February 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Research Internships at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA
by Lauren Rust 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT Research Department The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) is a non-profit hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick, injured or orphaned marine mammals. Also integral to the Center’s mission are the research and education programs that expand our knowledge of marine mammals, and their ocean environment, and inspire global conservation. Since 1975, TMMC volunteers and staff have responded to more than 18,000 stranded pinnipeds, cetaceans, and sea otters along California’s central coast. For more information about TMMC, please visit: www.marinemammalcenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org>. The Science Department at TMMC is seeking applicants for a volunteer internship position in our research division. There are two intern opportunities, spring and summer. Responsibilities The successful candidate will participate in the following projects: 1) Assist with necropsies: Necropsies are performed on all animals that die during treatment at the center. Depending on the case, some necropsies require a significant amount of sampling. Primary responsibilities will include: assisting with necropsy sample collection, data collection, archiving samples, stocking necropsy lab, data entry and clean up. 2) Specimen archive project: This project will focus on tracking and optimizing the storage of archived specimens collected from live and dead marine mammals. Intern duties will primarily include: freezer inventory and electronic data entry. 3) Library project: This project involves cataloging scientific publications into TMMC’s hardcopy and electronic libraries. Intern duties will primarily include: reference entry using EndNote X, restocking hardcopy reprints, and scanning hardcopy publications. 4) Animal crew: The selected intern will spend one day on an animal crew. Animal crew’s duties include feeding the patients, cleaning the pens, restraining animals for feeds and/or procedures. Training is provided. In addition, the intern will assist with other duties within the Science Department as needed, such as data entry, filing paperwork, rescues and releases. Qualifications Applicants would ideally have the following qualifications: * Minimum of 21 years of age and engaged in or recently completed undergraduate studies; * A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field; * Basic computer proficiency, especially with Microsoft Office Suite; * Comfortable hiking 5 miles and lifting 50 lbs; and * A willingness to spend a minimum of 10 weeks working full time (40 hours per week) as a volunteer with our program. * As there is no compensation for this internship position, and the successful applicant will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. There is flexibility on the start date of this position, but we are looking for at least a 10 week commitment for both the spring and summer Internships. Please specify which time slot you’re applying for- spring or summer. Internship Period Application Deadline Approximate Internship Time Spring (10 - 12 weeks) February 20th, 2015 March – May (flexible) Summer (10 - 12 weeks) May 1st, 2015 June – August (flexible) Application The following application material is required and should be submitted electronically (PDF or Word document attachments) to Lauren Rust, rustl(a)tmmc.org<mailto:rustl@tmmc.org>. 1. Statement of Interest (no more than two pages, double spaced) that describes: a) your professional interests and career goals, b) your reasons for applying for this internship, c) why you should be selected for this internship, and d) your availability and plan for housing. 2. College transcript(s) (official or unofficial copy) with all college-level courses you have taken to-date and the grades you have received. Please include an explanation of grading scales not on a 4.0 scale. 3. One letter of recommendation from an individual capable of commenting on your academic qualifications and, if possible, research skills. College or university faculty or research advisors preferred. Letters of recommendation MUST be sent directly from the person writing the letter, preferably via email (as an attachment or in the body of the email). 4. Resume or curriculum vitae (no more than two pages) describing any relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, scholarships and/or other activities that you have held or participated in and other skills or accomplishments that you wish to identify. If email submission is not possible, application material can be faxed to (415) 754-4078 (Attn: Lauren Rust) or mailed to: The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA 94965 (Attn: Lauren Rust). It is the responsibility of the applicant that all required material is submitted by the deadline. If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution.

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Aggressive behavior of manatees towards humans? Looking for incident reports
by Chelsea Harms 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

Hello, I am looking for reports or documented encounters of any aggressive manatee behavior towards humans. If you have any information, or know someone who may, please email me directly at chelsea.harms(a)upr.edu Thank you, Chelsea *Chelsea Harms, M.S*. Ph.D. Candidate - Ichthyology University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez Department of Marine Sciences PO Box 9000 Mayaguez, PR 00681 (cell) 903.780.8968 Web: Profile <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/chelsea-harms/40/46b/837> & Lionfish Project Website <http://www.lionfishpr.com>

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New paper on North Atlantic right whale vocalizations in the central Gulf of Maine
by Jacqueline Bort 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Endangered Species Research. Bort J, Van Parijs SM, Stevick PT, Summers E, Todd S (2015) North Atlantic right whale *Eubalaena glacialis *vocalization patterns in the central Gulf of Maine from October 2009 through October 2010. Endang Species Res 26:271-280 ABSTRACT: The central Gulf of Maine was recently identified as a persistent wintering ground and potential mating ground for non-calving North Atlantic right whale *Eubalaena glacialis *based on aerial survey data. However, these surveys were limited by bad weather and light. Here, we use passive acoustic monitoring to examine the long-term persistence of right whales in this area throughout a nearly continuous period from October 2009 through October 2010. Three archival marine acoustic recording units were deployed in the Outer Fall/central Gulf of Maine. The data were manually reviewed for right whale up-calls and gunshots to investigate seasonal and diel patterns. Up-calls and gunshots occurred seasonally, with the most calls recorded from October through January and fewer calls detected from February through July, increasing again in August through October. Up-calls were most frequent in November, and gunshots in December. There was a clear bimodal diel pattern in up-calls, with the majority of calls occurring between 04:00 through 08:00 h and 13:00 through 22:00 h. There was a clear peak in diel distribution of gunshots, with the majority of calls occurring between 16:00 and 22:00 h. Our data demonstrate the continuous presence of right whales in the central Gulf of Maine during the winter months. The rate of gunshots during winter months in Outer Fall supports the hypothesis that male advertisement and/or right whale mating behavior may be taking place in this region at that time. The article is open access and may be found at the link below: http://www.int-res.com/articles/esr2015/26/n026p271.pdf Alternatively, a PDF can be requested at: jacquelinebort(a)gmail.com Best, Jacqueline Bort Thornton -- "In the end we will conserve only what we love. We love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught." -Baba Dioum,1968 ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.¸¸><((((º>

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FLO/MMO/PAM positions (Nigerian & Spanish)
by Geo-Marine Consultants 03 Feb '15

03 Feb '15

Dear all, Geo-Marine Consultants are a company which provides offshore energy services during seismic surveys worldwide. We are currently looking for consultants to fill the following positions: -Arabic speaking Fisheries Liaison Officers -Marine Mammal Observers & PAM who are based in W. Africa/Nigeria S. America/Brazil. 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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Job opening - NAVFAC Atlantic Acoustician / Marine resource specialist
by Cara Hotchkin 02 Feb '15

02 Feb '15

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic is hiring an interdisciplinary acoustician / marine resource specialist, based in Norfolk, Virginia. This announcement closes on Monday, 2/9/15. This position is responsible for: - Providing technical advice related to underwater acoustics and effects of sound on marine resources. - Advising customers on options to resolve environmental issues related to underwater acoustics and marine resources. - Monitoring contract performance to determine whether work is within scope and contract requirements have been satisfied. - Reviewing marine resources related documents to ensure compliance with environmental legislation. - Providing marine resources consultation services to customers regarding marine resources and environmental compliance. Additional duties may include analysis of passive acoustic data sets, field data collection on the effects of sound on marine mammals, propagation modeling of sound sources and analyzing the potential effects of Navy sound sources on marine mammal behavior. For more details and to apply only see the announcement at USAjobs ( https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/392839400) Questions should be addressed to Cara Hotchkin (cara.hotchkin(a)navy.mil) Cara Hotchkin, Ph.D. Marine Resource Specialist - Bioacoustics NAVFAC Atlantic 757-322-4866 cara.hotchkin(a)navy.mil

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Marine Mammal Internship in Samos, Greece -- Start April 2015
by archi admissions 02 Feb '15

02 Feb '15

Dear All, *Marine Mammal Placements* We are currently accepting internship applications for placement in marine mammal research for the season 2015. Archipelagos is a Greek non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to researching and defending the rich biodiversity of the Greek seas and islands, as well as of the NE Mediterranean region overall. The eastern Aegean region is home to a large number of endangered species and marine mammals. These critical habitats are in desperate need of protection as they are actively being threatened by harmful anthropogenic activities! The aim of this placement is to better understand and monitor habitat use, structure and population dynamics of cetaceans around eastern Aegean islands. As Interns, you will have the opportunity to learn and practice techniques during the scientific data collection. You will participate with multiple projects involving native populations of the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Occasional visiting populations such as cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) will also be surveyed. Interns will be responsible for: · Weekly boat and land-based surveys (weather dependent) · Performing photo-identification and matching techniques · Collecting environmental and anthropogenic data · Gathering acoustic data · Data entry and analysis · Raising awareness · Utilizing ArcGIS to map populations · Responding to animal first aid, which includes the rescue, necropsy and data collection of stranded animals (e.g., cetaceans, seals and sea turtles) Essential requirements: · A minimum duration of 3 months · Minimum of 18 years of age or older · Willingness to work hard and have a genuine interest in marine research · Background in Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology, Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Oceanography or related field · Must be able to spend many hours on the boat. Field days might exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week (weather dependent) · Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs · Excellent verbal and written communication skills · Fluent in English · Must be able to work efficiently individually and as part of a team · Enthusiastic, responsible, diligent, detail oriented and flexible · Prior field research experience preferred, but not required This placement combines time at sea on Archipelagos’ research sailing boat, with time on land, on the Greek island of Samos where our marine research base is located. Possible relocation of the team might take place on the surround bases on the islands of Lipsi, Fourni and Ikaria. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this program, and must be prepared to spend some nights onboard when required. Participants should expect to spend some of their time in the field and in the lab working and analyzing data or maintaining the equipment. Archipelagos is a Greek non-profit, non-governmental organization, hence, there is no compensation for this internship positions. The internship’s fee (650 euros/month), which covers accommodation in the base’s guesthouse, food (3 meals/day), tuition, and other research related expenses throughout your participation (use of equipment, field trips, use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (Pythagorio, Samos, Greece). Internship start and end dates are flexible. Starting date for the field season 2015 is the 20th of April. There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled (maximum 16 vacancies). To apply: - Send your application together with your CV, a cover letter, and a recommendation letter via email to: admissions(a)archipelgo.gr - *Please specify MARINE MAMMAL PLACEMENT 2015 into your subject title* For more information about Archipelagos’ research and conservation work, please visit: www.archipelago.gr or our Facebook page. Thank you, Kiara Gomez

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Cetacean Euthanasia paper
by Art Ortenburger 02 Feb '15

02 Feb '15

For those interested in the problems of Cetacean euthanasia, the following paper describes a recent review of the subject. The emphasis is on techniques which are likely to be successful and to some extent might have to be performed by nonexperts (i.e. those more likely to attend strandings in remote locations). Although the text is somewhat long, there are images and tables at the end which summarize much of the content. http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/publications/resdocs-docrech/2014/2014_1… The authors regard this paper as a work in progress; comments and suggestions will be most welcome. Art Ortenburger, DVM Charlottetown, Canada

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Invitation for dolphin researchers from The International Laboratory for Dolphin Behaviour Research (ILDBR) in Eilat, Israel
by Gil Koplovitz 02 Feb '15

02 Feb '15

The International Laboratory for Dolphin Behaviour Research (ILDBR) in Eilat, Israel would like to extend an invitation to dolphin researchers around the world for collaboration in dolphin behavior research in our unique facility. The ILDBR is located in the "Dolphin-Reef" tourist facility, in a tower about 8 m above a 14,000 m2 continuous semi-natural marine enclosure. The facility is located south of the city of Eilat, Israel, at the northern part of the Gulf of Aqaba, the Red Sea (34°56'13"E/29°31'37"N). The dolphins live in an enclosure which consists of a sandy bottom marine habitat with scattered natural patches of sea grass beds and coral reef knolls, and enriched with several artificial reef constructions. The enclosure is surrounded by plastic circumference net, which allows free in- and outflow of sea water and marine organisms such as fish, cephalopods, jellyfish and occasional sea turtles. The net is occasionally open to the sea, allowing the dolphins almost unrestricted access to the open sea. The dolphin pod currently consists of six Black Sea bottlenose dolphins *(Tursiops truncatus ponticus*) – 2 males (ages 9 and 10) and 4 females (ages 20, 15, 12 and ~40). Five of the dolphins were born in the facility and the oldest dolphin is from the original pod that was brought from the Black Sea in 1990. The dolphins do not undergo any reinforcement using food and their interaction with the trainers is completely voluntary, unlike other dolphin captivity programs. This provides unique opportunities for dolphin research in a semi-natural environment, which are hard to obtain in wild populations. For more information about the facility and previous research, please see Perelberg et al. 2010: “Studying Dolphin Behavior in a Semi-Natural Marine Enclosure: Couldn't we do it all in the Wild?” *International Journal of Comparative Psychology*, 2010, 23, 625-643. Please feel free to contact me for any further information. Dr. Gil Koplovitz International Laboratory for Dolphin Behaviour Research Ben Gurion University Eilat, Israel gilkop(a)gmail.com

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