January 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

WDC Award - REMINDER
by Nicola Hodgins 14 Jan '15

14 Jan '15

A TIMELY REMINDER FOR ALL CETACEAN RESEARCHERS Dear MARMAM'ers, WDC is delighted to announce the 2015 WDC Bharathi Viswanathan Award for Innovative and Non-Invasive Research. WDC strives to ensure that benign research methods are promoted as a guiding principle, both for the organisation and the researchers that we fund. Up to £5,000 is available for the recipient of this annual award. The only restrictions that apply are that the project must utilize only non-invasive techniques and ultimately aim to benefit the conservation management or welfare of whales and/or dolphins. Applications must be on a WDC Research Award Form (see website<http://uk.whales.org/wdc-in-action/wdc-award-for-innovative-and-non-invasiv…>) and will be accepted at any time until the closing date, mid-day (GMT) February 14th 2015. The Award recipient will be chosen by March 14th 2015. Through this Award, WDC aims to showcase non-invasive research methodologies, highlighting the fact that many of these methods provide scientific data of excellent quality, whilst also promoting the development of innovative and non-invasive approaches towards studying cetaceans. Please visit our website for more details and application forms. http://uk.whales.org/wdc-in-action/wdc-award-for-innovative-and-non-invasiv… Good luck, Nicola [WDC - Whale and Dolphin Conservation]<http://www.whales.org> Nicola Hodgins Head of science and research Telephone: +44 (0)1249 449 537 Mobile: +44 (0)7841 497 597 Skype: nicola.hodgins WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Brookfield House, 38 St Paul Street Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1LJ United Kingdom whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC on Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/whales.org> [WDC on Twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org> [WDC on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <http://whales.org/en/blog> [WDC E-Newsletter] <http://whales.org/en/newsletter> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation (“WDC”) is a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02737421) and a registered charity (in England and Wales No. 1014705, in Scotland No. SC040231) WDC Shop is a trading name of WDCS (Trading) Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (No. 02593116) Registered office : Brookfield House, 38 St. Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ. Tel: +44 (0)1249 449 500 This message is private and confidential. If you have received this message in error, please notify us and remove it from your system.

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Marine Mammal Observer Training Course for New Zealand, February/March 2015
by Maja Nimak-Wood 14 Jan '15

14 Jan '15

[cid:image004.jpg@01CFA74D.55C2E4B0] Pro-MMO NZ Training Course Gardline Environmental Ltd is a MMO training course provider for New Zealand approved by New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC). The Pro-MMO NZ entirely meets the requirements of the curriculum outlined in the '2013 Code of Conduct for Minimising Acoustic Disturbance to Marine Mammals from Seismic Survey Operations'. This dedicated training programme is devoted to producing competent, professional marine mammal observers, capable of implementing the requirements of the Code, in terms of mitigation as well as scientific data collection, during seismic operations within New Zealand waters. MMO training for New Zealand is the most comprehensive and stringent in the world with extensive theoretical and practical requirements. The course consists of a series of extensive modules which are available through interactive distance learning prior to the practical component. Candidates will need to be able to complete the theory modules during the time frame outlined below and be available for the practical field days in New Zealand. The course is designed to be of benefit to both experienced and inexperienced MMOs. Candidates who successfully complete this course will be certified as 'trained' observers as per standards in the Code. After gaining a minimum of 12 weeks of experience working on seismic surveys in New Zealand, trained observers will then advance to the status of 'qualified' observers. The course dates and place: a) Distance learning 23rd February - 17th March 2015 b) Field based 18th- 20th March Auckland, New Zealand The course cost: £1250 or AUD $ 2350 The course fee includes both distance learning and field based component, lecture and handout material and ID book. Application: Application forms and more information about the course can be obtained by contacting Maja Nimak-Wood maja.nimak-wood(a)gardline.com<mailto:maja.nimak-wood@gardline.com> Deadline for applications: 2nd February 2014 Due to high interest in this course and limited number of places, we encourage you to apply early. Maja Nimak-Wood Senior Marine Mammal Scientist Gardline Environmental Limited Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG Tel: +44 (0)1493 845600 Fax: +44 (0)1493 852106 www.gardlinemarinesciences.com<http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/> [cid:image003.jpg@01CFA74A.D6B77700] Gardline Environmental Limited is part of the Gardline Group of Companies Registered in England No.04589816 | VAT Registration No. 640 4800 66 Registered office: Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG ________________________________ 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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New volunteer opportunities at the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, Wales, UK
by CBMWC 14 Jan '15

14 Jan '15

WTSWW_high_res_logoCBMWC logo without boarderCardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre New Quay Wales <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org Dedicated to conserving Cardigan Bays marine wildlife through education and research The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is currently recruiting for a number of exciting new volunteer positions for the 2015 season. We are looking for a volunteer to manage our Atlantic grey seal photo-ID project, a volunteer co-ordinator assistant and a volunteer marine education and awareness assistant. About CBMWC The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is based in New Quay, west Wales, UK and is the marine wing of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Since 1996 we have been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through education and research. Using boat-based and land-based surveys, photo-ID and acoustic studies we monitor bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and wider Irish Sea. We also run a busy visitor centre as well as an education and activity room which offers marine educational and awareness raising activities for families with young children. Atlantic grey seal photo-ID assistant We are recruiting a research volunteer to continue our Atlantic grey seal photo-ID project throughout the 2015 field season (March-November). Initiated in 2014, the seal photo-ID project aims to create a catalogue of individuals photographed in Cardigan Bay area to learn more about their travelling habits and areas that are important to them. This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in all aspects of a new CBMWC research project, to gain valuable research and analytical skills and to make a positive contribution to local conservation initiatives and collaborations. Role description: The successful volunteer will be responsible for analysing photographs of seals taken mainly along the Cardigan Bay coast, sorting and matching images as well as liaising with existing collaborators of this project. Depending on skills and experience there may also be an opportunity to go out into the field to capture images first hand throughout the field season and to assist with the further development of the project. This project may be suitable for an MSc project, however the student would need to commit their time for the duration of the project (this may be negotiable). The successful volunteer will also have the opportunity to be involved in other aspects of CBMWCs work and will need to be flexible and willing to help out with other tasks associated with CBMWCs work where required. Essential skills and qualifications: · Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and unsupervised · IT literate · Good attention to detail · An interest in wildlife and conservation · Proven report writing skills · Organised and dedicated Desirable skills · Experience using digital SLR cameras · Previous experience of photo-identification (not necessarily with seals) · Experience of Access databases · Experience using GIS programs (ESRI ArcGIS or QGIS) · Experience of statistical analysis · A background in biology/marine biology/environmental science · Driving licence and access to a vehicle Commitment: Although this is a volunteer role, we are looking for a volunteer that is able to commit for the entire field season from 23rd March to 2nd November 2015. You will be required to work up to five days a week (including weekends), this will depend on field work and activities as daily work schedule can change depending on weather conditions and events planned. To apply: Please email a CV and covering letter (no more than one side of A4) outlining your experience and motivations for applying to <mailto:volunteer@cbmwc.org> volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with Seal ID 2015 in the subject line. The deadline is midnight on 1st February 2015. Interviews via Skype will be held in the week commencing 9th February. Volunteer co-ordinator assistant We are recruiting an volunteer co-ordinator assistant for the 2015 season (March to November) to help coordinate our volunteers and promote our work and activities via social media networks. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about running a small but very active marine conservation group, to develop skills in volunteer co-ordination and training and leadership experience. Role description: · Assist with volunteer coordination and training · Assist with the administration of the CBMWC · Provide engaging content across CBMWC social media · Assist in researching, developing and implementing strategies to build our online community using social listening and management tools like Hootsuite and Facebook Insights · Develop creative, new social media campaigns · Assist in producing a bi-monthly CBMWC newsletter · Assist with website updates Essential skills and qualifications: · Fluency in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills · Confident communicator · Leadership skills · Approachable · Experience of team working · Experience using social media · IT literate · Enthusiastic, conscientious and hard working · Proactive with ability to work unsupervised · Responsible, flexible and mature attitude · Excellent attention to detail Desirable skills · Experience of managing small teams · Experience in updating Word press websites Commitment: This is a volunteer role. We are looking for a volunteer that is able to commit for the entire field season from 23rd March to 2nd November 2015. You will be required to work up to five days a week (including weekends). To apply: Please email a CV and covering letter (no more than one side of A4) outlining your experience and motivations for applying to <mailto:volunteer@cbmwc.org> volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with Volunteer Project Officer 2015 in the subject line. The deadline is midnight on 1st February 2015. Interviews via Skype will be held in the week commencing 9th February. Volunteer Marine Education and Awareness assistant We are recruiting a voluntary Marine Education and Awareness assistant for the 2015 season (March to November) to promote and deliver our educational programme and assist with awareness raising work and events in the local community. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to help run the educational activities of a small but very active marine conservation group, gaining experience and developing skills essential for a career in environmental education. Role description: This is a volunteer role, which is ideally suited to someone who is looking to develop a career or gain experience in environmental education. · Assist with development and promotion of a programme of educational activities for the 2015 season · Assist with delivering educational activities from our ground floor activity room and on the local beach (weather permitting) · Host visiting groups, provide talks and activities · Develop new educational activities and materials · Assist with event organisation and promotion, e.g. World Ocean Day, The Wildlife Trusts National Marine Week · Represent CBMWC/WTSWW at outside events · Organise regular beach cleans Essential skills and qualifications: · Fluency in English · Experience of working with children and families · Experience in delivering educational activities · Enthusiastic, conscientious and hard working · Proactive with ability to work unsupervised · Responsible, flexible and mature attitude · Interest in wildlife and conservation · IT skills · Excellent verbal and written communication skills · Driving licence and access to a vehicle Desirable skills · An interest and knowledge of British marine life would be an advantage · A background in biology, particularly marine biology/environmental science Commitment: We are looking for a volunteer that is able to commit for the entire field season from 23rd March to 2nd November 2015. You may be required to work up to five days a week (including weekends), some evening volunteering time may be required. To apply: Please email a CV and covering letter (no more than one side of A4) outlining your experience and motivations for applying to <mailto:volunteer@cbmwc.org> volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with Education volunteer 2015 in the subject line. The deadline is midnight on 1st February 2015. Interviews via Skype will be held in the week commencing 9th February. Information for all roles: Accommodation and expenses: If you are from outside of the local area then we can assist with finding accommodation. For example, accommodation can be arranged locally in private houses for approximately £60/week, including bills. You will be responsible for all your own accommodation, travel and other expenses incurred however, it is relatively easy to find a part-time job. Contact: For further information and any queries, please contact Laura Mears, Project Officer Email: <mailto:volunteer@cbmwc.org> volunteer(a)cbmwc.org Tel: 01545 560224 Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS www.cbmwc.org Laura Mears Project Officer Support our research - adopt a Cardigan Bay dolphin with the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre <http://www.cbmwc.org/support-us/adopt-a-cardigan-bay-dolphin/> Raise money for CBMWC with each internet search you do - it doesn't cost you a penny <http://sites.affilyon.co.uk/CBMWC> http://sites.affilyon.co.uk/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Patent Slip Building Glanmor Terrace New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9PS Wales, UK Ffon/Phone: 01545 560 224 E-bost/Email: <mailto:info@cbmwc.org> info(a)cbmwc.org Website: <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org For all the latest news and sightings information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter and become a fan of our Facebook page <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org <http://twitter.com/CBMWC> http://twitter.com/CBMWC <http://facebook.com/CBMWC> http://facebook.com/CBMWC Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is supported by the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group, a marine interest group of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Helping to conserve Cardigan Bay's marine wildlife through education and research Helpu I warchod bywyd gwyllt morol Bae Ceredigion drwy addysg ac ymchwil ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- The contents of this email are confidential and are soley for the use of the intended recipient. If you receive this email in error please delete it and notify us either by email or telephone. It is prohibited to copy, forward or otherwise disclose the contents of this email.

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NEW ARTICLE: Behavioural Effects of Tourism on Oceanic Common Dolphins in New Zealand
by Anna Meissner 14 Jan '15

14 Jan '15

Dear MARMAM colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Meissner AM, Christiansen F, Martinez E, Pawley MDM, Orams MB (2015) Behavioural Effects of Tourism on Oceanic Common Dolphins, *Delphinus* sp., in New Zealand: The Effects of Markov Analysis Variations and Current Tour Operator Compliance with Regulations. PLoS ONE 10(1): e0116962. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0116962 Abstract: Common dolphins, *Delphinus* sp., are one of the marine mammal species tourism operations in New Zealand focus on. While effects of cetacean-watching activities have previously been examined in coastal regions in New Zealand, this study is the first to investigate effects of commercial tourism and recreational vessels on common dolphins in an open oceanic habitat. Observations from both an independent research vessel and aboard commercial tour vessels operating off the central and east coast Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand were used to assess dolphin behaviour and record the level of compliance by permitted commercial tour operators and private recreational vessels with New Zealand regulations. Dolphin behaviour was assessed using two different approaches to Markov chain analysis in order to examine variation of responses of dolphins to vessels. Results showed that, regardless of the variance in Markov methods, dolphin foraging behaviour was significantly altered by boat interactions. Dolphins spent less time foraging during interactions and took significantly longer to return to foraging once disrupted by vessel presence. This research raises concerns about the potential disruption to feeding, a biologically critical behaviour. This may be particularly important in an open oceanic habitat, where prey resources are typically widely dispersed and unpredictable in abundance. Furthermore, because tourism in this region focuses on common dolphins transiting between adjacent coastal locations, the potential for cumulative effects could exacerbate the local effects demonstrated in this study. While the overall level of compliance by commercial operators was relatively high, non-compliance to the regulations was observed with time restriction, number or speed of vessels interacting with dolphins not being respected. Additionally, prohibited swimming with calves did occur. The effects shown in this study should be carefully considered within conservation management plans, in order to reduce the risk of detrimental effects on common dolphins within the region. A copy of the article can be downloaded at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0116962 <https://owa.massey.ac.nz/owa/redir.aspx?C=2Y8i6RRtI0qogwcFwULUVHsgGZFvA9II2…> Please do not hesitate to contact me at anna.meissner(a)gmail.com if you are unable to download it. Kindest regards, Anna Meissner ------------------------------------------------- Anna M. Meissner PhD student Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 North Shore City, 0745 Auckland, New Zealand Tel: +64 9 414 0800 ext 41520 Cell: +64 22 603 6646 Fax: +64 9 443 9790 Email: a.m.meissner(a)massey.ac.nz Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz -------------------------------------------------

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Shoals Marine Laboratory: Three classes for marine mammal students
by Sarah McCormack 13 Jan '15

13 Jan '15

Shoals Marine Laboratory (Appledore Island, Maine) is offering three courses this summer for students interested in marine mammal biology. *Introduction to Marine Mammal Biology* Introduction to the biology and conservation of cetaceans and pinnipeds, with a particular focus on species of the Gulf of Maine: taxonomy and species diversity, adaptations for life in the sea, foraging ecology and behavior, reproductive cycles, bioacoustics, and management of threatened species. Land and open-water observations of whale and seal behavior. Dates: June 8 – 22, 2015 Faculty: Dr. Nadine Lysiak, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution *Field Wildlife Forensics* Introduction to forensic science and the utilization of marine biology within the justice system. Comprehensive instruction concerning the recognition, documentation, collection and preservation of physical evidence. Students develop practical incident response, scene management and forensic teamwork skills. Dates: June 22 – 29, 2015 Faculty: Dr. Wayne Lord, University of Central Oklahoma Dr. Robert Kenney, University of Rhode Island Dr. Inga Sidor, University of New Hampshire Mr. Trey Knott, National Marine Fisheries Service *Anatomy and Function of Marine Vertebrates* Introduces students to a comparative study of the principal organ systems of vertebrates [fishes, sea turtles, marine birds, marine mammals] that are specifically adapted to the marine environment. Anatomy of structures is integrated with function, biological roles and evolutionary relationships. Laboratory exercises cover osteology, dissection, behavior and biomechanics. Dates: July 20 – August 3, 2015 Faculty: Dr. Frank Fish, West Chester University Dr. Malcolm Gordon, UCLA For all classes, registration, cost and financial aid information is available at: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/sml_students_creditcourses.html For more information about Shoals Marine Laboratory, see: http://www.sml.cornell.edu

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New publication on “Estimating Cumulative Exposure of Wildlife to Non-Lethal Disturbance Using Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture Models”
by Fredrik 13 Jan '15

13 Jan '15

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in the Journal of Wildlife Management: Christiansen, F., Bertulli, C.G., Rasmussen, M. & Lusseau, D. 2015. Estimating Cumulative Exposure of Wildlife to Non-Lethal Disturbance Using Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture Models. The Journal of Wildlife Management. DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.836 Abstract: Impact assessments often focus on short-term behavioral responses of animals to human disturbance. However, it is the cumulative effects caused by repeated behavioral disruptions which are of management concern, since these effects have the potential to influence individuals’ survival and reproduction. We need to estimate individual exposure rates to disturbance in order to determine cumulative effects. In this study we present a new approach to estimate the spatial exposure of minke whales to whalewatching boats in Faxaflói bay, Iceland. We use recent advances in spatially explicit capture recapture modelling to estimate the probability that whales will encounter a disturbance (i.e. whalewatching boat). Spatially-explicit individual encounter histories of individually-identifiable animals were obtained using photo-identification. The study area was divided into 1 km2 grid cells, where each cell was considered a spatially distinct sampling unit. We used capture history of individuals to model and estimate spatial encounter probabilities of individual minke whales across the study area, accounting for heterogeneity in sampling effort. We inferred the exposure of individual minke whales to whalewatching vessels throughout the feeding season by estimating individual whale encounters with vessels using the whale encounter probabilities and spatially-explicit whalewatching intensity in the same area, obtained from recorded whalewatching vessel tracks. We could then estimate the cumulative time whales spent with whalewatching boats to assess the biological significance of whalewatching disturbances. The estimated exposure levels to boats varied considerably between individuals, due to both temporal and spatial variations in the activity centers of whales and the whalewatching intensity in the area. However, although some whales were repeatedly exposed to whalewatching boats throughout the feeding season, the estimated cumulative time they spent with boats was very low. While whalewatching boat interactions caused feeding disruptions for the whales, the estimated low cumulative exposure makes it unlikely that the whalewatching industry in its current state is having any long-term negative effects on vital rates. For an early view of this paper, please visit: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jwmg.836/full If you are unable to download the article, please contact me by email and I will be happy to send you a copy: f.christiansen(a)live.se. Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Research fellow Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Warrnambool Campus, PO Box 423, Warrnambool, VIC 3280, Australia Phone: +61 3 55633080 Email: f.christiansen(a)deakin.edu.au, f.christiansen(a)live.se Publications: http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra

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Marine Mammal Science hardcopies
by MacCracken, James 13 Jan '15

13 Jan '15

We have nearly complete issues from 1986-2011. If you want them, let me know. -- James G. MacCracken, Ph.D. US Fish & Wildlife Service Marine Mammals Management Walrus Program Supervisor 1011 E. Tudor Rd., MS-341 Anchorage, AK 99503 907-786-3803 office 907-952-3778 cell 907-786-3816 FAX

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VIDEOs Submission for ECS Conf _deadline 16th January
by Adriana Vella 13 Jan '15

13 Jan '15

Dear All, *Last few days to forward your video submission proposals* for the ECS Conf. March 2015, view flyer: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4378145/ECS%20Video%20Deadline.pdf *Visit 29th ECS Conference Website:* http://europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/29th-ecs-conference Early Registration deadline - 16th January 2015 Interesting and diverse workshops being offered, contact the workshop organisers, view list at: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4378145/ECS%20Workshop%20list%20announc… *Conf. Keynote speakers:* Phil Hammond, Gianni Pavan, Barbara Taylor and others. *The theme of the 2015 ECS Conference * *Marine Mammal Conservation - from Local to Global* This theme would be supported by a number of keynote presentations that will look at how conservation efforts are being managed at a range of levels and the links between them. This will include consideration of local, national, regional and global conservation initiatives, as well as methods and mechanisms for addressing both short and long-term impacts. In addition to original research contributions on the usual range of topics that include, but are not limited to, health, genetics, by-catch, acoustics, abundance, distribution, ecology, breeding, behaviour, conservation, welfare, historical perspectives, we also welcome critical assessments of conservation policy. See you in Malta! ECS Conf 2015 org. team.

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OCEANoise2015 Abstract Submission
by Peter Sigray 12 Jan '15

12 Jan '15

Reminder to all! The acoustic conference OCEANoise2015 will be held in Spain this spring 2015. The deadline for abstract submission is 15 January 2015. For more information visit http://oceanoise2015.com/. Peter Sigray Science Committee OCENANoise2015

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Research Assistants Needed for Cetacea Fauna Study in the Antalya Bay, Turkey
by aylin akkaya 12 Jan '15

12 Jan '15

Doyou what to be a part of ground breaking research we have a perfect positionfor you. The Project:Weare a new NGO in the Turkish Mediterranean Coast, Marine Mammals Research Association(Deniz Memelileri Araştırma Derneği (DMAD)) is aimed at studying cetaceanbiodiversity of the Antalya Bay by gathering data on the fauna description,distribution and habitats. So far, 9 cetacean species were recorded,included bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, common dolphins, Risso'sdolphins, Cuvier's beaked whale and even in some rare occasions whales such asthe fin whale and sperm whale. Despite this large biodiversity there haven’tbeen many studies on this region so there is a big gap on the data available.Therefore, the project aims to fulfill the gaps of missing long-term studies inthe area by collecting data on cetacean fauna. This project provides anexcellent opportunity for students and individuals interested in getting moreexperience and knowledge in the field of marine mammal research. Duties and Opportunities Weare looking for volunteers for position of Assistant researcher for the nextsurvey season. The Assistant researchers will be responsible for: (1)Collecting sighting and behavioral data, (2) Organizing photo-ID and (3)entering data. Asa researcher you will have access to intensive training and mentoring: (1) in marine mammals biodiversity, (2)photo-ID, (3) statistics and (4) GIS. You will also get hands on experience inmarine mammal id, boat based and land based observation, marine mammalbehavior, etc. There will be opportunities for longer boat based observationsaboard vessels; these may take two or three days at the time whenever they areavailable.Asa Research Assistant you should expect long working days in the field (from 6to 12 hours per day), and expect to wake up very early (around 4:30 a.m.).The work will be carried under adverse weathers conditions. The typical week isdivided in 3 days of fieldwork 2 days of office work and 2 days for you toenjoy the lovely Turkish Riviera and the city of Antalya. ConditionsAssistantresearcher have to be able to live and work with others in a multi culturalteam, have a strong desire to work with marine mammals under any weatherconditions and maintain a professional and hardworking attitude.Thepositions are unpaid and request a contribution from the participants. As anewly formed NGO, the DMAD is a self-funded center and as such it stillrequires a contribution from the assistant researcher in order to fullyfunction. This will be a contribution of 500Euro per month and it coversaccommodation (food cost will be at each responsibility, although this is a lowexpense and should be around 80$ month or less), your contribution will alsoaid in renting the vessels and renting equipment. Plussuccessful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation to andfrom Antalya-Turkey.Positionsfor this season are open starting in March-2015. The minimum commitment time is1 month but longer times have priority. Applicants should send a short email introducingthemselves to akkayaaylin(a)yahoo.com. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on thisproject. Please also attach a brief CV. There is no deadline to apply.However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis.

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