November 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

temporary marking of dolphins
by Mike Bossley 12 Nov '15

12 Nov '15

Some colleagues are attempting to quantify capture myopathy in dolphins (Common and Bottlenose) which become encircled by trawl nets. It would be very helpful if they were able to put a temporary mark on these dolphins without recourse to actually handling them or inserting a tag. Does anyone know of a suitable dye or other means which could be used for such marking? Your responses appreciated. Regards Mike [cid:image001.png@01D11D89.E569DB60] Dr Mike Bossley Research Fellow Emeritus Mobile: 0417 824 235 WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Australasia PO Box 720, Port Adelaide BC South Australia 5015 Whales.org<http://www.whales.org/> [cid:image002.png@01D11D89.E569DB60] [cid:image003.png@01D11D89.E569DB60] [cid:image004.png@01D11D89.E569DB60] [cid:image005.png@01D11D89.E569DB60] [cid:image006.png@01D11D89.E569DB60] [cid:image007.png@01D11D89.E569DB60]

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SMMC Whale Watch Trips in Monterey Bay
by Katlyn Taylor 11 Nov '15

11 Nov '15

Hello-Can you please circulate this message to the listserv regarding the Society for Marine Mammalogy Conference? Monterey Bay Whale Watch is offering trips to conference attendees. Attending the Society for Marine Mammology Conference in San Francisco? Add a whale watch to your agenda! Monterey Bay Whale Watch will be offering special 6 hour trips for conference attendees on December 11th, 12th, 19th & 20th. Join us searching for Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, Gray Whales, Killer Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises, Pinnipeds, Sea Otters, Marine Birds and much more in Monterey Bay. Recently featured in the BBC and PBS production - Big Blue Live and in National Geographic, Monterey Bay is a global marine mammal hotspot. Our newly acquired catamaran, The Blackfin, will be taking trips at 10am with a capacity of 120 passengers. Tickets are $65 for adults and $45 for children ages 4-12 years old. Reservations can by made by phone at 831-375-4658 or online at gowhales.com. We are located on the Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, about 2 hours south of San Francisco. Can’t make those dates? We will be offering our regular whale watch schedule everyday during the conference as well.

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Volunteer Position for Marine Mammals Research Association, Antalya, Turkey
by aylin akkaya 11 Nov '15

11 Nov '15

Marine Mammals Research Association (DMAD) is accepting volunteers starting from December 2015. DMAD is dedicated to run marine mammal research and to increase public awareness (specifically working with fishermen and in-need kids) in the region. Despite the large cetacean biodiversity in the northeastern Levantine, there haven’t been any long-term studies in the area. Therefore, we aim to fulfil the knowledge gaps on marine mammals. This project provides an excellent opportunity for post-grads, students and individuals interested in getting more experience and knowledge in the field of marine mammal research. VOLUNTEERS are responsible from behavioural data collection, theodolite operation, photographing individuals and cataloguing dolphin/monk seal pictures, data entry. Training will be provided beforehand. In addition, there will be ArcGIS and SPSS courses running which will be free for volunteers during their stay. REQUIREMENTS A biology background is not mandatory but advantageous. What is more important is the applicant should be enthusiastic and self-motivated on marine mammal conservation and willing to learn. Minimum commitment is one month, although for a fuller experience we recommend two or more months. This position is unpaid and requires a contribution fee of 500euro per month which covers the accommodation and project related activities. TO APPLY Please send a cover letter and CV to info(a)dmad.org.tr. For more information please visit www.dmad.org.tr or email us. Have a good day, Dr. Aylin Akkaya Bas Project DirectorDeniz Memelileri Arastırma Dernegi (DMAD)Marine Mammals Research Association+90 5337739867info(a)dmad.org.trtwww.dmad.org.tr

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LAMLA (Listening for Aquatic Mammals in Latin America) Online Survey
by LAMLA Meeting 11 Nov '15

11 Nov '15

The purpose of this survey is to collect baseline information of passive acoustic monitoring effort and aquatic mammal bioacoustics research in Latin America as the first step in organizing the 1st LAMLA – Listening for Aquatic Mammals in Latin America Meeting. Passive acoustic monitoring is used to investigate several aspects of the biology and ecology of aquatic mammals. In recent decades, it has become a widely used method by experts from all over the globe. Some significant advances have been made in the development of this field in Latin American countries. However, the field of aquatic mammal bioacoustics remains underdeveloped in Latina America, despite the huge diversity of aquatic mammals and the gaps in current scientific knowledge of species, habitats and conservation threats. A clearer picture of passive acoustic monitoring effort, techniques used, target species and habitats is necessary in order to define priority lines of work. The aim of LAMLA is to bring the aquatic mammal acoustic research community together, facilitating collaborative work and collective decision-making. In order to identify interest and potential participants from research groups working within Latin America, we kindly invite one representative from each research group to complete our diagnostic questionnaire at http://kwiksurveys.com/s/9RFyuG8j. The online survey will be available until *December 10.* We appreciate your attention and we hope to have great news about LAMLA for you soon! Best wishes, LAMLA Organizing Committee

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Vacancy (Marine Biodiversity Officer) at The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
by Conor Ryan 10 Nov '15

10 Nov '15

Dear MARMAMers The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust wishes to appoint a Marine Biodiversity Officer, to be based in Tobermory, Isle of Mull. Working as a member of the Trust’s small, dynamic research team, the Marine Biodiversity Officer is primarily responsible for maintaining HWDT’s boat-based science programme. HWDT’s Marine Biodiversity Officer will work on its boat- and land-based projects and will undertake the running of the science programme. A substantial part of the job involves being the main monitoring officer onboard the Trust’s research vessel, Silurian, conducting systematic visual and acoustic marine mammal surveys. They will work with and supervise volunteers on most projects. Outside of the survey season, time will be spent on office-based data entry and analysis. An additional role involves representing the Trust on local and regional forums. The appointee must be a qualified marine biologist with appropriate field and analytical experience. See the here <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/cust_images/vacancies/HWDT%20Marine%20Bi…> for the full job description and post details. Salary and Hours: This is a full time salaried post at £20,000 per year, based on 37 hours per week. Application Procedure: Send CV and covering letter, with the names of two referees, by e-mail to gemma.paterson(a)hwdt.org or post. Further information on HWDT and on this post are available by phone 01688 302620 or email. Deadline for Applications: *Friday 4th December 2015*. -- Dr Conor Ryan Sightings and Strandings Officer Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust p: +44 (0)1688 302620 w: www.hwdt.org t: @HWDT_org a: 28 Main Street, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland PA75 6NU

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Reminder: Underwater Acoustics Webinar for the Regulatory Community, this Friday, November 13, 12:00pm ET
by Holly Morin 09 Nov '15

09 Nov '15

There is still time to register for the first underwater acoustics webinar in the five-part, free webinar series the Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) <http://www.dosits.org/>Team is hosting for the international regulatory community. The webinar topics will include basic science concepts related to underwater sound, marine animal sound production/reception, and the potential effects of sound on marine animals. Content will all be derived from peer-reviewed research. Each webinar will last approximately 60 minutes and be comprised of two, 15-20 minute presentations, followed by a period of facilitated discussion. The first webinar of this five-part series will review sound movement/propagation and sound measurement/signal levels as well as ocean noise measurement, variability, and noise budgets. It will be held on Friday, November 13, 2015, at 12:00pm ET. All interested individuals must register in advance for this webinar. To register, 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/ <http://www.dosits.org/resources/all/decisionmakers/ircwebinar/>), and follow the registration link provided. ** The DOSITS Team is aware that some are having difficulty registering for these webinars; please know the site and service being used is secure. However, if you are having registration issues due to apparent security blocks from your local computer, please send your name, email address, and country of work to holly_morin(a)uri.edu** Please note, if you are not able to participate in the webinar on Friday, November 12, 2015, you will be able to view an archived version of the webinar (video and audio) 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. 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/>. Questions? Please contact Holly Morin at holly_morin(a)uri.edu <mailto:holly_morin@uri.edu>.

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Seeking Research Assistants for Gray Whales Count, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
by Michael H Smith 09 Nov '15

09 Nov '15

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (RA) POSITION AVAILABLE - seeking volunteer Research Assistants for research on Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) migrating northbound through the nearshore of the Santa Barbara Channel. Gray Whales Count (GWC) is seeking Research Assistants (RA) to work with Project Coordinator and team of observers to assist in our annual survey, conducted from shore at Counter Point, in the Coal Oil Point Reserve, Goleta, California, USA, adjacent to the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). This position is open to citizens of the United States of America and those authorized to work in the United States with an appropriate visa in hand. The 2016 survey begins Tuesday, February 16 and continues every day through May 26, from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Sunday. We are looking for passionate, caring individuals who would be willing to commit for fifteen weeks, including the fourteen-week survey and wrap-up and be available to begin Saturday, February 13 to train and assist with preparations. GWC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for research and education. The primary goal of research is to estimate the number of Gray whales and Gray whale calves migrating northbound through our corridor and to share our data to complement similar sampling-studies along the California coast. A secondary goal is to document the variety and quantity of other marine mammals in the ocean area around our site, which is now a Marine Protected Area. We are able to monitor human activity, including interactions with marine mammals, including Gray whales. Goals of education are to teach the process of scientific research to Counters and to give them the opportunity to conduct a meaningful study, to experience marine mammals in their natural environment, and to share this process and their enthusiasm with publics through direct interchange, outreach, and various media. RAs will be trained by the Project Coordinator and, in-turn, share the responsibility for research and education. Applicable skills learned and achieved include: > Process, concepts, and protocols of the survey > Ability to identify a multitude of marine mammal species from a distance, including but not limited to: Gray whales, Humpback whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Harbor seals, California Sea lions, Sea otters, etc. > Identify behaviors of these marine mammals > Distinguish calves from juveniles and adults > Identify vessels and vessel operations > Gather detailed, consistent data, with ability to teach and check others’ work > Learn about marine mammals in their natural environment and the forces that affect them, both natural and anthropogenic > Developing responsibility and a working relationship within a team Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit full-time to the project for the time period involved (minimum of 15 weeks, which can be extended if the applicant desires to be involved with data entry and analysis). This will entail up to 9 hours of work a day for at least 5 days a week. (With training, RA’s are required to work everyday the first two weeks.) The Count is 7 days per week and the RA may commit additional hours to the Count as desired. The more time you can put in, the more you will get out of your experience. Priority will be given to those candidates with associative career goals. Previous experience is a plus but not a condition. This is a unique opportunity to gain extensive experience in scientific fieldwork in an environment rich with diverse populations of marine mammals. You will work with equally diverse individuals who are caring, attentive, and curious. Gray whales are a sentinel species traveling from temperate lagoons in Mexico, along the dynamic California Current at the eastern edge of the North Pacific Ocean to the Arctic waters of northern Alaska in one of the longest marine mammal migrations. There are boundless avenues of exploration, and Gray Whales Count can begin your journey. Requirements: > Even though we are situated in Southern California, you must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Fieldwork can be, at times, physically and mentally demanding. > Willingness to work long hours. > Commit for a minimum of fifteen weeks, full time (minimum five days per week). > Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, zoology, environmental science, animal behavior or a related field. > Previous field experience with marine wildlife and observation is a plus but not required. > Ability to work in a team environment to produce consistent, high quality results. We cannot stress this enough. You will be trained to be a leader of an operation with people of differing experience and dedication. > Be enthusiastic and possess a caring, positive attitude, with a strong desire to learn. > Be adaptable and patient. The migration is characterized by pulses rather than a steady stream; and weather is the unknown factor: wind, rain, and fog can shut us down. > We strive for a perfection that cannot be attained. We are forgiving and learn from experience. This is a volunteer position. The selected RAs will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Santa Barbara/Goleta, California and daily to the survey site. Recognizing that living costs are high in this area, Gray Whales Count will award a $500 stipend to assist each RA with expenses upon successful completion of the RA position. RAs will be responsible for all for living expenses while volunteering for Gray Whales Count. To apply: Please send cover letter/résumé to Project Coordinator, Michael Smith michael(a)graywhalescount.org <mailto:michael@graywhalescount.org>. We strongly recommend you look over our website: graywhalescount.org <http://www.graywhalescount.org/GWC/The_Count/The_Count.html> to familiarize yourself with our operation. In the cover letter, please address why you wish to participate in Gray Whales Count and what you hope to achieve in your experience and include how this might advance your career goals. There is no deadline to apply. The position will remain open until it is filled. Please consider applying early in order to arrange travel plans and to secure room and board. Michael H Smith, Project Coordinator Gray Whales Count <http://www.graywhalescount.org/GWC/The_Count/The_Count.html> nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation for research and education 1 Fellowship Circle Santa Barbara, CA 93109 USA (805) 698-3505 mobile michael(a)GrayWhalesCount.org <mailto:michael@GrayWhalesCount.org> project-collaborators include: Cascadia Research Collective, Olympia, Washington <http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/index.htm> Journey North, Norwich, Vermont <http://www.learner.org/jnorth/gwhale/index.html> NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla <http://swfsc.noaa.gov/mmtd/> Scripps Whale Acoustic Lab, SIO / UCSD, La Jolla <http://cetus.ucsd.edu/> UCSB's Coal Oil Point Reserve, Goleta <http://coaloilpoint.ucnrs.org/>

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Introductory GIS and Species Distribution Modelling courses for Marine Biologists, January 2016
by Colin D. MacLeod 09 Nov '15

09 Nov '15

GIS In Ecology will, once again, be running the following introductory courses for marine biologists in the use of GIS and Species Distribution Modelling in January 2016. 1. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology, 18th – 20th January 2016, Glasgow, Scotland: This three day course covers the basics of how to use GIS in marine biological research and is aimed at those who have little or no experience in using GIS, but who wish to learn. The course is taught by Dr Colin D. MacLeod, author of the ‘An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology’ series of books, and is taught in the type of language marine biologists will be familiar with. It consists of a series of background and practical sessions which will provide all the information needed to start successfully using GIS in marine biology. Cost: £395 (£300 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). More information on this course can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Glasgow_January_2016.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place email: cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com 2. An Introduction To Species Distribution Modelling In The Marine Environment, 21st – 22nd January 2016, Glasgow, Scotland: This two day course follows on from the introductory GIS course and provides all the information required to start using Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) in the marine environment in a practical and biologically meaningful way. In a series of background sessions, case studies and practical exercises, it covers how to create data layers of species distribution, how to select and create raster data layers of environmental variables, such as water depth, how to join information on species distribution to environmental information, how to export data from a GIS project for analysis in a statistical package, such as R, how to create spatial visualisations based on a statistical model and how to validate the spatial predictions of a model. The practical sessions work through a species distribution modelling project based on real marine survey data from start to finish. Cost: £295 (£200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). This course can be done with either ArcGIS or the freely available open source GIS software package QGIS. More information on this course can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_SDM_January_2016.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place email: cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com. Note: This course requires a basic knowledge of GIS (as covered in the above introductory GIS course) and how to use ArcGIS or QGIS GIS software. For more information on other upcoming courses from GIS In Ecology (including home range investigation, creating custom GIS tools and using QGIS), visit: http://www.GISinEcology.com/training_courses.htm. All the best, Colin ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook Two - Working With Raster Data Layers; RRP: £19.99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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JNCC MMO (UK) and BOEM PSO (Gulf of Mexico) Training Courses
by Alison Gill 08 Nov '15

08 Nov '15

Intelligent Ocean Ltd (www.intelligentocean.com) is running the following training courses in October in Kings Lynn, UK for which we have spaces available. Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Training for UK - 21st October 2015 - £130 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Protected Species Observer (PSO) Training for Gulf of Mexico, USA - 22nd October 2015 - £60 (when taken in conjunction with the JNCC MMO course). To book a place please use our online booking system at this link http://www.intelligentocean.com/booking.php Alison Gill Intelligent Ocean Ltd www.intelligentocean.com

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Application for Education and Outreach Assistant in Cardigan Bay, Wales now open
by Katrin Lohrengel 06 Nov '15

06 Nov '15

Sea Watch Foundation – Voluntary Education and Outreach Assistant opportunity based in Cardigan Bay for the 2016 summer season The Sea Watch Foundation is seeking an Education and Outreach Assistant for the 2016 season. This position will suit a volunteer who has a strong interest in marine conservation and recognises the importance of educating and raising awareness by involving the public. The assistant will be responsible in aiding the Sightings Officer with the following duties: • Promoting and organising the National Whale and Dolphin Watch event (23rd – 31st July 2016) • Participating in presentations and creating activities to take to local schools • Researching and writing articles • Creating educational/promotional materials (posters, displays, flyers) • Assisting in the organisation of training courses • Social networking (Facebook, Twitter, website) • Raising Sea Watch Foundation’s profile locally (organising events, manning the Sea Watch stand on the pier, liaising with local boat operators to produce educational materials) • Interacting with the media (radio, TV and newspapers) • Representing Sea Watch at public events within the UK generally • Liaising with the Adopt a Dolphin Coordinator for the promotion of Sea Watch Foundation and the Adopt a Dolphin scheme The Education and Outreach Assistant will also have some opportunity to be involved in the fieldwork aspects of the “Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project” (land-based and boat-based surveys). This project, undertaken on behalf of Natural Resources Wales, manages the conservation of a coastal population of bottlenose dolphins, the largest in the UK. Monitoring of harbour porpoise and grey seal populations is also part of the project. The field season will run from April to October 2016 and has been split into two periods of 6 weeks followed by two periods of 8 weeks. One assistant is required for each half of the season. However, preference may be given to those who can stay for the entire seven-month field season. The assistant will be based in New Quay, West Wales. Accommodation is provided at a rate of approximately £70/week in a house, sharing with the research interns. The assistant is responsible for their own travel and living expenses, but it is generally quite easy to obtain part-time paid work in the area if required. Intern periods for summer 2016: Period 1: 18/04 – 12/06, Period 2: 13/06 – 07/8, Period 3: 08/08 – 18/9, Period 4: 19/09 – 30/10 Important skills/qualifications Essential: • a strong interest in marine conservation and education • outgoing personality with confidence to interact with the public • excellent verbal and writing skills • must have initiative and bring their own ideas and personality to the position • strong commitment to volunteering work • an ability to work in an organised and reliable manner and to manage a variable workload, including appropriate delegation • an ability to get on well with others in a small team and within shared accommodation Desirable: • a background in marine biology/environmental science or similar • a strong interest and some knowledge of British cetaceans • good IT skills (Office package) • prior experience in public speaking • experience with postings in social media • prior experience in boat-based survey work • willingness to work long hours outdoors in often very changeable Welsh weather To apply: Please send your CV and a cover letter reporting any relevant experience you have and specifying the period(s) you would prefer to volunteer for, as well as contact details of two referees, to Kathy James (kathy.james(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk) Deadline: 10th January 2016. Please specify EDUCATION ASSISTANT APPLICATION into your subject title. Applicants must be available for interview via Skype between the 20th and 26th January and will be notified of the outcomes by the 29th January 2016. The Sea Watch Foundation The Sea Watch Foundation is a national marine environmental research charity that aims to achieve better conservation of whales and dolphins in the seas around Britain and Ireland, by involving the public in scientific monitoring of populations and the threats they face. It is the longest-running research charity in UK focusing upon cetaceans around the British Isles, and maintains a national sightings database, the largest in Europe. It works closely with all the UK statutory conservation agencies, and has provided advice to the UK government, the UNEP Regional intergovernmental Conservation Agreement - ASCOBANS, and the European Commission, as well as the major conservation charities and marine industries operating in the UK. Public awareness We aim to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of the marine wildlife and the habitats supporting them, to encourage respect and conservation of the marine environment for future generations. We also run training courses for the public in cetacean identification and survey methods. A list of recent of recent awareness and education achievements is given below: • Sea Watch Director, Peter Evans, received the European Cetacean Society Conservation Award, 2012 • Sea Watch Foundation was recipient of the UNEP/ASCOBANS “Outreach and Education Award”, 2009 • Sea Watch Foundation was voted best UK animal adoption scheme by BBC Wildlife, December 2008 -- [1] Katrin Lohrengel / Wales Development Officer katrin.lohrengel(a)seawatchfoundation.org.uk Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House, Wellington Place, New Quay, Wales, SA45 9NR http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/ [1] [2] [3] Links: ------ [1] http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/ [2] https://www.facebook.com/seawatchfoundation?ref=ts&fref=ts [3] https://twitter.com/WelshCetaceans

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