November 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Animal Entanglement Response - Specialist II, Provincetown MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 20 Nov '15

20 Nov '15

Marine Animal Entanglement Response Specialist II Full Time (40 hours per week) The Center for Coastal Studies (Provincetown MA) is seeking a response specialist for its Marine Animal Entanglement Response program. CCS is a private, non-profit institution with an emphasis on marine mammal research and conservation. Response specialists are on call to disentangle whales and sea turtles following strict protocols that emphasize human safety and data collection. Specialists participate in at-sea operations, data processing, administrative tasks and supervision of trainees. They are expected to interface with the public and professional mariners and to participate in other CCS research programs as needed. CCS is searching for level-headed candidates who can work calmly and problem solve under stressful conditions. Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in a biological field; at least one year of at-sea working experience; small boat handling experience; excellent computer and communication skills; strong focus and attention to detail; the ability to work and communicate well at sea and in a wide range of weather conditions. Prior experience working with large animals and database management skills are desirable. Applicants must be physically able to execute the work of the position. Weekends and scheduling flexibility required. This position is full-time, year-round, with the potential for annual renewal. It is open to citizens of the United States of America and those authorized to work in the US. Interested candidates please submit cover letter, resume and two references to: Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657 Email: srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org Deadline for submissions is December 20, 2015. -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113 f. (508) 487-4495

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Research Assistant - Humpback Research, Provincetown MA USA
by Stephanie Richardson 20 Nov '15

20 Nov '15

Center for Coastal Studies Research Assistant Humpback Whale Research The Center for Coastal Studies (Provincetown MA) is seeking a Research Assistant for its Humpback Whale Research Program. Research assistants participate in field research, data and sample processing, photo-identification, catalog and database maintenance, field operations, administrative tasks and the supervision of program interns and volunteers. They are also expected to interface with the public and to participate in other CCS programs, as needed. Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, zoology or another biological field; at least one year of relevant research experience; excellent computer and communication skills; strong focus and attention to detail; the ability to maintain a flexible schedule and to work at sea over extended periods and in a wide range of weather conditions. Prior photo-identification experience, data management skills and small boat operation skills are desirable. This position is full-time, year-round, with the potential for annual renewal. It is open to citizens of the United States of America and those authorized to work in the United States. Please forward a cover letter, resume and two letters of reference to: Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657 Email: srichardson(a)coastalstudies.org Deadline for submissions is December 20, 2015. -- Stephanie Richardson Human Resource Manager Center for Coastal Studies 115 Bradford Street Provincetown, MA 02657 t. (508) 487-3622 Ext. 113 f. (508) 487-4495

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VOLUNTEER CETACEAN EDUCATION ASSISTANT - HEBRIDEAN WHALE & DOLPHIN TRUST
by Volunteer Coordinator 20 Nov '15

20 Nov '15

CETACEAN EDUCATION ASSISTANT HEBRIDEAN WHALE AND DOLPHIN TRUST - TOBERMORY, ISLE OF MULL Be part of a whale and dolphin conservation programme in 2016, in the heart of the UKs most celebrated and diverse marine environment; the Scottish Hebrides! Our Purpose: The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is the leading voice for the conservation of Hebridean cetaceans; dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotlands whales, dolphins and porpoises and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within local communities towards lasting conservation. About the Placement: HWDT operates a vital cetacean monitoring programme in the Scottish Hebrides, conducting research into the distribution, abundance and habitat use of whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks. The programme is well established, running for over 20 years. This is a fantastic opportunity for passionate, outgoing individuals to join our team based in the colourful and picturesque harbour town of Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull; where we have our office, Visitor Centre and the mooring for our research vessel Silurian. During the placement you will work with our Education Team, visiting local primary schools, and in our busy Visitor Centre to support the delivery of our research and education programme. You will benefit from one-to-one training in environmental education, gain valuable hands-on experience in visitor engagement and interpretation, carry out boat based field research; learning visual and acoustic data collection techniques. Placement Dates: We are offering two 6-month volunteer placements running from Monday 21st March Friday 30th September 2016. Volunteers will work 5 days a week, including weekends and must be able to commit to the full placement length. What you will get out of it: - One-to-one environmental education training (both formal and informal) - Visitor engagement and customer service skills development - Hands on experience in event planning and resource development - Boat based marine mammal survey training (a minimum of 12 days at sea) Valuable networking opportunities with partner organisations and the potential to take part in additional training courses i.e. tissue sampling courses Vital workplace experience for career in marine conservation/education Opportunity to live and work on a beautiful, remote Scottish Island. Accommodation and living expenses: During the volunteer placement accommodation can be arranged for you through our team. Typically, accommodation in a shared house in Tobermory will costs between £60-£80 per week (inclusive of bills). Tobermory is the largest town on the Isle of Mull with a good range of facilities including a small co-op, pharmacy, pubs, gift shops and cafes. Other amenities you may require i.e. large high street chains, supermarkets, train station etc. can be found in Oban; a 45minute ferry journey away. Please be aware that Mull is a remote island; only accessible by ferry links from the Scottish mainland. Unfortunately no living expenses will be covered by HWDT, although travel to and from events attended will be reimbursed. Role description: Deliver a daily Visitor Centre activity programme, including presentations and workshops about local marine wildlife. Assist with Visitor Centre administration including recording talk numbers, sales and memberships. Assist the Education Team to deliver land based school talks and field trips onboard our unique Floating Classroom; Silurian. Assist with boat-based marine mammal surveys; collecting and recording visual sightings data, acoustic monitoring and carrying out photo ID research. Carry out headland wildlife watching events for visitors; spotting and identifying seabirds and marine mammals for people of all ages. Organise and run summer clubs for local children, attend community events and shows. Develop educational resources and write feature articles for the Trusts monthly newsletter and bi-annual publication Wave. Person Specification: Essential ü Friendly, confident open communication style ü Keenness to learn new skills ü Previous customer service experience ü Experience delivering activities for young people ü Passionate about marine conservation ü Ability to live and work with colleagues as part of a small team Desirable ü Degree in relevant education or environmental subject ü Experience working with schools ü Knowledge of Scottish cetaceans ü Full drivers licence and access to a car To apply: Please email a current C.V. and covering letter outlining why you are applying for the opportunity to volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org. For more information please contact Morven Russell on 01688 302620. Application deadline: 12 noon 22nd January 2016. Interviews: w/c 8 Feb 2016 Morven Russell Volunteer Coordinator Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust 28 Main Street Tobermory Isle of Mull PA75 6NU Tel: 01688 302620 <mailto:volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org> volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org <http://www.hwdt.org/> www.hwdt.org Please note my standard working days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotlands whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within Hebridean communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats.

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New publication:Passive Acoustic Monitoring the Biosonar Activity of the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis)
by WANG Zhitao 19 Nov '15

19 Nov '15

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our article: Zhitao Wang, Paul E. Nachtigall, Tomonari Akamatsu, Kexiong Wang, Yuping Wu, Jianchang Liu, Guoqin Duan, Hanjiang Cao, Ding Wang, Passive acoustic monitoring the diel, lunar, seasonal and tidal patterns in the biosonar activity of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Pearl River Estuary, China, PLOS ONE, 2015, 10(11): e0141807, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141807 Abstract: A growing demand for sustainable energy has led to an increase in construction of offshore windfarms. Guishan windmill farm will be constructed in the Pearl River Estuary, China, which sustains the world’s largest known population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (*Sousa chinensis*). Dolphin conservation is an urgent issue in this region. By using passive acoustic monitoring, a baseline distribution of data on this species in the Pearl River Estuary during pre-construction period had been collected. Dolphin biosonar detection and its diel, lunar, seasonal and tidal patterns were examined using a Generalized Linear Model. Significant higher echolocation detections at night than during the day, in winter-spring than in summer-autumn, at high tide than at flood tide were recognized. Significant higher echolocation detections during the new moon were recognized at night time. The diel, lunar and seasonal patterns for the echolocation encounter duration also significantly varied. These patterns could be due to the spatial-temporal variability of dolphin prey and illumination conditions. The baseline information will be useful for driving further effective action on the conservation of this species and in facilitating later assessments of the effects of the offshore windfarm on the dolphins by comparing the baseline to post construction and post mitigation efforts. The article can be accessed here: *http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0141807 <http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0141807>* With best regards, Zhitao Wang Zhitao Wang, Doctoral candidate Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Donghu East Road 5#, Wuhan 430074, P.R. China Email: w <wangzt(a)ihb.ac.cn>angzhitao1230(a)gmail.com Mobile: 86-15972986197 Fax: 86-27-87491267

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new paper on pilot whale asphyxiation
by IJsseldijk, L.L. (Lonneke) 19 Nov '15

19 Nov '15

Dear all, The following paper came out today: Fatal Asphyxiation in Two Long-Finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala melas) Caused by Common Soles (Solea solea). By: Lonneke L. IJsseldijk, Mardik F. Leopold, Elisa L. Bravo Rebolledo, Rob Deaville, Jan Haelters, Jooske IJzer, Paul D. Jepson, Andrea Gröne In: PLoS ONE 10(11): e0141951. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0141951 Open access through: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0141951 Abstract: Long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) are rare visitors to the southern North Sea, but recently two individual strandings occurred on the Dutch coast. Both animals shared the same, unusual cause of death: asphyxiation from a common sole (Solea solea) stuck in their nasal cavity. This is a rare cause of death in cetaceans. Whilst asphyxiation has been reported in smaller odontocetes, there are no recent records of this occurring in Globicephala species. Here we report the stranding, necropsy and diet study results as well as discuss the unusual nature of this phenomenon. Flatfish are not a primary prey species for pilot whales and are rarely eaten by other cetaceans, such as harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), in which there are several reports of asphyxiation due to airway obstruction by soles. This risk may be due to the fish’s flexible bodies which can enter small cavities either actively in an attempt to escape or passively due to the whale ‘coughing’ or ‘sneezing’ to rid itself of the blockage of the trachea. It is also possible that the fish enter the airways whilst the whale is re-articulating the larynx after trying to ingest large, oddly shaped prey. It is unlikely that the soles entered the airways after the death of the whales and we believe therefore that they are responsible for the death of these animals. Please feel free to contact me for any additional questions or PDF requests. Best wishes, Lonneke IJsseldijk, also on behalf of the other authors Lonneke L. IJsseldijk, BSc Project coördinator Cetaceans Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University Department of Pathobiology T +31 30 253 5312, M +31 6 244 556 98 L.L.IJsseldijk(a)uu.nl Yalelaan 1, PO Box 80158, 3508 TD Utrecht The Netherlands

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New publication on Passive acoustic monitoring : "Automated détection of Antarctic blue whale calls"
by flore.samaran＠ensta-bretagne.fr 19 Nov '15

19 Nov '15

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New publication: Annual Acoustic Presence of Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Offshore Eastern Sicily, Central Mediterranean Sea.
by Virginia Sciacca 19 Nov '15

19 Nov '15

Dear colleagues, on behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to announce the publication of our article: Sciacca V, Caruso F, Beranzoli L, Chierici F, De Domenico E, Embriaco D, Favali, P., Giovanetti, G., Larosa, G., Marinaro, G., Papale, E., Pavan, G., Pellegrino, C., Pulvirenti, S., Simeone, F., Viola, S., Riccobene, G. (2015) *Annual Acoustic Presence of Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Offshore Eastern Sicily, Central Mediterranean Sea*. PLoS ONE 10(11): e0141838. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0141838 Abstract: In recent years, an increasing number of surveys have definitively confirmed the seasonal presence of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in highly productive regions of the Mediterranean Sea. Despite this, very little is yet known about the routes that the species seasonally follows within the Mediterranean basin and, particularly, in the Ionian area. The present study assesses for the first time fin whale acoustic presence offshore Eastern Sicily (Ionian Sea), throughout the processing of about 10 months of continuous acoustic monitoring. The recording of fin whale vocalizations was made possible by the cabled deep-sea multidisciplinary observatory, “NEMO-SN1”, deployed 25 km off the Catania harbor at a depth of about 2,100 meters. NEMO-SN1 is an operational node of the European Multidisciplinary Seafloor and water-column Observatory (EMSO) Research Infrastructure. The observatory was equipped with a low-frequency hydrophone (bandwidth: 0.05 Hz–1 kHz, sampling rate: 2 kHz) which continuously acquired data from July 2012 to May 2013. About 7,200 hours of acoustic data were analyzed by means of spectrogram display. Calls with the typical structure and patterns associated to the Mediterranean fin whale population were identified and monitored in the area for the first time. Furthermore, a background noise analysis within the fin whale communication frequency band (17.9–22.5 Hz) was conducted to investigate possible detection-masking effects. The study confirms the hypothesis that fin whales are present in the Ionian Sea throughout all seasons, with peaks in call detection rate during spring and summer months. The analysis also demonstrates that calls were more frequently detected in low background noise conditions. Further analysis will be performed to understand whether observed levels of noise limit the acoustic detection of the fin whales vocalizations, or whether the animals vocalize less in the presence of high background noise. The article can be accessed here: http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0141838 Kind Regards, Virginia Sciacca PhD student, Environmental Sciences: marine environment and resources Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina Viale Ferdinando Stagno d' Alcontres,31,98166 Messina, ITALY. Italian Institute for Nuclear Physics – Southern National Laboratories INFN – LNS. Via Santa Sofia 62, 95125 Catania, ITALY. email. vsciacca(a)unime.it <mailto:vsciacca@unime.it>

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Underwater Acoustics Webinar Series: Registration is now open for the second webinar on marine animal sound production and reception
by Holly Morin 18 Nov '15

18 Nov '15

**apologies for cross postings** Regulators, decision makers, public affairs officers, industry representatives, and other members of the international regulatory community have a high need for training materials on underwater acoustics as well as instructional resources that can be quickly accessed and viewed. To meet this need, the Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS; www.dosits.org <http://www.dosits.org/>) Team is facilitating a free, five-part webinar series for the international regulatory community on topics related to underwater sound. The first webinar in this five-part series was a great success! Registration is now open for the second webinar in this series. During this 60 minute webinar, Dr.’s Clara Amorim and Darlene Ketten will discuss marine animal sound production and reception. Content will be derived from peer-reviewed research. A period for question and answer will occur after the presentations have been completed. This webinar will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 12:00pm ET. 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, please contact Holly Morin (holly_morin(a)uri.edu) for help. 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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Reminder marine mammal observer course Australia discount.
by Yvonne Miles 18 Nov '15

18 Nov '15

Hi All We are celebrating the end of 2015 and the milestone of a wonderful 12 years in the Marine Mammal Observer Training Business. As this is the last Public training course for this year, 2015, we would like to show our thanks to everyone who has supported us on all social media and for students who have been interested in our specialised training but could not afford it this year. We will offer a 50%discount for all students booking by Friday the 20thNovember for the course in Hervey Bay. Scanning Ocean Sectors specialises in training, consultancy and supply of Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) / Marine Fauna Observer (MFO) worldwide since 2003. We are JNCC recognised/approved course for industry and research for the UKCS. We have years of research behind the effective and consistent training of MMOs/MFOs including courses adapted/personalised to the requirements of our clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. Our staff are fully trained and experienced in all areas of the MMO/MFO line of work. Our specialised training ensures RESEARCH/INDUSTRY attains the most professional and well equipped MMOs/MFOs they require for the specialised work. The outcome from our training is that you will gain a KNOWLEDGABLE, EFFICIENT and EFFECTIVE MMO/MFO in the workplace and are proactive in their duties. Every student is graded in their certification to ensure the professional quality standard of the MMO/MFO, each certificate has a personal certificate ID number which cannot be replicated and every student that has undertaken the practical training in the last 3 years has a certified ID card to verify instantly their legal qualification. NOVEMEBER MMO COURSE 23-26 - HERVEY BAY - QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA Please note you must register and pay at the same time. NOTE: pre registering will NOT entitle you to the discounted price. The price coding will be at the time of full and final payment. For full prices please visit www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/prices/. -- Yvonne Miles Managing Director www.scanningoceansectors.com www.marinemammaljobs.com www.facebook.com/scanningoceansectors Regards Yvonne www.scanningoceansectors.com Yvonne(a)scanningoceansectors.com

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Research Assistants required for Mandurah Dolphin Research Project in Western Australia
by Krista Nicholson 17 Nov '15

17 Nov '15

Research Assistants required for Mandurah Dolphin Research Project in Western Australia (WA) Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU<http://mucru.org/>) is commencing a new research project aimed at gaining a solid understanding of the bottlenose dolphins using the Peel-Harvey Estuary (part of Ramsar Wetlands) and adjacent coastal waters. The overall aim of the project is to conduct a population assessment. In short this involves characterizing population size and structure, habitat use and genetic connectivity of dolphins using the estuarine and coastal areas. I am seeking dedicated research assistants (volunteers) to help out with boat based data collection and data processing starting in January 2016. Data collection (photo-identification and biopsy sampling) will be conducted year round in inland waters to up to 12nm offshore (and maybe even further). The minimum commitment for an assistant position is two months with the higher intensity fieldwork conducted in Jan&Feb, Apr&May, Jul&Aug, Oct&Nov. Data collection is weather dependent and research assistants are expected to be available full time during day light hours throughout the time they commit to the project. You can expect long days on the boat (~6.5m vessel) on consecutive days followed by processing data in the office. The main duties for research assistants are: Data collection: spotting dolphins, driving the boat, taking photographs for photo-identification, recording data Data processing: downloading data, entering data, matching fins, mapping sightings General: Maintaining the boat and car, clean equipment, community engagement You can expect to learn, or improve your practical skills (taking photo-ID shots, driving a trailer, launching a boat, general boat handling etc.), be exposed to small cetacean biopsy sampling methods and become efficient in processing photo-ID data. And to top it off you will have the opportunity to visit MUCRU and be exposed to great minds involved in various marine mammal research projects! There are no pre-requisites for the position; however, assistants need to not be scared of hard work, long hours and getting their hands dirty. Assistants need to be independent individuals who have a strong desire to be part of a team and enjoy people and ‘coffee moments’. Preferred prior skills include boat handling, first aid, and experience in photo-ID as well as enrolment in a related field of study or a strong desire to pursue a related career. This is an unpaid position and assistants need to organise their own travel to and from Mandurah, which is approximately 1 hr south of Perth in WA. The office space will be in a research house where assistants are welcome to, and preferred to, rent a room for an indicative cost of 100-150 AUD/week (inclusive of internet). And for your free time Mandurah has everything you can think of a holiday town to offer (shops, cafes, bars, cinema, nature, hikes, camping, surfing, diving, snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking, wildlife spotting, skydiving etc.) and Perth is only an hour away. To apply for this position please send me a cover sheet specifying why you would like to assist in this project, the time you are applying for, your CV and names and contact details of two references to k.nicholson(a)murdoch.edu.au<mailto:k.nicholson@murdoch.edu.au> . Looking forward to hearing from you! All the best, Krista Nicholson PhD Candidate Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit Perth, Western Australia

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