February 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

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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Cetacean research internships - Winter-Spring 2015
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 26 Apr '15

26 Apr '15

Cetacean research internships - Last call Winter-Spring Season 2015 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-spring term 2015 (a minimum of 60 days of participation) for our research project along the North-western coast of the Iberian Pensinsula (Galician waters, Spain). Our mission (since 2005) is to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat through education and research. Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in cetaceans behavioural ecology and sociobiology with a focus on dolphins ethology, habitat use and communication. Furthermore, as the Galician coastline is known for frequent strandings of various marine mammals species, the participants will be a part of an important network for rescue and data collection from these stranded animals. The BDRI offers the interns the chance to work during many steps of the 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. 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 assist with marine mammals rescue (cetaceans and seals), carcass salvage, analysis of stomach contents, and field necropsies as needed in Galician waters. Hence, 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 which give an insight and reflect the ones of a true future job in the field of marine mammal science. The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is no compensation for the internship positions. The tuition fee includes the accommodation in an apartment, tuition and a small part of other expenses derived of your participation (use of equipment, field trips by car, 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 8 weeks continuous commitment sometime between January 15th through November 30th. The intern is required to complete a project and present a 10 minute presentation at the end of their internship. Undergraduate and postgraduate students could, as a part of one of BDRIs projects, present a personal research project as their thesis work. In order to do so, this is requested within your internship application. 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 Send the application form, resume, recommendation letters, and cover letter by email to the email: info(a)thebdri.com For 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 Director Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) Av. Beiramar 192, O Grove CP. 36980 Pontevedra-Spain tel. 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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Namibian Dolphin Project Research Internship Opportunity
by Namibian Dolphin Project 09 Apr '15

09 Apr '15

The Namibian Dolphin Project research internship is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students and enthusiasts to join dedicated scientists who are conducting marine research in a challenging, beautiful and remote environment. The Namibian Dolphin Project focuses its research along the desert coast of Namibia at Walvis Bay, within the highly productive Benguela upwelling system. As part of this program, interns are extremely important members of a focused and dedicated research team and will be immersed in pioneering research. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to exciting marine research, as well as experience the frustrations, the highs, lows and achievements associated with ambitious marine research in Africa. Job Role: Intern activities include but are not limited to: •Assisting in running research vessel (6m RIB) and research station •Visual surveys to investigate dolphin distribution •Above-water photo ID of cetaceans and photo processing for analysis •Above water genetic sampling of dolphin and whale species* and basic processing of samples for storage •Behavioural sampling of bottlenose dolphins •Acoustic monitoring of bottlenose dolphin vocalisations •Static acoustic monitoring of dolphins using CPOD’s to monitor presence and behaviour in key habitats *Actual taking of skin samples will be limited to NDP scientists, and interns will assist in the processing of samples Interns will be directly involved in the collection of photo identification, behavioural and acoustic data in the field, and will gain skills in photograph grading, data input, processing and analysis. Interns would be expected to attend any strandings that may occur. When not in the field interns will also be involved with the development of educational materials or working on a small research project of their choosing. Interns would primarily be assisting in data collection of Heaviside's (Cephalorhychus heavisidii) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Qualifications, knowledge & experience: A maximum of five interns will be accepted per month between March and August 2015. As such we limit applications to current students or recent graduates with a Collage or University degree (BSc or MSc) in biology or zoology. Personal skills and attributes: 1) Organised and conscientious 2) Enthusiastic, self-motivated and willing to get involved with all aspects of the research 3) Able to work as a member of the team or alone 4) Patient and flexible to changes Cost: USD 2100 per month Application: Prospective interns should send a letter of motivation and their CV/resume to nam.dolphin.edu(a)gmail.com to apply to the program. For further information, please visit our website: http://www.namibiandolphinproject.com/get-involved/volunteer-internship-pro… -- Namibian Dolphin Project www.namibiandolphinproject.com namibiandolphinproject.blogspot.com

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Distance sampling workshops, St. Andrews, August 2015
by Eric Rexstad 16 Mar '15

16 Mar '15

The Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) is hosting two linked workshops in the summer of 2015 in our purpose-built facilities at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. The aim of these workshops is to train participants in the latest methods for design and analysis of distance sampling surveys, including line and point transects. The workshops are taught by leading researchers in the field, using industry-standard software. The first workshop (11-14 August) will run at an introductory level, and will focus on distance sampling methods, largely described in the standard reference book "Introduction to Distance Sampling." The workshop will be a blend of theory and practice and participants will learn how to use the program "Distance." Participants will gain a solid grounding in both survey design and methods of analysis for distance sampling surveys. Note that we have moved the 'automated survey design' and 'incorporating covariates in detection function' from the advanced workshop into the introductory workshop. The advanced distance sampling workshop (17-20 August) will include advanced treatment of: analyses in which detectability on the transect line is not assumed to be perfect (the so-called g(0) problem) and spatial (or density surface) modelling. We will showcase a series of new R packages we have developed for performing standard as well as sophisticated analyses in R. The aim of this workshop is to bring participants up to date with the latest developments in distance sampling methods and software. It is also an opportunity for those actively engaged in the design, analysis and execution of distance sampling surveys to discuss common issues and problems, and set future research directions. The workshop will be a combination of lectures and computer sessions, with considerable time for discussion. For all workshops, participants are encouraged to bring their own data sets, and can expect to do some preliminary analyses with their data. Computer sessions take place in our modern computer classroom (attached to the seminar room); participants can use our computers or bring their own laptops. Additional details regarding the workshop can be found at our website http://creem2.st-andrews.ac.uk/workshops/distance-sampling-workshops-st-and… -- Eric Rexstad Research Unit for Wildlife Population Assessment Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St. Andrews St. Andrews Scotland KY16 9LZ +44 (0)1334 461833 The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland : No SC013532

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New paper on bycatch of cetaceans by artisanal fishers in West Africa
by Ruth Leeney 28 Feb '15

28 Feb '15

Hello MARMAMers, The following paper has recently been published: R.H. Leeney, I.M. Dia, M. Dia. 2015. *Food, Pharmacy, Friend? Bycatch, Direct Take and Consumption of Dolphins in West Africa*. Human Ecology. DOI 10.1007/s10745-015-9727-3 *ABSTRACT**The extent to which bycatch in artisanal fisheries impacts cetacean populations in West Africa is poorly understood. Between 2007 and 2012, 474 interviews were carried out in The Gambia, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau to collect local fishers' knowledge on rates of bycatch, local uses for bycaught animals and any cultural significance attached to cetaceans. At least a quarter of respondents in each country stated that they had accidentally caught a dolphin at least once, and greater proportions of interviewees stated that other fishers sometimes caught dolphins. Bycaught animals were usually distributed amongst the community as food, but the meat and oil of dolphins were also used to treat various ailments. There did not appear to be a sizeable market for the sale of dolphin meat. The continued depletion of fish stocks in this region may place more pressure on coastal communities to rely on cetaceans as a food source.* Please email me if you would like a pdf of the paper. Best wishes, Ruth -- Ruth H. Leeney, PhD Benguela Research & Training Walvis Bay, Namibia T: (+264)-81-809-8214 *http://publicationslist.org/ruth.leeney <http://publicationslist.org/ruth.leeney>* *www.westafricacetaceans.blogspot.com <http://www.westafricacetaceans.blogspot.com>* *The Protect Africa's Sawfishes project* https://www.facebook.com/ProtectAfricasSawfishes

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SOLAMAC-Drone Course Summary
by Laura J. May-Collado 28 Feb '15

28 Feb '15

I want to offer thanks to everyone that send information about their experiences with UAVs (a.k.a. drones) last year. We had about 50 participants in the drone course at the SOLAMAC in Cartagena, Colombia. As result of this course one of the participants Daniel Polari created a website to continue sharing experiences applying UVAs to cetacean research as well as information on safe and standardized protocols. Please subscribe and contribute. http://dronesresearch.wix.com/dronesresearch Laura Laura J. May-Collado, Ph.D. *Research Associate Department of Biology* *University of Vermont* *Email*: lmaycoll(a)uvm.edu <https://webmail.uvm.edu/imp/#> *Personal Home Page*: LAURAMAY-COLLADO.COM

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Bowhead whale sighting off SW England
by Peter Evans 27 Feb '15

27 Feb '15

Apologies for cross posting BOWHEAD WHALE SIGHTING IN THE ISLE OF SCILLY, SW ENGLAND Sea Watch Foundation regularly receives reports and photographs of unidentified whales and dolphins. Many of these can be assigned to a regular or common species. Some are unidentifiable. On this occasion, the photographs taken on a very basic mobile phone presented something of a challenge but yielded a more significant result. The sighting was made last Friday (20th February) and the observer logged it on the Sea Watch website over the course of the weekend as a sperm whale. On following up and requesting the images, the local resident, Anna Cawthray, forwarded a series of photos which had been taken on her friend's mobile phone depicting a c. 25 ft whale that she'd encountered in shallow waters just metres off Par Beach on the remote island of St Martin's (49o57' N) in the Isles of Scilly, SW Cornwall. The observer was struck by the fact that the whale lacked a dorsal fin. On close examination of one image showing part of the head out of the water, the downturned jaw-line could be distinctly seen. The pyramidal head shape, white patch at the tip of the lower jaw, and some black spotting along the top of the head, along with the size relative to the observer in the water near the whale, confirmed identification as a young bowhead whale. Making identifications of rare species from mobile phone images has a degree of uncertainty about it. However, the following persons, several of whom work on bowheads, have also viewed the images and all agree on the species ID: Millie Brower, Phil Clapham, Craig George, Philip Hamilton, Tom Jefferson, Amy Knowlton, Scott Kraus, Julie Mocklin, Dave Rugh, Kim Shelden, Olga Shpak, Kate Stafford, Robert Suydam, and Alex Zerbini. This is not only a first record for the British Isles but to my knowledge also for Europe (south of the Barents Sea). We presume it has come from the increasing West Greenland stock of bowheads rather than the relict Spitsbergen and Okhotsk Sea stocks, but of course we don't know for certain. In March 2012, a bowhead whale was photographed in Cape Cod Bay, New England (42o N), and the same individual re-appeared in the same area a year later, in early April. These records far from the natural range of the species may be partly the result of ice fragmentation, leading to animals normally closely associated with ice, straying further south. The welcome increase in the size of the West Greenland population may also be a contributory factor for why this animal has appeared some two thousand miles from its normal range. An interesting result from two folk wandering down to the beach on a winter's day, and one happening to have a mobile phone with her...... Peter Evans Dr PGH Evans Director Sea Watch Foundation c/o School of Ocean Sciences, University of Bangor, Wales E-mail: peter.evans(a)bangor.ac.uk Tel: 44-1407-832892 ? Rhif Elusen Gofrestredig 1141565 - Registered Charity No. 1141565 Gall y neges e-bost hon, ac unrhyw atodiadau a anfonwyd gyda hi, gynnwys deunydd cyfrinachol ac wedi eu bwriadu i'w defnyddio'n unig gan y sawl y cawsant eu cyfeirio ato (atynt). Os ydych wedi derbyn y neges e-bost hon trwy gamgymeriad, rhowch wybod i'r anfonwr ar unwaith a dilewch y neges. Os na fwriadwyd anfon y neges atoch chi, rhaid i chi beidio a defnyddio, cadw neu ddatgelu unrhyw wybodaeth a gynhwysir ynddi. Mae unrhyw farn neu safbwynt yn eiddo i'r sawl a'i hanfonodd yn unig ac nid yw o anghenraid yn cynrychioli barn Prifysgol Bangor. Nid yw Prifysgol Bangor yn gwarantu bod y neges e-bost hon neu unrhyw atodiadau yn rhydd rhag firysau neu 100% yn ddiogel. Oni bai fod hyn wedi ei ddatgan yn uniongyrchol yn nhestun yr e-bost, nid bwriad y neges e-bost hon yw ffurfio contract rhwymol - mae rhestr o lofnodwyr awdurdodedig ar gael o Swyddfa Cyllid Prifysgol Bangor. This email and any attachments may contain confidential material and is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you must not use, retain or disclose any information contained in this email. Any views or opinions are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of Bangor University. Bangor University does not guarantee that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless expressly stated in the body of the text of the email, this email is not intended to form a binding contract - a list of authorised signatories is available from the Bangor University Finance Office.

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Wildlife Observer Courses, Pembrokeshire, 2015
by Powell Strong 27 Feb '15

27 Feb '15

Wildlife Observer Training (WOT) and Wildlife Observer Wales (WOW), accredited courses 2015. Based on the Pembrokeshire coast and islands, the WOT and WOW courses combine classroom work and practical work, which if successfully completed result in a nationally recognised qualification. We use our current experience of working for the government nature conservation agencies and European funded marine renewable energy projects, to provide up to date survey methods. These courses are jointly developed and delivered by Pembrokeshire College and Seatrust. New for 2015 - Wildlife Guide course - 12-13 June A stand-alone course or as part of the Wildlife guide week, 8-13 June, which included the introductory level seabirds course (8-9 June) and the introductory level Whale, Dolphin and Porpoise course (10-11 June) WOW Seabird Monitoring. 27-29 May. An intermediate level course including: identification, field recording, biology and sampling theory. Field work experience of seabird colony counts and tidal energy site survey methods on the Pembrokeshire Coast as well as Skomer Island, if weather permits. WOW Cetaceans, 28-30 October, is an intermediate level course including: identification, field recording, biology and sampling theory. Field work experience of vantage point methods on the Pembrokeshire Coast as well as boat survey if weather permits. WOW Seals, 19-20 September. This is our only seal course, now two days. This focuses on vantage point pup production monitoring methods and includes: identification, biology, sampling theory as well as field recording experience on the For more information on course content, contact p.strong(a)pembrokeshire.ac.uk<mailto:p.strong@pembrokeshire.ac.uk> or http://coast.pembrokeshire.ac.uk/wow/ http://www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk/courses/marine To book, contact admission(a)pembrokeshire.ac.uk<mailto:admission@pembrokeshire.ac.uk> or phone 0800 9776 788 ________________________________ Mae'r e-bost hwn ac unrhyw ffeiliau atodedig yn gyfrinachol ac at sylw'r unigolyn neu'r sefydliad a enwir uchod. Bydd unrhyw farn neu sylwadau a fynegir yn perthyn i'r awdur yn unig ac ni chynrychiolant o anghenraid farn Coleg Sir Benfro. Os ydych chi wedi derbyn yr e-bost hwn ar gam, rhowch sylw i'r gweinyddwr ar y cyfeiriad canlynol: postmaster(a)pembrokeshire.ac.uk<mailto:postmaster@pembrokeshire.ac.uk> Cysidrwch yr amgylchedd - a oes wir angen argraffu'r ebost hwn? This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Pembrokeshire College. If you have received this email in error please notify the administrator on the following address: postmaster(a)pembrokeshire.ac.uk<mailto:postmaster@pembrokeshire.ac.uk> Please consider the environment - do you really need to print this email?

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH ASSISTANTS REQUIRED IN IRELAND - DEADLINE EXTENDED
by Shannon Dolphins 27 Feb '15

27 Feb '15

DOLPHIN RESEARCH ASSISTANTS REQUIRED IN IRELAND - DEADLINE EXTENDED The Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation (SDWF) is seeking research assistants to conduct boat- and office-based bottlenose dolphin research May-September 2015 in Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland. The application deadline has been extended until 5 March. For more information about the SDWF see www.shannondolphins.ie and www.facebook.com/ShannonDolphinAndWildlifeCentre The SDWF is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation and research of dolphins and wildlife in the Shannon Estuary with offices based in the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Centre, an interpretive centre open to the public and used to promote educational awareness of the dolphins and wildlife in the Shannon region. The SDWF was established by Dr Simon Berrow in 2000 following pilot work carried out by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) from 1993. The SDWF has a strong research background and has collaborated with a number of Irish and international research groups. Long-term monitoring of the bottlenose dolphin population in the Shannon has been carried out using photo-id since 1993 and static acoustics since 2001. The Shannon River estuary is presently the only candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for bottlenose dolphins in Ireland and is home to a resident population of dolphins living year-round in the estuary. The SDWF is seeking voluntary research assistants for the 2015 field season to carry out dolphin research and education. Research assistants will be required to conduct monitoring surveys from dolphin-watching tour boats, spend a considerable amount of time on bottlenose dolphin photo-identification and related office tasks, and assist in the management of the dolphin centre on a daily basis. Photo-id training will be provided on the boats and in the office. Research assistants will also assist with a PhD project on bottlenose dolphin social and foraging behaviour on board the RV *Muc Mhara* when weather conditions allow for fieldwork. This research will consist of boat-based photo-ID and behavioural observations of bottlenose dolphins in the Shannon Estuary and presents an opportunity to gain experience in field techniques for small cetacean research, while contributing to a project with a strong scientific aim and a high conservation value. There may also be opportunities for assistants to help with research conducted on board the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group’s research vessel *Celtic Mist* and to assist the IWDG with cetacean strandings should the opportunity arise. These positions provide an excellent opportunity to develop skills in cetacean research and education and to assist with one of the longest-running bottlenose dolphin population monitoring programs in the world. WORK PERIOD 16 May 2015 - 19 September 2015 We are seeking skilled research assistants to commence on 16 May 2015. Research assistants are required full-time for four months, finishing 19 September 2015. Because of the training required, preference will be given to applicants who can commit to three or four months. However, those available for a shorter period of time will also be considered. LOCATION Research assistants will be based in Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland, a small town located in west Clare on the northern shore of the Shannon Estuary. The Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Centre is located less than 10 minutes’ walk from the town centre. West Clare is a beautiful place to work, but applicants are asked to be aware that it is also somewhat geographically isolated with limited facilities and variable weather patterns. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Conducting monitoring surveys from two dolphin-watching tour boats operating in the Shannon Estuary, collecting photo-id data and recording data on tour boat encounters with dolphin groups. Surveys involve one to four daily boat trips and are weather dependent – i.e. many days in a row if weather is good. 2. Photo-identification and database entry in the office, including fin identification, fin-matching, photo processing, sighting data entry and maintenance of our long-term photo-id catalogue. Research assistants should be prepared to work long days in the office entering data and analysing and organising photographs, including working with historic archived photographs and related data. 3. Dolphin centre duties, including general administrative tasks, receiving visitors to the dolphin centre, engaging with and educating members of the public, managing merchandise, updating websites and supporting and promoting SDWF, and raising awareness and membership participation. Also, general maintenance of research equipment and facilities. Research assistants will also take part in various fundraising events for SDWF throughout the summer. 4. PhD research assistance (1) Field duties include conducting surveys and focal follows of bottlenose dolphins in the Shannon Estuary. Searching for and spotting dolphins, taking photos, recording video, making and recording field observations, photo-identification, driving the boat, equipment cleaning and basic maintenance, data entry. Expect early starts, cold weather, up to 10 hours on the water for multiple consecutive days, and up to a week between days off. (2) Office duties include photo-identification and database entry, including fin identification, fin-matching, photo processing, sighting data entry and maintenance of our long-term photo-id catalogue. Computer programs used for data are: FinBase, IMatch, Microsoft Access, Excel and Word. As boat-based research is highly weather dependent, it can vary between weekdays and weekends. Assistants need to be available full-time including weekends and be prepared to work long, consecutive days, in the office during bad weather and in the field during good weather. Research assistants should be prepared to spend weeks at a time in the office when the weather is bad and many consecutive days on the boat when the weather is good. All volunteers will be given training in boat-based work and office tasks including observation and photo-identification of bottlenose dolphins, photo processing and database entry. REQUIREMENTS Essential - Genuine interest in marine mammal biology, the marine environment and conservation - Basic computer proficiency in MS Office - Previous photo-identification experience or a strong desire to learn photo-id skills - Excellent verbal and communication skills - Enthusiastic with a positive attitude to hard work and long hours - Sociable and team-oriented with the ability to get on well with others in a small team (3-4 people) - Work well both in a team and independently - A detail-oriented work ethic with an ability to work in a meticulous manner - Conscientious, reliable, hard-working, and self-motivated - Flexible and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent - Prepared to work long days in the field or office - Comfortable working on boats - No history of debilitating seasickness - Good English language skills - Must be 18 years or older Preferred but not essential - Enrolled in or completed a degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Animal Behaviour, Ecology, Zoology or related fields - Previous field research experience, especially in marine mammal research - Prior experience working on boats - A strong interest and knowledge of bottlenose dolphins and/or Irish cetaceans - Experience in interacting with the public - Familiarity with DSLR cameras and GPS equipment and software - Prior experience with MS Access and IMatch - Driving Licence (and possibility to bring your own car) - Possibility to bring your own laptop for data entry APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Research assistants will be based in Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland and will be expected to work and live as part of a team. Unfortunately, there is no monetary compensation for these positions and a contribution of €300 per month towards accommodation and utilities is required. Accommodation is in a shared house within walking distance of the dolphin centre and town of Kilrush. Research assistants are responsible for their own food costs and travel expenses to and from Kilrush, Ireland. To apply, please send your CV (including two relevant referees and their contact information) and a covering letter with a brief description of yourself and what you hope to gain from this experience, details of why you would like to work on this specific project and any relevant experience you have to Isabel Baker (shannondolphins(a)gmail.com) by 05 March 2015. Please also specify the dates you expect to be able to join the project. Please put “SDWF Research Assistant” in the subject line of your email. APPLICATION DEADLINE 05 March 2015 The closing date for applications is 05 March 2015. However, early application is recommended. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake a Skype interview in March.

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