August 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Travel Funding/Lagenorhynchus Workshop Reminder!
by Vollmer, Nicole (Nikki) 03 Aug '15

03 Aug '15

Hi! We just wanted to send out a reminder that for those interested in attending the "Rethinking Lagenorhynchus" workshop (especially undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students) that there is travel funding available to get you to and from San Francisco for the workshop and meeting. Please see below for the original workshop announcement and details about how to apply for the funding. Please send any questions/comments/concerns our way! Thanks, Nikki and Erin ---------- We are happy to announce we will be running a full-day workshop entitled "Rethinking Lagenorhynchus: advancing our knowledge on taxonomy, genetics, acoustics, morphology, and population structure to make conservation gains" at the Biennial in San Francisco on Sunday, December 13th. We would like to encourage anyone working on any of the species within this genus, and close relatives (Lissodelphis, Cephalorhynchus), to attend. See full description of the workshop below or on the SMM conference website<https://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference/workshops/#Lagenorhynchus>. Speakers will be invited, however if anyone has particular interest in presenting their work at this workshop please let us know. Registration Registration for the workshop should be done through the conference website:https://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference/conference-registrat…. The registration fee is US $80.00 if registered prior to September 15, 2015. If you register after the 15th the registration fee increases to US $90.00, so make sure to sign up early. Travel Funding Thanks to a successful grant application, we are thrilled to be able to offer some funding to help cover costs of travel for undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students that are planning on attending, and possibly presenting their work at the workshop (presenting at the workshop is not required to be eligible to receive the funding). Preference will be given to students involved in molecular genetics work, although all interested in attending the workshop will be considered. If you are interested in receiving travel funds to attend the workshop, please respond to the following: 1) Provide name of institution, level of education, current advisor. 2) What is your most relevant experience related to this workshop? 3) What is your main interest in attending this workshop? 4) How will attending this workshop contribute to your current work and/or career? * Incomplete responses will not be considered. Please limit submissions to no more than 1 page, 12pt font, single-spaced. Responses should be emailed to Erin Ashe (ea84(a)st-andrews.ac.uk) and Nikki Vollmer (vollmern(a)si.edu) no later than August 7th, 2015 to be considered for funding. Please let us know if you have any questions, and see you in December! Thank you, Nikki and Erin Rethinking Lagenorhynchus: advancing our knowledge on taxonomy, genetics, acoustics, morphology, and population structure to make conservation gains Research and management efforts in marine mammal conservation often hinge on a definition of the biological unit to conserve, whether that is a population, subspecies, or species. However, for some groups, such as the diverse genusLagenorhynchus, information on demographics, general biology, and intra-/inter-specific relationships is often lacking, and our statistical power to detect declines in these species is generally poor. In recent years, acousticians and geneticists have been developing independent lines of evidence suggesting it may be time to consider reclassification of Lagenorhynchusspecies, and the relationships among Lagenorhynchus, Cephalorhynchus and Lissodelphis are currently under debate. To better understand the current state of the field regarding the complex classification of species within these groups, there is a need to bring together researchers investigating taxonomy, genetics, acoustics, morphology, and conservation status of Lagenorhynchus and close relatives. The Society for Marine Mammalogy Biennial Meeting in San Francisco provides an invaluable opportunity for a workshop focused on integrating Lagenorhynchus scientists for this purpose. This workshop will provide a platform for researchers to compare lessons learned and to build new collaborations with international colleagues who have experience studying Lagenorhynchus. Our target audience includes researchers working at all academic levels (principle investigators, postdocs, graduate students, etc.) on Lagenorhynchus, Cephalorhynchus, andLissodelphis, and specifically scientists with expertise in taxonomy, molecular genetics, conservation, demography, and acoustics. Main goals of this endeavor are to identify partnerships and expertise, where genetic samples are held, and potential funding sources to conduct analyses where needed. We also aim to submit a review paper formulated from workshop discussions to a peer-reviewed journal (potential journals: Conservation Biology, Biological Reviews, Marine Mammal Science) that will summarize the current knowledge of Lagenorhynchus species and suggest avenues for future funding and research. This workshop will initiate and promote correspondence among people working on these species, build productive collaborations at a global scale, and combine resources and lessons learned to allow us to study, collectively, these dolphins at ecologically meaningful spatial scales. Finally, if consensus is reached through workshop activities, the workshop chairs will make a taxonomic recommendation to the SMM Taxonomy Committee for reclassification of the species currently within the genus Lagenorhynchus. The format for this workshop is a full day (8 hrs.) meeting. The morning will be allocated to approximately 5 speakers who will each give a brief (15-20 min.) presentation to share the current state of knowledge on the key themes (genetics, acoustics, morphology, taxonomy, stock structure, and conservation) and include time for questions from participants. The afternoon will be dedicated to discussion identifying research questions, next steps, partnerships/collaborations, and assess topics worthy of publication that have emerged from the workshop. We will also identify regional experts who could benefit from guidance from international colleagues in these disciplines, and ultimately aim to conceptualize and develop a global research plan to reevaluate Lagenorhynchus using multiple lines of evidence. Nicole Vollmer, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow NOAA/NMFS/National Systematics Laboratory Smithsonian Institution Natural History Museum PO Box 37012, MRC 0153 Washington, DC 20013-7012 202-633-2137 vollmern(a)si.edu

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Internship at AIMM Portugal
by AIMM Internships 03 Aug '15

03 Aug '15

*INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2015 SEASON* *BACKGROUND:* The Marine Environment Research Association – AIMM Portugal – is a non-for profit, non-governmental organization focussed on the research and conservation of marine species that inhabit the Atlantic Ocean, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in the South of Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behaviour and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and adequate policies to marine management. The main species observed are short beaked common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*), common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus)* and harbour porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*), although other species such as minke whale (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata*) and fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*) can also be sighted. The participants in our internships are young hard working individuals, who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learn data collection and processing methodologies and be part of AIMM team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* Field season starts in the 1st May and ends in 31st October 2015, the minimum internship attendance is 7 days starting preferably on Mondays. *COST:* 500€ per 7 day period. If you stay for more than 4 or 8 weeks, we are able to make a discount (10 or 25% respectively). In the fee it's included accommodation, main meals, field work transport costs and mentoring. *FIELDWORK *(at sea in opportunity & dedicated platforms) is dependent on weather and seat availability in the dolphin watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of Summer but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be train to: · - On-board surveys of marine species occurrence. · - Record track on GPS · - Collect data on behaviour, group size, species, etc. · - Photo-identification. *DATA ANALYSIS *(in the accommodation and marina) will be in a daily basis and related to: · - Entry data on databases and spread cheats. · - Photo-identification processing. · - Preliminary data interpretation. Interns are *EXPECTED* to: · - Be above the age of 16. · - Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment. · - Be autonomous and quickly operational. · - Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea. · - Speak English. · - Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference in internship dates availability will be given* to those who have: · - Relevant marine mammal field experience · - Working experience on research vessels · - Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · - Experience in photo-identification · - Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · - Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION:* Applicants should fill up the online application form in our website at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/#!join-us/cw7b After the confirmation e-mail, send your CV with updated photo and personal statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org with the subject “Internship 2015”. Applicants will be contacted to arrange internship dates and details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | *facebook*: AIMM <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.com/> -- Ana Catarina Henriques Bióloga & Coordenadora de Estagiários Biologist & Interns Coordinat or Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho *Marine Environment Research Association* w <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.pt/>ww.aimmportugal.org

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Job Posting: Cornell Lab of Ornithology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
by Aaron N. Rice 03 Aug '15

03 Aug '15

Annual Cornell Lab of Ornithology Postdoctoral Competition The Cornell Lab of Ornithology encourages applications to our competitive postdoctoral program (www.birds.cornell.edu/postdoc<http://www.birds.cornell.edu/postdoc>) that supports innovative, independent research by early career scholars of exceptional promise. Two or more named positions are available annually, with applications due on September 8. These postdoctoral opportunities support individuals pursuing cutting-edge scholarship, while fostering intellectual interaction with two or more of the Lab's programs. Any area of inquiry related to the Lab's mission "to interpret and conserve the earth's biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds" may be appropriate. Potential applicants are encouraged to learn more about our activities and opportunities, including our formal programs in Bioacoustics, Bird Population Studies (avian ecology), Citizen Science, Conservation Science, Communication, Education, Evolutionary Biology, Information Science, Macaulay Library (animal behavior), Multimedia Productions, and Public Engagement in Science. Research or activities involving several of these areas are particularly appropriate, and therefore each postdoctoral scholar may be co-mentored by two senior Cornell scholars. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact relevant faculty and staff at the Lab to brainstorm about areas of mutual interest and synergistic projects. We are especially interested in supporting the independent research of individuals who can bring new ideas and approaches to the Lab, while simultaneously leveraging our existing tools, data, and expertise in science, education, and communication. Each Postdoctoral Scholar will be a one year, renewable appointment for up to two years at the Lab. Located at the Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity in the 220-acre Sapsucker Woods sanctuary, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a vibrant unit within Cornell's University's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. More than 200 faculty and staff work at the Lab within our 10 mission-driven programs. Our management and staff are committed to the highest standards of ethics and excellence in all areas of our work, and our Board leadership includes faculty from Cornell and other universities, successful entrepreneurs and managers from the business and non-profit sectors, and conservation-minded citizens from the United States and beyond. These appointments provide a competitive salary, standard Cornell health and other benefits, and funds to help support the Scholar's research and professional travel needs. Start dates are flexible between February and September of the year following the application. The application package consists of a cover letter, CV, two-page research proposal, pdfs of up to three representative publications, and names and contact information for three references. Postdoctoral Scholars must have received their PhD before beginning their postdoctoral appointment at Cornell. Application materials should be sent as a single pdf file to the attention of Sue Taggart (SET2(a)cornell.edu<mailto:SET2@cornell.edu>). Applications for the two positions available in 2016 will be accepted until September 8, 2015. The selection committee is chaired by Dr. Irby Lovette (IJL2(a)cornell.edu<mailto:IJL2@cornell.edu>), Fuller Professor of Ornithology and Associate Director for Academic Affairs at the Lab. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and in Doha, Qatar, as well as the new Cornell Tech campus to be built on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City. Diversity and inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We're an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and individuals with Disabilities.

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A Regional Killer Whale Photo ID Catalogue for the Northern Indian Ocean (including Persian Gulf and Red Sea).
by Georgina L Gemmell 02 Aug '15

02 Aug '15

Dear Marmamers, Myself (Georgina Gemmell- Orca Project Sri Lanka) and Tim Collins (Wildlife Conservation Society) are currently in the early stages of a new and exciting collaborative project- to compile a regional Photo ID catalogue of killer whales sighted in the Northern Indian Ocean (including the Persian Gulf and Red Sea). The populations of killer whales that inhabit this area remain some the most mysterious and under studied in the world. Due to their offshore nature, sighting records are often few and far between with much of the research effort relying on a citizen science based network. In order to advance our understanding of these populations and for local studies to mutually benefit from a wider network of information, we would like to propose an alliance (tentatively the Northern Indian Ocean Killer Whale Alliance) between the cetacean study groups and researchers across the region, where images of killer whale sightings are contributed to a regional Photo ID catalogue. Already the project is showing great potential, with several contributions from citizen science based sources and researchers. Even at this early stage, the catalogue has revealed some interesting localized ID matches. In time, it may also reveal information regarding population numbers, ecotypes, site fidelity and movements between countries. All images and data shared are fully credited to the photographer(s)/and or research study. The catalogue will also credit the local research in each area to ensure that it remains an inclusive effort. Any existing local killer whale catalogues will be acknowledged, with the corresponding catalogue codes included for each individual. We are currently requesting images and records of killer whales from the Northern Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf and Red Sea. Any researchers or study groups interested in joining the alliance, please contact georgina.wildoceans(a)gmail.com. All the best Georgina Gemmell -- *Georgina Gemmell* Lead Administrator, Orca Project Sri Lanka

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Call for new student leaders for the American Cetacean Society Student Coalition
by Sabena Siddiqui 01 Aug '15

01 Aug '15

Dear MARMAM subscribers, The American Cetacean Society Student Coalition(ACSSC) is the student chapter of the American Cetacean Society (http://acsonline.org/) the world's oldest whale conservation organization. After 44 years, ACS continues to be a leader in the field of cetacean education, conservation, policy, and education. In a time where advocacy can be characterized by extreme rhetoric that is often counterproductive, we use science and reason based action to effectively protect cetaceans and their habitats. The ACSSC believes that there is a need for an open and productive dialogue between marine mammal researchers and those who engage in advocacy. The Coalition aims to provide a much-needed niche within the world of cetacean conservation, research, education, and policy for students with the support of the American Cetacean Society. The ACSSC works to provide students everywhere with an opportunity to feel inspired, engaged, and empowered among an active community. We aim to create this community through a web of regional student groups across the country. One of the benefits of joining the ACS National Student Coalition is the ability to network and collaborate with your peers in different disciplines, backgrounds, and institutions to address the challenges that whales, dolphins, and porpoises face in today’s complex world. Leading your own ACS student coalition group can be very rewarding and fun. ACSSC groups activities have included: water quality testing, cetacean research, oyster reef restoration, beach clean ups, guest speakers, panel discussions, documentary screenings, lobbying, fundraisers, and many social events. ACSSC groups have implemented campaigns focusing upon issues such as sustainable seafood and its impacts upon cetaceans, marine debris and entanglement, captivity, and more. ACSSC groups have successfully engaged with their local communities on region specific issues as well. We invite US university students to lead their own coastal or landlocked groups. For more information regarding what is involved in starting your own student coalition check out our website: ACSSC website <http://acsscnational.wordpress.com/> Like us on facebook to see our latest updates and campaign activities: ACSSC facebook <https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Cetacean-Society-Student-Coalition-…> If you are interested and would like assistance in starting your own group, email us at: acssc.national(a)gmail.com Please refer interested students that you may know. *Sabena Siddiqui * *MSc student University of Hawaii* President American Cetacean Society National Student Coalition (ACSSC) *"P**rotecting whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through public education, research grants, and conservation actions.*" ACSSC facebook page <http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Cetacean-Society-Student-Coalition-A…> ACSSC website <http://acsscnational.wordpress.com/>

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Volunteer Announcement: Point Blue Conservation Science Winter Farallon Program 2015-2016
by Ryan Berger 01 Aug '15

01 Aug '15

THIS IS A VOLUNTEER POSITION. AS A REQUIREMENT YOU MUST HAVE PRIOR FIELD EXPERIENCE WITH MARINE MAMMALS. IF YOU DO NOT PLEASE DO NOT APPLY. Overview Point Blue Conservation Science (formerly PRBO Conservation Science and Point Reyes Bird Observatory) of Petaluma, CA is seeking applications for 3-4 volunteer research assistants for our Farallon Islands Program. Point Blue is an independent, scientific research non-profit whose mission is to conserve birds, other wildlife and ecosystems through innovative scientific research, partnership and outreach. Under co-operative agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Point Blue has conducted continuous research and stewardship of the unique natural resources of the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge since 1968. The Farallon Islands are just a few miles from the continental shelf and lie in the rich coastal upwelling region of Central California. The islands host globally significant breeding seabird populations (over 300,000 individuals of 13 species), are a major haul out and breeding site for 5 species of pinnipeds, a feeding ground for many cetaceans, and a key feeding site for White Sharks. The islands also host a variety of migrant landbirds and an endemic salamander and cricket population. Point Blue is seeking volunteers to assist with its winter activities on the Farallones. Research during this period focuses primarily on breeding elephant seals, but there are a variety of other biological studies conducted. Accommodations are in restored lighthouse keeper's housing, with a fully equipped field station to accommodate year-round occupancy. On Island Work Duties The field season is early December to mid-March on Southeast Farallon Island, a rugged 120-acre island National Wildlife Refuge 30 miles offshore from San Francisco, California. Responsibilities include: continuing the long term demographic studies of northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) which includes tag resighting of breeding animals (adult males and females), pelage dye marking of individuals, flipper tag application of animals and weaned pup restraint for tag application; conducting surveys for arboreal salamanders (Aneides lugubris farallonensis), Farallon camel cricket (Farallonophilus cavernicolus), birds, other pinnipeds and cetaceans (using new technology with an Apple iPad and custom made Spotter App). There is also opportunities to aid in burrowing owl surveys, removal of invasive plant species, Cassin's Auklet breeding checks, Common Murre band resighting and assist with routine maintenance of island equipment. Research assistants will also aid in standardized data collection, entry, and proofing, and management of long term datasets (Access, Excel and other Microsoft programs, Photo-ID, paper filing). Applicants must be able to live and work effectively in a remote setting with a small crew under difficult weather conditions for an extended field season (approximately 3 months without leaving the island). On island work is conducted 7 days a week throughout the entire field season, often for extended hours with no time off. Research assistants must participate in cleaning and maintaining housing facilities as well as rotating cooking duties for dinner each evening. Online media Video of winter season: http://openroad.tv/video.php?vid=37 (copy and paste into url) Blog of biologist's work on island and video link on left: http://losfarallones.blogspot.com/ Live webcam of islands: http://www.calacademy.org/webcams/farallones/ Overview of all research projects on island through Point Blue: http://www.pointblue.org/our-science-and-services/conservation-science/ocea… Compensation This is a volunteer position and no compensation will be awarded. Point Blue does not pay for travel costs to San Francisco/Petaluma, CA where research assistants will meet to make the trip to the island. However, once on the island all food and housing costs will be provided. Reliable phone and internet services are available. Start - End Date Early December to middle of March. Application Send a cover letter, CV, and list of 3-5 references to Ryan Berger, Farallon Program Biologist: rberger at pointblue.org. Interview process will begin the last week in September for top candidates. Position selections will be made by the second to third week in October. Ryan Berger, M. Sc., Farallon Program Biologist Point Blue Conservation Science 3820 Cypress Drive, Suite 11, Petaluma, CA 94954 707-781-2555 Fax: 707-765-1685 www.pointblue.org<http://www.pointblue.org/> | Follow Point Blue on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/PointBlueConservationScience>! Point Blue-Conservation science for a healthy planet.

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Call for ECS papers for the JMBA Special Issue
by Andrew Wright 01 Aug '15

01 Aug '15

Dear Members, This is the first Call for Submissions to the next ECS-JMBA special issue. Submissions are open to all, however we are, as always, particularly keen to get submissions that follow on from presentations made at the conference in Malta. To build upon the growing success of the ongoing collaboration, please consider submitting to JMBA when polishing off your manuscripts. The date for submissions is 20th November, 2015. Please submit directly to JMBA, but note that the submission is for the ECS Special Issue. Review and responses for the current JMBA-ECS special issue are progressing and I hope that more information will be available soon. Best, Andrew -- Andrew Wright, Ph.D. ECS Editor (Outgoing)

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