March 2013 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Two volunteers needed to help with seabird and cetacean fieldwork in South of Spain (Andalusia)
by Kathy Heise 16 Mar '13

16 Mar '13

Hello all, Apologies for any cross postings, but this may be of interest to some. The original posting was on the Pacific Seabird list and replies should be sent to gimenez.verdugo(at)gmail.com. Kathy Two volunteers needed to help with seabird and cetacean fieldwork in South of Spain (Andalusia) CIRCE (http://www.circe.info) is seeking applications from two volunteer tohelp in the motorboat ELSA in the study of abundance and distribution of seabirds and cetaceans in the Gulf of Cadiz (Andalucia - Spain) from 14th April to 31st May 2013. (Note: If you are coming to the ECS in Setubal (Portugal), you can join us after the conference, it is just 5 hours away). Volunteers should be available for the entire period. You will be responsible for your transport to and from the main centre, but once here, we will provide accommodation, transport to the different harbors and food expenses (communal shopping/cooking will be arranged). The main port will be Chipiona and all the volunteers and research team will be based there, although other ports (Barbate, Isla Cristina) could be used during the surveys (in that case everyone will sleep in the boat). We will do lineal transects to cover the coastal area of the Gulf of Cadiz (12 nautical miles) with the motorboat ELSA (10 meters) with an observation point at 5 meters above sea level to monitor seabirds, cetaceans and anthropogenic activities. Volunteers should be prepared to long working days (some days more than 10 hours) under the sun, the wind and cold weather and to help with data entry and office duties during bad weather days. Successful applicants will: -have previous experience in seabirds and cetacean identification at sea. -have a mature attitude towards seabird and marine mammal research. -be autonomous and quickly operational. -be able to live and work constructively with others in a team. -be able to live in a small boat (10meters) for some days. -speak fluently Spanish and/or English. -be available for the entire period. Applicants should send an email introducing themselves to gimenez.verdugo(at)gmail.com. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, your qualifications and previous experience. Please also attach a brief CV, detailing your previous experiences relevant to this project. *Applications will be considered in order of arrival.* Sincerely, *Joan Giménez Verdugo* PhD Student Mail: gimenez.verdugo(at)gmail.com Phone: 619176849 *************************************************************************** This is a message from the Pacific Seabird Group listservice. To subscribe, visit https://www.fws.gov/lists/listinfo/pacificseabirds. To unsubscribe, send an email to PacificSeabirds-request(a)lists.fws.gov. Enter "unsubscribe" in the subject field. Questions? Contact Verena Gill at verena_gill(a)fws.gov ***************************************************************************

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GIS Field Internship Courses in Scotland - last call
by Dr Kevin Robinson 16 Mar '13

16 Mar '13

Teaming up with GIS In Ecology once again in 2013, the Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) is offering two separate 10 day residential cetacean field courses at their field base in Gardenstown in northeast Scotland, from 27th May to 6th Jun, and from 30th Sep to 10 Oct. These courses will incorporate a custom-designed 3 day GIS module (including course manuals and materials) from GIS In Ecology (www.GISinEcology.com) taught by Drs. Colin MacLeod and/or Michael Tetley, both renowned experts in using GIS in ecological research. The courses will consist of a series of background and practical sessions covering the use of GIS in cetacean and marine research. Practical elements will include learning how to collect field data at sea and how to import this data into a Geographic Information System to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of identified species and analyse the home ranges of known individual animals. A combination of ESRI's ArcGIS 10.1 software and an open-source (and licence free) alternative will be used in this regard, and a uniquely numbered and verifiable certificate of completion for this GIS module of the course will be provided. Additional aspects of this course will include basic instruction in power boat handling, safety at sea and competent crew ability; cetacean identification, taxonomy and nomenclature; photo-identification procedures and mark capture-recapture analyses for bottlenose dolphins and minke whales; an introduction to relational databases and computer-assisted matching software; assessment, first aid administration and methods used in the care, transport and rescue of stranded cetaceans; and practical methods for the re-floatation of live stranded whales and dolphins In short, you will have the opportunity to learn about these mammals and their dynamic marine environment first hand; working closely alongside a dedicated and knowledgeable research team. As you participate in the CRRU's ongoing field studies, you will learn and apply the principles of field research design, data collection and analyses, undertake training in marine mammal rescue techniques, and gain a personal understanding of the conservation issues which drive current research, rescue and conservation activities by cetacean biologists. The cost for this internship course is 1,250 GBP [ <http://www.xe.com> for a currency converter, click here], which includes full board (i.e. all accommodation and food costs), your full equipment needs (immersion suits, wet boots etc for boat trips), associated course materials and hand-outs, and all associated field costs during your stay with the CRRU team. You will simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to Banff in northeast Scotland (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money. For further details and conditions, please visit <http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp> http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp. Just 10 places are available for each of these exclusive GIS field teams, so immediate booking is advised. Founded in 1997, the CRRU boasts over 70 scientific publications to date ( <http://www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp> http://www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp) In cooperation with universities, research institutions and other environmental organisations, current studies focus on the key coastal cetacean species frequenting the outer Moray Firth in NE Scotland - namely the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and the minke whale -providing robust scientific data for the adoption of management measures and effective conservation strategies for their future protection. Dr. Kevin Robinson <mailto:kev.robinson@crru.org.uk> kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit | Whale and Dolphin Research | Environmental Education | Wildlife Rescue | Marine Conservation | Consultancy | Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC 035473 PO Box 11307, Banff AB45 3WB, Scotland ( +44 (0)1261 851696 | 126 Suksamran Villas, 12/33 Moo 1 Sairee, Ban Koh Tao, Suratthani 84360, Thailand ( +66 (0) 844 651347 | <http://www.crru.org.uk/> www.crru.org.uk Check out our new Facebook page at: <http://www.facebook.com/crru.org.uk> www.facebook.com/crru.org.uk P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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CDOC Project Field Course
by Kayla Causey 14 Mar '13

14 Mar '13

The Coastal Dolphins of Orange County (CDOC) Project is accepting applications for its 2013 summer and fall field courses. The field course is based out of Newport Beach, CA and will involve a commitment of approximately 20 hours per week extending over a 12-week period from June 3 - August 23, 2013 (summer course) and September 2 - November 22, 2013 (fall course). There is some flexibility in these start and end dates. The program offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in behavioral, acoustic, and photo-id methodology and analyses under the mentorship of experienced dolphin researchers. Program participants will receive training in three broad areas of dolphin research: 1) fieldwork, 2) laboratory work, and 3) literature research/seminar. Fieldwork includes photo-identification, behavioral sampling, and acoustic sampling (including passive acoustic monitoring of marine mammals). Fieldwork will involve both shore- and boat-based data collection and observation, although most participants spend about 75% of their time collecting data from shore and 25% from the boat. Laboratory work will provide participants training in how to build and maintain a digital photo-identification catalog using ACDSee and fin-identification software, analysis of digitized acoustic data using signal processing software (e.g., Canary), and entry and analysis of behavioral data using SPSS, Excel, and R software. Weekly seminars will provide participants the opportunity to discuss relevant scientific research articles, receive instruction on methodology and theory related to dolphin research, and present research on their own topic of interest relevant to the project. In addition, local experts lead guest seminars on a variety of topics, including marine mammal veterinary medicine, stranding and rehabilitation, acoustic analysis, and communication in cetaceans. Program activities are closely tied to the working schedule of the CDOC Project, which operates on a seven day-a-week basis. Program participants will work under the immediate supervision of Dr. Kayla Causey, Director of the CDOC Project. During a typical week, students can expect to spend about three days (~3 hours per day) collecting data in the field, one evening (about 3-hours) in seminar, and a combination of two afternoons or mornings (~8 hours total) working in the lab. In addition, students should allot time to complete assigned readings and prepare for the week’s seminar discussion. The field course is structured around the goals of the CDOC Project, which include understanding the behavior, distribution, and social ecology of Pacific Coast Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. For more information about the project, please visit www.kaylacausey.com/CDOC_Project. The fee for the three-month field course is $1000, payable to Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation. Fees are tax-deductible. Course participants will be responsible for their own living expenses and transportation to and from the field site in Newport Beach and California State University Fullerton. The course may be repeated three times in succession (i.e., one year). The CDOC Project Field Course is intended to provide a mentored training opportunity for a small and select group of applicants. Ideal candidates will be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates of a scientifically-oriented university program in marine science, biology, comparative psychology, or a related field. Preference will be given to applicants with well-developed computer skills and boating experience. It is expected that most applicants will pursue the CDOC Project Field Course as part of their general academic preparation for graduate work in cetacean science or animal behavior. Unlike many other marine mammal internships, we have designed our course to serve as a scholarly endeavor. Our goal in structuring the program is to provide an experience for advanced students that will compliment their undergraduate course work and provide them with the "hands on" experience that many graduate advisors look for in potential graduate students. To apply, please send a letter of interest including a brief biographical sketch, a fairly detailed description of the applicant’s academic history and any considerations such as special skills, experiences, and interests that would assist in the selection process. The letter should also indicate the applicant’s preferred semester (Summer or Fall) and any time constraints associated with participation. Interested applicants should email materials to Kayla Causey at KCausey(a)fullerton.edu. Please also have two letters of recommendation sent from professors or research supervisors who are familiar with the applicant’s scholarship, research skills, and work habits relevant to the internship. We anticipate filling the summer course by April 30, 2013. Applications for the fall course should be submitted no later than July 1, 2013. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kayla Causey, PhD Director, Coastal Dolphins of Orange County (CDOC) Project Lecturer, Department of Psychology, CSU Fullerton Board member, Gray Whale Foundation 657.278.5042 www.KaylaCausey.com alternate email: kcausey(a)fullerton.edu ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Functional Ecology PDF: Global patterns on migration distances
by Rebecca Scott 14 Mar '13

14 Mar '13

Dear all, It is hoped that the following Functional Ecology paper may be of interest to members of the MARMAM community: Hays, G.C and Scott, R. (2013) Global patterns for upper ceilings on migration distance in sea turtles and comparisons with fish, birds and mammals. Functional Ecology: DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.1207 If so, please see abstract below and feel free to contact me for the article. Abstract: :Some animals migrate huge distances in search of resources with locomotory mode (flying/swimming/walking) thought to drive the upper ceilings on migration distance. Yet in cross-taxa comparisons, upper ceilings on migration distance have been ignored for one important group, sea turtles.Using migration distances recorded for 407 adult and 4715 juvenile sea turtles across five species, we show that for adult cheloniid turtles, the upper ceiling on species migration distances between breeding and foraging habitats (1050�C2850 km across species) is similar to that predicted for equivalent-sized marine mammals and fish.In contrast, by feeding in the open ocean, adult leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) and juveniles of all turtle species can travel around 12 000 km from their natal regions, travelling across the widest ocean basins. For juvenile turtles, this puts their maximum migration distances well beyond those expected for equivalent-sized marine mammals and fish, but not those found in some similar sized birds.Post-hatchling turtles perform these long-distance migrations to juvenile foraging sites only once in their lifetime, while adult turtles return to their breeding sites every few (generally ��2) years. Our results highlight the important roles migration periodicity and foraging mode can play in driving the longest migrations, and the implications for Marine Protected Area planning are considered in terms of sea turtle conservation. Kind regards, Dr Rebecca Scott, Future Ocean post-doc: Spatial ecology of sea turtlesGEOMAR|Helmholtz Center for Ocean ResearchDuesternbrooker Weg 2024105 Kiel,Germanyhttp://beckyscott130.wix.com/rebeccascott

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Dr. Joe Gaydos' talk on Seals and Sea Lions of the Salish Sea, Mar. 21st
by mariann 14 Mar '13

14 Mar '13

Dr. Joe Gaydos, of the SeaDoc Society, will be speaking at the Mt. Baker Theatre in Bellingham, WA on Mar. 21st at 7 pm on"Seals and Sea Lions of the Salish Sea". Tickets are $8, $7 for students and can be purchased at the door oronline at (http://www.mountbakertheatre.com/events/2013/whatcom-marine-mammal-strandin…) All proceeds to benefit the Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network, a non-profit that responds to strandings in Whatcom County, WA. Mariann Carrasco Wildlife Biologist, Marine Mammal Biologist Principle Investigator, Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network www.wmmsn.org

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Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre - Internships
by Roos Janac 14 Mar '13

14 Mar '13

SEAL REHABILITATION AND RESEARCH CENTRE - INTERNSHIPS The Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre (SRRC) in Pieterburen, the Netherlands, is a hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned and sick seals and is looking for: ENTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE EXPERIENCED IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY The seals in the rehabilitation centre need intensive care treatment due to their health problems (mostly lungworm infections). We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who will work together with the SRRC staff in the seals care department. Together with the seal care staff you will be working closely with the seals. Your role will be to assist in the care of the seals. This will mainly consists of the preparing of diets, assist with feeding the seals and carry out other jobs relating to the care of seals (e.g. cleaning quarantines and outdoor pools). We have positions available in: * April 4 positions * May 8 positions * June 3 positions * August 3 positions * Sept - Dec 8 positions left in each month If you have experience with animal husbandry, and you are available, please send a letter to the SRRC: info(a)zeehondencreche.nl [1] Interns are accepted internationally. Candidates must be able to work well in a team, possess a strong work ethic and be willing to work long hours during our busiest months (a work day can be up to 10 hours during peak "pupping" season). We require a minimum period of six weeks with a maximum of three months. Internships are voluntary positions and candidates are responsible for their own transportation to and from Pieterburen. We do provide accomodation and food, for which we request a fee of EUR 75,- per week. For more information visit us at www.srrc.nl [2] Met vriendelijke groet / Kind regards Roos Janac Coördinator Education -- Stichting Zeehondencrèche Lenie 't Hart Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre SRRC Hoofdstraat 94a, 9968 AG Pieterburen The Netherlands Phone: (+31) 0595 - 526526 Mobile: (+31) 0615166940 Email: roos(a)zeehondencreche.nl Website: www.zeehondencreche.nl Website English: www.srrc.nl Links: ------ [1] mailto:info@zeehondencreche.nl [2] http://www.srrc.nl/

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Australian marine mammal symposia @ AMSA 2013 abstract reminder
by Liz Hawkins 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

Dear Colleagues, Reminder that abstract submissions for the Marine Mammal Symposia at the Golden Jubilee Conference Australian Marine Science Association to be held on the Gold Coast, Australia 7th-11th July 2013 are due tomorrow 15th March 2013. The focus of this special symposium is on "Marine Mammals in Australian coastal waters - impacts, threats and challenges". Increasing coastal development around Australia including port development, shipping channels, gas and oil exploration, boating and pollution are putting a new challenge on marine mammals in near shore waters. Recent studies have demonstrated that coastal urbanisation is becoming a critical stress factor for cetaceans, pinnipeds and sirenia. This symposium will bring together a wide range of studies on impacts of coastal development on marine mammal populations and how these impacts can be mitigated. A particular focus is set on the gas and oil exploration and mining boom. Some sub-sessions around this theme maybe created, depending on the diversity of responses. We are inviting abstract submissions on related topics to be considered for poster or oral presentations. For information on abstract preparation and submission, go to: <http://www.amsa-nzmss2012.com.au/> http://www.amsaconference.com.au/ select 'Presentations' then 'Abstract Preparation' in the dropdown menu. Please spread the information to your colleagues/students who might be interested. Looking forward to your contribution and seeing you on the Gold Coast. Olaf Meynecke and Liz Hawkins Olaf Meynecke Adjunct Research Fellow - Marine Systems Australian Rivers Institute (ARI) - Coast & Estuaries Griffith University - Gold Coast campus QUEENSLAND, 4222 Office: (07) 5552 8638 Mobile: 0423115503 www.rivers.edu.au www.humpbacksandhighrises.org <http://www.humpbacksandhighrises.org/> Join us Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Humpbacks-High-Rises/134117459981112> Twitter <https://mobile.twitter.com/humpbacks_high> Vimeo <http://vimeo.com/channels/190033> Elizabeth Hawkins, PhD Executive Officer Founding Director Dolphin Research Australia, Inc. PO Box 1960 Byron Bay, NSW, 2481 E-mail: liz(a)dolphinresearchaustralia.com Ph: 0407 646 069 Website: www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com <http://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com/> ABN: 42095866467

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WORKSHOP AGENDA : USING COLLABORATIVE OCEAN GEODESIGN TO IDENTIFY MARINE PROTECTED AREAS FOR CETACEANS
by Dylan Walker 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

** Dear all, The following workshop, facilitated by Planet Whale in collaboration withthe University of California Santa Barbara Marine Science Institute, will be held at the forthcoming ECS Conference in Setubal, Portugal, Saturday 6 April 2013 The workshop will start at 9.30 and finish at 18.00. There will be a charge of €25 per person. Places remain available. Please contact dylan(a)planetwhale.com if you wish to attend. *Agenda* 9.30 – 10.00. INTRODUCTION: Dylan Walker introduces the workshop by asking: What could we achieve if Europe’s cetacean experts agreed a priority list of cetacean MPAs based on their own criteria? 10.00 – 11.00. MEETING THE COMMUNITY: We take time to discover what areas of expertise exist in the workshop community and what is motivating community members to look at the issue of European MPAs for cetaceans. 11.00 - 11.30. COFFEE BREAK 11.30 – 12.30. SETTING THE CRITERIA FOR EUROPEAN CETACEAN MPAs: What’s important to you? 12.30 – 13.00. INTRODUCING SEASKETCH: How does it work? 13.00 – 14.00. LUNCH 14.00 – 16.00. LIVE MAPPING WORKSHOP: Map your proposed European cetacean MPA, share your management solutions and adapt your plans based on the advice of others. This is our chance to work collaboratively to identify the cetacean MPAs that we would like to see designated! 16.00 – 16.30. Coffee break 16.30 17.30. Discussion on how we empower the stakeholder community to deliver cetacean MPAs? Successful MPAs often have management plans that involve and engage coastal communities and local marine users as well as ‘the experts’. How can we improve our chances of designation and implementation by ensuring the widest possible stakeholder community support the proposals and have an active role in the management process? 17.30 – 18.00. Summary and final thoughts. * * *What to bring* Please can as many people as possible bring their laptops to the workshop fully charged! Depending on the Wifi capabilities we will attempt to have as many people as possible interacting using the SeaSketch online tool. There will be limited access to power to charge laptops during the day. *Further information about the workshop* *USING COLLABORATIVE OCEAN GEODESIGN TO IDENTIFY MARINE PROTECTED AREAS FOR CETACEANS* Although there is an urgent need to expand upon the current number of designated Marine Protected Areas for cetaceans, there are many issues restricting our ability to do so. These include a continued lack of data on the critical habitat for many species, only limited identification of potential MPAs, and restrictions placed upon scientists and managers by current legislation. This interactive workshop will look at the potential for both the scientific and wider stakeholder communities to use collaborative ocean geodesign technology to identify MPAs for cetaceans and develop management plans with the potential for widespread implementation and successful application. Collaborative ocean geodesign combines sophisticated online mapping technology with social media such as forums to address site management issues. Mapped areas requiring management are drawn by stakeholders who can then make plans to deal with the issues affecting those areas. The maps and plans are then released to other stakeholders for review. The result is a cost-effective and engaging way to define priority MPAs and develop effective management plans supported by the wider stakeholder community, thereby significantly improving their chances of being designated. In this workshop we plan to use the SeaSketch tool, kindly made available by Dr Will McClintock and colleagues at the University of California Santa Barbara Marine Science Institute. We would like to encourage participants to attend from a wide range of backgrounds both within the scientific community and beyond. The workshop will be designed to engage and involve all participants regardless of experience. Your interest in the subject is all that we require. Presentations will be kept to an absolute minimum. Instead, sessions will be group-based, challenging, instructive, inspiring, and fun, and we anticipate outputs which will contribute to progress and inform further planned debate on this issue. The workshop will be split into three sessions: 1. Setting the criteria for cetacean MPAs. What’s important to you? 2. Live mapping workshop. Map your ‘Area of Concern’, share your management solutions and adapt your plans based on the advice of others. 3. Empower the stakeholder community. Successful MPAs often have management plans that involve and engage coastal communities and local marine users. How can we improve our chances of designation and implementation by ensuring everybody has their say from the beginning? This workshop will focus on mapping potential MPAs in European waters, including regions covered by both ASCOBANS and ACCOBAMS. We therefore welcome participants planning to attend the workshop organised for the following day by Peter Evans and colleagues, entitled ‘The challenge of spatially managing cetaceans – a highly mobile animal group’. We hope that our outputs will help to inform discussions on the following day. The workshop will start at 9.30 am and finish at 6.00 pm. There will be a charge of €25 per person. Anyone interested in participating or offering to share their experiences relating to any of the three sessions please contact me at dylan(a)planetwhale.com. There are also two places available for volunteers to assist with the workshop (thereby avoiding the fee). Regards, Dylan Walker Co-founder, Planet Whale www.planetwhale.com dylan(a)planetwhale.com Tel: +44 (0)1273 355011 Skype: planet.whale

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Humpback whale in the south of Italy
by Simone Panigada 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

Dear colleagues, I would like to report an unusual sighting of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the waters of Lampedusa Island, south of Sicily. This area is known to host visiting fin whales every late winter - early spring, who surface feed on the very abundant euphausiid, Nyctiphanes couchii, as reported by Canese and colleagues a few years ago. <http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=44…>http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=44… Yesterday, while looking for fin whales, we saw a young humpback whale, approx. 8-9-meters long, 20 km south east of the Island. The whale appeared to be swimming in a relaxed way and we recorded several episodes of surface feeding. We followed the whales for an hour and a half, while slowly moving towards the west. After talking with the personnel of the local Marine Protected Area Isole Pelagie and the fishermen, no other records of such species have been reported around the island. Humpback whales have been reported 10 times since 2009 in the Mediterranean Sea, including this sighting, 2 strandings and 8 sightings at sea (Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, pers. comm.). The animal has been photo-identified and we would be happy to compare id pictures with those from the other sightings in the Mediterranean Sea (or even beyond if appropriate). This project - funded by the Italian Ministry of the Environment - is a collaboration between the International Whaling Commission and the Tethys Research Institute, with the support of the Società Cooperativa Sesto Continente, working for the MPA Isole Pelagie. With my best regards from a very windy Lampedusa, Simone Panigada ___________________________ Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B. Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy tel. +39 0272001947 / 0272013943 fax +39 0286995011 <mailto:tethys@tethys.org>tethys(a)tethys.org <http://www.tethys.org/>

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Soundwatch Summer Internship
by Eric Eisenhardt 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

Be Part of the Soundwatch Boater Education Program Team! If you, someone you know, or students within your department/organization might be interested in working with Soundwatch this summer, please pass along this notice and attachments. Thank You! Summer Internships Available The Soundwatch Boater Education Program is seeking interns to assist with the successful and internationally acclaimed education and monitoring program working to reduce vessel disturbance to killer whales and other marine wildlife in the Haro Strait region of Washington State and British Columbia, Canada. Soundwatch needs assistants to help conduct seasonal vessel patrols to educate boaters on regional guidelines and regulations and to collect data while monitoring vessel activities around whales. Data from this important program characterizes vessel activity trends around marine wildlife and is used to promote better boater compliance and to inform marine mammal management strategies such as state and federal vessel laws and guidelines. Internship based in Friday Harbor, WA, approximately 35-40 hours per week, May-October, variety of tasks both in an office setting and in the field on the patrol boat and/or shore based whale watch areas. Please see attachments for more detail. Internship is unpaid. Shared housing at reasonable cost, is likely available. REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be at least 18 years, be physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs), able to swim, and not easily susceptible to seasickness. Be prepared to spend time aboard a small (20 ft.) vessel in unpredictable weather and sea conditions. Interns will need a valid passport or US enhanced driver's license, CPR/First Aid certification. A state boater license/or equivalent safe boating card, not required but is a bonus. HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references. Be sure to include what dates you can start/end. Applications accepted until April 1st, 2013. Decisions will be made by mid-April. Please send application materials to: Eric Eisenhardt Soundwatch Coordinator P.O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 Or email (preferred) to: soundwatch(a)whalemuseum.org Please visit The Whale Museum's Web site for more information on Soundwatch: http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html Eric Eisenhardt Research Curator The Whale Museum P.O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 360-378-4710 X 33 360-378-5790 Fax www.whalemuseum.org <http://www.whalemuseum.org/> Be Whale Wise! Soundwatch Intern Job Description The Soundwatch Boater Education Program Mission: Promote responsible stewardship of the Salish Sea through the development, distribution and implementation of guidelines and regulations for marine wildlife viewing by residents, visitors and commercial users. Program goal: Reduce disturbances to marine wildlife by irresponsible boater behavior. Program objectives: * Educate boaters on best practices for viewing marine wildlife before they leave the shore * Reinforce the learning experience in the actual context where disturbances take place * Develop and evaluate community-based voluntary guidelines * Provide a scientific platform to monitor and record vessel activities around whales and other marine wildlife Soundwatch Internship Program Goals: Provide intern and volunteer opportunities in a safe and instructive program assisting the Soundwatch Boater Education Program in promoting its larger mission of marine stewardship. Intern Program Objectives: * Execute safe and proper seapersonship while educating boaters about wildlife viewing regulations and collecting data on wildlife viewing activities, * Educate commercial and private recreational boaters about wildlife viewing guidelines and regulations in a positive, professional manner, * Collect data on vessel activities around whales or other protection areas for further study, verification, or possible legal action. Pre-Training Requirements: A. Participate in a Soundwatch Training Workshop. Once you are invited to become a Soundwatch Intern or Assistant, you need to attend a training workshop to familiarize yourself with all aspects of the program. Workshops are usually done in the late spring and again in the early summer. You will need to fill out information sheets and a liability waiver. Once you have attended a workshop you can develop your volunteer schedule with the coordinator. B. Be familiar with the Soundwatch vessel. In addition to the training workshop, all volunteers must have a boat check out. This includes a basic run through of boat operations, safety equipment, radio and cell phone, GPS, range finder and video use. It is also a good idea to become familiar with the local area if you are not already. We do have some charts and field guides available, but you might want to get your own. Daily Operational Responsibilities A. Come prepared for a full day of variable conditions on boat days. Includes bringing the following items: Appropriate clothing; warm jacket, good rain gear, warm hat, sun hat, sunglasses, gloves and boots if it is cold and rainy. T-shirts and shorts are OK as long as they are not offensive and you have other clothing when it cools. Plenty of food and water; snack food and easy to eat items are best because we often do not stop to have a lunch break. Bring more water than you will need, as dehydration is very likely. Sunscreen is essential; the boat has no covered protection. Equipment; binoculars are very handy as is a wristwatch. You may bring a camera, but keep in mind we are a working boat and are not getting close to wildlife. Safety gear; we will provide floatation suits and jackets of various sizes. If you have something specific that you like to wear, feel free to use it. We have full first aide gear but bring anything you know you are likely to need. Please advise your driver of any special condition you may have before you leave the dock. B. Follow the lead of your driver. The Soundwatch driver's main responsibility is to strictly follow all wildlife viewing guidelines keeping wildlife well being the first priority. They need to be aware and conscience of whales' whereabouts at all times. You can help by keeping a whale lookout and by following directions given to you by the driver. Many things are going on at the same time on the water and it can be overwhelming for short periods of time. If the driver does not have to worry about what you are doing, they can concentrate on the whales. C. Follow the daily procedure. This includes doing the morning check-ins, having a reliable way to be reached, and arriving at the designated time. It also includes helping with gear schlepping, preparing daily educational materials, data collection gear and supplies and boat set-up. May also include instructing new volunteers on daily procedures. D. Be professional at all times. Come prepared and ready. Use appropriate behavior, language, attire (Soundwatch or Museum clothing if possible) and attitude- you are the SOUNDWATCH PROGRAM and you are representing The Whale Museum at all times. Be polite, courteous and firm. Don't loose your cool in tense situations. Relax. Take a deep breath. Have some fun. Education and Data Collection Responsibilities: A. Contact all private boats that are reasonable and safe to approach. Includes powerboats, kayaks, sailboats, personal watercraft etc. In general, try to communicate with commercial whale watch boats through radio and cell phone about guideline issues, rather than approach with passengers. Do not motor into groups of whales to contact boats. Soundwatch is setting an example, and wildlife safety is a higher priority. Stay clear of vessels actively engaged in fishing activities. If you need to approach, wait until lines are in. B. Distribution of Educational Materials. Using the pole on the boat, or at public facilities hand out educational materials that includes the Be Whale Wise Guidelines for Wildlife Viewing, Soundwatch Brochure, MPA and Special Local areas Flyer, Bottomfish Recovery Program Brochure when warranted, and any other relevant local service announcements. C. Verbal Communications. When handing out information on the boat or at a public facility, politely but loudly tell boaters who you are and what you are doing. Tell them the basic guidelines, something about the whales or refuge area, and any special conditions of the day. Always say thank you and if you can something positive. If the boater has not been following guidelines, explain to them what was potentially wrong, and give them the alternative for next time. If they continue to be a problem you can re-approach with a reminder, and/or remind them of the NMFS Marine Mammal Protection Act, use video in extreme cases. D. Maintain a daily boat log. Includes date, time, weather, crew, destination, fuel and oil levels, added fuel or oil, boat maintenance needed, boat maintenance completed, equipment comments, big events on the water, marine mammal sightings, communications with officials, messages for other drivers, return time, engine hours E. Fill out data sheets. Fill out data sheets correctly, accurately and legibly; help with boat identification, whale ID, boater behavior, and harassment issues. Data sheets include: 1. Whale Watch Vessel Counts 2. Whale Watch Vessel Contact Logs 3. Whale Watch Vessel Incident Log 4. MPA vessel activities and contact Logs SOUNDWATCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Soundwatch Intern Positions: Soundwatch relies heavily on community support in the form of volunteers and interns to be effective in changing boater behaviors around marine wildlife. Volunteers are an integral part of this innovative model of community based marine stewardship. Interns assist the Soundwatch program with all aspects of The Whale Museum's Soundwatch Boater Education Program, both in the field and in the office. Up to four intern positions are available for the season, although some shorter-term positions may also be available. Interns usually spend a minimum of 4 days volunteering with the program both in the office setting and in the field on the patrol boat and/or shore based whale watch areas. Qualifications: College undergraduate and graduate students seeking intern positions for credit and/or program related requirements. Some opportunities are available for recent graduates, research fellows or non-scholastic assistants, but priority will be given to students pursuing degree in related field seeking field experience. Interns work approximately 35-40 hours per week and are required to commit to at least two months, but preferably to the full study period, May-September, plus some training time. Intern Responsibilities: Office tasks include data collating and data entry, preparing educational materials for boaters, distributing educational materials, public outreach, tracking volunteer hours and program activities, and fielding some program questions by phone/email. Fieldwork includes working with Soundwatch staff primarily on data collection on vessel activities around whales and marine protected areas, from a vessel platform and/or shore based observation areas. Data includes commercial and recreational vessel compliance with regional guidelines and regulations as well as vessel and whale surveys. Interns work with other Soundwatch volunteers and are expected to help with some volunteer support activities. Interns will work with a variety of program staff, and will be under the direction of the Soundwatch Program Director. Various circumstances may require intern participation with media interviews, video projects, whale standings or separations, or other public events requiring Soundwatch presence or expertise. Interns must be friendly, with an open attitude since they will speak publicly, assist volunteers, and interact frequently with the public. Interns must have excellent communication skills and have strong leadership potential with a great amount of patience and flexibility. Teaching, writing and boat handling experience are preferred. Intern Requirements: Interns preferably should have some field research experience, prior boating experience and be proficient in the use of Microsoft Access and Excel. Interns should be familiar with the basic use of binoculars, range finders, hand-held GPS units, and digital video camera operation for data collection. In addition, interns must have current First -Aid and CPR training certificates. Applicants should have marine mammal interest/experience as well as interest/experience in issues related to marine wildlife viewing management. Persons interested in the position should be able to withstand exposure in a small boat for up to 8-12 hours a day 3-4 days a week, in harsh weather conditions (sun/rain/bouncing), able to carry approximately 50 lbs. All applicants are required to have a current passport. These positions are un-paid, housing is not provided, and interns must have own transportation. While these internships are not paid positions, they are excellent experience and resume builders. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in scientific research and other related projects such as helping with the marine mammal stranding network and assisting other killer whale researchers. Interns will have the opportunity to attend various meetings and lectures as well as meet other marine mammal scientists. Volunteers will also receive discounts at The Whale Museum store. Eric Eisenhardt Research Curator The Whale Museum Friday Harbor, WA USA 360.378.4710 x33 www.whalemuseum.org

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