August 2015 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Research and Conservation-Animal Care Intern
by Andrew Johnson 05 Aug '15

05 Aug '15

Sea Otter Research and Conservation-Animal Care Intern The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sea Otter Research and Conservation program is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist SORAC staff with the care and release of live-stranded sea otters. Project responsibilities include, but are not limited to, daily care and feeding of ill, injured and orphaned sea otters, maintenance and cleaning of animal tanks and enclosures- and computer data entry. Interns may also assist with rescues of live-stranded otters, tracking of released otters, administration of medication to sick otters, and managing otters in research projects. Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment, must be able to work independently without direct supervision, and must have good communication skills. Required * At least 18 years of age * Current undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university * Must be a student during the term immediately preceding the internship * Must submit a resume of courses and/or experience related to position applying * Must provide a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation from college/university professors or faculty staff * 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA * 3-month commitment of 24 hours each week. (Extension beyond the first 3 months dependent upon performance review by SORAC staff: 6-month potential max internship) * Proof of current tetanus vaccination * Valid driver's license * Project task assignments may include weekends and holidays as assigned Desired Skills * Strong Interest in and awareness of animal husbandry and marine science/ecology * Willingness to get wet and dirty * Attention to detail * Ability to handle live animals and plants * Able to lift up to 50 pounds * Ability to multi-task * Demonstrable research, writing, academic literature and organizational skills * Interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively with colleagues * Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PPT * Proficiency with SharePoint a plus All internship opportunities are Unpaid or STEM Internships (STEM may include funding provided through your educational institution). College credit may be available. Please refer to your College/University's student services division. To apply, please navigate to https://montereybayaquarium.snaphire.com/jobdetails?ajid=igMP7. Andrew Johnson Sea Otter Research and Conservation Manager P 831-648-7934 M 831-402-1851 [cid:image001.gif@01D0CF8C.E4E30A40] Monterey Bay Aquarium 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 www.montereybayaquarium.org<http://www.montereybayaquarium.org> Our mission is to inspire conservation of the oceans.

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MARINE MAMMAL BOOKS AND REPRINTS SOUGHT
by Thomas Jefferson 05 Aug '15

05 Aug '15

MARINEMAMMAL BOOKS AND REPRINTS SOUGHT ¡VIVAVaquita! (a non-profit organization) is seeking marinemammal books, reprints, monographs, and journals. Literature can be donated or we can purchasesets of books, reprints, and journals. We compile and then make the literature available to colleagues workingon marine mammals, getting it into hands where it will be actively used, and inthe process help to raise funds for research and conservation work on thevaquita (Phocoena sinus), the World’smost endangered marine mammal species. Donations are tax-deductible, and we maybe able to arrange pick-up of large libraries (and possibly even to providesome payment for more valuable items). We are interested in issues of Marine Mammal Science only from vol. 27(2011) onwards. As you may haveheard, the global population of this species now numbers about 50-80individuals and is decling at about 30%/year. We are currently collecting literature as part of our efforts to helpfund our education and public awareness work, in a last-ditch effort to avoidthe extinction of this species in the next couple of years! Visit our website at www.vivavaquita.orgfor more details. If you have any marinemammal literature you would be interested in donating or ‘selling’ to us,please contact Tom Jefferson at sclymene(a)aol.com.

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New paper: DNA can help ending the illegal killing of river dolphins to be used as bait in Brazil
by Haydee Cunha 05 Aug '15

05 Aug '15

Dear Marmammers, my co-authors and I are pleased toannounce the following publication: When You Get What You Haven’t Paid for: MolecularIdentification of “Douradinha” Fish Fillets Can Help End the Illegal Use of River Dolphinsas Bait in BrazilHaydée A. Cunha, Vera M. F. da Silva, Teresa E.C. Santos, Stella M. Moreira, Nivia A. S. do Carmo andAntonio M. Solé-CavaJournal of Heredity 106: 565-572 This study provided scientific proofused by the Amazon State prosecutor to recommend a ban on the fishing andfraudulent selling of piracatinga as “douradinha”, later issued by the BrazilianMinistries of the Environment and Fisheries. This measure was considered as afirst, much needed action to end the illegal use of river dolphins as bait inBrazil. To learn more about the “boto-bait”issue and to help, please visit http://www.alertavermelho.org.br/en/. AbstractThe fishery for Calophysus macropterus, an Amazonian necrophagous catfish, ishighly detrimental to river dolphins and caimans, which are deliberately killedfor use as bait. In the Brazilian Amazon, this fishery has increased over thelast decade, in spite of the rejection of scavenger fishes by Brazilianconsumers. It was suspected that C.macropterus fillets were being sold in Brazilian markets, disguised as afictitious fish (the “douradinha”). We collected 62 fillets from “douradinha” andother suspiciously named fish from 4 fish-processing plants sold at 6 marketsin Manaus, in the Brazilian Amazon, and sequenced the cytochrome b gene toidentify fillets to species. Sixty percent of fillets labeled “douradinha” orwith other deceptive names were actually C.macropterus. Six other fish species of low commercial value were alsofound. The presence of dolphin tissue in the stomach contents of C. macropterus was confirmed by mtDNAcontrol region sequencing. Our results formed the scientific basis for amoratorium on the fishing and fraudulent selling of C. macropterus, issued by the Brazilian Ministries of theEnvironment and Fisheries. Exposure of this fraud via the mass media can helpend the illegal use of dolphins as bait in Brazil. The pdf is freely available from the Journal ofHeredity site:http://jhered.oxfordjournals.org/content/106/S1/565.full?keytype=ref&i… Alternatively, pdf requests can be addressed tohaydeecunha(a)yahoo.com.br. Cheers, Haydée ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Haydée A. Cunha, PhD MAQUA - Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (UERJ) Faculdade de Oceanografia Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 / Sl. 4002-E Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brasil CEP 20.550-013 Tel: +55 (21) 2334-0065 / 99981-8382

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Job Postings
by bc.morehead＠comcast.net 05 Aug '15

05 Aug '15

Hello, Please post the following job announcements on your website. Principal Scientist: Marine Mammal Conservation and Recovery Specialist Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a senior analyst to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources (OPR) in Seattle, Washington. This position will be responsible to assist OPR in carrying out some of its required functions related to the conservation and recovery of marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and/or the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The specialist will assist existing OPR staff in developing analyses required to comply with NMFS’ National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) obligations regarding marine mammal management actions and will assist in the implementation of MMPA and ESA-related activities. The salary is $42.66 per hour. The contract is for full-time work, 40hrs/week. Excellent employee benefits are provided including paid medical insurance, and holiday, vacation and sick leave, and more. The work location will be at the NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, Washington or the NMFS Office of Protected Resources in Silver Spring Maryland. For more information: Principal Scientist: Marine Mammal Conservation and Recovery Specialist Senior Analyst: Endangered Species Act Consultation Biologist Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking Senior Analysts to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources (OPR) in the conduct of Endangered Species Act (ESA) section 7 consultations on proposed issuances of scientific research permits for sea turtles, corals, and other species under NOAA Fisheries jurisdiction. For more information: Senior Analyst: Endangered Species Act Consultation Biologists Analyst II: ESA/MMPA Scientific Research Support Services Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking an Analyst to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources (OPR) in the conduct of research activities under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). For more information: Analyst II: ESA/MMPA Scientific Research Support Services Regards, Bruce Morehead Ocean Associates Inc.

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Pro-MMO training course
by Maja Nimak-Wood 05 Aug '15

05 Aug '15

[cid:image001.png@01D0CF88.C7442C20] Pro-MMO Training Course Gardline Environmental Ltd.s' Marine Wildlife Department provides a field taught training course for new and current Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs), in preparation for the working environment of offshore industries, whilst giving the opportunity to expand marine mammal identification skills. The Pro-MMO course trains applicants to become fully qualified, JNCC approved, professional MMOs who gain exceptional field experience during their training. The classroom element of the course will take place in Portsmouth (UK) while field part on a vessel sailing across the Bay of Biscay. The cost of the course is £650 and it includes all course materials, ID guide book, handouts, accommodation while on board, experienced staff and support afterwards. The next available dates for this 3-day field based course will be 29th September - 1st October 2015 Application forms can be obtained from and all queries directed to maja.nimak-wood(a)gardline.com<mailto:maja.nimak-wood@gardline.com> Deadline for applications: 17th August 2015 Maja Nimak-Wood Senior Marine Mammal Scientist Gardline Environmental Limited Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG Tel: +44 (0)1493 845600 Fax: +44 (0)1493 852106 www.gardlinemarinesciences.com<http://www.gardlinemarinesciences.com/> [cid:image002.jpg@01D0CF88.C7442C20] Gardline Environmental Limited is part of the Gardline Group of Companies Registered in England No.04589816 | VAT Registration No. 640 4800 66 Registered office: Endeavour House, Admiralty Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3NG [cid:image003.jpg@01D0CF88.C7442C20] ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Whales of Guerrero Research Project Internship Announcement
by Katherina Audley 04 Aug '15

04 Aug '15

Whales of Guerrero Research Project Internship Winter 2016 - Deadline September 1st, 2015 (Find the full job description and announcement in Spanish and English HERE: http://www.whalesinmexico.com/internships-2016.htm) Background The Whales of Guerrero Research Project (WGRP) is a privately funded field research and community outreach project located in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, near the twin cities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo on the Pacific Ocean coast. This project is the first to investigate humpback whales and other marine mammals in depth in the state of Guerrero. There is an absence of information and awareness about whales and other cetaceans among boat operators, tour guides, residents and visitors to the region. Project Goals The two primary goals of the Whales of Guerrero Research Project¹s are: Contribute to a better understanding of the structure, abundance, distribution and dynamics of the migratory humpback whales and other marine mammals which visit and inhabit the region. Raise awareness about responsible whale watching and ecotourism practices and humpback whale behavior and biology among boat operators, tour guides, educators, residents and visitors. We will accomplish our research goals by conducting on-water and land-based field studies in the area from January through March annually for the next 4 years (winters 2015-2018). The 2016 study will include two concurrent on-water efforts to locate, photo-identify and record the songs of humpback whales and collect occurrence data on other marine mammals including four dolphin species (Tursiops truncatus, Stenella attenuata, Steno bredanensis and Delphinus delphis). The research boats will be 6-meter long fiberglass fishing pangas, driven by local fishermen, who will be participating in the project as regional experts, citizen scientists and ecotour guides in training. In addition, one land-based field study will record marine mammal occurrence and activity relative to all boats in the area. Fluke identification photos will contribute to our local fluke identification catalog as well as larger existing fluke identification catalogs maintained by research colleagues elsewhere in Mexico and the US. We will record humpback whale vocalizations to note presence/absence and also share these data with researchers elsewhere in Mexico and the US. Data we collect will (1) help the region to become a SEMARNAT-acknowledged marine mammal site, which will garner further resources to study and protect the whales, (2) identify potentially sensitive regions for humpback whales relative to shrimp boat activity, gillnet fishing and other potentially harmful anthropogenic activities, and (3) contribute to the larger scientific community¹s understanding of the Northeastern Pacific Humpback Whale stock. We will raise awareness regarding whale watching practices and humpback whale behavior by hosting and facilitating workshops and training sessions geared toward boat operators, fishermen, tourist-oriented business owners, residents and visitors. These efforts will be led by early career and established scientists and educators from Mexico and the United States. A number of marine mammalogists and marine biology educators will spend short periods of time on the study with us throughout the season to participate in our outreach efforts, provide expertise and support to our research efforts, and strengthen the scientific community¹s understanding of marine mammals in the state of Guerrero as they relate to the larger stocks. Website For more information about the Whales of Guerrero Research Project, please visit: Our project website at: http://www.whalesinmexico.com and on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/whalesinmexico Volunteer Intern Positions The WGRP is in the process of selecting volunteer interns for our Winter 2016 internship program. A minimum of 10 weeks of participation is required during 4 January - 20 March. Applications are due by September 1st. Please note that we are only seeking 4-6 interns this session and that we receive many more applications than we have openings. Successful candidates will participate in the following research projects: 1) Humpback whale field monitoring and photo-identification. This study will continue monitoring the migratory community of humpback whales in Barra de Potosi, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and the surrounding waters. Duties in the field will consist of assisting with boat-based photographic identification surveys for humpback whales five days per week, six hours per day. Behavioral, location, individual, and environmental data will be recorded for each marine mammal group. Interns can expect to rotate between land-based field studies and on-water studies for the duration of the season and spend an average of 30% of their field data collection time on-land (in a lighthouse) and 70% on-water (in a 6-meter fishing panga). 2) Data organization and analysis. In addition to field duties, intern responsibilities will include office-based photo-identification of humpback whales and rough-toothed dolphin fins, computer data entry, video logging, fluke identification catalog maintenance, equipment repair, upkeep and maintenance and other duties. In addition to spending 3-4 days per week on water, interns should be prepared to spend an average of 1-2 days per week organizing, matching and maintaining the fluke and fin identification catalogs, importing and compressing recorded sound, maintaining and repairing equipment and attending to other field duties as needed. 3) Safe boat operation workshops and community events. Interns will be expected to serve as continuous ambassadors for the project and be available to field questions on humpback whale behavior and biology whenever they are in the public. In addition, they will be expected to serve as educators and naturalists to project supporters and local guides who join us on the boat to work with us as citizen scientists on our project. Interns will also be expected to participate in and conduct humpback whale and marine mammal workshops in schools, libraries, hotels and other venues, as needed, a minimum of one time per week. Interns should expect to spend about 60% of their time in the field (a minimum of five days per week, at least 6 hours per day), and about 40% of their time working with data, performing equipment maintenance and participating in community outreach and education efforts. There is no compensation for these internship positions. However, the project will provide for living accommodations (homestays with local hosts in the village) during the time of the internship, and a $250 travel stipend will be provided to support transportation to and from the region. Interns must cover the expense of their own food, local transportation, internet, telephone and miscellaneous personal expenses during the course of their internship. Intern Qualifications Applicants will ideally have the following qualifications: * Minimum of 24 years of age and engaged in or recently completed graduate studies or comparable marine biology field experience * A demonstrated commitment to and passion for marine mammals, education and community outreach and the development of responsible marine ecotourism * Bilingual (Spanish 90-100%/English 75-100%) * Proven ability to work within a range of cultures including: rural Mexican fishing village culture, North American tourists and foreign residents and educated Mexican bureaucrats * A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field or comparable experience * Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Excel) * Knowledge of Lightroom and Mysticetus are a plus; photo and video editing skills also a plus * Proficient photo ID skills with a DSLR camera * Some field research experience * Must be able to swim * Not prone to seasickness * Enthusiasm and desire to learn a variety of field and lab based research methods * Demonstrated teamwork, rigor, strong organizational and problem solving skills, attention to detail, stamina, self-motivated * Independence, as in able to perform operations without supervision and ability to anticipate a problem and formulate a solution on one¹s own and the ability to work independently * A willingness to spend a minimum of 10-12 weeks working full-time (5-6 days/week) as a volunteer with our program. * Flexible and resourceful; adaptable to changes in study plans, cultural sensitivity Intern Application Instructions To apply for a Whales of Guerrero Research Project internship, interested persons should complete and provide to WGRP the following application materials: 1. Your name, birthdate, gender, permanent mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, the college or university you are currently attending or most recently attended, your year of study at the time of the internship, your major field of study, the highest degree you have received, the year you expect to graduate, other colleges or universities you have attended and the dates you are available to participate in the internship. 2. A one- to two-page Statement of Interest that describes: a) your interests in the program(s) you choose and your career goals, b) your reasons for applying for a WGRP internship, and c) why you should be selected for a WGRP internship. (This can be sent as a Word document or a PDF.) 3. An unofficial copy of your most recent college transcript that lists all college-level courses you have taken to-date and the grades you have received. Both unofficial and official copies are accepted. If your school's grading scale differs from the 4.0 scale, please include an explanation of that scale. (Sent as a PDF file, saved from your school's website as a jpg or png image or an html file, copy-and-pasted into a Word document.) 4. Two letters of recommendation from individuals capable of commenting on your research skills and qualifications. 5. A resume or curriculum vitae 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. (This can be sent as a Word document or PDF file.) 6. Send an email to WGRP Project Director (Katherina Audley, k(a)kpetunia.com stating your name, contact information, exact dates and duration of availability, where you learned about the internship opportunity (e.g., SOMEMMA, MarMam, Facebook (and if so which page), Whalefish, colleague, advisor, etc.), and that you have provided all application materials to us, as detailed above. All applications will be reviewed; those received by the application deadline of September 1st will be given first priority. Successful applications will be contacted by November 1, 2015.

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New paper: Tidal influence on the occurrence of the harbour porpoise in the Marsdiep area, The Netherlands
by IJsseldijk, L.L. (Lonneke) 04 Aug '15

04 Aug '15

Dear all, I am pleased to announce the following publication: ‘Going with the flow: Tidal influence on the occurrence of the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Marsdiep area, The Netherlands’. Lonneke L. IJsseldijk, Kees C.J. Camphuysen, Janine J. Nauw, & Geert Aarts. Journal of Sea Research, to be downloaded from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2015.07.010 Abstract: One of the most important factors explaining the distribution and behaviour of coastal marine mammals are tides. Tidal forces drive a large number of primary and secondary processes, such as changes in water depth, salinity, temperature, current velocity and direction. Unravelling which tidal process is most influential for a certain species is often challenging, due to a lack of observations of all tide related covariates, strong correlation between them, and the elusive nature of most marine organisms which often hampers their detection. In the Marsdiep area, a tidal inlet between the North Sea and the Dutch Wadden Sea, the presence of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) was studied as a function of tide related covariates. Observations were carried out in early spring from a ferry crossing the inlet on a half hourly basis. Environmental and sightings data were collected by one observer, while an on-board Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) and temperature sensor continuously recorded current velocity profiles and temperature, respectively. Sea surface temperature and salinity were measured at a nearby jetty. Sightings (n=134) were linked to tidal elevation, geographical position, local depth-averaged current velocity, water temperature (with and without trend correction) and salinity. Variation in sighting rate was best described by salinity, with highest sighting rate at high levels of salinity (>30 g kg-1), indicating that porpoises enter the area in bodies of (more saline) North Sea water. Second best variable was time of day, with the highest sighting rate early morning, and decreasing during the day. However, surveys in the morning happened to coincide more often with high water and hence, the apparent time of day effect could be due to collinearity. Most porpoises were present in the northern part of the Marsdiep, particularly during high tide. Tide dependent sighting rates confirmed that porpoises reside in the North Sea, and enter the western Wadden Sea during the flood and leave during ebb. This tidal influx is most likely related to prey availability, which corresponds to other recent studies in this area showing higher fish abundance during high tide. Documenting information on tide related patterns could be used in practice, when e.g. planning anthropogenic activities or assessing critical habitats for this species. Alternatively, pdf requests can be addressed to l.l.ijsseldijk(a)uu.nl<mailto:l.l.ijsseldijk@uu.nl> Kind regards, Lonneke IJsseldijk Lonneke L. IJsseldijk, BSc Project coördinator Cetaceans Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University Department of Pathobiology T +31 30 253 5312, M +31 6 244 556 98 L.L.IJsseldijk(a)uu.nl Yalelaan 1, PO Box 80158, 3508 TD Utrecht The Netherlands

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Stable Isotopes workshop at SMM San Francisco
by Luis Huckstadt 03 Aug '15

03 Aug '15

Dear all, We are pleased to announce we will be running hosting a one day workshop on "The use of stable isotope analysis to study the trophic ecology, movement patterns and life history of marine mammals" at the upcoming 21st Biennial Conference of the Marine Mammal Society on Saturday, December 12th from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm, at the Hilton San Francisco We would like to encourage anyone interested in the use of stable isotopes to study the biology of marine mammals to attend. Students and researchers that are new to the field are particularly welcome, as this workshop is intended to help expanding their knowledge on the subject, as well as to promote the interaction and scientific discussion with other investigators in the field. We welcome abstract submissions for posters.A poster session where workshop attendees can present results from their own research, will be held at the end of the workshop. Workshop Organizers:Luis Huckstadt and Seth Newsome Workshop Description: This full day workshop will be dedicated to marine mammal researchers currently working or interested in using Stable Isotopes Analysis (SIA) to study ecological, physiological and movement patterns of marine mammals. SIA is a powerful tool in biological studies of cryptic species such as marine mammals, and their use is increasing in our field. However, there is a great potential for expansion and new studies, while we also need to address the limitations and best practices when using this methodologies. This workshop will cover (1) basics aspects about SIA (with special focus on students and researches with limited knowledge on the field), (2) SIA in diet studies (including trophic fractionation and turnover rates, use of mixing models, and tools available to analyze data), (3) compound specific SIA, where researchers we will address the potential of this novel technique and present data on amino acid d15N and d13C, and (4) a session on use of SIA to study life history and maternal strategies. The workshop will also include a poster session, where students can display their research on SIA and interact with colleagues and other students. Registration for the workshop should be done through the conference website (https://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference/workshops/) Cost: $80 (Before Sept. 15th) $90 (After Sept. 15th) For more information, please visit https://www.marinemammalscience.org/conference/workshops/#isotope Kind regards, Luis Huckstadt and Seth Newsome

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Field Research Interns needed for the fall- Plymouth, MA, USA
by Monica Pepe 03 Aug '15

03 Aug '15

Whale and Dolphin Conservation, North America (NA), located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers internships and field volunteer positions, providing research, policy, education and administration experience in working for an international non-profit organization. We are currently accepting applications for fall 2015 positions, beginning as soon as possible. The deadline to submit an application is Thursday, August 13th. Background to the program The focus of the WDC internship/volunteer program is to give participants exposure to all aspects of working with a conservation non-profit organization. Successful candidates are tasked with everything from field research to office administration. All interns gain experience with public speaking by interacting with passengers aboard whale watching vessels, participating in school talks and other public outreach events. Other potential opportunities include writing blogs, water sampling, attending workshops/conferences, and responding to stranded animals, though these are not guaranteed opportunities. This program exposes interns to real world experiences that will help them develop the skills and understanding needed to succeed in the field of marine mammal conversation and research. Participants will gain an in-depth perspective of this field and a better understanding of where their interests lie. Through this internship, a number of skills are developed including analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. As part of the field work experience, interns will learn species identification, behavioral sequencing, data collection and photo identification research techniques on marine mammals in the Gulf of Maine. They will also have the opportunity to go out on commercial whale watching boats several times a week (field season is April through October) to photograph and record sightings of humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as other notable marine wildlife. The frequency of fieldwork is weather dependent. Days not in the field will be spent at the office uploading photos and data into our photo identification database or working on any projects that might be assigned. Interns are likely to gain experience in all or some portion of the following: Education and Outreach * Outreach to local schools and the general public * Assisting with and learning about the importance of ecotourism and best practices * Writing blogs about work conducted or current events while interning with WDC * Attendance at conferences and meetings Research * Cataloging individually identifiable humpback and finback whales * Collection of marine mammal sightings and distributional data in the Southern Gulf of Maine * Analyzing body condition of marine mammals through scarring and skin condition * Preparing a report of the previous season's whale sightings with historical analysis, risk issues and the impact of cumulative developmental threats * Attendance and participation in stranding training and events Conservation * Supporting WDC personnel at key conservation meetings * Literature research for written and oral comments submitted to federal agencies At the end of the program our hope is that interns will be able to leave with a comprehensive understanding of both the exciting and routine aspects of what it takes to research and conserve marine mammals. More information can be found at whales.org There is no fee or compensation for the internship/volunteer positions. Participants must arrange for their own transportation to and from Plymouth and provide their own food. Limited housing with a shared bedroom is available on site for a monthly fee of $300, which is strictly to offset the cost of housing. WDC is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university. The program requires a minimum commitment of 3 months, with the possibility of extending the term on a case-by-case basis. International applicants interested in the internship program must be able to secure their own travel Visa and other required documentation. Candidate Requirements * Fluency in English. * Must be 18 years or older (preference given to students matriculated in or recently graduated from appropriate graduate or under graduate degree programs.) * Be able to show proof of valid health insurance. * Act effectively as a member of a close-knit team. * Be open to long days in the field or office. * Ability to work on sea going vessels for long hours that may require physical labor. * Good computer skills - familiarity with operating PCs and MACs. * Excellent verbal and written communications skills. * Familiar with literature research protocols is beneficial. * Ability to function well under pressure. * Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups of people of all ages and able to handle unanticipated situations. * Familiarity with DSLR camera, GPS equipment is beneficial. * Ability to impart information in an understandable way to the public under a variety of conditions. NOTE: You need not be a marine biology student/graduate to apply. How to Apply Please submit the following via e-mail to monica.pepe(a)whales.org<mailto:monica.pepe@whales.org>: * Cover letter and Resume (no more than 3 pages) * Contact information for two references including e-mail and phone numbers We are currently accepting applications for fall 2015 positions, beginning ASAP. The deadline to submit an application is Thursday August 13th. Applicants should make sure they clearly indicate their availability (specific dates, if possible) in their cover letter. Successful applicants will be contacted after the application deadline to set up an interview. Any additional questions should be directed to Monica Pepe via email at monica.pepe(a)whales.org<mailto:monica.pepe@whales.org> or by calling the office at (508) 746-2522. WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, is the leading international charity dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. WDC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin. [WDC - Whale and Dolphin Conservation]<http://www.whales.org/> Monica Pepe Conservation and Education Manager Telephone: +1 508 746 2522 Skype monica.c.pepe WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation 7 Nelson Street Plymouth MA 02360-4044 United States whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC on Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/whales.org> [WDC on Twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org> [WDC on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <http://whales.org/en/blog> [WDC E-Newsletter] <http://whales.org/en/newsletter> [http://www.wdcs.co.uk/media/images/EmailSignatureImages/Campaigns/USAddYour…]<http://us.whales.org/protect-humpbacks> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC"), Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. 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SharkBayDolphins.org
by Simon Allen 03 Aug '15

03 Aug '15

G'day folks, Have you heard of "alliances of alliances" in wild animals? What about "sponging", "shelling" or "kerplunking"? Do you know if dolphins possess material culture? The Shark Bay Dolphin Research Alliance encompasses the Dolphin Alliance Project and the Dolphin Innovation Project, and we're very pleased to (somewhat belatedly) let you know that our new website is finally online: http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org<http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org/> Here is an excerpt from the home page (our ‘abstract’ of sorts): The famous dolphins of Shark Bay, Western Australia, have been studied in great detail since the early 1980s. Over 30 years of scientific research into one of our planet’s most fascinating populations of wild animals has provided insight into their behaviour, genetics and ecology, including the daily challenges they face to find mates and food, and to avoid predators. Vast seagrass meadows in Shark Bay provide forage for turtles and dugongs, and nursery areas for fish; shallow sand flats and mangrove patches are home to countless invertebrates, rays and small sharks; deeper channels support sponge gardens and rocky reefs, providing habitat and hunting grounds for sea snakes, large sharks and, of course, dolphins. With this myriad of niches to exploit, but so much competition for food and mating opportunities, we find a population of dolphins with incredibly complex social lives and an intriguing repertoire of foraging specialisations, including tool use. Please visit the site to see more, and continue to do so to stay abreast of our research. Best regards, Simon Allen, Richard Connor and Michael Krützen P.S. For the artists/design nerds, our logos embody the colours and the shapes of Shark Bay, dolphin behaviour, sponges, shells, the double helix, and a chart of our study sites in the two gulfs, as well as some important data points (for the eagle-eyed). This is all reflected in a way that pays homage to the original custodians of “Gutharraguda” (or “two bays”), the Malgana people. This deft design was by http://www.wolfdesignltd.co.uk/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Simon Allen, PhD Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University 90 South St, Murdoch Western Australia 6150 Mob: (61-0) 416 083 653 Email: s.allen(a)murdoch.edu.au<applewebdata://006C211F-965E-4B11-879F-544A520C4A7B/s.allen@murdoch.edu.au> Web: http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org<http://www.sharkbaydolphins.org/> [cid:36CE4812-5407-4E19-BB7F-7DDBB4AEBBE9] Latest paper: http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/3kKaKmus6dBgUj28dfG4/full

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