July 2014 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Announcement of the Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, 26-29 March 2015
by Laela Sayigh 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Dear colleagues, This message is to announce the upcoming Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, to be held 26-29 March 2015 in Massachusetts (location TBA). This symposium will consist of a combination of invited and contributed presentations on all aspects of marine mammal bioacoustics, including communication, echolocation, hearing, methods in marine mammal bioacoustics, effects of noise on marine mammals, and bioacoustics as a tool in marine mammal conservation. There will also be a session on Bill Watkins' legacy to marine mammal bioacoustics. Further announcements will follow with more specifics, but registration and abstract submissions are expected to commence in the fall of 2014. For more information, contact Laela Sayigh, lsayigh(a)whoi.edu.

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JOB(S) POSTING involving Marine Mammals: Marine Acoustic Technician and Marine Wildlife Observer vacancies
by Nick Robinson 07 Jun '16

07 Jun '16

Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences Limited Group of Companies and is a successful Environmental contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects for major clients in the UK and overseas. As GEL’s Marine Wildlife Department continues its expansion we are seeking to add to the diverse team and expertise in the following roles; MARINE ACOUSTIC TECHNICIAN(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to conduct acoustic surveys through the use of passive acoustic monitoring systems (PAMS) and noise measurement systems during offshore activities both nationally and internationally. The candidate will play a key role in the development of in-house systems and be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all Marine Wildlife Departmental acoustic equipment, in accordance with HSSE and QA standards. Compilation and preparation of PAMS and noise monitoring reports including the processing of acoustic data is required. Projects may include marine mammal mitigation or monitoring, ambient noise measurements and operational noise monitoring. The candidate will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend up to 120 days at sea at locations worldwide, during a 12-month period. Applicants will be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine acoustics, including both hardware and need to have field experience. Additionally, familiarity with the use of PAMS, CPODs or other underwater noise monitoring equipment is desirable. MARINE WILDLIFE OBSERVER(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to undertake a wide variety of marine wildlife surveys, including marine mammal observations, passive acoustic monitoring, seabird and environmental impact activities in the field, as well as providing general assistance to the project managers, lead scientists and report writer with the production of marine wildlife reports. You will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend approximately 120 - 180 days at sea, at locations worldwide, dependent on project requirements, during a 12-month period. Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine mammals, their biology and identification and need to have a minimum of two years field experience. Familiarity with the use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) or previous marine survey experience would certainly be advantageous. To apply for your choice of role, please send your CV and a Cover Letter to Nick Robinson at nick.robinson(a)gardline.com<mailto:nick.robinson@gardline.com>. Incomplete Applications will not be considered. Closing date: 21st April 2013 ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Assistant positions for a cetacean study in the Mediterranean (Barcelona)
by Lara Delgado 11 Dec '14

11 Dec '14

Dear all, Positions are open for assisting with a cetacean survey in the Mediterranean Sea (Barcelona-Mallorca), Spain. Dates from 22nd of July to 30th of July 2011. DESCRIPTION: The EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of aquatic environments, specially focused in the study of cetaceans; offer positions for volunteers for one of the trips of the summer campaign of the project “Cetacean population study of the Mediterranean Sea area: Barcelona-Balearic Islands, BCNCET 2010-2011”. The aim of the project is to study the cetacean species present in the Mediterranean Sea (Balearic Sea). The association catamaran will set sail to Mallorca, from the Barcelona port the 22nd of July and be back to Barcelona the 30th of July, both days included. Visual and acoustical surveys will be conducted from early morning to evening during the 9 days in the boat, studying the distribution, behaviour, and sound production of the sighted species. The assistants would be able to learn: species identification, environmental and behavioural data collection, sound collection, and basic marine navigating skills. Accommodation and food is offered in the catamaran during the 9 days, but assistants are required to pay 400€ for food and accommodation expenses. No previous experience is required, as the scientist present in the campaign will provide species identification information and teach assistants. If you are interested or want more information, please contact us to: edmaktub(a)edmaktub.com Thanks! EDMAKTUB association for the study and disclosure of the aquatic environment. www.edmaktub.com

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ESR: a friend to marine mammals
by Godley, Brendan 27 Nov '14

27 Nov '14

Dear All The Journal ESR (Endangered Species Research) has been a good friend to marine mammals. An updated list of close to 100 papers is listed below (including hotlinks). We have created a facebook page to help promote the journal (post open access articles as they come out etc) and we would be grateful if you would “like” it and promote it widely within your networks. Here’s looking forward to the 200th ESR marmam paper! http://www.facebook.com/EndangeredSpeciesResearch Best Brendan ESR articles - Marine Mammals Baker JD, Littnan CL, Johnston DW. 2006. Potential effects of sea level rise on the terrestrial habitats of endangered and endemic megafauna in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands ESR 2:21-30<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v2/p21-30/> Michaud J, Taggart CT. 2007. Lipid and gross energy content of North Atlantic right whale food,Calanus finmarchicus, in the Bay of Fundy ESR 3:77-94<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n1/p77-94/> Slooten E. 2007. Conservation management in the face of uncertainty: effectiveness of four options for managing Hector’s dolphin bycatch ESR 3:169-179<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n2/p169-179/> Johnston DW, Chapla ME, Williams LE, Mattila DK. 2007. Identification of humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae wintering habitat in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands using spatial habitat modeling ESR 3:249-257<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n3/p249-257/> Calleson CS, Frohlich RK. 2007. REVIEW: Slower boat speeds reduce risks to manatees ESR 3:295-304<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n3/p295-304/> Middleton DAJ, Starr PJ, Gilbert DJ. 2007. COMMENT: Modelling the impact of fisheries bycatch on Hector’s dolphin: comment on Slooten (2007) ESR 3:331-334<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n3/p331-334/> Slooten E. 2007. REPLY COMMENT: Criticism is unfounded: reply to Middleton et al. (2007) ESR 3:335-339<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v3/n3/p335-339/> Tougaard J, Teilmann J, Tougaard S. 2008. Harbour seal spatial distribution estimated from Argos satellite telemetry: overcoming positioning errors ESR 4:113-122<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n1-2/p113-122/> Insley SJ, Robson BW, Yack T, Ream RR, Burgess W. 2008. Acoustic determination of activity and flipper stroke rate in foraging northern fur seal females ESR 4:147-155<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n1-2/p147-155/> Thomton JD, Mellish JAE, Hennen DR, Horning M. 2008. Juvenile Steller sea lion dive behavior following temporary captivity ESR 4:195-203<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n1-2/p195-203/> Steiger GH, Calambokidis J, Straley JM, Herman LM, Cerchio S, Salden DR, Urbán-R J, Jacobsen JK, von Ziegesar O, Balcomb KC, Gabriele CM, Dahlheim ME, Uchida S, Ford JKB, Ladrón de Guevara-P P, Yamaguchi M, Barlow J. 2008. Geographic variation in killer whale attacks on humpback whales in the North Pacific: implications for predation pressure ESR 4:247-256<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n3/p247-256/> Vanderlaan ASM, Taggart CT, Serdynska AR, Kenney RD, Brown MW. 2008. Reducing the risk of lethal encounters: vessels and right whales in the Bay of Fundy and on the Scotian Shelf ESR 4:283-297<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n3/p283-297/> Parrish FA, Marshall GJ, Buhleier B, Antonelis GA. 2008. Foraging interaction between monk seals and large predatory fish in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands ESR 4:299-308<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n3/p299-308/> Cañadas A, Hammond PS. 2008. Abundance and habitat preferences of the short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis in the southwestern Mediterranean: implications for conservation ESR 4:309-331<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v4/n3/p309-331/> Bearzi G, Agazzi S, Gonzalvo J, Costa M, Bonizzoni S, Politi E, Piroddi C, Reeves RR. 2008. Overfishing and the disappearance of short-beaked common dolphins from western Greece ESR 5:1-12<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n1/p1-12/> Baker JD. 2008. Variation in the relationship between offspring size and survival provides insight into causes of mortality in Hawaiian monk seals ESR 5:55-64<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n1/p55-64/> Chilvers BL. 2008. New Zealand sea lions Phocarctos hookeri and squid trawl fisheries: bycatch problems and management options ESR 5:193-204<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p193-204/> Karamanlidis AA, Androukaki E, Adamantopoulou S, Chatzispyrou A, Johnson WM, Kotomatas S, Papadopoulos A, Paravas V, Paximadis G, Pires R, Tounta E, Dendrinos P. 2008. Assessing accidental entanglement as a threat to the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus ESR 5:205-213<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p205-213/> Scheidat M, Gilles A, Kock KH, Siebert U. 2008. Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena abundance in the southwestern Baltic Sea ESR 5:215-223<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p215-223/> Brotons JM, Munilla Z, Grau AM, Rendell L. 2008. Do pingers reduce interactions between bottlenose dolphins and nets around the Balearic Islands? ESR 5:301-308<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p301-308/> Campbell R, Holley D, Christianopolous D, Caputi N, Gales NG. 2008. Mitigation of incidental mortality of Australian sea lions in the west coast rock lobster fishery ESR 5:345-358<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v5/n2-3/p345-358/> Bradford AL, Weller DW, Wade PR, Burdin AM, Brownell RL Jr. 2008. Population abundance and growth rate of western gray whales Eschrichtius robustus ESR 6:1-14<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n1/p1-14/> Fonnesbeck CJ, Garrison LP, Ward-Geiger LI, Baumstark RD. 2008. Bayesian hierarchichal model for evaluating the risk of vessel strikes on North Atlantic right whales in the SE United States ESR 6:87-94<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n1/p87-94/> Freeman MMR. 2008. Challenges of assessing cetacean population recovery and conservation status ESR 6:173-184<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n2/p173-184/> Williams R, Bain DE, Smith JC, Lusseau D. 2008. Effects of vessels on behaviour patterns of individual southern resident killer whales Orcinus orca ESR 6:199-209<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n3/p199-209/> Lusseau D , Bain DE , Williams R, Smith JC. 2008. Vessel traffic disrupts the foraging behavior of southern resident killer whales Orcinus orca ESR 6:211-221<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n3/p211-221/> Swaim ZT, Westgate AJ, Koopman HN, Rolland RM, Kraus SD. 2008. Metabolism of ingested lipids by North Atlantic right whales ESR 6:259-271<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n3/p259-271/> Vanderlaan ASM, Corbett JJ, Green SL, Callahan JA, Wang C, Kenney RD, Taggart CT, Firestone J. 2008. Probability and mitigation of vessel encounters with North Atlantic right whales ESR 6:273-285<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v6/n3/p273-285/> Reynolds JE III , Marsh H, Ragen TJ. 2009. AS WE SEE IT: Marine mammal conservation ESR 7:23-28<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v7/n1/p23-28/> MacLeod CD. 2009. REVIEW: Global climate change, range changes and potential implications for the conservation of marine cetaceans: a review and synthesis ESR 7:125-136<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v7/n2/p125-136/> Noren DP, Johnson AH, Rehder D, Larson A. 2009. Close approaches by vessels elicit surface active behaviors by southern resident killer whales ESR 8:179-192<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v8/n3/p179-192/> Gonzalez-Socoloske D, Olivera-Gomez LD, Ford RE Detection of free-ranging West Indian manatees Trichechus manatus using side-scan sonar ESR 8:249-257<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v8/n3/p249-257/> Scolardi KM, Schwacke LH, Koelsch JK, Reynolds JE III, Kessenich TJ, Sprinkel JM, Gannon JG Trends in counts of manatees Trichechus manatus latirostris from 1987 to 2006 in waters of Sarasota County, Florida, USA ESR 9:1-11<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v9/n1/p1-11/> McDonald MA, Hildebrand JA, Mesnick S Worldwide decline in tonal frequencies of blue whale songs ESR 9:13-21<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v9/n1/p13-21/> Andersen LW, Born EW, Doidge DW, Gjertz I, Wiig Ø, Waples RS Genetic signals of historic and recent migration between sub-populations of Atlantic walrus Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus west and east of Greenland ESR 9:197-211<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v9/n3/p197-211/> Hart KM, Hyrenbach KD REVIEW: Satellite telemetry of marine megavertebrates: the coming of age of an experimental science ESR 10:9-20<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p9-20/> Skinner JP, Norberg SE, Andrews RD Head striking during fish capture attempts by Steller sea lions and the potential for using head surge acceleration to predict feeding behavior ESR 10:61-69<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p61-69/> Andrews-Goff V, Hindell MA, Field IC, Wheatley KE, Charrassin JB Factors influencing the winter haulout behaviour of Weddell seals: consequences for satellite telemetry ESR 10:83-92<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p83-92/> Bailey H, Mate BR, Palacios DM, Irvine L, Bograd SJ, Costa DP Behavioural estimation of blue whale movements in the Northeast Pacific from state-space model analysis of satellite tracks ESR 10:93-106<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p93-106/> Baird RW, Schorr GS, Webster DL, McSweeney DJ, Hanson MB, Andrews RD Movements and habitat use of satellite-tagged false killer whales around the main Hawaiian Islands ESR 10:107-121<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p107-121/> Horning M, Mellish JAE Spatially explicit detection of predation on individual pinnipeds from implanted post-mortem satellite data transmitters ESR 10:135-143<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p135-143/> Lander ME, Loughlin TR, Logsdon MG, VanBlaricom GR, Fadely BS Foraging effort of juvenile Steller sea lions Eumetopias jubatus with respect to heterogeneity of sea surface temperature ESR 10:145-158<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p145-158/> Mazzaro LM, Dunn JL Descriptive account of long-term health and behavior of two satellite-tagged captive harbor seals Phoca vitulina ESR 10:159-163<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p159-163/> Schorr GS, Baird RW, Hanson MB, Webster DL, McSweeney DJ, Andrews RD Movements of satellite-tagged Blainville’s beaked whales off the island of Hawai‘i ESR 10:203-213<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p203-213/> Simmons SE, Crocker DE, Hassrick JL, Kuhn CE, Robinson PW, Tremblay Y, Costa DP Climate-scale hydrographic features related to foraging success in a capital breeder, the northern elephant seal Mirounga angustirostris ESR 10:233-243<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p233-243/> Cronin MA, Zuur AF, Rogan E, McConnell BJ Using mobile phone telemetry to investigate the haul-out behaviour of harbour seals Phoca vitulina vitulina ESR 10:255-267<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p255-267/> Gucu AC Preliminary study on the effects of photo traps used to monitor Mediterranean monk seals Monachus monachus ESR 10:281-285<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p281-285/> Holland KN, Meyer CG, Dagorn LC Inter-animal telemetry: results from first deployment of acoustic ‘business card’ tags ESR 10:287-293<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p287-293/> Rayment W, Dawson S, Slooten L Use of T-PODs for acoustic monitoring of Cephalorhynchus dolphins: a case study with Hector’s dolphins in a marine protected area ESR 10:333-339<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v10/p333-339/> Salvadeo CJ, Lluch-Belda D, Gómez-Gallardo A, Urbán-Ramírez J, MacLeod CD Climate change and a poleward shift in the distribution of the Pacific white-sided dolphin in the northeastern Pacific ESR 11:13-19<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n1/p13-19/> Hanson MB, Baird RW, Ford JKB, Hempelmann-Halos J, Van Doornik DM, Candy JR, Emmons CK, Schorr GS, Gisborne B, Ayres KL, Wasser SK, Balcomb KC, Balcomb-Bartok K, Sneva JG, Ford MJ Species and stock identification of prey consumed by endangered southern resident killer whales in their summer range ESR 11:69-82<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n1/p69-82/> Rowe LE, Currey RJC, Dawson SM, Johnson D Assessment of epidermal condition and calf size of Fiordland bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus populations using dorsal fin photographs and photogrammetry ESR 11:83-89<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n1/p83-89/> Christiansen F, Lusseau D, Stensland E, Berggren P Effects of tourist boats on the behaviour of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins off the south coast of Zanzibar ESR 11:91-99<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n1/p91-99/> Johanos TC, Becker BL, Baker JD, Ragen TJ, Gilmartin WG, Gerrodette T Impacts of sex ratio reduction on male aggression in the Critically Endangered Hawaiian monk seal Monachus schauinslandi ESR 11:123-132<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n2/p123-132/> Andriolo A, Kinas PG, Engel MH, Albuquerque Martins CC, Rufino AM Humpback whales within the Brazilian breeding ground: distribution and population size estimate ESR 11:233-243<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v11/n3/p233-243/> Rugh DJ, Shelden KEW, Hobbs RC Range contraction in a beluga whale population ESR 12:69-75<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n1/p69-75/> Kuhn CE, Tremblay Y, Ream RR, Gelatt TS Coupling GPS tracking with dive behavior to examine the relationship between foraging strategy and fine-scale movements of northern fur seals ESR 12:125-139<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n2/p125-139/> Samaran F, Adam O, Guinet C Discovery of a mid-latitude sympatric area for two Southern Hemisphere blue whale subspecies ESR 12:157-165<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n2/p157-165/> Cotté C, Guinet C, Taupier-Letage I, Petiau E Habitat use and abundance of striped dolphins in the western Mediterranean Sea prior to the morbillivirus epizootic resurgence ESR 12:203-214<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v12/n3/p203-214/> Rajamani L, Marsh H Using parallel regional- and local-scale initiatives to inform conservation management of rare wildlife: a case study of the dugong Dugong dugon in Sabah, Malaysia ESR 13:17-23<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n1/p17-23/> Heide-Jørgensen MP, Laidre KL, Wiig Ø, Postma L, Dueck L, Bachmann L NOTE: Large-scale sexual segregation of bowhead whales ESR 13:73-78<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n1/p73-78/> Shaughnessy PD, Goldsworthy SD, Hamer DJ, Page B, McIntosh RR Australian sea lions Neophoca cinerea at colonies in South Australia: distribution and abundance, 2004 to 2008 ESR 13:87-98<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n2/p87-98/> Wade PR, De Robertis A, Hough KR, Booth R, Kennedy A, LeDuc RG, Munger L, Napp J, Shelden KEW, Rankin S, Vasquez O, Wilson C Rare detections of North Pacific right whales in the Gulf of Alaska, with observations of their potential prey ESR 13:99-109<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n2/p99-109/> Robbins J, Dalla Rosa L, Allen JM, Mattila DK, Secchi ER, Friedlaender AS, Stevick PT, Nowacek DP, Steel D NOTE: Return movement of a humpback whale between the Antarctic Peninsula and American Samoa: a seasonal migration record ESR 13:117-121<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n2/p117-121/> Marques TA, Munger L, Thomas L, Wiggins S, Hildebrand JA Estimating North Pacific right whale Eubalaena japonica density using passive acoustic cue counting ESR 13:163-172<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n3/p163-172/> Fearnbach H, Durban JW, Ellifrit DK, Balcomb KC III Size and long-term growth trends of Endangered fish-eating killer whales ESR 13:173-180<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n3/p173-180/> Hatfield BB, Ames JA, Estes JA, Tinker MT, Johnson AB, Staedler MM, Harris MD Sea otter mortality in fish and shellfish traps: estimating potential impacts and exploring possible solutions ESR 13:219-229<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v13/n3/p219-229/> Frasier TR, Koroscil SM, White BN, Darling JD Assessment of population substructure in relation to summer feeding ground use in the eastern North Pacific gray whale ESR 14:39-48<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v14/n1/p39-48/> Lagueux KM, Zani MA, Knowlton AR, Kraus SD  Response by vessel operators to protection measures for right whales Eubalaena glacialis in the southeast US calving ground ESR 14:69-77<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v14/n1/p69-77/> Gobush KS, Baker JD, Gulland FMD  Effectiveness of an antihelminthic treatment in improving the body condition and survival of Hawaiian monk seals ESR 15:29-37<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n1/p29-37/> Corkeron PJ, Minton G, Collins T, Findlay K, Willson A, Baldwin R  Spatial models of sparse data to inform cetacean conservation planning: an example from Oman ESR 15:39-52<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n1/p39-52/> Parks SE, Searby A, Célérier A, Johnson MP, Nowacek DP, Tyack PL  Sound production behavior of individual North Atlantic right whales: implications for passive acoustic monitoring ESR 15:63-76<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n1/p63-76/> Gerrodette T, Eguchi T  Precautionary design of a marine protected area based on a habitat model ESR 15:159-166<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n2/p159-166/> Pomerleau C, Patterson TA, Luque S, Lesage V, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Dueck LL, Ferguson SH  Bowhead whale Balaena mysticetus diving and movement patterns in the eastern Canadian Arctic: implications for foraging ecology ESR 15:167-177<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n2/p167-177/> Michaud J, Taggart CT Spatial variation in right whale food, Calanus finmarchicus, in the Bay of Fundy ESR 15:179-194<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n3/p179-194/> Lambert E, MacLeod CD, Hall K, Brereton T, Dunn TE, Wall D, Jepson PD, Deaville R, Pierce GJ  Quantifying likely cetacean range shifts in response to global climatic change: implications for conservation strategies in a changing world ESR 15:205-222<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n3/p205-222/> Gregr EJ  Insights into North Pacific right whale Eubalaena japonica habitat from historic whaling records ESR 15:223-239<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n3/p223-239/> Gulesserian M, Slip D, Heller G, Harcourt R  Modelling the behaviour state of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in response to vessel presence off Sydney, Australia ESR 15:255-264<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v15/n3/p255-264/> Becker EA, Foley DG, Forney KA, Barlow J, Redfern JV, Gentemann CL Forecasting cetacean abundance patterns to enhance management decisions ESR 16:97-112<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v16/n2/p97-112/> Forney KA, Ferguson MC, Becker EA, Fiedler PC, Redfern JV, Barlow J, Vilchis IL, Ballance LT  Habitat-based spatial models of cetacean density in the eastern Pacific Ocean ESR 16:113-133<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v16/n2/p113-133/> Goetz KT, Montgomery RA, Ver Hoef JM, Hobbs RC, Johnson DS  Identifying essential summer habitat of the endangered beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas in Cook Inlet, Alaska ESR 16:135-147<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v16/n2/p135-147/> Murphy S, Spradlin TR, Mackey B, McVee J, Androukaki E, Tounta E, Karamanlidis AA, Dendrinos P, Joseph E, Lockyer C, Matthiopoulos J  Age estimation, growth and age-related mortality of Mediterranean monk seals Monachus monachus ESR 16:149-163<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v16/n2/p149-163/> Wheeler B, Gilbert M, Rowe S Definition of critical summer and fall habitat for bowhead whales in the eastern Canadian Arctic ESR 17:1-16<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n1/p1-16/> Mussoline SE, Risch D, Hatch LT, Weinrich MT, Wiley DN, Thompson MA, Corkeron PJ, Van Parijs SM  Seasonal and diel variation in North Atlantic right whale up-calls: implications for management and conservation in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean ESR 17:17-26<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n1/p17-26/> Bailleul F, Lesage V, Power M, Doidge DW, Hammill MO  Differences in diving and movement patterns of two groups of beluga whales in a changing Arctic environment reveal discrete populations ESR 17:27-41<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n1/p27-41/> Pereira CM, Booth DT, Limpus CJ  Swimming performance and metabolic rate of flatback Natator depressus and loggerhead Caretta caretta sea turtle hatchlings during the swimming frenzy ESR 17:43-51<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n1/p43-51/> Kittinger JN, Bambico TM, Watson TK, Glazier EW  Sociocultural significance of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal and the human dimensions of conservation planning ESR 17:139-156<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n2/p139-156/> Braulik GT, Bhatti ZI, Ehsan T, Hussain B, Khan AR, Khan A, Khan U, Kundi KU, Rajput R, Reichert AP, Northridge SP, Bhagat HB, Garstang R  Robust abundance estimate for endangered river dolphin subspecies in South Asia ESR 17:201-215<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n3/p201-215/> Silber GK, Adams JD, Bettridge S  Vessel operator response to a voluntary measure for reducing collisions with whales ESR 17:245-254<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n3/p245-254/> Doniol-Valcroze T, Lesage V, Giard J, Michaud R  Challenges in marine mammal habitat modelling: evidence of multiple foraging habitats from the identification of feeding events in blue whales ESR 17:255-268<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n3/p255-268/> Blasi MF, Boitani L  Modelling fine-scale distribution of the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus using physiographic features on Filicudi (southern Thyrrenian Sea, Italy) ESR 17:269-288<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v17/n3/p269-288/> Best BD, Halpin PN, Read AJ, Fujioka E, Good CP, LaBrecque EA, Schick RS, Roberts JJ, Hazen LJ, Qian SS, Palka DL, Garrison LP, McLellan WA Online cetacean habitat modeling system for the US east coast and Gulf of Mexico ESR 18:1-15<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n1/p1-15/> Baird RW, Hanson MB, Schorr GS, Webster DL, McSweeney DJ, Gorgone AM, Mahaffy SD, Holzer DM, Oleson EM, Andrews RD  Range and primary habitats of Hawaiian insular false killer whales: informing determination of critical habitat ESR 18:47-61<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n1/p47-61/> Johnston DW, Friedlaender AS, Read AJ, Nowacek DP  Initial density estimates of humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae in the inshore waters of the western Antarctic Peninsula during the late autumn ESR 18:63-71<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n1/p63-71/> Keller CA, Garrison L, Baumstark R, Ward-Geiger LI, Hines E  Application of a habitat model to define calving habitat of the North Atlantic right whale in the southeastern United States ESR 18:73-87<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n1/p73-87/> Stafford KM, Moore SE, Berchok CL, Wiig Ø, Lydersen C, Hansen E, FEATURE ARTICLE - Kalmbach D, Kovacs KM Spitsbergen’s endangered bowhead whales sing through the polar night ESR 18:95-103<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p95-103/> Ramírez-Macías D, Vázquez-Haikin A, Vázquez-Juárez R  Whale shark Rhincodon typus populations along the west coast of the Gulf of California and implications for management ESR 18:115-128<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p115-128/> Castelblanco-Martínez DN, Nourisson C, Quintana-Rizzo E, Padilla-Saldivar J, Schmitter-Soto JJ  Potential effects of human pressure and habitat fragmentation on population viability of the Antillean manatee Trichechus manatus manatus: a predictive model ESR 18:129-145<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p129-145/> Pendleton DE, Sullivan PJ, Brown MW, Cole TVN, Good CP, Mayo CA, Monger BC, Phillips S, Record NR, Pershing AJ  Weekly predictions of North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis habitat reveal influence of prey abundance and seasonality of habitat preferences ESR 18:147-161<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p147-161/> LeDuc RG, Taylor BL, Martien KK, Robertson KM, Pitman RL, Salinas JC, Burdin AM, Kennedy AS, Wade PR, Clapham PJ, Brownell RL Jr  NOTE: Genetic analysis of right whales in the eastern North Pacific confirms severe extirpation risk ESR 18:163-167<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p163-167/> Rioux È, Lesage V, Postma L, Pelletier É, Turgeon J, Stewart REA, Stern G, Hammill MO  Use of stable isotopes and trace elements to determine harvest composition and wintering assemblages of belugas at a contemporary ecological scale ESR 18:179-191<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n2/p179-191/> FEATURE ARTICLE - Weller DW, Klimek A, Bradford AL, Calambokidis J, Lang AR, Gisborne B, Burdin AM, Szaniszlo W, Urbán J, Gomez-Gallardo Unzueta A, Swartz S, Brownell RL Jr Movements of gray whales between the western and eastern North Pacific ESR 18:193-199<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n3/p193-199/> Ivashchenko YV, Clapham PJ Soviet catches of right whales Eubalaena japonica and bowhead whales Balaena mysticetus in the North Pacific Ocean and the Okhotsk Sea ESR 18:201-217<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n3/p201-217/> Gallus A, Dähne M, Verfuß UK, Bräger S, Adler S, Siebert U, Benke H  Use of static passive acoustic monitoring to assess the status of the ‘Critically Endangered’ Baltic harbour porpoise in German waters ESR 18:265-278<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v18/n3/p265-278/> Oremus M, Hamner RM, Stanley M, Brown P, Baker CS, Constantine R Distribution, group characteristics and movements of the Critically Endangered Maui’s dolphin Cephalorhynchus hectori maui ESR 19:1-10<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v19/n1/p1-10/> Stimpert AK, Mattila D, Nosal EM, Au WWL  NOTE: Tagging young humpback whale calves: methodology and diving behavior ESR 19:11-17<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v19/n1/p11-17/> Whitehead H, Hooker SK  REVIEW: Uncertain status of the northern bottlenose whale Hyperoodon ampullatus: population fragmentation, legacy of whaling and current threats ESR 19:47-61<http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v19/n1/p47-61/> You may be interested in our recent you Tube videos: Darwin Initiative (Peru) (English) http://youtu.be/OhtVmUJ6hkY (Spanish) http://youtu.be/jyQinupAqVw Kenya Field Course (MSc) http://youtu.be/IkBmIehMZ9Q Prof. Brendan J. Godley Chair in Conservation Science Centre for Ecology & Conservation University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus TR10 9EZ, UK Tel: +44 1326 371 861 http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/index.php?web_id=brendan_godley http://www.linkedin.com/in/brendangodley http://www.seaturtle.org/mtrg/ Editor-in-Chief, Endangered Species Research http://www.int-res.com/journals/esr/

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Cetaceans Research volunteer opportunities in Spain
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 25 Aug '14

25 Aug '14

Could you please post the following. The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) conducts cetacean surveys throughout our field season (March - November) from aboard our research yacht Tyba along the north-western coast of Spain. More info about the BDRI here: www.thebdri.com We invite you to join our ongoing new study of the behaviour, communication, habitat use and social lives of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises along the north-western coast of Spain (Galicia). Every year we welcome aboard enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to contribute directly to our research work. As a volunteer onboard Tyba, you will have the opportunity to see first hand the the incredible diversity of marine wildlife present in these waters. This project offers an insight in the work that our centre is carrying out, about dolphins research in general, you have the opportunity to work with interested people from all over the world, but most important of all – you will contribute to the dolphin conservation and research. The BDRI’s main work is to contribute to bottlenose dolphin conservation through research. Our research is published in scientific journals which is the basis for all the information that we have about bottlenose dolphins today. Hence, knowledge is directly connected to protection and conservation. To volunteer at the BDRI requires a minimum of 6 days commitment, and - weather permitting - we will be out on the water at least during 4-5 days per week. To find out more about this volunteering program please click here <http://www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/volunteers.pdf> . Rendezvous location is O Grove on the south coast of Galicia (Spain), where the BDRI has the field research station. There is a monetary value attached to participating. This means that in order for you to come and take a part of the project you will have to pay for a part of the expenses that are derived from your participation (the volunteering fee). This includes the accommodation in an apartment with the other participants, training and other other expenses. The income generated allows BDRI to carry out this research programme, you can be assured that without your contribution the research couldn't be undertaken. Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Biologist / Director Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Av. Beiramar 192, O Grove 36991, Galicia, España www.thebdri.com info(a)thebdri.com tel.+ 34 605 521441 tel. + 34 886 319608 This email is confidential to the intended recipient(s) and the contents may be legally privileged or contain proprietary and private information. It is intended solely for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not an intended recipient, you may not review, copy or distribute this email. If received in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system immediately. Please note that neither the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI nor the sender accept any responsibility for any viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the email and the attachments (if any).

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Observer Position Announcement
by Todd McConchie 11 Aug '14

11 Aug '14

Dear colleagues, Please see the below position description. Background: Tierra Data Inc., is seeking experienced marine mammal observers (MMOs) to conduct monitoring of in-water construction activities at a site on Point Loma, San Diego, California. While monitoring, MMOs will collect and record data related to marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds. The MMOs will estimate the number of individuals, age, sex, distance and bearing to the individuals/groups. Observers must be available from September 8, 2014 to April 1, 2015. Observers must meet the following requirements: * Must be a U.S. citizen; * Able to obtain a US Navy security badge; * Must have previous marine mammal monitoring experience; * Be proficient in identification of marine mammal species in southern California; * Have specific knowledge of marine mammal behavior, physiology, and life-history; * Possess excellent inter-personal skills, and demonstrate responsibility, maturity, and self-motivation; and * Experience in systematic observations and making clear, concise notes/records. Work will be both shore- and vessel-based and may involve long hours in inclement weather. Observers will be expected to perform data collection and data entry tasks in the field and an office environment. Observer pay rates will be dependent on experience and those with long-term availability are preferred. Project-supplied housing and per diem rates are not available for the project timeframe. The preferred candidate would be positive, outgoing, have good people skills, Microsoft Access database experience, and have the potential to train and manage additional marine mammal observers. If interested, please send an updated CV to: Derek Lerma at: Derek(a)tierradata.com Thank-you.

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NMMF Research Internship
by Patchouly 31 Jul '14

31 Jul '14

Research Internship Opportunity with the National Marine Mammal Foundation Description The National Marine Mammal Foundation in San Diego, California is offering a fall research internship. The research project will investigate how human generated noise affects the bottlenose dolphins’ ability to forage using bio-sonar. Qualifications: A competitive applicant will have a strong background in experimental research methodology, math, physics and marine mammal behavior. Experience in psychoacoustics, is a plus as is the desire to learn and work as a part of a team. Preference will be given to an applicant who desires future enrolment into a graduate program in a related field. Applicants must have at least two years of undergraduate course work and must be currently enrolled in a college or university. The intern must receive credit for the internship from their college or university. The intern must be a US citizen. Duties Duties include, but are not limited to, setting up equipment for experiments, data collection, analysis and training dolphins for behavioral experiments. There is a fair amount a physical labor involved. You will be getting dirty. Work hours are from 6:30 am-3:30 pm, Mon-Fri. This is not a paid internship and the intern is responsible for their own housing and transportation. The internship starts Sept 1. Application deadline is August 15th. Please email a resume or CV and a short paragraph describing yourself to: brian.branstetter(a)nmmf.org Brian Branstetter Ph.D. 2240 Shelter Island Dr., #200. San Diego, Ca. 92106 nmmf.org

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SRRC Veterinary internship
by Ana 31 Jul '14

31 Jul '14

Dear colleagues, The Seal Rehabilitation and Research Center has an exciting opportunity for a Veterinary Intern to work in our Seal Care/Veterinary Department. This position is scheduled to start in March 2014 and will last for one year. This position requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and previous marine mammal or wildlife experience is a plus. The SRRC Veterinary Department includes two veterinarians and we are looking for a highly motivated, dynamic candidate who will work closely in a team setting with staff and volunteers to assist with all aspects of veterinary care and husbandry of sick and injured seals. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: Daily care of animals, transport of live/dead marine animals, maintenance of daily food and medical records, post-mortem examinations, sample-taking for various research projects, record-keeping, and computer entry of data. Additional duties and projects may be assigned by staff. This position is unpaid and the intern is required to find its own transportation, we provide housing and meals. The intern should expect to be scheduled to cover a variety of shifts including weekday, nights, weekends and holidays. The ideal candidate should be mature and motivated, and possess a strong work ethic and excellent observational and communication skills (a fluent English level is required). The deadline for applications is January 15th, 2014. Interested applicants should submit an intention letter and two recommendation letters. Applications and questions can be submitted to ana(a)zeehondencreche.nl, Ana Rubio García, head of the Veterinary Department. For more information about the SRRC visit www.zeehondencreche.nl. All the best, Ana Rubio García Head of the Veterinary Department Zeehondencrèche Lenie 't Hart Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre SRRC Hoofdstraat 94a 9968 AG Pieterburen The Netherlands Mobile phone: +31 (0)6 12 981154 Email: ana(a)zeehondencreche.nl Website: www.zeehondencreche.nl Website english: www.srrc.nl

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Whales of Guerrero Research Project Internship Opportunity
by Katherina Audley 30 Jul '14

30 Jul '14

Whales of Guerrero Research Project Internship Winter 2015 - Deadline September 1st, 2014 Background The Whales of Guerrero Research Project (WGRP) is a privately funded field research and community outreach project located in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, near the twin cities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo on the Pacific Ocean coast. This project is the first to investigate humpback whales and other marine mammals in the state of Guerrero. There is an absence of information and awareness about whales and other cetaceans among boat operators, tour guides, residents and visitors to the region. Project Goals The two primary goals of the Whales of Guerrero Research Project¹s are: Contribute to a better understanding of the structure, abundance, distribution and dynamics of the migratory humpback whales and other marine mammals which visit and inhabit the region. Raise awareness about responsible whale watching and ecotourism practices and humpback whale behavior and biology among boat operators, tour guides, educators, residents and visitors. We will accomplish our research goals by conducting on-water and land-based field studies in the area from January through March annually for the next 4 years (winters 2015-2018). The 2015 study will include two concurrent on-water efforts to locate, photo-identify and record the songs of humpback whales and collect occurrence data on other marine mammals including four dolphin species (Tursiops truncatus, Stenella attenuata, Steno bredanensis and Delphinus delphis). The research boats will be 6 meter long fiberglass fishing pangas, driven by local fishermen, who will be participating in the project as regional experts, citizen scientists and ecotour guides in training. In addition, one land-based field study will record marine mammal occurrence and activity relative to all boats in the area. Fluke identification photos will contribute to our local fluke identification catalog as well as a larger existing fluke identification catalogs maintained by research colleagues elsewhere in Mexico and the US. We will record humpback whale vocalizations to note presence/absence and also share these data with researchers elsewhere in Mexico and the US who are analyzing subspecies song patterns and changes over time. Data we collect will (1) help the region to become a SEMARNAT-acknowledged marine mammal site, which will garner further resources to study and protect the whales, (2) identify potentially sensitive regions for humpback whales relative to shrimp boat activity and other potentially harmful anthropogenic activities, and (3) contribute to the larger scientific community¹s understanding of the Northern Pacific Humpback Whale stock. We will raise awareness regarding whale watching practices and humpback whale behavior by hosting and facilitating workshops and training sessions geared toward boat operators, fishermen, tourist-oriented business owners, residents and visitors. These efforts will be led by early career and established scientists and educators from Mexico and the United States. A number of marine mammalogists and marine biology educators will spend short periods of time on the study with us throughout the season to participate in our outreach efforts, provide expertise and support to our research efforts, and strengthen the scientific community¹s understanding of marine mammals in the state of Guerrero as they relate to the larger stocks. Website For more information about the Whales of Guerrero Research Project, please visit: Our project website at: http://www.whalesinmexico.com and on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/whalesinmexico Volunteer Intern Positions The WGRP is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for our Winter 2015 internship program. A minimum of 10 weeks of participation is required during 6 January -- 30 March. Applications are due by September 1st. Please note that we are only seeking 4-6 interns this session and that we receive many more applications than we have openings. Successful candidates will participate in the following research projects: 1) Humpback whale field monitoring and photo-identification. This study will continue monitoring the migratory community of humpback whales in Barra de Potosi, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and the surrounding waters. Duties in the field will consist of assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for humpback whales five days per week, six hours per day. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each marine mammal group. Interns can expect to rotate between land-based field studies and on-water studies for the duration of the season and spend an average of 30% of their field data collection time on-land (in a lighthouse) and 70% on-water (in a 7 meter fishing panga). 2) Data organization and analysis. In addition to field duties, intern responsibilities will include office-based photo-identification of humpback whales and rough-toothed dolphin fins, computer data entry, video logging, fluke identification catalog maintenance, equipment repair, upkeep and maintenance and other duties. In addition to spending 6 hours on water, interns should be prepared to spend an average of 2 hours/day organizing, matching and maintaining the fluke and fin identification catalogs, importing and compressing recorded sound, maintaining and repairing equipment and attending to other field duties as needed. 3) Safe boat operation workshops and community events. Interns will be expected to serve as continuous ambassadors for the project and be available to field questions on humpback whale behavior and biology whenever they are in the public. In addition, they will be expected to serve as educators and naturalists to project supporters and local guides who join us on the boat to work with us as citizen scientists on our project. Interns will also be expected to participate in and conduct humpback whale and marine mammal workshops in schools, libraries, hotels and other venues as needed, a minimum of one time per week. Interns should expect to spend about 60% of their time in the field (a minimum of five days per week, at least 6 hours per day), and about 40% of their time working with data, performing equipment maintenance and participating in community outreach and education efforts. There is no compensation for these internship positions. However, the project will provide for living accommodations during the time of the internship, transportation to and from the region, and possibly a small stipend upon conclusion of the project, pending funding. Interns must cover the expense of their own food, local transportation, internet and telephone and miscellaneous personal expenses during the course of their internship. Intern Qualifications Applicants will ideally have the following qualifications: * Minimum of 22 years of age and engaged in or recently completed graduate studies or comparable marine biology field experience; * A demonstrated commitment to and passion for marine mammals, education and community outreach and the development of responsible marine ecotourism * Bilingual (Spanish/English), with the ability to work within a range of cultures including: rural Mexican fishing village culture, North American tourists and foreign residents and educated Mexican bureaucrats * A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field or comparable experience; * Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel and Access); * Some field research experience; * Must be able to swim; * Not prone to seasickness; * Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based research methods; * Demonstrated teamwork, rigor, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, stamina, self-motivated and the ability to work independently; * A willingness to spend a minimum of 10-12 weeks working full-time (6-7 days/week) as a volunteer with our program. Intern Application Instructions To apply for a Whales of Guerrero Research Project internship, interested persons should complete and provide to WGRP the following application materials: 1. Your name, birthdate, gender, permanent mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, the college or university you are currently attending or most recently attended, you year of study at the time of the internship, your major field of study, the highest degree you have received, the year you expect to graduate, other colleges or universities you have attended and the dates you are available to participate in the internship. 2. A one- to two-page Statement of Interest that describes: a) your interests in the program(s) you choose and your career goals, b) your reasons for applying for a WGRP internship, and c) why you should be selected for a WGRP internship. (This can be sent as a Word document or a pdf file or, as a last resort, faxed or mailed to us.) 3. An unofficial copy of your most recent college transcript that lists all college-level courses you have taken to-date and the grades you have received. Both unofficial and official copies are accepted. If your school's grading scale differs from the 4.0 scale, please include an explanation of that scale. (Sent as a pdf file, saved from your school's website as a jpg or png image or an htm file, copy-and-pasted into a Word document or, as a last resort, faxed or mailed to us.) 4. Two letters of recommendation from individuals capable of commenting on your research skills and qualifications. 5. A resume or curriculum vitae describing any relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, scholarships and/or other activities that you have held or participated in and other skills or accomplishments that you wish to identify. (This can be sent as a Word document or pdf file or, as a last resort, faxed or mailed to us.) 6. Send an email to WGRP Project Director (Katherina Audley, k(a)kpetunia.com stating your name, contact information, exact dates and duration of availability, where you learned about the internship opportunity (e.g., SOMEMMA, MarMam, Facebook (and if so which page), Whalefish, etc.), and that you have provided all application materials to us, as detailed above. All applications will be reviewed; those received by the application deadline of September 1st will be given first priority. Successful applications will be contacted by October 1, 2014.

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PhD Thesis on the effects of seismic survey operations on bowhead whale behaviour
by Robertson, Frances 30 Jul '14

30 Jul '14

Dear Colleagues I would like to draw your attention to the following PhD thesis which is now available on line to download at: https://circle.ubc.ca/handle/2429/48453 Best regards Frances Frances C. Robertson. 2014. Effects of seismic operations on bowhead whale behaviour : implications for distribution and abundance assessments. PhD Thesis, University of British Columbia, Canada. 131pp. Abstract Assessments of distribution and abundance are a common means of gauging impacts of anthropogenic activities on wildlife. However, the influence of behavioural responses on estimated numbers and distributions of animals is rarely considered within this context. I used behavioural data collected in the Beaufort Sea from 1980-2000 to investigate the effects of seismic operations on the distribution and abundance of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus). Bowhead whales are known to vary their dive and surface-respiration behaviour when exposed to seismic survey operations, although it is unknown whether these changes in behaviour differ by season, reproductive status and activity (feeding, socializing and travelling). Overall, I found that changes in behaviour of whales exposed to seismic operations were context dependent (i.e., they were contingent on the whale’s circumstance and activity). I then investigated the effects of these behaviour changes on the sightability of whales to aerial observers conducting line-transect surveys. I calculated and compared sightability correction factors specific to whales exposed and not exposed to seismic operations and found that whales in all circumstances were less available for detection when exposed to seismic sounds. In particular, non-calves were the least available to observers during autumn when exposed to seismic activities, regardless of activity state. I used line-transect distance sampling and spatial modeling methods to generate corrected density estimates for bowhead whales in an area of the southern Alaskan Beaufort Sea ensonified by seismic operations between late August and early October 2008 to investigate the extent to which density analyses were affected by changes in whale availability. The resultant density surface models revealed a wide-spread nearshore distribution of whales within the ensonified area with some spatial segregation related to activity state. Density estimates that accounted for variations in whale behaviour due to seismic operations were also 25–64 % higher than previous estimates. Collectively, these findings suggest that seismic activities may not have displaced bowhead whales as previously thought, but altered their dive behaviours instead ,making them less visible for counting. My research demonstrates the importance of accounting for behavioural reactions when assessing impacts of seismic operations on distributions and abundances of whales. Frances C. Robertson, PhD Marine Mammal Research Unit Fisheries Centre University of British Columbia Canada: 604 339 4967 US: 360 420 4403 www.distantfin.net http://www.marinemammal.org/MMRU2/personnel/frances-robertson/

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