December 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

WDC Award 2016
by Nicola Hodgins 14 Dec '15

14 Dec '15

Dear MARMAM'ers, WDC is delighted to announce the 2016 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, midnight (GMT) February 14th 2016. The Award recipient will be chosen by March 14th 2016. 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 or if you’re attending the SMM Biennial pop along and meet one of the team at booth #309. http://uk.whales.org/wdc-in-action/wdc-award-for-innovative-and-non-invasiv… Good luck, Nicola Nicola Hodgins WDC Head of science and research T - +44 1249449537 M - +44 7741497597 Skype – nicola.hodgins Twitter – nicola_hodgins whales.org

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Bottlenose dolphin volunteer opportunity New Zealand
by Outhwaite, Blair 13 Dec '15

13 Dec '15

Bottlenose Dolphin Behavioural Volunteer Position at Great Barrier Island, New Zealand A volunteer is required to assist with a MSc study investigating the behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at Great Barrier Island (GBI) and part of the Auckland coastline, New Zealand. This MSc project is part of the ongoing research of the Coastal-Marine Research Group (C-MRG) at Massey University Albany, Auckland. The primary aim of this study is to assess the behaviour and acoustic repertoire of nationally endangered bottlenose dolphins in an area of zero tourism pressure. DATES: While the field season runs year round, currently volunteers are needed from February 2016 - May 2016. A minimum commitment of three months is required and priority will be given to those who can commit for longer periods. LOCATION: Auckland, New Zealand FIELDWORK: The volunteer position entails assisting during field surveys and analysis of bottlenose dolphin behavioural videos and photo-identification (photo-id). The successful applicant will gain valuable experience in conducting marine mammal field research, identifying individuals based on dorsal fin characteristics, and the use of databases for archiving field data. Field work is physically and at times mentally demanding but it is a great opportunity to gain knowledge in visual cetacean surveying, to get hands-on field experience in relation to survey techniques, photo-id, behavioural observations, and improve practical skills. Fieldwork can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants therefore need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long hours with early starts. During GBI trips, we will be based on the island for an average of 4 days, once a month. Coastal surveys will be conducted over 4 non-consecutive days of each month. Both GBI trips and coastal surveys are weather dependent. All surveys will be conducted from a 4.8m Stabicraft vessel. RESPONSIBILITIES: . Assisting with; boat-based photo-id surveys from a small vessel and collecting environmental/video based behavioural data (25% of the time). DISCLAIMER: while it is highly likely that the participant will gain field work experience, due to the nature of the project, time in the field cannot be guaranteed. . Analysis of photo-id and behavioural video data in the lab; including assistance with photo sorting, grading, and matching of photos, maintenance of a long-term photo-id catalogue, identifying behavioural events on video, and data entry. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days in the office analysing of photographs and matching them with the photo-identification catalogue (75% of the time). As this is a volunteer position, there is unfortunately no monetary compensation or living provisions. The successful candidate should arrange their own accommodation in Auckland, living expenses, travel costs and visa. Accommodation and travel expenses to/from GBI will be covered. PREREQUISITES: . Be reliable, adaptable, hardworking and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent . Have a mature and independent attitude towards marine mammal research . Speak fluent English . Be sociable, enthusiastic and have a positive attitude . Strong interest in the marine environment and conservation . Participants must be able to swim and should be comfortable working on small boats . Participants must be comfortable living out of a small backpack (with the exception of food) for several days (during GBI trips) QUALIFICATIONS: . The project is well suited to upper level undergrads, recent grads and graduate students who have some background in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or related fields . Basic computer proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel) Preferred qualifications but not required: . Prior experience working on small vessels . Field research including photo-id experience . Previous experience in survey techniques and especially in marine mammal research . First AID/CPR certification APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants should send a short email to B.Outhwaite(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:B.Outhwaite@massey.ac.nz>, using "volunteer position" as the subject line. The email should include an outline of why you would like to work on this project, the dates when you are available to assist on the project, your qualifications and relevant experience. Please also attach a brief CV including at least one reference acknowledging your relevant experience. Early application is recommended as applications will be examined in order of reception. All the best, Blair ---------------------------------- Blair Outhwaite MSc Candidate Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 Auckland, New Zealand Tel: +64 (0)9 414 0800 Ext: 43791(office) Cell: +64 (0)21 062 2794 Email: B.Outhwaite(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:B.Outhwaite@massey.ac.nz> Cheers, Blair Outhwaite MSc Candidate Hauraki Gulf Bottlenose Dolphin Project Coastal-Marine Research Group Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences Massey University Private Bag 102 904 Auckland, New Zealand Tel: +64 (0)9 414 0800<tel:%2B64%20%280%299%20414%200800> Ext: 43791 (office) Email: B.Outhwaite(a)massey.ac.nz<mailto:B.Outhwaite@massey.ac.nz> Web: http://cmrg.massey.ac.nz/

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Info session for Hawaiian monk seal field possitions at SMM conference
by Jessica Lopez - NOAA Affiliate 12 Dec '15

12 Dec '15

Hi All, Hiring is underway for the 2016 Hawaiian monk seal field season positions. The program will be hiring multiple personnel for leader, assistant and volunteer positions. If you are interested in these positions and will be attending the Society for Marine Mammalogy Conference in San Francisco, we will be having an information session about the positions at the NOAA booth (#205) in the Exhibit Hall from 12-1pm on Monday, December 14th. You may also follow up with Hawaiian monk seal research program staff from 12-1pm on Wednesday, December 16th as we will be manning the booth at that time as well. See previous Marmam announcements posted by Liz Kashinsky for details on the positions and how to apply. See you in San Fran! -Jessie Lopez Bohlander --------------------------------------- Field Research Supervisor NOAA, NMFS, JIMAR Hawaiian monk seal research program NMFS/PIFSC/PSD 1845 Wasp Blvd, Bldg 176 Honolulu, HI 96818 office - 808-725-5743 cell - 808-226-1969 fax - 808-725-5567

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New publication for gray whale ecology
by burnhamr＠uvic.ca 11 Dec '15

11 Dec '15

For those of you following the gray whale-mysid story, we are pleased to announce the publication of the latest installment. Burnham, R.E. 2015. Reproductive strategies conferring species dominance in marine mysid species (Peracarida, Mysida) species in coastal waters off Vancouver Island, BC. Crustaceana, Volume 88, Issue 12-14: 1421 1438. DOI: 10.1163/15685403-00003502 Cold-water mysid species are key components of north Pacific coastal ecosystems and yet much of their life history remains unknown. In Clayoquot Sound, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, a dozen or so species have been identified, with four occurring consistently in samples: Holmesimysis sculpta (W. Tattersall, 1933), Neomysis rayii (Murdoch, 1885), Telacanthomysis columbiae (W. Tattersall, 1933) (Fukuoka & Murano, 2001) and Columbiaemysis ignota Holmquist 1982. In this article growth and reproduction of these species over a 24-month period (May 2010-April 2012) is described, showing recovery from annual removal by the eastern Pacific grey whale (Eschrichtius robustus (Lilljeborg, 1861)) over winter, when pressure from this main predator has been relieved. Holmesimysis sculpta dominates the species flock by employing different life history strategies. It is less seasonal than sister species, overcoming a presumed resource limitation scenario and exhibits year-round reproduction, thereby demonstrating more rapid population rebound following predation and, therefore, retain dominance.

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Protected Species Observer Certification in Honolulu - January 9
by abostwick 11 Dec '15

11 Dec '15

There are a few spots left in the MPSC PSO Training course in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 9 (course given in a single day). This BOEM/BSEE-compliant PSO certification course covers the regulations for reducing seismic survey impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, and how to visually locate and identify the animals. Course comprehension is measured with examinations on regulations and animal identification. Lunch is provided and included in the $800 course fee (college/recent graduate and group discounts available), along with various identification guides, regulatory documents, and advice on applying to PSO positions. The registration form may be found here: http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/MPSC_Registration-Hawaii2016.pdf MPSC will also be offering PSO training February 26-27 in Galveston, TX. For more information or to register, please contact Angela at ABostwick(a)PSOcertifications.com, by phone at 832-523-2402 <tel:832-523-2402> , or visit the website at ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com <http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/> . Thank you, Angela Bostwick / Founder Marine Protected Species Consulting Kingwood, TX ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com <http://www.ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com> https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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Noise modelling for EIA paper (Open Access)
by Nathan Merchant (Cefas) 11 Dec '15

11 Dec '15

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that the following Open Access paper has been published which may be of interest to Marmamers: Farcas, A., Thompson, P.M., Merchant, N.D. (2016). Underwater noise modelling for environmental impact assessment. Environmental Impact Assessment Review 57, 114-122. Open Access link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2015.11.012 Abstract Assessment of underwater noise is increasingly required by regulators of development projects in marine and freshwater habitats, and noise pollution can be a constraining factor in the consenting process. Noise levels arising from the proposed activity are modelled and the potential impact on species of interest within the affected area is then evaluated. Although there is considerable uncertainty in the relationship between noise levels and impacts on aquatic species, the science underlying noise modelling is well understood. Nevertheless, many environmental impact assessments (EIAs) do not reflect best practice, and stakeholders and decision makers in the EIA process are often unfamiliar with the concepts and terminology that are integral to interpreting noise exposure predictions. In this paper, we review the process of underwater noise modelling and explore the factors affecting predictions of noise exposure. Finally, we illustrate the consequences of errors and uncertainties in noise modelling, and discuss future research needs to reduce uncertainty in noise assessments. Best regards, Nathan Dr Nathan Merchant Lead Scientist, Noise & Bioacoustics Team Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, UK Tel: +44(0) 1502 527780 | Email: nathan.merchant(a)cefas.co.uk<mailto:nathan.merchant@cefas.co.uk> [cid:image001.jpg@01D13406.021F2A20] https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=XPctSoUAAAAJ&hl=en https://www.cefas.co.uk/services/research-advice-and-consultancy/underwater… Follow us on: [cid:image001.gif@01D09A11.D21ECDA0]<https://twitter.com/CefasGovUK>[cid:image002.gif@01D09A11.D21ECDA0]<http://www.linkedin.com/company/cefas> This email and any attachments are intended for the named recipient only. Its unauthorised use, distribution, disclosure, storage or copying is not permitted. If you have received it in error, please destroy all copies and notify the sender. In messages of a non-business nature, the views and opinions expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of Cefas. Communications on Cefas’ computer systems may be monitored and/or recorded to secure the effective operation of the system and for other lawful purposes.

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Publication Announcement
by Kirsten Thompson 11 Dec '15

11 Dec '15

Dear All, We are very pleased to announce our new publication that examines genetic diversity and population structure in Gray’s beaked whales. Thompson KF, Patel S, Baker CS, Constantine R, Millar CD. (2015) Bucking the trend: genetic analysis reveals high diversity and little differentiation in a deep ocean cetacean. Heredity Advanced Online Publication 2 December 2015; doi:10.1038/hdy.2015.99 Abstract Understanding the genetic structure of a population is essential to its conservation and management. We report the level of genetic diversity and determine the population structure of a cryptic deep ocean cetacean, the Gray’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon grayi). We analysed 530 bp of mitochondrial control region and 12 microsatellite loci from 94 individuals stranded around New Zealand and Australia. The samples cover a large area of the species distribution (~ 6000 km) and were collected over a 22-year period. We show high genetic diversity (h=0.933–0.987, π= 0.763–0.996% and Rs =4.22–4.37, He=0.624–0.675), and, in contrast to other cetaceans, we found a complete lack of genetic structure in both maternally and biparentally inherited markers. The oceanic habitats around New Zealand are diverse with extremely deep waters, seamounts and submarine canyons that are suitable for Gray’s beaked whales and their prey. We propose that the abundance of this rich habitat has promoted genetic homogeneity in this species. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the lack of beaked whale sightings is the result of their low abundance, but this is in contrast to our estimates of female effective population size based on mitochondrial data. In conclusion, the high diversity and lack of genetic structure can be explained by a historically large population size, in combination with no known exploitation, few apparent behavioural barriers and abundant habitat. http://www.nature.com/doifinder/10.1038/hdy.2015.99 <http://www.nature.com/doifinder/10.1038/hdy.2015.99> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kirsten Thompson Molecular Ecology and Evolution Group Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter, UK email: kt349(a)exeter.ac.uk Molecular Genetics and Development Group & Marine Mammal Ecology Group SBS, University of Auckland New Zealand

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CLOSING DATE January 4, 2016 for Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program JIMAR/PIFSC Biological Research Technician and Assistant positions
by Lizabeth Kashinsky - NOAA Affiliate 10 Dec '15

10 Dec '15

The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) works with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center through a cooperative agreement with the University of Hawaii to conduct research and recovery activities on Hawaiian monk seals. JIMAR hires program staff through the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH) and is currently seeking applicants for *Biological Research Technicians and Biological Research Assistants *for the 2016 field research season. Selected individuals will study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program by NMFS and includes: conducting trend counts, tagging seals, identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks, monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, performing necropsies, collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat, parasite load, and hormonal analysis, collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis, and collecting and removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected at some sites. Researchers at some sites may participate in shark mitigation activities. General information about the program can be found at: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/hawaiian_monk_seal/ The number of positions and/or continuation of the program are subject to funding. These positions will be for all or a subset of the 6 major monk seal sub-populations in the NWHI. Fieldwork is accomplished by 2-4 member teams in remote camps. Researchers live in either wall tents or buildings at the various sites. All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and one is accessible by plane. Few (if any) supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited. The employment period will include 2-3 weeks of training and packing in Honolulu. Once the field season is over, an additional 1-2 weeks of employment will take place in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data. Dates are subject to change, but the positions are tentatively scheduled to begin mid to late March with a field deployment date in early to mid April. Field staff will be deployed approximately 4.5 months with a tentative return date in late August or early September. The position end date is tentatively scheduled for some time in mid-September. Travel to and from Honolulu and food, lodging, and transportation in Honolulu before deployment are not provided. Transportation between Honolulu and field sites and food and lodging in the field are provided. Due to unforeseen circumstances, departure delays could result in longer periods in Honolulu that may result in additional uncompensated living expenses. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien, and must be able to meet both the U.S. Department of Commerce and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access the work location, and also the health requirements to board a NOAA vessel. Instructions to apply for both positions are in the job postings below. *Please clearly** address all qualifications in your cover letter. * JIMAR PIFSC Biological Research Technician Job ID 15724 Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. *DUTIES: * Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands or on remote shorelines in the main Hawaiian Islands. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Required to lead other field personnel. Responsible for returning and storing all field equipment and supplies at the end of field season. Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal. *PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING: * Associate's Degree from an accredited community college in Marine Biology, Biology, Fisheries Oceanography, or other related field. *EXPERIENCE: * One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including experience working within small groups in remote settings. Experience conducting research on Hawaiian monk seals. Experience handling monk seals. * ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: * Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Must be able to meet and maintain United States Department of Commerce (DOC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access work location. Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien. Good communications skills (both written and oral). Leadership and decision-making skills. Ability to perform data entry. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, must be NOAA certified for small boat operations (having completed Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat component training). Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to meet and maintain US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements for working in a federal facility, which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed prior to date of hire and maintained throughout duration of employment. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. * PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Ability to swim. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to seven (7) miles) in the sand carrying twenty-five to thirty-five (25-35) pounds of field gear unassisted. Must be able to obtain and maintain medical clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels, which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. *POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: * As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawaii's and/or business entity's policies and procedures. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.). *SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: *Prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, previous data entry experience. Prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammology or related field. Ability to perform basic data analysis. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, possess the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats. *INQUIRIES: * Nicole Wakazuru-Yoza 956-5018 (Oahu). *APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:* Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on “Employment”; select “Apply” and navigate to “See Job Announcements and/or Apply for a Job.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Salary History, 4) Supervisory References, 5) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuhhr(a)rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344. Please apply before 1/4/16 JIMAR PIFSC Biological Research Assistant Job ID 15723 Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. *DUTIES: *Under guidance of field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparations, daily maintenance and operation of field camp, and collection of census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands or on remote shorelines in the main Hawaiian Islands. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Assists with return, repair, and cleanup of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp and with the processing of field data. *PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:* High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent. *EXPERIENCE: * One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including experience working within small groups in remote settings. Experience with handling of wildlife. *ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:* Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Must be able to meet and maintain United States Department of Commerce (DOC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access work location. Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien. Good communication and team skills. Ability to perform data entry. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, must be NOAA certified for small boat operations (having completed Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat component training). *Post Offer/Employment Conditions*: Must be able to meet and maintain US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements for working in a federal facility, which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed prior to date of hire and maintained throughout duration of employment. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote islands. *PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:* Ability to swim. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to seven (7) miles) in the sand carrying twenty-five to thirty-five (25-35) pounds of field gear unassisted. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to two hundred (200) pounds assisted). Must be able to obtain and maintain medical clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels, which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. *POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:* As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawaii's and/or business entity's policies and procedures. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.). *SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:* Prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, previous data entry experience. Prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammology or related field. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, possess prior experience operating small boats and/or the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats. *INQUIRIES: * Nicole Wakazuru-Yoza 956-5018 (Oahu). *APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: *Please go to www.rcuh.com, click on “Employment”; select “Apply” and navigate to “See Job Announcements and/or Apply for a Job.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Salary History, 4) Supervisory References, 5) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuhhr(a)rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344. Please apply before 1/4/2016 -- Lizabeth Kashinsky JIMAR/Veterinary Program Senior Supervisor Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program NOAA IRC NMFS/PIFSC/PSD 1845 WASP Blvd., Building 176 Honolulu, HI 96818 Ph: (808) 725-5719 Fax: (808) 725-5567

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New paper: Drag from entangling fishing gear
by Julie van der Hoop 10 Dec '15

10 Dec '15

We are pleased to announce a new publication online in Marine Mammal Science: van der Hoop, J. M., Corkeron, P., Kenney, J., Landry, S., Morin, D., Smith, J. and Moore, M. J. (2015), Drag from fishing gear entangling North Atlantic right whales. Marine Mammal Science. doi: 10.1111/mms.12292 The paper is available online: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12292/abstract <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12292/abstract>A press release can be found here <http://www.whoi.edu/page/preview.do?pid=7545&tid=3622&cid=229369>. Please contact me if you do not otherwise have access to the pdf: jvanderhoop(a)whoi.edu <mailto:jvanderhoop@whoi.edu> Abstract: Lethal and sublethal fishing gear entanglement is pervasive in North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). Entanglement can lead to direct injury and is likely to incur substantial energetic costs. This study (1) evaluates drag characteristics of entangled right whales, (2) contextualizes gear drag measurements for individual whales, and (3) quantifies the benefits of partial disentanglement. A load cell measured drag forces on 15 sets of fishing gear removed from entangled right whales, a towed satellite telemetry buoy, and 200 m of polypropylene line as it was shortened to 25 m, as they were towed behind a vessel at ~0.77, 1.3, and 2.1 m/s (~1.5, 2.5, and 4 knots) and ~0, 3, and 6 m depth. Mean drag ranges from 8.5 N to 315 N, and can be predicted from the dry weight or length of the gear. Combining gear drag measurements with theoretical estimates of drag on whales’ bodies suggests that on average, entanglement increases drag and propulsive power by 1.47 fold. Reducing trailing line length by 75% can reduce parasitic gear drag by 85%, reinforcing current disentanglement response practices. These drag measurement can be incorporated into disentanglement response, serious injury determination, and evaluation of sublethal effects on population dynamics. Lethal and sublethal ﬁshing gear entanglement is pervasive in North Atlanticright whales (Eubalaena glacialis). Entanglement can lead to direct injury and islikely to incur substantial energetic costs. This study (1) evaluates drag characteris-tics of entangled right whales, (2) contextualizes gear drag measurements for indi-vidual whales, and (3) quantiﬁes the beneﬁts of partial disentanglement. A load cellmeasured drag forces on 15 sets of ﬁshing gear removed from entangled right whales,a towed satellite telemetry buoy, and 200 m of polypropylene line as it was short-ened to 25 m, as they were towed behind a vessel at ~0.77, 1.3, and 2.1 m/s (~1.5,2.5,and4knots)and~0, 3, and 6 m depth. Mean drag ranges from 8.5 N to 315N, and can be predicted from the dry weight or length of the gear. Combining geardrag measurements with theoretical estimates of drag on whales’ bodies suggeststhat on average, entanglement increases drag and propulsive power by 1.47 fold.Reducing trailing line length by 75% can reduce parasitic gear drag by 85%, rein-forcing current disentanglement response practices. These drag measurements can beincorporated into disentanglement response, serious injury determination, and evalu-ation of sublethal effects on population dynamics

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NOAA at SMM 2015 Biennial, visit us at Booth #205
by Jonathan Shannon - NOAA Federal 10 Dec '15

10 Dec '15

Good afternoon MARMAM, Come visit with NOAA Fisheries at booth #205 during the 2015 Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial Conference in San Francisco. In addition to the posters and brochures available at the booth, during the coffee and lunch breaks we will have opportunities for informal chats at the booth with NOAA Fisheries staff on programs and pressing issues. We'll also have information on the NOAA-related presentations scheduled for that day. Schedules for booth chats will be sent out each morning on Twitter to @marinemammalogy using #MarMam15. Here's a preview of what we have planned on Monday Dec 14th - 930 - 1030 - post-keynote Meet and greet with Eileen Sobeck, NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries 12 -1pm - HI Monk Seal Research Program on hand to discuss summer field camp job opportunity Also, staff from the Office of Protected Resources Permits and Conservation Division will be at the booth Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 - 5pm to discuss research permit questions. If you have a particular question that needs focused attention, please email your permit analyst and they will work with you to set up a time to meet during the conference. See you in San Francisco. Best regards, Jonathan Shannon *Outreach Specialist* NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources U.S. Department of Commerce Office: 301-427-8431 jonathan.shannon(a)noaa.gov *Webhttp://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/ <http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/>Facebookwww.facebook.com/noaafisheries <http://www.facebook.com/noaafisheries>Twitterwww.twitter.com/noaafisherie <http://www.twitter.com/noaafisheries>sYouTubewww.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov <http://www.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov> The views expressed in this message are my own and do not necessarily reflect any position of NOAA, the Department of Commerce, or the government of the United States.*

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