating systems, communication, and individual differences in foraging tactics within populations. Here, we focus on behavioral research at two primary sites, Shark Bay in Australia and Mikura Island in Japan, with additional observations of importance from other locales in each region. Further details of the chapter can be found here http://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16663-2_16 or by dropping one of us a line. All the best, Simon (on behalf of Richard, Mai and Tadamichi) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Simon J Allen School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TQ UK Mob: +44 (0) 77047 53101 Email: Simon.Allen at bristol.ac.uk Web: http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org Twitter: @SimonJAllen1 [cid593186FF-D039-4065-8F5B-69FB89D68B2E at uzh.ch] Recent papers: Declines in dolphin survival and reproduction following a heatwave https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(19)30217-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982219302179%3Fshowall%3Dtrue Sexual displays involving marine sponges by Australian humpback dolphins http://rdcu.be/w3tL Abundance and fidelity of dolphins to a trawl fishery https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-05189-0 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 45094 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From vanessa.pirotta at hdr.mq.edu.au Sun Oct 27 16:26:53 2019 From: vanessa.pirotta at hdr.mq.edu.au (Vanessa Pirotta (HDR)) Date: Sun, 27 Oct 2019 23:26:53 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: A citizen science approach to long-term monitoring of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Sydney, Australia Message-ID: Dear MARMAM readers, My colleagues and I would like to share our new publication: A citizen science approach to long-term monitoring of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Sydney, Australia Pirotta, V., Reynolds, W., Ross, G., Jonsen, I, Grech, A., Slip, D., and Harcourt, R. A citizen science approach to long?term monitoring of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Sydney, Australia. Mar Mam Sci. 2019; 1? 14. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12651 Abstract The Cape Solander Whale Migration Study is a citizen science project that annually counts northward migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) off Cape Solander, Sydney, Australia. Dedicated observers have compiled a 20-year data set (1997?2017) of shore-based observations from Cape Solander's high vantage point. Using this long-term data set collected by citizen scientists, we sought to estimate the humpback whale population trend as it continues to recover postexploitation. We estimated an exponential growth rate of 0.099 (95% CI = 0.079?0.119) using a generalized linear model, based on observer effort (number of observation days) and number of whales observed, equating to 10% per annum growth in sightings since 1997. We found that favorable weather conditions for spotting whales off Cape Solander consisted of winds <30 km/hr from a southerly through a north westerly direction. Incidental observations of other cetacean species included the endangered blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) and data deficient species such as killer whales (Orcinus orca) and false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens). Citizen science-based studies can provide a cost-effective approach to monitoring wildlife over the time necessary to detect change in a population. Information obtained from citizen science projects like this may help inform policy makers responsible for State and Federal protection of cetaceans in Australian waters and beyond. Vanessa Dr. Vanessa Pirotta Marine Predator Research Group Department of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia Twitter: @vanessapirotta Watch my TEDx talk here -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From ml659 at exeter.ac.uk Mon Oct 28 04:29:50 2019 From: ml659 at exeter.ac.uk (=?utf-8?B?THlia8OmciBLcm9uYm9yZyBOaWVsc2VuLCBNaWE=?=) Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2019 11:29:50 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New paper on behavioural development in southern right whale calves Message-ID: Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following paper have been published in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Nielsen MLK, Sprogis KR, Bejder L, Madsen PT, Christiansen F (2019) Behavioural development in southern right whale calves. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 629:219-234. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13125 In this study we used unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to obtain recordings of southern right whale mother-calf pair behaviour on a breeding ground in South Australia. We collected recordings over a period of three months to investigate the development of mother-calf behaviour with the rapid growth of calves prior to the long migration to the feeding areas. Please find the abstract and the link to the paper below: Abstract: Most baleen whales migrate to low-latitude breeding grounds during winter to give birth and nurse their calves during the early stages of growth and development. While mothers invest a large amount of energy into the early development of their calves, the time allocated to important behaviours associated with maternal care (e.g. nursing) as well as the energetics related to the rapid growth of calves are important to quantify and understand to inform conservation measures. To investigate this, we conducted behavioural focal follows of southern right whale Eubalaena australis mother?calf pairs on a breeding ground in South Australia using unmanned aerial vehicles. Over the breeding season, we conducted behavioural focal follows of 51 mother?calf pairs for a total of 58 h across 75 d. Our observations showed that the proportion of time calves spent in nursing position and the duration of potential nursing bouts increased with increasing calf size throughout the breeding season, suggesting that calves seek to maximise energy acquisition. With increasing body size, the absolute metabolic expenditure of calves increased, underlining the importance of mothers being able to maintain low energy expenditure to ensure sufficient energy available for their calves during the nursing season. Our findings from this undisturbed population (1) demonstrate the considerable changes that calves undergo during the ~3 mo they spend on the breeding ground and (2) highlight the importance of these areas to be protected from anthropogenic disturbances that could disrupt the crucial maternal care, energy transfer and rapid early development of calves. Access to the paper: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps13125 Best regards, Mia L. K. Nielsen PhD student Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour University of Exeter +44 07561 709803 ml659 at exeter.ac.uk https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mia_Nielsen14 https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=tIuTwrcAAAAJ&hl=en -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From s.d.twiss at durham.ac.uk Mon Oct 28 04:08:12 2019 From: s.d.twiss at durham.ac.uk (TWISS, SEAN D.) Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2019 11:08:12 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Two potential PhD Studentship Opportunities: (1) Grey seal behaviour, (2) Application of biotelemetry to quantify behaviour. Message-ID: Two potential PhD Studentship Opportunities: (1) Grey seal behaviour, (2) Application of biotelemetry to quantify behaviour. Below are details of two potential PhD opportunities being advertised at Durham University (UK). Both are competitive studentships, and all initial enquiries should be made to Dr Sean Twiss (s.d.twiss at durham.ac.uk) PROJECT 1: Behavioural and physiological responses to changing environments in wild grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) Supervisory team: Dr. Sean Twiss (Durham Univ.): s.d.twiss at durham.ac.uk Dr. Patrick Pomeroy (SMRU, University of St. Andrews) Dr Amanda Bishop (Alaska SeaLife Center) Background: Organisms have evolved mechanisms to cope with natural stressors, but rapid environmental change is subjecting species to new threats or more unpredictable and extreme natural stressors. Conventional studies focus on species or ecosystem level responses to change, such as range or phenological shifts, but these are products of variation in individual responses. Within populations, individuals can show differing coping-styles; proactive individuals express little flexibility and are less responsive to environmental stimuli, whereas reactive individuals are more flexible and responsive. Understanding how individuals differ in their ability to cope with stressors, and the consequences if they fail to do so, is critical for quantifying species? resilience to current and future threats of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance. This project aims to investigate variation in behavioural and physiological stress reactivity within and between individuals, and across populations, using extensive archived data on known individual adult female grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) during the breeding season, a time of intense energetic demands and limitations. Our previous studies have highlighted the considerable additional stress placed on breeding grey seals by extreme weather patterns, and this study will examine changing behavioural patterns in concert with indicators of physiological changes in breeding and non-breeding wild grey seals. The study will assess whether behavioural indicators of environmental stress map onto physiological indicators, and establish levels of inter-individual variation, and within individual consistency in such responses. Methods: The study will utilise an extensive existing catalogue of data on known individual breeding grey seals from a range of contrasting breeding colonies. The successful candidate will extract new data from archived video footage of these same seals to provide key behavioural and physiological metrics. These metrics will be analysed with respect to prevailing environmental factors, including social context (e.g. conspecific density) and weather conditions. Data analysis will involve mixed effects modelling procedures using ?R?. There may also be scope for some additional field-based data collection, but this will depend upon opportunity. Candidate requirements: Potential candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct prolonged periods of behavioural observations, while remaining focused, dedicated and enthusiastic. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. In addition, candidates will require strong analytical skills, including experience of modern ecological and statistical modelling techniques. Experience with R and analysis of behavioural data is advantageous, but not essential. There is the possibility of additional data collection through field campaign(s), but candidates will need to show a willingness and ability to travel and conduct prolong field observations alone. A UK driving licence (or equivalent) would be essential for field campaigns. Training: The student will gain extensive inter-disciplinary training in behavioural observation, video analysis, and data analysis in R employing mixed-effects models. The student will also develop critical thinking, writing, presentational and teamwork skills as part of dynamic, interdisciplinary, and supportive research groups. Eligibility Applications for this project are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Applicants must be applying to start a full-time PhD in the Faculty in October 2020. They must have fulfilled the University?s requirements regarding English language ability and must not require a presessional course as a condition of their place. See: https://www.dur.ac.uk/learningandteaching.handbook/1/3/3/ Funding and how to apply This project is in competition with others for funding (via the Durham Doctoral Studentship scheme). Success will therefore depend on the quality of applications received, relative to those for competing projects. If you are interested in applying, in the first instance contact Dr Sean Twiss, (s.d.twiss at durham.ac.uk) with a CV and covering letter, detailing your reasons for applying for the project. Only the best applicants will be asked to submit a full application. UK and Non-UK students areadvised that to be considered for the Durham Doctoral Fellowship, the minimum requirements include an excellent undergraduate degree with either postgraduate or work experience in a relevant discipline and scientific publication(s) in peer reviewed journals. Application deadline: Friday 10th Jan. 2020 at 5 pm (GMT) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROJECT 2: Quantifying the relative importance of extrinsic and intrinsic drivers of individual behaviour and habitat use of hefted sheep on a biodiverse but fragile upland ecosystem. Although this project does not involve seals, it does require a range of research skills that marine mammalogists often possess; experience of the deployment of biotelemetry devices and analysis of biotelemetry data to examine behaviour patterns in free ranging mammals. Supervisory team: Dr. Sean D. Twiss (s.d.twiss at durham.ac.uk), Department of Biosciences, Durham University Dr. Robert Baxter, Department of Biosciences, Durham University Martin Furness, Senior Reserve Manager, Natural England Dr Mike Morecroft, Natural England and University of Oxford Dr Gavin Stewart, Newcastle University Dr Fiona Lovatt, School of Veterinary Science, University of Nottingham. Background: The unenclosed upland areas of the UK are internationally important for wildlife and of high nature conservation value. However, these fragile habitats are subject to various threats including the impacts of climate change, atmospheric pollution deposition, acid rain and grazing pressures. A primary tool for sustainable management of these landscapes is implementing grazing regimes that allow maintenance or recovery of habitats and which support ecosystem services. However, remarkably little is known about the behaviour of the major grazer of UK uplands, domestic hill sheep, and their impact on vegetation mosaics. This project aims to investigate the determinants of group and individual level foraging choices within upland vegetation mosaics and how these vary in relation to sheep age, size, experience (hefting) and extrinsic factors including the spatial distribution of vegetation types, weather and micro-topography. This study will provide valuable information on how these different factors interact and allow a consideration of practical management techniques that can be used to influence the spatial distribution and feeding choices of sheep. Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve hosts unique Arctic-Alpine plant assemblages with many species existing in climatically marginal locations. This project will involve extensive fieldwork at Widdybank Fell, part of the NNR that contains some of the most biodiverse habitat, and for which pre-existing fine-scale habitat maps exist. Sheep behaviour will be monitored at the level of the individual using a combination of in situ visual observation, supplemented by video recordings, and by using animal borne telemetry; GPS data-loggers will be deployed to provide fine scale movement and location data, with accelerometers to allow for automatic classification of behaviours with respect to time and location. The research will require the development of analytical protocols to classify raw accelerometry data into behavioural categories, including foraging. Behavioural data will be used within a GIS to examine intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of individual sheep behaviour and habitat use. Widdybank Fell is a long established research site and benefits from detailed existing data and ongoing studies on micrometeorology, microtopography and microhabitat. The current study will have the potential to integrate behavioural data with these environmental data within a GIS. The research will involve extensive field based behavioural observations of individually identified sheep. Potential candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct prolonged fieldwork in potentially harsh conditions, while remaining dedicated and enthusiastic. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. In addition, candidates will require strong analytical skills, including experience of modern ecological and statistical modelling techniques. Experience with R and analysis of telemetry data is advantageous, but not essential. A UK driving licence (or equivalent) is essential. Further details of the project and candidate requirements can be obtained from Dr. Twiss. The student will gain extensive interdisciplinary training in fieldwork logistics, behavioural observation, deployment of telemetry devices, and develop analytical skills for both behavioural and telemetry data. The student will also develop critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills as part of dynamic and interdisciplinary research groups. This project is in competition with others for funding, and success will depend on the quality and suitability of applicants, relative to those for competing projects. For further information, or to apply, contact Dr. Sean Twiss at s.d.twiss at durham.ac.uk. In your email include: 1) two-page covering letter explaining your reasons for applying and why you selected this project, 2) CV with contact information for two references, 3) Full transcripts of previous qualifications. Only the best applicants will be asked to submit an application to the University. The application deadline is 10th January 2020, therefore students should contact Dr. Twiss well in advance for initial consideration. For eligibility requirements, see http://www.iapetus.ac.uk/aboutstudentships/ END _________________________________ Dr. Sean Twiss, Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour and Behavioural Ecology, Department of Biosciences, South Road, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK. E-mail: s.d.twiss at durham.ac.uk Web-site: https://www.dur.ac.uk/biosciences/about/schoolstaff/academicstaff/?id=1132 Blog: http://sealbehaviour.wordpress.com/ Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution Research (BEER) Centre: www.dur.ac.uk/beer-centre Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1350 (office) Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1247 (lab) Fax: +44 (0)191 334 1201 _________________________________ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jrichardson at miami.edu Mon Oct 28 07:30:18 2019 From: jrichardson at miami.edu (Richardson, Jill L) Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2019 14:30:18 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] SEAMAMMS 2020! Message-ID: The 2020 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) will take place on March 27-29 in Miami, Florida, hosted by the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS). SEAMAMMS is a long-standing, regional, student-oriented, scientific marine mammal meeting. Preference will be given to marine mammal research conducted by students in the mid-Atlantic or Southeast Region, though all are welcome to attend. For meeting details, including registration, abstract submissions, and hotel specials, please visit: https://seamamms.wordpress.com . We hope to see you in Miami! Regards, Jill Jill Richardson, Ph.D. Department of Marine Ecosystems and Society (MES) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (305) 421-4340 jrichardson at miami.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From JPost at imms.org Mon Oct 28 12:03:06 2019 From: JPost at imms.org (Jessica Post) Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2019 19:03:06 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Population Ecologist Message-ID: The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) is located in Gulfport, MS and was established in 1984 for the purposes of studying marine mammals in the northern Gulf of Mexico. IMMS is also the only rehabilitation facility for marine mammals and sea turtles in Mississippi. The Population Ecologist will be responsible for overseeing the daily aspects of the IMMS common bottlenose dolphin Photo ID program, including boat trips, data analysis and evaluation, and the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Applicant should be legally able to work in the United States and fluent in written and spoken English. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: * Conduct regular photo-identification surveys of the Mississippi Sound and surrounding areas, examining the population structure and ecology of the Mississippi Sound, Lake Borgne, Bay Boudreau bottlenose dolphin BSE stock * Develop new lines of inquiry, building upon core research activities at IMMS * Assist in project oversight and reporting * Management of Darwin and FinBase databases * Prepare grant/permit applications and reports as needed * Assist with marine mammal and sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and release as needed * Assist in the post-release monitoring of sea turtles and marine mammals through use of satellite tags * Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals using new and existing data sets * As needed, assist in lab-based marine mammal and sea turtle necropsies as well as field necropsies of marine mammals. Desired Qualifications: * PhD in Ecology, Marine Biology, Biology, or related field * Ability to manage large databases such as FinBase (experience with Access a plus) * Experience with ArcGIS and R * Experience with satellite telemetry * Knowledge of, and experience maintaining and applying for, federal and state permits * Experience supervising staff/interns in the field and office settings * Familiarity with the reporting process for marine mammal and sea turtle strandings * Experience with marine mammal necropsies * Experience assisting in veterinary procedures for marine mammals and sea turtles * Experience with marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation To Apply: In order to apply please send your CV, cover letter, 1-2 copies of recently published works, and contact information for 3 references to moby at imms.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Start date is flexibly, and salary is commensurate with experience. 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 line.hermannsen at gmail.com Tue Oct 29 05:52:24 2019 From: line.hermannsen at gmail.com (Line Hermannsen) Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2019 13:52:24 +0100 Subject: [MARMAM] New publication: Recreational vessels without Automatic Identification System (AIS) dominate anthropogenic noise contributions to a shallow water soundscape (Hermannsen et al. 2019) Message-ID: Dear all, We are happy to announce that the following paper is now published in Scientific Reports: Hermannsen, L., Mikkelsen, L., Tougaard, J., Beedholm, K., Johnson, M. and P.T. Madsen, ?*Recreational vessels without Automatic Identification System (AIS) dominate anthropogenic noise contributions to a shallow water soundscape*?, Scientific Reports (2019) 9:15.477. In this paper, we conduct a case study correlating vessel presence to ambient noise levels in a shallow coastal area. The results show that recreational boats without AIS dominate the soundscape, including at frequencies that may impact harbour porpoises. We therefore emphasise the importance of accounting for recreational boats, in particular in shallow coastal waters, to not underestimate vessel noise loads and the impacts on marine species. To accompany this paper and to help improve models of vessel noise emissions, we have also published the recordings and theodolite tracks of 46 motorised recreational boats, divided into different boat types at zenodo.org (10.5281/zenodo.3465461). *Abstract* Recreational boating is an increasing activity in coastal areas and its spatiotemporal overlap with key habitats of marine species pose a risk for negative noise impacts. Yet, recreational vessels are currently unaccounted for in vessel noise models using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. Here we conduct a case study investigating noise contributions from vessels with and without AIS (non-AIS) in a shallow coastal area within the Inner Danish waters. By tracking vessels with theodolite and AIS, while recording ambient noise levels, we find that non-AIS vessels have a higher occurrence (83%) than AIS vessels, and that motorised recreational vessels can elevate third-octave band noise centred at 0.125, 2 and 16 kHz by 47?51 dB. Accordingly, these vessels dominated the soundscape in the study site due to their high numbers, high speeds and proximity to the coast. Furthermore, recreational vessels caused 49?85% of noise events potentially eliciting behavioural responses in harbour porpoises (AIS vessels caused 5?24%). We therefore conclude that AIS data would poorly predict vessel noise pollution and its impacts in this and other similar marine environments. We suggest to improve vessel noise models and impact assessments by requiring that faster and more powerful recreational vessels carry AIS-transmitters. *Link to full text*: www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-51222-9 Best regards, Line *Line Hermannsen, PhD* Postdoctoral fellow at Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Denmark Phone: (+45) 22 82 56 61 Email: lihe at bios.au.dk www.marinebioacoustics.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From simon.allen at bristol.ac.uk Tue Oct 29 14:07:19 2019 From: simon.allen at bristol.ac.uk (Simon Allen) Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2019 21:07:19 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] PhD opportunity, bottlenose dolphin acoustics, Cardigan Bay Message-ID: <9E6AE409-6900-40AF-A98A-F5743EDEA444@bristol.ac.uk> Dear Marmamers, We are pleased to disseminate the details of the following opportunity (for EU/UK students only) to win a prestigious PhD scholarship to work on bottlenose dolphins in Wales through the University of Bristol (UoB). The NERC GW4+ project is detailed on findaphd.com: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/fine-scale-acoustic-and-movement-behaviour-of-bottlenose-dolphins-tursiops-truncatus-in-cardigan-bay-wales/?p112992 Background: Bottlenose dolphins are a qualifying feature of three Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) in the UK, two of which are in Cardigan Bay, Wales. Although the population in Cardigan Bay is thought to be stable over the long-term, recent monitoring suggests a decline over the last decade, the reasons for which remain unclear. It is possible that dolphins are moving outside of the Cardigan Bay SACs, an aspect that requires further investigation, along with fine-scale acoustic and movement behaviour to assess habitat use and, ultimately, guide conservation and management. Aims and methods: Significantly advance our knowledge of how individual dolphins use habitat in Cardigan Bay and Pen Llyn a?r Sarnau SACs, Wales. The project will utilise acoustic monitoring techniques such as towed arrays and fixed-bottom acoustic recorders with detailed systematic behavioural observation to determine the fine-scale characteristics of how individuals within the broader population interact, range, use habitat and how these behaviours fluctuate temporally. The signature identification method will also be used to explore habitat use and ranging patterns of specific individuals in Cardigan Bay. This project provides an opportunity for long-term monitoring of cetacean vocalisations and underwater, ambient noise levels in the Cardigan Bay SACs. We will explore how habitat types vary in ambient noise levels and how this may influence dolphin visitation rates. Ultimately, the results of this project will shed important light on individual dolphin ranging patterns, as well as identifying critical areas of use, thereby informing the management of this population, central in UK and Irish waters. Funding Notes: NERC GW4+ DTP competition funded project. Fees, stipend and research costs are covered for UK students and residents for 3.5 years. Candidate: We seek a highly motivated student with a marine science, conservation or behavioural ecology background. Knowledge of bioacoustics and practical skills including small boat handling would be advantageous. This is an industrial CASE award. Time is spent during the 3.5-year studentship at the CASE partner, Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Up to 4 months per year will be spent at the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) in Wales for fieldwork. The remainder will be spent at the UoB. The candidate will be supervised by Drs. Stephanie King (UoB), Simon Allen (UoB) and Sarah Perry (CBMWC), with input from Dr. Tom Stringell (NRW). Please use the link provided above to apply, or email Dr. King (Stephanie.King at bristol.ac.uk) for further advice. Cheers, Simon (on behalf of the supervisory panel). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dr Simon J Allen School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TQ UK Mob: +44 (0) 77047 53101 Email: Simon.Allen at bristol.ac.uk Web: http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org Twitter: @SimonJAllen1 [cid593186FF-D039-4065-8F5B-69FB89D68B2E at uzh.ch] Recent papers: Declines in dolphin survival and reproduction following a heatwave https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(19)30217-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982219302179%3Fshowall%3Dtrue Sexual displays involving marine sponges by Australian humpback dolphins http://rdcu.be/w3tL Abundance and fidelity of dolphins to a trawl fishery https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-05189-0 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 45097 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: From christina.McMullen at dolphins.org Tue Oct 29 06:07:49 2019 From: christina.McMullen at dolphins.org (Christina McMullen) Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2019 09:07:49 -0400 Subject: [MARMAM] Research Internship at Dolphin Research Center Message-ID: Dolphin Research Center - Research Internship Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is currently accepting applications for Research Interns for the Winter 2020 term (Jan-May). DRC is a not-for-profit education and research facility, providing sanctuary and a forever 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 deadline to apply is November 15th, 2019. To apply, you must complete the application available at www.dolphins.org. Click "Careers", and then "Internships?. It is mandatory that you please provide the following materials: - A completed Application Form (including your Internship Preferences in order of choice) - 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) Application may be submitted online or in physical form. 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 email to drc-vr at dolphins.org, 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. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From erica83.cami at gmail.com Thu Oct 31 15:21:35 2019 From: erica83.cami at gmail.com (erica carone) Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2019 15:21:35 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New pubblication: Sex steroid hormones and behavior reveal seasonal reproduction in a resident fin whale population Message-ID: Dear MARMAM readers, My colleagues and I would like to share our new publication: Sex steroid hormones and behavior reveal seasonal reproduction in a resident fin whale population Carone E., Pardo M.A., Atkinson S., Mashburn K., P?rez-Puig H., Enr?quez-Paredes L., Gendron D. *Conservation Physiology*, Volume 7, Issue 1, 2019 https://doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coz059 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336346290_Sex_steroid_hormones_and_behavior_reveal_seasonal_reproduction_in_a_resident_fin_whale_population ABSTRACT Fin whales in the Gulf of California constitute a resident population genetically isolated from the rest of the North Pacific Ocean. Its small population size and the scarce information available about its dynamics in a semi-enclosed sea underline the importance of conducting studies about its reproduction. Given the monsoonal regime that dominates the oceanographic habitat of this region, we hypothesized seasonality in the population?s reproductive activity. To test this, we validated and assayed testosterone and progesterone from blubber biopsies of free-ranging individuals. Lactating females exhibited low progesterone concentrations, whereas a group of females of unknown reproductive stage, but with extremely high progesterone concentrations, showed strong evidence of separation and were considered to be likely ovulating or pregnant. A seasonal model of testosterone concentrations showed a high peak during the late summer. This trend was supported by the first documentation of courtship events and by the recording of a female with high progesterone concentration during summer and re-sighted with a calf 1 year later. Therefore, the breeding in this resident population would be seasonal, as it is in migratory baleen whales, but occurring during the summer/autumn, which is the least productive season in the Gulf of California. Our study represents an important input to assist in future management policies of this protected population. Sincerely, Erica -- Erica Carone PhD student in Marine Science Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN) Laboratorio de Ecolog?a de Cet?ceos La Paz, Baja California Sur, M?xico. http://www.cicimar.ipn.mx -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From jenny.allen at griffith.edu.au Thu Oct 31 17:10:47 2019 From: jenny.allen at griffith.edu.au (Jenny Allen) Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2019 00:10:47 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Community through culture: from insects to whales. Message-ID: Dear MARMAM, I am pleased to announce the following review publication: Jenny A. Allen. (2019) Community through culture: from insects to whales. BioEssays. 41(11). 1900060. Abstract: It has become increasingly clear that social learning and culture occur much more broadly, and in a wider variety of animal communities, than initially believed. Recent research has expanded the list to include insects, fishes, elephants, and cetaceans. Such diversity allows scientists to expand the scope of potential research questions, which can help form a more complete understanding of animal culture than any single species can provide on its own. It is crucial to understand how culture and social learning present in different communities, as well as what influences community structure and culture may have on one another, so that the results across these different studies may most effectively inform one another. This review presents an overview of social learning in species across a spectrum of community structures, providing the necessary infrastructure to allow a comparison of studies that will help move the field of animal culture forward. The paper is available via the following link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bies.201900060 Alternatively, please email me on jenny.allen at griffith.edu.au or j.allen3 at uq.edu.au for a pdf copy. Best regards, Jenny Allen -- Dr. Jenny Allen Marine Science Lecturer Environmental Futures Research Institute Griffith School of Environment and Science Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus Building G24, Room 4.13 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From keith.hernandez2011 at gmail.com Thu Oct 31 14:15:32 2019 From: keith.hernandez2011 at gmail.com (Keith Hernandez) Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2019 14:15:32 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] New Publication: Gray Seal Isotopic Niches Message-ID: Hello MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to announce our new publication regarding the isotopic niches of gray seals in the Canadian Journal of Zoology. The abstract is provided below. Although it is often assumed that individuals in generalist populations are equivalent, recent research indicates that individual dietary specialization can be common in marine predators. Gray seals (*Halichoerus grypus* (Fabricius, 1791)) were considered locally extinct in United States waters by 1958 but have since recolonized the region. Although considered generalists, less is known about gray seal foraging ecology in the United States. To address this, we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses to investigate the foraging niches of adult gray seals in Massachusetts, USA. We examined skin, fur, and blood components to investigate seasonal variability and individual consistency in foraging niches, and serially sampled vibrissae to quantify the degree of individual foraging specialization in this population. Our results suggest that seals shift from coastal foraging habitats before molt to offshore habitats after molt, with a coincident shift from higher to lower trophic-level prey. Adult gray seals also exhibited individual consistency in foraging niches independent of population-level shifts and reflect a generalist population composed of individual foraging specialists. These findings serve as a baseline for subsequent research on gray seals in United States waters that could help to determine the mechanisms which promote individual specialization in this population. The paper can be found at this URL: https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2019-0032 . If you cannot access the paper, please feel free to email me at keith.hernandez2011 at gmail.com. Best, Keith -- Keith M. Hernandez, MS PhD Candidate, Marine & Coastal Trophic Ecology Lab 1243 Energy, Coast & Environment Building Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA 70803 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From lizabeth.kashinsky at noaa.gov Tue Oct 29 19:30:54 2019 From: lizabeth.kashinsky at noaa.gov (Lizabeth Kashinsky - NOAA Affiliate) Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2019 16:30:54 -1000 Subject: [MARMAM] Recruitment: Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program 2020 Seasonal Field Camp Positions - Closing date November 12, 2019 Message-ID: The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) works with the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center through a cooperative agreement with the University of Hawaii to conduct research and recovery activities on Hawaiian monk seals. JIMAR hires program staff through the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH) and is currently seeking applicants for *two separate recruitments *for the 2020 field research season: *HMSRP Field Camp Research Technician-serves as field camp leader* *HMSRP Field Camp Research Assistant* Selected individuals will study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands within the Papah?naumoku?kea Marine National Monument. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program by NOAA Fisheries and includes: conducting trend counts, tagging seals, identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks, monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, vaccinating against morbillivirus, performing necropsies, collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat, parasite load, and hormonal analysis, collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis, and removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected at some sites. Researchers at some sites may participate in shark mitigation activities. General information about the program can be found at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/hawaiian-monk-seal#science The number of positions and/or continuation of the program are subject to funding. These positions will be for all or a subset of the 6 major monk seal sub-populations in the NWHI. Fieldwork is accomplished by 2-4 member teams in remote camps. Each team will include a paid leader and either paid assistants and volunteers or up to two volunteers assisting a paid leader. Volunteer positions will be recruited for in a separate announcement. Researchers live in either wall tents or buildings at the various sites. All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and one is also accessible by plane. Few (if any) resupply opportunities exist and communication with others outside of field sites is limited throughout deployment due to the remoteness and lack of infrastructure. The employment period will include approximately one month of training and packing in Honolulu. Once the field season is over, an additional ~1-2 weeks of employment will take place in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data. Dates are subject to change, but the positions are tentatively scheduled to begin in late February/early March with a field deployment date in early to mid-April. Field staff will be deployed for approximately 4.5-5 months with a tentative return date in early September. The position end date is tentatively scheduled for some time in mid-September. Applicants must be flexible in their availability as dates could change, including unforeseen delays due to inclement weather and ship delays. Travel to and from Honolulu and food, lodging, and transportation in Honolulu before deployment are not provided. Transportation between Honolulu and field sites and food and lodging in the field are provided. Due to unforeseen circumstances, departure delays could result in longer periods in Honolulu that may result in additional uncompensated living expenses. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien, and must be able to meet both the U.S. Department of Commerce and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access the work location, and also the health requirements to board a NOAA vessel. Instructions to apply for both positions are in the job postings below. *Please clearly address all qualifications in your cover letter. If you do not clearly address all qualifications in your cover letter, we may not be able to consider you as an applicant. *For example, to address the experience qualification, you must indicate in your cover letter how many years of field experience you have and be sure that is reflected in your resume. Interested individuals will need to apply directly to RCUH Human Resources via one of the methods stated in the job posting. Applications for both position must be submitted/received by the* closing date on 11/12/2019 (11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time receipt time). * If you do not have access to the RCUH system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_employment at rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344 or (808)956-0872. Follow the link below to access both recruitments. If applying for both positions, you must do so separately. JIMAR/PIFSC HMSRP Field Camp Research Technician (leader) ? search job ID # 19550 JIMAR/PIFSC HMSRP Field Camp Research Assistant - search Job ID #19549 https://hcmweb.rcuh.com/psc/hcmprd_exapp/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?FOCUS=Applicant -- Lizabeth Kashinsky JIMAR/Program Supervisor Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program NOAA IRC NMFS/PIFSC/PSD 1845 WASP Blvd., Building 176 Honolulu, HI 96818 Ph: (808) 725-5719 Fax: (808) 725-5567 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From RAHAMILTON at Rollins.edu Thu Oct 31 10:23:58 2019 From: RAHAMILTON at Rollins.edu (Rebecca Hamilton) Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2019 17:23:58 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] NEW PUBLICATION: Aggression varies with consortship rate and habitat in a dolphin social network Message-ID: Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication based on long-term research in Shark Bay, Western Australia (www.sharkbaydolphins.org). Hamilton RA, Borcuch T, Allen SJ, Cioffi WR, Bucci V, Kr?tzen M, Connor RC (2019) Aggression varies with consortship rate and habitat in a dolphin social network. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 73: 141. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-019-2753-1 Abstract: Coalitions and alliances exemplify the core elements of conflict and cooperation in animal societies. Ecological influences on alliance formation are more readily attributed to within-species variation where phylogenetic signals are muted. Remarkably, male Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Western Australia, exhibit systematic spatial variation in alliance behavior, not simply within a species or population, but within a single social network. Moving SE-NW along Peron Peninsula in Shark Bay, males ally more often in trios than pairs, consort females more often, and exhibit greater seasonal movements. Ecological models predict more male-male conflict in the north, but sufficient observations of aggression are lacking. However, dolphins often incur marks, in the form of tooth rakes, during conflicts. Here we report that the incidence of new tooth rake marks varies systematically in the predicted pattern, with greater marking in the north, where males form more trios and consort females at a higher rate. While our previous work demonstrated that alliance complexity has an ecological component, we can now infer that ecological variation impacts the level of alliance-related conflict in Shark Bay. This paper builds on the following earlier publication: Connor RC, Cioffi WR, Randi? S, Allen SJ, Watson-Capps J, Kr?tzen M (2017) Male alliance behaviour and mating access varies with habitat in a dolphin social network. Scientific reports 13;7:46354. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep46354 Please feel free to contact me at rhamilton at umassd.edu with any queries and safe travels to all attending WMMC19 next month! Best wishes, Becca Hamilton _________________________________________ Field Manager, Cedar Key Dolphin Project MS in Biology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Email: rhamilton at umassd.edu Website: www.rahamilton.weebly.com Twitter: @BeccaAHamilton Mob.: +44 (0)7307 985 359 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From simon.elwen at gmail.com Tue Oct 29 01:58:48 2019 From: simon.elwen at gmail.com (Simon Elwen) Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2019 10:58:48 +0200 Subject: [MARMAM] Invitation to take part in Training Internships - Namibian Dolphin Project - Jun-Aug 2020. Message-ID: The Namibian Dolphin Project, was established in 2008 to study the whales, dolphins and turtles of Namibia. Since then we have published over 20 papers on humpback whales, bottlenose, dusky and Heaviside's dolphins and green and leatherback turtles in Namibia - significantly contributing to the knowledge in the region. Our research ranges from gathering baseline data on abundance and distribution of species to investigating human impacts such as boat traffic and port development on dolphins and entanglement on seals, to more blue skies work on interactions between sociality, genetics and vocal behaviour in cetaceans and fur seals. Our results have directly contributed to conservation such as IUCN red list assessments, marine spatial planning and environmental impact assessments. Our main field season is during the southern hemisphere winter (June to August) when bottlenose dolphins are abundant in the bay and humpback whales are migrating past. We are inviting a maximum of 6 students or graduates to join us during this busy field work period as an intern - to help us run the project, and collect data and learn field and analytical skills 'on the job'. Internships are for a minimum of One month (up to the full 3 months) during our main field season Jun-Aug 2020 and targeted at students looking to get *field experience* and *training* in marine mammal research techniques. These internships are intense and the team is busy 6 days a week with field work, data processing, attending whale and dolphin strandings and necropsies and education events. Importantly there is a focus on active training in field techniques including photo-ID and line-transect, acoustic data processing, boat skills as well as discussion groups on scientific ethics and the scientific publication process. The majority of training is provided by project PI?s Dr Simon Elwen and Dr Tess Gridley. Please Look at the NDP website and social media pages Facebook/namibiandolphinproject instagram/namibiandolphinproject for more details about us and our current work. Brochure with more details on the website here: http://www.namibiandolphinproject.org/get-involved/volunteer-internship-program/ If you would like to join us - please email Info at SeaSearch.co.za with a CV and brief motivation. Regards Dr Simon Elwen -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Simon Elwen Ph.D. - Director Sea Search Research & Conservation and the Namibian Dolphin Project Research Associate: Department of Zoology and Botany - Stellenbosch University & Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From mbwwassistant at gmail.com Wed Oct 30 17:55:56 2019 From: mbwwassistant at gmail.com (MBWW Assistant) Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2019 17:55:56 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Monterey Bay Whale Watch Naturalist Position Message-ID: Monterey Bay Whale Watch is looking for a part-time (full time in summer) experienced Marine Biologist/Naturalist/Deckhand! Come join a dedicated team of Marine Biologists in one of the most diverse and productive whale watching areas in the world. Help lead tours, educate the public, and collect data on a variety of different organisms including Humpback Whales, 6 species of dolphins, Blue Whales, and Orcas. More about our research : On every trip, one of the Marine Biologist's most important tasks is to collect data on a variety of different organisms that we see in Monterey Bay. This includes: filling out data sheets, taking Photo-ID pictures, and observing behaviors of different cetacean species. We also are working on different Photo-ID catalogs and digitizing our data that we have been collecting for several decades. Our company has been doing research on Orcas and Humpback Whales for over 30 years and our Marine Biologists play a key role in helping collect data on both of these species, as well as several others. We also collaborate with Cascadia Research Collective and HappyWhale, as well as other local research organizations. Required Experience: - Bachelors Degree in Marine Science or related field (minimum required education level) - At least 2 years of Naturalist experience - Knowledge of the history, cetaceans, and birds of Monterey Bay - Excellent speaking ability - comfortable interacting with the public both on a microphone to over 100 people and individually - Enthusiastic and outgoing personality Preferred Experience: - 4 years of Naturalist experience - Deckhanding experience (able to fill in as deckhand or double duty when needed) - Photo-ID/data entry/research experience We are looking to hire someone ASAP. This position is open to only applicants currently living in the U.S. and preferably already living on the west coast. Please send a resume/CV and a word document including : your cover letter, availability, and potential start date to mbwwassistant at gmail.com. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Sheanna.Steingass at oregonstate.edu Tue Oct 22 16:13:44 2019 From: Sheanna.Steingass at oregonstate.edu (Steingass, Sheanna) Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2019 23:13:44 +0000 Subject: [MARMAM] Journal of Animal Biotelemetry: New 'Methodology' Article Type Message-ID: <7ED027BBE75E184F8E4A04F6B79B290E011EA4DF2F@ex4.oregonstate.edu> Hello MARMAMers, The Open Access journal Animal Biotelemetry (https://animalbiotelemetry.biomedcentral.com/) is excited to introduce an additional new article type that is now open for submissions: the ?Methodology? article type: https://animalbiotelemetry.biomedcentral.com/submission-guidelines/preparing-your-manuscript/methodology Methodology articles are suitable for the presentation of novel, updated or improved methods. This may include reporting on new hardware implementations, or new software ? such as on-board signal processing algorithms or analytical approaches applied to data collected from bio-logging devices. The article scope should encompass demonstration of viability of the novel method by presenting validation or calibration data, beyond mere introduction of a theoretical concept. The distinction to Research type articles lies in the focus on presenting data relevant to device, sensor or process calibration or validation, as opposed to data for the testing of biological hypotheses. For inquiries or questions, please direct correspondence to the journal, or an Editor-in-Chief: https://animalbiotelemetry.biomedcentral.com/ Very best regards, Sheanna Steingass, PhD -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From eric.archer at noaa.gov Wed Oct 30 11:32:13 2019 From: eric.archer at noaa.gov (Eric Archer - NOAA Federal) Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2019 11:32:13 -0700 Subject: [MARMAM] Call for applicants for short term travel funding in Conservation Genetics Message-ID: Forwarding a call for short term scientific visits relating to conservation genetics for anyone interested: https://sites.google.com/fmach.it/g-bike-genetics-eu/open-calls/stsm-calls?authuser=0 This is essentially 2500 euros to spend several weeks embedded in another lab or research group to exchange skills, start a project, etc. -- *Eric Archer, Ph.D.* Southwest Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/NOAA) 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 USA 858-546-7121 (work) 858-546-7003 (FAX) Marine Mammal Genetics Group: swfsc.noaa.gov/mmtd-mmgenetics GitHub: github.com/ericarcher Adjunct Professor, Marine Biology Scripps Institution of Oceanography University of California, San Diego http://profiles.ucsd.edu/frederick.archer " *The universe doesn't care what you believe. The wonderful thing about science is that it doesn't ask for your faith, it just asks for your eyes.*" - Randall Munroe "*Lighthouses are more helpful than churches.*" - Benjamin Franklin "*...but I'll take a GPS over either one.*" - John C. "Craig" George -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: