February 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Mexican nationals for MMO/PSO & PAM positions
by Geo-Marine Consultants 05 Feb '15

05 Feb '15

Dear all, Geo-Marine Consultants provide offshore energy services during seismic surveys worldwide. We are currently looking for Mexican nationals to work as MMO, PSO & PAM Please reply by sending your CV to info(a)geo-mar.com Best regards, Giota Giogli ------ Director Geo-Marine Consultants 26 York Street, London, W1U 6PZ www.geo-mar.com info(a)geo-mar.com Tel. +44 207 183 0423 | +44 07960901325 | +30 6976626293

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Stranding Network Summer Internships Available
by Jennifer Olson 04 Feb '15

04 Feb '15

The Whale Museum's Stranding Network Program: Summer Internships! The San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SJCMMSN), a program of The Whale Museum established in 1980, is authorized by NMFS to respond to all marine mammal strandings in San Juan County, WA. We typically respond to more than 200 calls of both live and deceased animals a year. SJCMMSN is currently recruiting a San Juan Island-based intern to help respond to marine mammal strandings during our busy season. Interns and volunteers of this critical program serve as ambassadors between humans and marine mammals as well as contribute scientific data that is crucial to both human and animal health. Internship is based in Friday Harbor, WA: approximately 35-40 hours per week, June-August; variety of tasks both in the field and in an office setting. Schedule may vary and involve "on call" time. Internship is unpaid. Shared housing at reasonable cost is likely available. KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Assist with stranding response including: health assessments of live seal pups in the field; tagging harbor seals that are not collected for rehabilitation; transfer of harassed or injured pups to a local rehabilitation center; Level A examinations of dead marine mammals * Perform first mate duties on board The Whale Museum's stranding boat, the R/V Buzzard * Assist with necropsies of fresh dead marine mammals including: transfer of carcass to the lab space; preparation, set-up, and take-down of necropsy supplies; organizing and archiving biological samples * Assist with data entry and analysis REQUIREMENTS: At least 18 years of age, physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs), possess a valid US driver's license. Preference will be given to undergraduates or recent graduates in the marine or wildlife sciences. Animal handling and/or boating experience is preferred but not required. HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION: Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references. Be sure to include what dates you can start/end. Applications accepted until March 1, 2015. Decisions will be made by April 1, 2015. Please send application materials to: ATTN Jennifer Olson The Whale Museum, P.O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 Or email (preferred) to: jennifer(a)whalemuseum.org For more information, visit the Stranding page on our website <http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html> . Jennifer Olson Data Specialist - Stranding Coordinator - Collections Curator The Whale Museum Office: (360) 378-4710 ext. 27 Stranding hotline: 1-800-562-8832

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PSO and PAM courses - Victoria, Canada, 20-24 April 2015
by Sam Nichols 04 Feb '15

04 Feb '15

*PSO and PAM courses, 20-24 April 2015 - Victoria, Canada* Seiche Training is running its 2 & 3 day courses in Canada this April: *PSO course* Protected Species Observer Training (BOEM & BSEE Compliant) This 2 day interactive course is intended for people who wish to pursue a career in marine mammal observation and mitigation for the offshore seismic industry. The course has been designed to equip the delegates with a thorough background knowledge of all aspects of working offshore. Day 1 (classroom) Introduction to Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles Legislation within the Gulf of Mexico & Global Oceans Introduction to Seismic Surveys Permitting Requirements Role of the PSO Data Collection and Reporting Day 2 (classroom) Clues & Search Methods for Marine Mammals & Sea Turtles Species Identification Testing & Certification *PAM course* Passive Acoustic Monitoring Training 3 days of comprehensive ‘hands-on’ PAM training for delegates with a scientific background in biology and marine sciences who have successfully completed a certified PSO or MMO course. Day 3 (classroom) Sound In Water Marine Mammals Anthropogenic Noise in the Sea Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on Marine Mammals Local Mitigation Guidelines PAM Principles and the Role of the PAM Operator Day 4 (classroom) PAM Hardware & Operations PAM Software PAMGuard Workshop Day 5 (on a vessel) Set up and deployment of PAM systems and visual observer stations Troubleshooting Real-time mitigation and reporting See http://www.seiche.com/topics/96-pso-pam-combined-course for more details, registration and booking. Or contact s.hancock(a)seiche.com.

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Field assistants needed in South Australia - Asistentes de campo para el Sur de Australia
by cecipass＠adinet.com.uy 04 Feb '15

04 Feb '15

FIELD ASSISTANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH ON BURRUNAN DOLPHINS IN COFFIN BAY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA Project title: Population size, spatial ecology and socio-genetic structure of the Burrunan dolphins (Tursiops australis) in Coffin Bay, Thorny Passage Marine Park (TPMP), South Australia. Overview: We are seeking experienced field assistants to help two PhD students during boat-based photo-ID of Burrunan dolphins (Tursiops australis) in Coffin Bay, one of the most beautiful marine parks of South Australia. Project aim: provide baseline information on the ecology, habitat use, social and genetic population structure of Burrunan dolphins in Coffin Bay. This research is part of a larger research program into this species lead by the Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab at the School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University. This is an opportunity to gain experience in field techniques for small cetacean research and contribute to a project with very high conservation and management value. Fieldwork positions available per period: A) 28th March ? 15th June (1 volunteer) B) 12th May ? 15th June (potentially 1 volunteer) C) 29th July ? 30th September (2 volunteers) * We will preferably select people who can commit to participate for one of the full periods. Applications will be open until February 27, 2015. Duties: Searching for dolphins, driving the boat, photo-identification, recording field observations, equipment cleaning and data entry (including excel datasheets entry, fin photos classification and matching). Expectations: Field assistants need to be adaptable and patient as weather is highly dependent. We will be committed to go sampling everyday whenever weather allows us. If not, we?ll be working in data entry and fin matching of identified individuals. Assistants will need to be prepared for early morning departures (6-7AM) and long days (6-8 hours) on the water for multiple consecutive days. Expect up to a week between days off, as field work is weather dependent. Prerequisites: ? No history of debilitating seasickness (essential) ? Experience of working on a small boat (highly desirable) ? Experience of photo-ID survey techniques, specially photo classification and fin matching (highly desirable) ? Experience of field research on small cetaceans (highly desirable) ? Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field (desirable) ? Be team-oriented, patient, and have an enthusiastic attitude to hard work and collecting data on the natural environment (essential) ? Fluent English or Spanish (highly desirable) We?ll provide accommodation during the entire field season in Coffin Bay. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation. Assistants will be responsible for their own travel to Port Lincoln, South Australia, and will have to pay for their own food which (in a shared basis) is around AUS 80-100 per week. We?ll share house duties including cooking and cleaning. If you are interested and able to commit to one of the entire periods mentioned above please send a CV, a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience, and contact details of two relevant referees by e-mail with the subject ?Field assistant? before 28th February 2015 to: cecilia.passadore(a)flinders.edu.au ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SE NECESITAN ASISTENTES DE CAMPO PARA TRABAJAR EN INVESTIGACIÓN DE DELFINES BURRUNAN (Tursiops australis) EN COFFIN BAY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA Título del proyecto: abundancia, ecología espacial y estructura socio- genética del delfín Burrunan (Tursiops australis) en Coffin Bay, Thorny Passage Marine Park (TPMP), South Australia. Descripción: Estamos buscando asistentes con experiencia para ayudar a dos estudiantes de doctorado en su trabajo de campo. El trabajo se basa en el relevamiento y foto-identificación de delfines desde una pequeña embarcación en Coffin Bay, uno de los parques marinos más hermosos del sur de Australia. El objetivo del proyecto es generar información sobre la ecología, uso de hábitat, estructura social y genética de la población de delfines Burrunan que habita Coffin Bay. Esta es una oportunidad para adquirir experiencia en técnicas de investigación en campo para pequeños cetáceos y contribuir con un proyecto relevante para la conservación y gestión de esta nueva especie de delfín, endémica del sur de Australia. Fechas de trabajo de campo y posiciones requeridas: a) 28 Marzo ? 15 Junio (1 voluntario) b) 12 Mayo ? 15 Junio (potencialmente 1 voluntario) c) 29 Julio - 30 Setiembre (2 voluntarios) * Se seleccionara preferentemente a quien se comprometa a participar durante una de las temporadas completa. Postulaciones abiertas hasta 27 de febrero de 2015. Tareas de los asistentes: Relevamiento de delfines, registro de datos, dirigir el barco, foto-identificación, ingreso de datos obtenidos en campo (incluso clasificación de fotografías), limpieza de equipos de campo, tareas del hogar (cocina y limpieza son compartidos). Expectativas: Los asistentes de campo deben ser pacientes, adaptables y tener buena onda ya que el trabajo depende del estado del tiempo. Deben estar dispuestos a salir de muestreo todos los días que las condiciones lo permitan. Tendrán que estar preparados para salir temprano por la mañana (6-7 a.m.) y para trabajar muchas horas (6-8 horas) en el agua durante varios días consecutivos. En caso que no se pueda salir a muestrear deben estar dispuestos a trabajar en la entrada de datos y foto-identificación de delfines. Requisitos: ? Experiencia de trabajo en pequeñas embarcaciones (muy favorable) ? Experiencia en foto-identificación (muy conveniente) ? Experiencia en investigación de campo de pequeños cetáceos (muy conveniente); ? Estudiante o egresado universitario en biología, ciencias del mar, comportamiento animal o un área relacionada (muy favorable) ? No tener antecedentes de mareos en pequeñas embarcaciones (esencial) ? Tener afinidad para trabajo en equipo, paciencia y ser entusiasta para trabajar duro en el campo y recopilar datos de forma responsable (esencial) ? Hablar español o inglés fluidamente (muy conveniente) El proyecto provee alojamiento a los asistentes durante toda la temporada de campo en Coffin Bay. No se ofrece ninguna compensación monetaria y los asistentes serán responsables de su propio viaje a Port Lincoln, Sur de Australia, y tendrán que cubrir sus gastos de alimentación (AUS ~80-100 semanales). Las tareas de la casa son compartidas, incluyendo la cocina y la limpieza. Si estás interesado en participar como asistente de campo por favor envía tu CV, una breve carta de presentación explicando tu experiencia (relevante para este proyecto) y datos de contacto de dos referentes. Esta información debe ser enviada antes del 27 de febrero de 2015 con el título ?Asistente de campo? y especificando en qué periodo estas disponible a: cecilia.passadore(a)flinders.edu.au

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Soundwatch Boater Education Program: Summer Internships
by Elizabeth Seely 04 Feb '15

04 Feb '15

Be Part of the Soundwatch Boater Education Program: Summer Internships Available! Soundwatch is a successful and internationally acclaimed education and monitoring program working to reduce vessel disturbance to orcas and other marine wildlife in the Salish Sea region of Washington State (USA) and British Columbia (Canada). Soundwatch needs interns to help conduct seasonal vessel patrols, educate boaters on regional/federal guidelines and regulations and collect data while monitoring vessel activities around whales. Data from this critical program characterizes vessel activity trends around endangered orcas and other marine wildlife. The data is used to promote better boater compliance and to inform marine mammal management strategies such as state and federal vessel laws and guidelines. The Soundwatch program is operated by The Whale Museum (TWM), a not-for-profit organization located in Friday harbor on San Juan Island in Washington state. INTERN QUALIFICATIONS: . Commit to at least 12 weeks between May and September . Be able to work approximately 35-40 hours per week, Mon-Sun . Perform a variety of tasks both in the field on the boat and in an office setting . Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic and attention to detail * Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills * Field days: Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water sometimes in extreme seasonal conditions. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least three or four times a week. Internship is located in Friday Harbor, Washington. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, TWM staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations. APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS: At least 18 years of age, physically fit (able to lift 40 lbs), must be able to swim, not easily susceptible to seasickness, and familiar with database spreadsheets. Preference will be given to undergraduates or recent graduates in the marine or wildlife sciences. Interns will need a valid US passport or an enhanced driver's license, CPR/First Aid certification. A state boater license/or equivalent safe boating card, not required, but is encouraged. HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP POSITION: Please send a letter of interest, a resume, and contact information for three references. Be sure to include what dates you can start/end. Applications accepted until March 1, 2015. Decisions will be made by April 1, 2015. PLEASE SEND APPLICATION MATERIALS TO: Elizabeth Seely Soundwatch Coordinator P.O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, Washington 98250 Or email (preferred) to: soundwatch(a)whalemuseum.org Please visit The Whale Museum's Web site for more information on Soundwatch: http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html

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Citizen Science volunteer opportunities
by Istituto Tethys 04 Feb '15

04 Feb '15

Dear Marmam colleagues, the Tethys Research Institute is a non-profit research organisation based in Italy, supporting marine conservation through science and public awareness, founded in 1986. Tethys’ goal is the conservation of the marine environment and its biodiversity, achieved through the provision of scientific knowledge to the national and international marine conservation processes, public awareness and education. In almost 30 years of Tethys Research Institute activity, thousands of volunteers from around the world have participated in our long-term “Citizen Science” research projects, where amateur or non-specialised people are actively involved in scientific research. This year the Tethys Research Institute, for those wishing to participate in our research expeditions, is offering two destinations to choose from: You can either join the Ionian Dolphin Project in Vonitsa to study dolphins in the beautiful setting of Ionian Greece, or get a place on board the sailing vessel "Pelagos" to participate in our Cetacean Sanctuary Research project to work in whales and dolphins research in the Ligurian Sea, Italy. Project participants will have a unique opportunity to live in close contact with those who have dedicated their lives to the study of cetaceans, while giving us a real support during our fieldwork. Detailed information for those interested in joining us and share with us an unforgettable experience can be found in the following links: Ionian Dolphin Project (Greece) http://www.tethys.org/tethys/join-us/idp-expeditions/ Cetacean Sanctuary Research (Italy) http://www.tethys.org/tethys/join-us/csr-expeditions/ Those willing to join us or having any queries about our citizen-science programs are encourage to contact us at *tethys(a)tethys.org <mailto:tethys@tethys.org>* _______________________________________________________ Tethys Research Institute Viale G.B. Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy tel. +39 0272001947, fax +39 0286995011 tethys(a)tethys.org http://www.tethys.org/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tethys-Research-Institute/42387346057 This message represents the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Tethys Research Institute. The information contained in this e-mail, including any attachment, is confidential and intended solely for the specified addressee(s). This message has a confidential nature protected by the Italian law 675/96. The recipient(s) cannot disclose, forward, or copy this e-mail or its attachments, or any portion thereof, or permit the use of this information by anyone not entitled to it, or in ways that may cause damage to the sender. If you are not the intended addressee, or if you receive this message by error, please notify the sender and delete this information from your computer.

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new website database GolfoDulce.org
by Brooke Bessesen 04 Feb '15

04 Feb '15

I am pleased to announce the launch of a new website, www.GolfoDulce.org, which provides links to scientific articles about Golfo Dulce-a rare tropical fiord along Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. Simply click the category of interest and browse the compilation of titles. Read an article by clicking the [link]. Cetaceans have been a major focus of research in Golfo Dulce. The Pacific waters surrounding the Osa Peninsula are recognized as the sole locale where North Pacific and Southern Ocean humpbacks, Megaptera novaeangliae, geographically overlap and Golfo Dulce appears to serve as a calving ground and nursery for this rorqual whale. Sympatric populations of Pantropical spotted dolphins, Stenella allenuata, and bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, also reside in Golfo Dulce; the later species has been reported with LLD, lacaziosis-like disease. Other cetaceans, including Byrde's whale, Balaenoptera edeni, and false killer whales, Pseudorca crassidens, have been documented inside the embayment. Access to peer-reviewed data is vital for officials who must evaluate and determine conservation policies for Golfo Dulce. The website aims to provide government leaders, researchers and conservationists with direct links to scientific references. Escalating anthropogenic pressure is increasing vulnerability of biodiversity and wildlife populations are in decline. Only through sound research and protective strategies may Golfo Dulce continue to be one of Costa Rica's most important and vibrant marine habitats. We hope you find www.GolfoDulce.org useful and informative. Cheers, Brooke Bessesen Research Fellow Osa Conservation brooke.bessesen(a)cox.net

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Network Veterinarian (part-time) - Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network
by Noel Wingers 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) seeks a part-time veterinarian to join our dedicated team of staff, students, researchers, and volunteers and assist with local marine mammals stranding response and necropsy in collaboration with the Southeast Region Stranding Network partners under NOAA, NMFS and USFWS direction. This position requires at least 120 hours per year for the next five years (approximately one 10-hour day per month), with the goal to establish a long-term partnership and seek additional funding opportunities. The vet will primarily lead necropsy sessions for fresh carcasses and will provide aid during live animal strandings, but participation in any stranding activities is encouraged. Live animal strandings are uncommon but also unpredictable. The ideal candidate would have willingness and some flexibility to respond on short notice when these rare events occur. Requirements: Candidates must be licensed veterinarians and have an interest in marine mammal medicine. Applicants with previous marine mammal experience will be given preference, but previous experience is not essential. Applicants must be willing to travel to DISL or coastal locations in Alabama at least one day per month. Training will be provided to develop skills, obtain stranding network certification, and enhance ongoing career development. This position will be part-time and no benefits are available. ALMMSN will cover direct costs for the participating veterinarian and provide some funds to support training, including travel assistance. ALMMSN responds to cetacean and manatee strandings in the state of Alabama, and provides mutual aid to network partners in neighboring states. ALMMSN currently responds to an average of 32 cetacean and 4 manatee strandings annually, including an average of 2 live marine mammal strandings per year. ALMMSN was established in 2011 and its members have since responded to and assisted with more than 150 stranded marine mammals. The ALMMSN team performs field and lab-based stranding response, as well as conducts marine mammal research. ALMMSN also has a new, state-of-the-art necropsy facility opening on DISL grounds in Spring 2015. To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to almmsn(a)disl.org. If you have questions or would like further information about the position, please contact ALMMSN Stranding Coordinator *Noel Wingers* at 251-861-2141 x7547 or almmsn(a)disl.org.

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Killer Whale Bubbling with Biphonic Calls
by Ann E. Bowles 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

We are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: Bowles, A.E., D.M. Grebner, W.B. Musser, J.S. Nash, and J.L. Crance. 2015. Disproportionate emission of bubble streams with killer whale biphonic calls: perspectives on production and function. JASA Express Letters 137(2): EL165-170. Abstract: Stereotyped pulsed calls were attributed to 11 killer whales (Orcinus orca) with and without synchronous bubble streams in three datasets collected from two facilities from 1993 to 2012. Calls with and without synchronous bubble streams and divergent overlapping high frequency components ("biphonic" vs "monophonic") were compared. Subjects produced bubbles significantly more often when calls had divergent high frequency components. However, acoustic features in one biphonic call shared by five subjects provided little evidence for an acoustic effect of synchronous bubble flow. Disproportionate bubbling supported other evidence that biphonic calls form a distinct category, but suggested a function in short-range communication. Ann E. Bowles, PhD Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute <mailto:abowles@hswri.org>abowles(a)hswri.org 50th_Logo.PNG Ann E. Bowles, PhD | Program Leader, Bioacoustics Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute 2595 Ingraham Street | San Diego | CA 92109 Phone: (619) 226-3870 | Fax: (619) 226-3944 <mailto:abowles@hswri.org>abowles(a)hswri.org | www.hswri.org The information transmitted (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510-2521, is intended only for the person(s) or entity/entities to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient(s) is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer.

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New paper on CITES, ESA, trade bans and the polar bear
by Diana Weber 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce a new publication in press with the online journal Global Ecology and Conservation [ http://www.journals.elsevier.com/global-ecology-and-conservation/] Weber DS, T Mandler, M Dyck, PF van Coeverden de Groot, D Lee, DA Clark. Unexpected and undesired conservation outcomes of wildlife trade bans – An emerging problem for stakeholders? *In Press: Global Ecology & Conservation*. doi: 10.1016/j.gecco.2015.01.006. *Abstract:* CITES regulates international trade with the goal of preventing over-exploitation, thus the survival of species are not jeopardized from trade practices; however it has been used recently in nontrade conservation measures. As an example, the US proposed to up-list polar bears under CITES Appendix I, despite that the species did not conform to the biological criteria. Polar bears were listed as ‘threatened’ under US ESA in 2008, in response to loss of sea-ice and warming temperatures. In Nunavut, where most of Canada’s polar bears are harvested, the resulting trade ban did not decrease total harvest after the ESA listing but reduced US hunter participation and the proportion of quotas taken by sport hunters from specific populations. Consequently, the import ban impacted livelihoods of Arctic indigenous communities with negative conservation - reduced tolerance for dangerous fauna and affected local participation in shared management initiatives. The polar bear may be the exemplar of an emerging problem: the use of trade bans in place of action for non-trade threats, e.g., climate change. Conservation prospects for this species and other climate-sensitive wildlife will likely diminish if the increasing use of trade bans to combat not-trade issues cause stakeholders to lose faith in participatory management. The article is open access and may be found at the link below: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989415000074 The journal's site lists a technical error but the PDF can still be downloaded. Alternatively you can email me for a PDF at diana.weber(a)gmail.com Kind regards, Diana -- Diana S. Weber, Ph.D. diana.weber(a)gmail.com +1 646 652 9428 "Properly trained, a man can be dog's best friend." *- Corey Ford*

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