November 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

River dolphin internships in the Brazilian Amazon
by Tony 08 Oct '19

08 Oct '19

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazon State, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak excellent Spanish, in addition to English. There can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria, and this is counter-productive. Please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 60 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially a harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking two people to commence work as soon as possible, and we would also like to hear from people available in mid-late 2016. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 600 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend (approx $150 US). Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. They must also have adequate medical insurance. Please do not apply unless you know that you can obtain the airfare to reach Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Internships offer the opportunity of a lifetime. They reward hard work and dedication with unique experiences and a chance to stand out from the crowd in subsequent applications for higher degrees and employment. Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience, especially in the use of photo-ID Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com) Closing date is 24 November 2015. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 4 days of the closing date, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 November latest.

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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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BDRI Research Internships - Dolphins and porpoises in Spain
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 07 Apr '16

07 Apr '16

Could you please post the following. Dolphins research internships announcement and thesis opportunities - Last call Winter Season (January- April) 2016 Hi everyone, On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting internship applications for Winter and Spring term 2016 (a minimum of 30 days of participation) for our research project along the North-western coast of the Iberian Pensinsula (Galician waters, Spain). An internship period with the BDRI offers an excellent opportunity for qualified and motivated individuals to obtain field and laboratory training in marine mammal’s research methodology and analysis under the mentorship of experienced bottlenose dolphin researchers. The BDRI invites applications for dissertation/thesis projects in a dynamic, international, and competitive research environment. Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in cetaceans behavioural ecology and sociobiology with a focus on dolphins ethology, habitat use and communication. BDRI offers interns the chance to work through the many steps of research. Your participation means that you will not only be observing the studied animals at sea, but you will also be collecting different types of scientific data, using various research methods, and helping on board the research vessel in general. Furthermore, as the Galician coastline is known for frequent strandings of various marine mammals species, you will be a part of an important network for rescue and data collection from these stranded animals. When back in the lab, you will participate in the transcription of the collected data, with the database work, you will use various softwares, perform photo-identification analysis, use of GIS and more. Moreover, interns will also receive cross-training in different areas related with the strandings (Response, Rescue, Necropsy and data collection). As an internship, you will be encouraged to work hard and gain an insight of what it is actually like to work as a marine mammal researcher. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in marine mammals research make the most qualified individuals. Our centre understands the importance of giving the participant the responsibilities and experience needed in order to give an insight and reflect the reality of a job within the field of marine mammal science. The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is no compensation for the internship positions. There is an interships fee that includes the accommodation in an apartment, tuition and other expenses derived of your participation (housing, use of equipment, field trips by car, and use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain). Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between January through to November. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10 minute presentation at the end of their internship. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, he/she will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Positions are open until filled (maximum 8 vacancies). Prior field research experience is recommended but not required. Please download the internships general information and application form at: <www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf><www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc><www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/thesis.pdf> Send the application form, resume, recommendation letters, and cover letter by email to the email: info(a)thebdri.comFor more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit www.thebdri.com or our Facebook page. See you on site! Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Biologist and DirectorBottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI)Av. Beiramar 192, O Grove CP. 36980Pontevedra-Spaintel. 00 34 605 521441<www.thebdri.com> 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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New paper on humpback whales and seamounts
by Phillip Clapham - NOAA Federal 30 Nov '15

30 Nov '15

The following has just been published online: Satellite tracking reveals novel migratory patterns and the importance of seamounts for endangered South Pacific humpback whales Claire Garrigue, Phillip J. Clapham, Ygor Geyer, Amy S. Kennedy, Alexandre N. Zerbini The humpback whale population of New Caledonia appears to display a novel migratory pattern characterized by multiple directions, long migratory paths and frequent pauses over seamounts and other shallow geographical features. Using satellite-monitored radio tags, we tracked 34 whales for between 5 and 110 days, travelling between 270 and 8540 km on their southward migration from a breeding ground in southern New Caledonia. Mean migration speed was 3.53±2.22 km h−1, while movements within the breeding ground averaged 2.01±1.63 km h−1. The tag data demonstrate that seamounts play an important role as offshore habitats for this species. Whales displayed an intensive use of oceanic seamounts both in the breeding season and on migration. Seamounts probably serve multiple and important roles as breeding locations, resting areas, navigational landmarks or even supplemental feeding grounds for this species, which can be viewed as a transient component of the seamount communities. Satellite telemetry suggests that seamounts represent an overlooked cryptic habitat for the species. The frequent use by humpback whales of such remote locations has important implications for conservation and management. A pdf can be downloaded for free from: http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/cgi/content/abstract/rsos.150489 -- Phillip J. Clapham, Ph.D. Leader, Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program National Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115, USA tel 206 526 4037 fax 206 526 6615 email phillip.clapham(a)noaa.gov

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Reminder: Underwater Acoustics Webinar for the Regulatory Community, this Thursday, December 3, 12:00pm ET
by Holly Morin 30 Nov '15

30 Nov '15

**apologies for cross-postings** There is still time to register for the second underwater acoustics webinar in the free, five-part series the Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) <http://www.dosits.org/>Team is hosting for the international regulatory community. During this 60 minute webinar, Dr.’s Clara Amorim and Darlene Ketten will discuss sound production and reception in marine fishes and marine mammals. Content will be derived from peer-reviewed research. A question and answer period will occur after the presentations have been completed. The webinar will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 12:00pm US East Coast time. Interested individuals must register in advance for this webinar. To register please visit: http://www.dosits.org/resources/all/decisionmakers/ircwebinar/registration/ <http://www.dosits.org/resources/all/decisionmakers/ircwebinar/registration/> ** This is a different registration method than that used for the first webinar. This form (linked above) will start the registration process. Once you submit the form you will receive an email to verify your address. Depending on your email system/local server securities, it may take time to receive the verification email. If you do not receive the verification email in 48 hours (or have yet to receive a verification email), please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin(a)uri.edu <mailto:holly_morin@uri.edu>) for help. Please note, archived versions (video and audio) of all webinars in this five-part series will be available on the DOSITS website (through the Webinar Series for Regulators of Underwater Sound <http://www.dosits.org/resources/all/decisionmakers/ircwebinar/> page) along with webinar presentations and a listing of related DOSITS website content links. Pre-registration is not required for viewing archived webinars. Archived webinars will be available 2-3 weeks after each “live event”. To learn more about this webinar series and view other, upcoming webinar dates and speakers, please visit the DOSITS webpage, Webinar Series for Regulators of Underwater Sound, http://www.dosits.org/resources/all/decisionmakers/ircwebinar/ <http://www.dosits.org/resources/all/decisionmakers/ircwebinar/>. Questions? Please contact Holly Morin at holly_morin(a)uri.edu <mailto:holly_morin@uri.edu>. This webinar series is being sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The American Petroleum Institute (API) is the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS; www.dosits.org <http://www.dosits.org/>) is a comprehensive, educational website on underwater sound, designed to provide accurate scientific information at levels appropriate for all audiences, including decision-makers.

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Reproductive Biology of the Female Bottlenose Dolphin
by Holley Muraco 30 Nov '15

30 Nov '15

I would like to announce that my doctoral dissertation entitled Reproductive biology of the female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is now published and available as a PDF. Thank you Holley Muraco holley(a)muraco.biz Muraco, H. 2015. Reproductive biology of the female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Doctoral Dissertation. Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University. 228 pp. http://sun.library.msstate.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-07302015-092622/ The goal of this long-term study was to better understand the reproductive biology of the female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and provide a hypothesis for how dolphins may communicate reproductive readiness to one another. Utilizing conditioned dolphins in aquaria, this dissertation examined several previously unknown aspects of dolphin reproduction, including ovarian follicular dynamics during the luteinizing hormone surge, urinary prolactin levels, estrus behavior, vaginal fluid arboriform arrangement, in-situ vaginal and cervical anatomy during estrus, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) of urine samples to identify proteins and peptides that may be used in chemical communication, and a review and anatomical analysis of dolphin vibrassal crypts. The diffusely seasonal dolphin estrous cycle is not controlled by photoperiod and has a 10-day follicular and 20-day luteal phase. A brief ovulatory LH surge is followed by ovulation within 48 hours. An ethogram of 20 reproductive behaviors was developed, and all occurrences of reproductive behavior were analyzed during conceptive estrous cycles. A novel form of standing heat estrus, termed immobility, was observed, and estrus dolphins displayed genital nuzzling, active and passive mounting with other females, and an increase of standing heat intensity as LH levels rose. Prolactin plays a role in pregnancy maintenance, mammary development, allo-mothering behavior, lactation, and lactational anestrus. Dolphins are similar to sows where weaning causes a return to estrus, and in the boar effect, where days to ovulation are shortened in the presence of a mature male. Dolphin vaginal fluid showed crystallization arrangements with large open mesh patterns, conducive to sperm transport, during the estrogenic follicular phase, and closed mesh during the luteal phase. RP-HPLC analysis revealed that urine contained large amounts of peptides and proteins with peaks that change throughout the estrous cycle and with changes in social grouping. Remnant vibrissae from dolphin follicular crypts were sectioned, and it was hypothesized that trigeminal nerve endings could act similarly to those found in the nasal mucosa of terrestrial species and respond to chemical stimuli. This study provides new data to better understand the reproductive biology of a holaquatic mammal.

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Looking for cetaceans' fecal samples for chemical analyses
by BOUCHARD Bertrand 30 Nov '15

30 Nov '15

Dear all, As part of a multi-disciplinary project on marine mammals' reproduction, our research team analyzes hormones excreted in feces of various species. We are looking for fecal samples from various cetacean species (Odontocetes and Mysticetes). Therefore, if you are interested in collaborating on this project and if you have fecal samples sleeping in a freezer, this is a very good opportunity to give them a new life ;) Please don't hesitate to contact us for any further details. Bertrand Bertrand Bouchard, DVM Behavioral ecology group Centre d’Écologie Fonctionnelle et Évolutive CNRS, 1919 Route de Mende 34293 Montpellier CEDEX 5 email. bertrand.bouchard(a)cefe.cnrs.fr tel. +33 78228 1424

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Humpback Whale Research-Internship Programs in Puerto Rico
by Mithriel MacKay 30 Nov '15

30 Nov '15

Humpback Whale Research-1 week Sessions in Puerto Rico, USA This program is designed for anyone wishing to gain field experience in marine mammal science. Undergraduates, grad students, and people who have graduated related programs and are looking for opportunities to beef up their experience, are welcome. We still have some openings for the one week field intensive programs designed to build skills and resumes in Puerto Rico, USA. This is an on-going project in the 6th year of data collection studying humpback whale behavioral ecology. These positions are suitable for internships, and many of our students receive up to 3 credit hours through independent study with a faculty member from their campus. Participants will be integrated into the research team while we do scan surveys and theodolite work from a cliff, collect acoustic and behavioral data from a small boat, and analyze data in the lab using relevant software.You will learn and aid in matching images humpback whale flukes and scars for identification of individuals. Spots in the program are available between January and the middle of April (although some sessions may already be filled). There is no application process. Simply email MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com for pass codes to the Education Hub, register for the session you would like to attend (if there are spots still available), and you are confirmed. There is a great deal of information on the MCERC website, Education Hub, Photo Gallery, and Facebook page. To link to all 4 resources, please start at www.Marine-Eco.org. There are hot links available from there. Program fees for the Humpback Whale Field Intensive are 100% applied to the cost of the research and the education for each session. The program fee of $1300USD includes room and meals for the week long session, instruction, transportation to all field excursions, and equipment necessary. The program fee does not include travel to and from San Germán, Puerto Rico, USA. Citizens of the USA do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico, the currency is the US Dollar, and most major cell phone carriers have service on the island. Questions? email Mithriel(a)Marine-Eco.org *}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> **}-wh^ale> * *}-wh^ale>* Mithriel M. MacKay Ph.D. Director of Research and Education Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center San German, Puerto Rico, USA and Pipe Creek, Texas 78063 Website www.Marine-Eco.org <http://www.marine-eco.org/> E-mail Mithriel(a)Marine-Eco.org <MCERC.mail(a)gmail.com> Education HUb www.Marine-Eco.org/mcerc-moodle Photo Gallery www.Marine-Eco.Jimdo.com Facebook www.Facebook.com/researchcenter

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Internship 2016_South Africa
by Seasearch Africa 30 Nov '15

30 Nov '15

We would be grateful if you could circulate this information to students and graduates that may be interested. Sea Search Africa is a research and conservation organization run by several independent scientists based in South Africa. We are running volunteer placements in 2016 and would like to invite students who are currently enrolled or have completed degrees in marine biology, ecology and zoology to attend. These placements are for a minimum of 2 months, up to 6 months in Cape Town, South Africa. The aim of this volunteer program is to develop data analysis, data management and team work skills with assistance in field work, including photo-identification and behavioural data collection of cetaceans, on an ad hoc basis. The fee of 500 USD covers supervision, training and ad hoc field trips in Cape Town, South Africa. To apply please send a letter of motivation and your CV to info(a)seasearch.co.za More information can be found on Sea Search at our website www.seasearch.co.za Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions regarding this training opportunity. Kind regards Sea Search Africa Team www.seasearch.co.za

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