March 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Job: Environmental Science Instructor at Whale Camp
by Whale Camp 14 Mar '15

14 Mar '15

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Alaska Field Experience Through Texas A&M University at Galveston
by Michelle Cortez 13 Mar '15

13 Mar '15

ALASKA FIELD EXPERIENCE THROUGH TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTON Summer 2015 Course Name: COASTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND GEOLOGY OF ALASKA Course Number: MARB/MARS 415, MARB/MARS 615 or as an INTERNSHIP WITHOUT UNIVERSITY CREDIT Session dates: June 1-12; June 15-26; June 29-July 10; July 13-24. Instructor: Dr. Randall Davis Please contact Dr. Davis at (281) 250-7839<tel:%28281%29%20250-7839> or davisr(a)tamug.edu<mailto:davisr@tamug.edu> for more information. Travel to south-central Alaska for this three credit hour field course or internship. For 12 days, students will live and study at the remote Alice Cove Research Station located along the shores of Prince William Sound. Students will learn about the flora and fauna of this area and conduct research on sea otter behavioral ecology. An overland day trip will be made to explore the Copper River Delta and visit Sheridan Glacier. There are no prerequisites. Field course fee is $2,150 (airfare to Anchorage and Cordova not included). You do not need to be a student at Texas A&M University to register for an internship.

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Sailing Vessel to collect data in NW Passage (TOPtoTOP Expedition)
by Jucker, Meret 13 Mar '15

13 Mar '15

Dear All, Since 2000 the TOPtoTOP Global Climate Expedition has been sailing around the world in order to climb the highest peak in every continent by nature's force and human power only- sailing,cycling & climbing. Along the way they visit schools and look for good solutions to some of the climate issues we are facing today. They hope to inspire children with these solutions to act to protect the earth's future. (www.toptotop.org<http://www.toptotop.org>, www.expedition.toptotop.org<http://www.expedition.toptotop.org>) Always looking for answers, new solutions and coming from a scientific background we have helped collect data for various research projects along the way; the last projects being on marine debris and radioactive isotope radiation in the North Pacific for the IPRC and grouping in humpback whales in the Prince William Sound in Alaska. This summer we will be doing the North-West Passage in a 50ft SV and are keen to collect data for any possible research projects in this area; whether that be towing a hydrophone or taking water samples, etc. For any further information or questions contact: meret(a)toptotop.org or dario(a)toptotop.org We look forward to hearing from you! Sincerely, TOPtoTOP team

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Marine Mammal Observer and Passive Acoustic Course AUSTRALIA
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 13 Mar '15

13 Mar '15

*Scanning Ocean Sectors* specialises in training, consultancy and supply of *Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)* / *Marine Fauna Observer (MFO) *worldwide. We are JNCC recognised/approved course for industry and research for the UKCS and have been running for over 12 years. We have years of research behind the effective and consistent training of MMOs/MFOs including courses adapted/personalised to the requirements of our clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. Our staff are fully trained and experienced in all areas of the MMO/MFO line of work. Our specialised training ensures RESEARCH/INDUSTRY attains the most professional and well equipped MMOs/MFOs they require for the specialised work. The outcome from our training is that you will gain a KNOWLEDGABLE, EFFICIENT and EFFECTIVE MMO/MFO in the workplace and are proactive in their duties. Each student is graded in their certification to ensure the professional quality standard of the MMO/MFO. Our training course dates are below and there are still places available for the MARCH and APRIL courses. Please note you must register and pay at the same time. NOTE: pre registering will NOT entitle you to the standard price. The price coding will be at the time of full and final payment. For full prices please visit www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/prices/. *MMO Training Course Dates Australia * *Australia* April 27th - 30th *PAMO Training Course Dates Australia* *Australia* April 30th - 1st May REGISTER NOW <http://www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/> *Register Online* Visit the website to register for the next MMO course. www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/ *Other Useful Links* Marine Mammal Observer Training on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammalobservertrainingcourses Marine Mammal Magazine on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammalobservertrainingcourses Marine Mammal Jobs on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammaljobs -- Regards, Yvonne Miles *Managing Director* *Scanning Ocean Sectors* E: yvonne(a)scanningoceansectors.com W: www.scanningoceansectors.com W: www.marinemammalobservertraining.com W: www.marinemammaljobs.com

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Marine Mammal Observer Course and Passive Acoustic Monitoring Course AU
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 13 Mar '15

13 Mar '15

*Scanning Ocean Sectors* specialises in training, consultancy and supply of *Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)* / *Marine Fauna Observer (MFO) *worldwide. We are JNCC recognised/approved course for industry and research for the UKCS and have been running for over 12 years. We have years of research behind the effective and consistent training of MMOs/MFOs including courses adapted/personalised to the requirements of our clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. Our staff are fully trained and experienced in all areas of the MMO/MFO line of work. Our specialised training ensures RESEARCH/INDUSTRY attains the most professional and well equipped MMOs/MFOs they require for the specialised work. The outcome from our training is that you will gain a KNOWLEDGABLE, EFFICIENT and EFFECTIVE MMO/MFO in the workplace and are proactive in their duties. Each student is graded in their certification to ensure the professional quality standard of the MMO/MFO. Our training course dates are below and there are still places available for the MARCH and APRIL courses. Please note you must register and pay at the same time. NOTE: pre registering will NOT entitle you to the standard price. The price coding will be at the time of full and final payment. For full prices please visit www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/prices/. *MMO Training Course Dates in Australia * *Australian* April 27-30th *PAMO Training Course Dates in Australia* REGISTER NOW <http://www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/> *Register Online* Visit the website to register for the next MMO course. www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/ *Other Useful Links* Marine Mammal Observer Training on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammalobservertrainingcourses Marine Mammal Magazine on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammalobservertrainingcourses Marine Mammal Jobs on Facebook www.facebook.com/marinemammaljobs -- Regards, Yvonne Miles *Managing Director* *Scanning Ocean Sectors* E: yvonne(a)scanningoceansectors.com W: www.scanningoceansectors.com W: www.marinemammalobservertraining.com W: www.marinemammaljobs.com

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Summer Volunteer Opportunities with Cetus’ Robson Bight Warden Program
by Robson Bight 12 Mar '15

12 Mar '15

Summer Volunteer Opportunities with Cetus’ Robson Bight Warden Program! Cetus is a non-profit, marine conservation society, which operates in the waters around Victoria and Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada. Since 2005 we have worked to reduce disturbances to marine mammals on the British Columbia coast and promote respect for our marine environment through on-the-water and land-based education, outreach and direct monitoring activities. The Robson Bight Marine Warden Program operates in Johnstone Strait, in the waters around the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve. The ecological reserve is designated for the protection of critical habitat of the Northern resident killer whales. This is a unique area where the whales often come to rub their bodies along the underwater beaches. Our marine wardens monitor vessels and marine mammal populations, and educate boaters and kayakers about the reserve and their impacts around it. The Robson Bight Marine Warden Program is comprised of a water based monitoring and educational component and a land based monitoring station called Eagle Eye, situated on a cliff opposite the ecological reserve. *Cetus is looking for enthusiastic and hard working individuals to fill the Robson Bight Marine Warden Program Summer Volunteer positions:* Volunteer positions will be based out of a rustic field camp in Boat Bay on West Cracroft Island located near Alert Bay, British Columbia, Canada. Positions will be offered between June 28th and September 10th 2015. We require a minimum 3-week commitment. Preference will be given to those who are able to stay for the full 9 weeks. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be involved with a variety of possible tasks ranging from community outreach and education to marine mammal response and data collection. Our programs focus on protecting British Columbia’s marine mammal populations and encouraging others to do the same. Interns may also have the opportunity to spend time on our monitoring vessels in which case they will participate in data collection, data entry and on-the-water boater education. *Responsibilities include: * - Educating boaters, kayakers, park visitors, and members of the public about the marine mammal viewing guidelines, marine species at risk, the conservation issues they face and the boundaries of the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve - Collecting and entering data on marine mammals and vessel activity - Public interpretation in the form of dock talks and participation in community events - Potentially helping to respond to injured, sick or dead marine mammals in support of the BC Marine Mammal Response Network - Observing and recording cetaceans in support of the BC Cetacean Sightings Network - Assisting with general administrative duties - Camp duties, which includes cooking, cleaning, general maintenance and heavy lifting *What skills and experience will volunteers gain?: * - Experience educating the public on important conservation issues - Experience with field data collection and entry - Interpretive skills and techniques - Potential for experience in marine mammal response - Experience with fundraising and community outreach - Experience working with Microsoft Access *Essential Requirements: * - Fluent spoken English - Interest in marine wildlife and conservation - Flexibility - Ability to work long hours, outdoors, in all weather conditions - The ability to live & work comfortably in a remote coastal wilderness camp setting with staff & volunteers - The physical ability to carry 40lbs of gear to and from the vessel to base camps (this varies from across the street to down a rocky shoreline). In addition to this volunteers are required to hike, 3km (each way), from the base camp to the observation site on alternate days, which takes approximately 1 hour (one way) *Additional Information: *These positions are unpaid and carry a cost to the interns of $125/ week to cover accommodations, extra fuel and dinners (volunteers will be responsible for their own breakfasts and lunches). Warden volunteers will need to bring their own tent and sleeping bag. Tent pads and tarps will be provided as will camp cooking equipment etc. *How to apply: *Please forward your cover letter, resume and two references via *email* by *March 31st, 2015*. Please indicate your availability. Only successful applicants will be contacted. *Contact:* Marie Fournier, Cetus Research & Conservation Society, Email: robsonbight(a)cetussociety.org For more information please visit our website www.ProtectOurWhales.com -- Marie Fournier Robson Bight Warden Program Coordinator Cetus Research and Conservation Society www.ProtectOurWhale <http://www.cetussociety.org/>s.com

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New article: The marine mammal microbiome: current knowledge and future directions
by Tiffanie Nelson 12 Mar '15

12 Mar '15

Dear MARMAM subscribers, My colleagues and I would like to announce the publication of our recent review on marine mammal microbiomes in Microbiology Australia. Please see the abstract below. A copy of the article can be downloaded here http://microbiology.publish.csiro.au/?paper=MA15004 <http://microbiology.publish.csiro.au/?paper=MA15004> or please contact me for a copy. The marine mammal microbiome: current knowledge and future directions Tiffanie M Nelson A F, Amy Apprill B, Janet Mann C, Tracey L Rogers D and Mark VBrown D E A Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA B Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Mailstop #4, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA C Georgetown University, Regents Hall 516, Washington, DC 20057, USA D Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia E School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia F Corresponding author. Tel: +1 406 539 3709, Email: tiffanie.nelson(a)gmail.com <mailto:tiffanie.nelson@gmail.com> Marine mammals are globally significant because of their sensitivity to environmental change and threatened status, often serving as ‘ecosystem sentinels’1 <http://microbiology.publish.csiro.au/?paper=MA15004#R1>. Disease is a major cause of marine mammal population decline and the role of the microbiome in disease has generated considerable interest. Recent research in humans has greatly enhanced our understanding of how the host-associated microbial community, the microbiome, affects host health. In this review, we provide an overview of the extent of the marine mammal microbiome with a focus on whole community characterisation using genomic methods. This research highlights the overlap in microbial communities between geographically distinct species and populations of marine mammals, suggesting tight links between marine mammals and their microbial symbionts over millions of years of evolution. An understanding of these links in both healthy and compromised hosts is essential to identifying at-risk populations and making ecologically appropriate management decisions. We advocate further development of innovative sampling and analytic techniques that advance the field of microbial ecology of marine mammals. Warm regards, Tiff Tiffanie Nelson, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow Montana State University Department of Animal and Range Science Animal Bioscience Building, Room 212 Bozeman, MT +1-406-994-3709 tiffanie.nelson(a)gmail.com

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New publication on extrapolating species distribution models for marine predators
by Torres, Leigh 12 Mar '15

12 Mar '15

Hi friends and colleagues, Our recent study was published this week in Plos One: Poor transferability of species distribution models for a pelagic predator, the grey petrel, indicates contrasting habitat preferences across ocean basins Yes, the focal species is a seabird and not a marine mammal, but for anyone interested in developing or applying species distribution models (SDMs) to marine predators this paper is very relevant. We discuss the methods, capacity, and limitations of interpolating and extrapolating SDMs between spatial regions and populations. The paper can be viewed/download here: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0120014 Full reference: Torres, L.G., Sutton, P.J.H., Thompson, D.R., Delord, K., Weimerskirch, H., Sagar, P.M., Sommer, E., Dilley, B.J., Ryan, P.G. & Phillips, R.A. (2015). Poor transferability of species distribution models for a pelagic predator, the grey petrel, indicates contrasting habitat preferences across ocean basins. PLoS ONE 10, e0120014. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120014 Cheers, Leigh Leigh Torres, Ph.D. Assistant Professor; Oregon Sea Grant Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center 2030 SE Marine Science Drive Newport, OR 97365, U.S.A 541-867-0895 http://mmi.oregonstate.edu/gemm-lab

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Ocean 180 Video Challenge Winners Announced!
by Mallory Watson 12 Mar '15

12 Mar '15

The Florida Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE Florida) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2015 Ocean 180 Video Challenge, with two of the top entries highlighting marine mammal research. The winning video abstracts were selected by over 37,000 middle school student judges from 1,630 classrooms across 21 countries. Student judges were given the task of evaluating each of the 10 Ocean 180 finalists and submitting their votes for the entries they felt best explained the results and significance of the scientists' research. A $9,000 cash prize package will be awarded to the top 4 teams to honor their work in communicating science to the public, with two video abstracts awarded first place prizes. These two winners were named the top entry in their submission category, with Category 1 reserved for entries created by amateur teams and Category 2 for those teams with professional film making assistance All scientists submitting to Ocean 180 were challenged to create 3 minute video abstracts which communicated the findings and significance of published ocean science research to general audiences. All video abstracts are related to a scientific paper that the submitting scientist has published within the past five years. To view the winning video abstracts, please visit: http://ocean180.org/2015-challenge/2015-winners.html Please join us in congratulating the scientists and teams behind the top entries! 1st Place (Category 1) Drones at the Beach<http://ocean180.org/2015-challenge/2015-finalists/drones-at-the-beach.html> Patrick Rynne, University of Miami Fiona Graham, University of Miami/ Waterlust Ronald Brouwer, Ad Reniers, and Matthieu de Schipper, Delft University Jamie MacMahan, Naval Postgraduate School Laura Bracken, University of Miami/ CARTHE 1st Place (Category 2) Dolphin Research Center Blindfold Imitation Study<http://ocean180.org/2015-challenge/2015-finalists/dolphin-research-center-b…> Kelly Jaakkola, Emily Guarino, Mandy Rodriguez, and the Visual Communication Staff, Dolphin Research Center 2nd Place Overall How to Treat a Bruised Flipper: Developing Pain Medications for Dolphins<http://ocean180.org/2015-challenge/2015-finalists/how-to-treat-a-bruised-fl…> Claire Simeone, The Marine Mammal Center 3rd Place Overall Rescuing the Gentle Giants<http://ocean180.org/2015-challenge/2015-finalists/rescuing-the-gentle-giant…> Charles Waters, University of Auckland, Institute of Marine Science Scott Ewing Richard Story, Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources Mark J. Costello, University of Auckland All are welcome to join the Ocean 180 Student-Scientist Summit on Thursday March 26th from noon - 1:00 pm (EST). Scientists behind the top entries will be on hand to respond to questions from student judges. Attendance is free. Reserve your seat now at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7363249416277305345 A press release announcing the winners is available at http://ocean180.org/images/banners/PDF/PR_2015_Winners.pdf Mallory Watson COSEE Florida Scientist Florida Institute of Technology 150 W University Blvd Melbourne, FL 32901 Twitter: @Ocean180Video Email: mwatson(a)fit.edu

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Next week - PAM training 18-20 March Plymouth Aquarium, UK
by Sam Nichols 12 Mar '15

12 Mar '15

Seiche is running its 3 day Passive Acoustic Monitoring Training course next week at Plymouth Aquarium, UK (18-20 March). Comprehensive and hands-on PAM training for delegates with a scientific background in biology or marine sciences who have successfully completed a certified PSO or MMO course. Day 1 (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 2 (classroom) PAM Hardware & Operations PAM Software PAMGuard Workshop Day 3 (on a vessel) Set-up and deployment of PAM systems and visual observer stations Troubleshooting Real-time mitigation and reporting Thorough support material is also provided. Contact s.hancock(a)seiche.com for last-minute booking.

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