January 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal Stranding Internship – ALMMSN
by Noel Wingers 05 Jan '16

05 Jan '16

February – May 2016 (3-4 months; start/end dates are flexible) The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN), located at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) in Dauphin Island, AL, is recruiting a highly motivated intern to assist with cetacean stranding response in coastal Alabama waters. ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network partner, and works in conjunction with NOAA's NMFS and USFWS to respond to dolphin, whale and manatee strandings. The primary goal of ALMMSN is to enhance reporting and response efforts for marine mammal strandings in order to ensure collection of consistent, high-quality data which are used to evaluate causes of strandings and/or death. This internship is a physically demanding position, as field response and necropsy events often occur on long days in a variety of weather conditions. Interns will gain useful skills and experience in the fields of marine biology and marine mammalogy. *Daily duties include*: Field stranding response, data collection, data management, participation in necropsy events, sample handling, and equipment maintenance. Interns will also have the opportunity to assist DISL Manatee Sighting Network staff with projects including data entry, sonic and radio telemetry, and photo-identification to gain a broader set of skills. *Qualification requirements*: Interest in marine mammal biology, physiology and anatomy; student or recent graduate of a biology/marine biology, marine science, oceanography, zoology or related program; valid driver’s license and clean driving record; 18 years or older; physically fit, able to lift at least 50 lbs and strong swimmer; ability to endure unpleasant field conditions including temperatures between 30°F-100°F, rain, humidity and biting insects; knowledge of digital SLR cameras and lenses; ability to work at least 30 hrs/week including one weekend day per week (nights and holidays may be required as necessary with fieldwork). This position is unpaid and interns are responsible for providing their own housing and transport to DISL. Assistance finding housing can be provided. Interested applicants must send a cover letter, CV and dates of availability to almmsn(a)disl.org before January 24, 2016 to be considered. Application review will begin immediately. More information about ALMMSN and the Marine Ecosystem Response Laboratory can be found at http://almmsn.disl.org/ and http://www.disl.org/faculty-staff/member/rcarmichael/projects or by contacting Noel Wingers at almmsn(a)disl.org.

1 0

Tenure-track Research Scientist: Coastal Ecosystems - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)
by Aran Mooney 05 Jan '16

05 Jan '16

Hi, can you please post this faculty job advertisement. Submitted files will be read soon. Thank you! *Tenure-track Research Scientist** **Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)* The Biology Department at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) invites applications for one or more full-time tenure-track positions on our Scientific Staff. We seek exceptional candidates to complement our existing interdisciplinary strengths in biology, biological oceanography, and marine ecology (http://www.whoi.edu/biology) Candidates in all areas are welcome to apply, but we are particularly interested in applicants who conduct research in coastal ecosystem processes and dynamics. Areas of expertise can encompass any aspect of marine biology, physiology, or ecology, and would ideally focus on both characterizing long-term forcing on the coastal ecosystem (e.g., climate change, ocean acidification, sea level rise, persistent human perturbation) and understanding/predicting the biological response (e.g., acclimation, adaptation, distribution shift). We seek to hire at the Assistant Scientist level, but exceptionally well qualified candidates at other levels also will be considered. Applicants should have a doctoral degree, postdoctoral experience, and a record of scientific research publications in scholarly journals. WHOI scientific staff members are expected to develop an internationally recognized and externally funded research program. They have the opportunity to advise graduate students and teach courses in the MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography and Oceanographic Engineering (http://www.whoi.edu/jointprogram/) Opportunities for interdisciplinary research exist through collaboration with the other science departments (Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Marine Geology and Geophysics, and Physical Oceanography; www.whoi.edu/main/departments-centers-labs) WHOI’s Marine Policy Center (http://www.whoi.edu/main/mpc) and the WHOI Ocean Institutes (www.whoi.edu/main/oceaninstitutes) as well as with researchers in the broader Woods Hole scientific community. Members of the WHOI’s Scientific Staff are expected to provide for their salaries from grants and contracts, but the Institution provides salary support when no other funding is available as well as significant internal funding for developing innovative research. Candidates hired at the junior level will receive an initial appointment for four years with salary guaranteed. Female and minority applicants are particularly encouraged to apply. WHOI is sensitive to the issues of dual career scientists and will work with applicants to identify and explore available options. WHOI’s benefits package includes vacation time, an employer contribution retirement plan, medical and dental plans, child care subsidy, flexible scheduling, and family illness days. WHOI is the largest private, non-profit oceanographic institution in the world, with staff and students numbering approximately 1,000. Its mission is to advance our understanding of the ocean and its interaction with the Earth system, and to communicate this understanding for the benefit of society. The Institution is located in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, a world-renowned center of excellence in marine, biomedical, and environmental science. HOW TO APPLY: Apply online; please visit http://jobs.whoi.edu and respond to Job Reference 15-12-05. Applications should include, as a single pdf document, a cover letter, CV, 3-page research statement that clearly describes your research interests, names and contact information for four references, and copies of up to three relevant publications. The package should also be sent separately to the chair of the Biology Department at biologychair(a)whoi.edu. Review of applications will begin on 15 January 2016. WHOI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V/EOE; it is also a member of the New England Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NEHERC).

1 0

New publication on the hormone oxytocin and maternal behvaiour in Grey Seals
by Kelly Robinson 05 Jan '16

05 Jan '16

Dear MARMAM subscribers, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce a new publication on the neuropeptide hormone oxytocin's relationship with maternal behaviour in grey seals: Robinson, K.J., Twiss, S.D., Hazon, N. & Pomeroy, P.P. (2015). Maternal Oxytocin is Linked to Close Mother-Infant Proximity in Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) PLOS ONE, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144577 Abstract: Maternal behaviour is a crucial component of reproduction in all mammals; however the quality of care that mothers give to infants can vary greatly. It is vital to document variation in maternal behaviour caused by the physiological processes controlling its expression. This underlying physiology should be conserved throughout reproductive events and should be replicated across all individuals of a species; therefore, any correlates to maternal care quality may be present across many individuals or contexts. Oxytocin modulates the initiation and expression of maternal behaviour in mammals; therefore we tested whether maternal plasma oxytocin concentrations correlated to key maternal behaviours in wild grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). Plasma oxytocin concentrations in non-breeding individuals (4.3 ±0.5 pg/ml) were significantly lower than those in mothers with dependent pups in both early (8.2 ±0.8 pg/ml) and late (6.9 ±0.7 pg/ml) lactation. Maternal plasma oxytocin concentrations were not correlated to the amount of nursing prior to sampling, or a mother's nursing intensity throughout the dependant period. Mothers with high plasma oxytocin concentrations stayed closer to their pups, reducing the likelihood of mother-pup separation during lactation which is credited with causing starvation, the largest cause of pup mortality in grey seals. This is the first study to link endogenous oxytocin concentrations in wild mammalian mothers with any type of maternal behaviour. Oxytocin's structure and function is widely conserved across mammalian mothers, including humans. Defining the impact the oxytocin system has on maternal behaviour highlights relationships that may occur across many individuals or species, and such behaviours heavily influence infant development and an individual's lifetime reproductive success. The article can be found at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0144577 The article is open access; so anyone who is interested in the manuscript should be able to download a pdf of it. However if you have any problems getting a copy please email kjr33(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:kjr33@st-andrews.ac.uk>. Kind regards, Kelly Robinson Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St Andrews

1 0

Upcoming GIS Courses: Home Range Analyses, Creating Custom GIS Tools and Using QGIS In Biological Research
by Colin D. MacLeod 05 Jan '16

05 Jan '16

GIS In Ecology will be running three GIS courses for biologists/ecologists over the next few months. These courses will be held in Glasgow in Scotland, and will be taught by Dr. Colin D. MacLeod, a biological researcher with more than 15 years experience in using GIS. These courses are: 1. An Introduction To Investigating The Home Ranges Of Individual Animals (15 – 16 February 2016): This course will provide an introduction to investigating the home ranges of individual animals using a GIS-based approach. It will cover how to create a minimum convex polygon (MCP), how to create a kernel density estimate (KDE) in environments with and without barriers to movements, how to create 50 and 95% percentage volume contours (PVCs) and how to select an appropriate bandwidth/h value. This course is aimed at anyone who wishes to use GIS to study the home ranges of animals in either the terrestrial or aquatic environments, even if they have little or no existing knowledge of GIS. It will primarily use ArcGIS software, but it will also cover the use of ArcMET and Geospatial Modelling Environment (GME) for home range analyses. Duration: 2 days. Cost: £295 (£200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). Places will be limited to a maximum of 15 people and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. For more information on this course, visit www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Home_Range_February_2016.htm or email info(a)GISinEcology.com. Places can also be booked through this email address. 2. An Introduction To Creating Custom GIS Tools For Biological Research (17 – 18 February 2016): This course will provide an introduction to the creation of custom GIS tools for use in all areas of biological research. Creating custom GIS tools for biological research allows you not only to automate frequently repeated tasks (saving time and reducing the risk of accidental processing errors), but it also allows non-GIS specialists to process and analyse data using standard protocols in a GIS-based environment by running a single easy-to-use tool. This means that creating custom GIS tool provides an effective way of expanding the pool of individuals within a research group or organisation who can carry out specific and complex GIS tasks. The course will consist of background session which will explain the principles of creating your own custom GIS tools, as well as practical exercises in which a number of example tools will be built and tested. There will also be the option of building your own custom tool to automate a task of your choice. This course assumes that you have at least a basic knowledge of GIS and is not aimed at complete beginners. It will use the ModelBuilder module of ESRI’s ArcGIS software to show how biologists can create custom GIS tools for use in their research. Duration: 2 days. Cost: £295 (£200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). Places will be limited to a maximum of 15 people and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. For more information on this course, visit www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Custom_GIS_Tools_February_2016.htm or email info(a)GISinEcology.com. Places can also be booked through this email address. 3. An Introduction To Using QGIS In Biological Research (21 – 22 March 2016): QGIS (also known as Quantum GIS) is the leading, open source, and so freely available, GIS software (see www.qgis.org/en/site/about/index.html for more information), which can be run on Windows, Mac OS and Linux operating systems. This course will provide an introduction to the use of QGIS in biological research. It is aimed at those just starting to use GIS in their research and who have little or no existing knowledge of this subject area, those who are looking for a free, open source GIS solution for their biological research, and at existing users of commercial GIS software, such as ArcGIS, who wish to learn how to do GIS using QGIS software. Duration: 2 days. Cost: £295 (£200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). Places will be limited to a maximum of 15 people and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. For more information on this course, visit www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_QGIS_For_Biologists_March_2016.htm or email info(a)GISinEcology.com. Places can also be booked through this email address. Finally, there are also a very limited number of spaces still available on our January 2016 courses titled ‘An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology’ (18 – 20 January 2016) and ‘An introduction To Using Species Distribution Modelling In the Marine Environment’ (21 – 22 January 2016). For more information on these courses, visit www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Glasgow_January_2016.htm, or email info(a)GISinEcology.com. Places can also be booked through this email address. All the best, Colin ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook Two - Working With Raster Data Layers; RRP: £19.99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

1 0

Marine Mammal research assistants required in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo, Ireland
by Maldini, Daniela 05 Jan '16

05 Jan '16

Marine Mammal research assistants required in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo, Ireland The Marine Ecology Group at MaREI, University College Cork, is seeking volunteer research assistants for the 2016 field season, to carry out research on marine mammals in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo, Ireland between May – September 2016. Research assistants will be required to conduct cliff-based monitoring surveys, office related tasks and strandings surveys and will each be assigned a seasonal office-based project. This presents an opportunity to work within a team of experienced researchers and gain experience in field techniques for marine mammal surveys, while contributing to a larger program of marine mammal research. WORK PERIOD 15 May 2016 – 31 September 2016 Due to training requirements, preference will be given to applicants who can commit to the full season. However, those available for shorter periods of time will also be considered. LOCATION Research assistants will be based in a shared house on the Mullet Peninsula, Co. Mayo. The house, which doubles as the office, is approx. 7km from the town of Belmullet, where there are supermarkets, cafes, pubs, banks, etc. Accommodation will be shared with up to 7 people so good teamwork and interpersonal skills are imperative. The Mullet Peninsula is a stunning location on the world famous Wild Atlantic Way, boasting some of the nicest, and untouched, beaches in Ireland. Applicants must be aware that the Mullet Peninsula is geographically remote with limited facilities and variable weather patterns with rain, wind and generally stormy conditions possible year-round. Expect to spend time in the office when conditions are less than ideal as field work will not be possible in these circumstances, however there will be plenty of opportunity to explore the surrounding area, which is an ideal location for those who enjoy surfing, hiking and wildlife. Whilst bikes for transport to the nearest town will be provided, applicants with a car will be looked upon favourably. RESPONSIBILITIES Interns will work in shifts and all field work is weather-dependent and can be cancelled with short notice by the field leader if conditions are not ideal. A structured schedule will be set up with rotations of field duties, time off and specific duties for each person. Interns will each have their own project in addition to rotational field duties. Field work will include conducting cliff-based surveys from two sites in Broadhaven Bay using theodolites. There will be occasional C-POD servicing trips on a fishing vessel. There will be the need to respond to strandings in the area and to conduct complete necropsies when appropriate. The rest of the time will be spent in the office on data entry and analysis duties and each intern will be assigned a project according to previous agreements with the Field Leader, which could include either photo-id, acoustics, or GIS data analysis. There may be a public outreach and education component as well which will include interpreting marine mammal biology to the local community. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES As part of the internship there will be three courses offered throughout the field season. An introductory course on marine mammal biology and ecology, a photo-identification workshop focusing on data analysis, data entry and the use of photo-identification data in mark-recapture and social analysis, a course on stranding response and necropsy skills and procedures, and a workshop on C-POD data download and verification. TERMS OF INTERNSHIP The project budget will cover accommodations at the project house and transportation to and from the field, and the courses offered during the internship. Interns will be responsible for their own food, transportation to and from the research station, entertainment and free time expenses. REQUIREMENTS Essential Genuine interest in marine mammal biology, the marine environment and conservation. Advanced computer proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word) Excellent verbal and communication skills Enthusiasm and a positive attitude to hard work and long hours in the field in inclement weather Ability to work well both in a team and independently Flexibility and patience as fieldwork is highly weather dependent Excellent English language skills Moderate level of fitness – there is a 25 minute hike carrying gear to the cliff sites. Highly Desirable Driving Licence and car Familiarity with theodolite use, GPS equipment and software Prior experience with R, ArcGIS and C-POD software Enrolled in or completed a degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Animal Behaviour, Ecology, Zoology or related fields Previous field research experience, particularly marine research Previous experience of working in remote locations as part of a small team A strong interest and knowledge of marine mammals APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS To apply, please send a copy of your CV (including two relevant referees and their contact details) and a brief (max 250 words) cover letter with a description of yourself and your experience to Daniela Maldini (daniela.maldini(a)ucc.ie<mailto:daniela.maldini@ucc.ie>). Daniela Maldini, Ph.D. Senior Post Doctoral Researcher MaREI Centre Beaufort Building - Environmental Research Institute (ERI) University College Cork Haulbowline Rd Ringaskiddy Co. Cork Ireland Mobile: +353 087 446 4342

1 0

Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-Identification Internship Position 2016
by Jessica Taylor 04 Jan '16

04 Jan '16

Bottlenose DolphinPhoto-ID Internship/Research Assistant Position for Summer 2016 The Outer Banks Centerfor Dolphin Research (OBXCDR)/Nags Head Dolphin Watch are currently acceptingapplications for the 2016 summer season. One internship position is available.The research season is May 3 – October 7. Successful applicants must be able tocommit for the entire season. The Outer Banks Centerfor Dolphin Research is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to theconservation of bottlenose dolphins in the Outer Banks, NC. Our program’s goalis to gain an understanding of the population dynamics, movement patterns, andbehavioral ecology of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the sounds and coastalwaters near the Outer Banks. The OBXCDR currently conducts aphoto-identification monitoring study of bottlenose dolphins in Roanoke,Croatan, Albemarle, Pamlico and Currituck Sounds. Data is collected viadedicated small boat surveys as well as opportunistically from a local dolphinwatch. This study is a continuation of the long-term study initiated by theNags Head Dolphin Watch in 1997. Information from the long-term monitoringstudy will provide a basis for studies involving habitat utilization, socialassociations, and anthropogenic effects on the dolphins as well as aid in effortsto examine bottlenose dolphin stock structure and movement patterns along theU.S. Atlantic coast. Interns will gain experience in field data collection,photo-identification of dolphins, and environmental education. For moreinformation about the OBXCDR, please visit: obxdolphins.org. The internshipposition will consist of bottlenose dolphin photo-identification,opportunistic/dedicated field research, and environmental education.Responsibilities include: § Photo-identification of dolphins in the lab:This includes photo sorting, grading, and matching, sighting data entry, andassisting in maintenance of the long-term OBX photo-id catalog using the MSAccess database FinBase. Additional timewill also be spent completing an independent project in which the intern willmatch the OBX catalog to the Mid-Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Catalog (MABDC) toexamine seasonal movement patterns. The MABDC is a long-term collaborativeeffort to gain a greater understanding of the stock structure and movementpatterns of bottlenose dolphins along the U.S. Atlantic coast. This independentproject should be completed within the span of the internship. The finalproduct of this project will be a final project report (40% of time) § Mate/naturalist duties aboard the Nags HeadDolphin Watch: This involves the implementation of educational programs,including public speaking aboard the eco-tours (using a microphone andone-on-one) to educate others about local dolphin biology and marineconservation, as well as additional mate duties. The mate/naturalist will alsocollect opportunistic photo-identification data aboard the eco-tours(photographing dorsal fins, measuring environmental parameters, and recordingsighting data), organize opportunistic data for inclusion in thephoto-identification catalog, and assist in general maintenance of fieldequipment. For additional information about the Nags Head Dolphin Watch,please see www.nagsheaddolphinwatch.com (50% of time) § Boat-based photo-identification: The internwill assist with boat-based photo-identification surveys to examine seasonalabundances, site fidelity, and prevalence of skin lesions of bottlenosedolphins in Roanoke Sound. Responsibilities include operating a smallvessel during transect surveys and sightings, assisting withphoto-identification, collecting environmental, location, and behavioral datafor dolphin groups, and general maintenance of field equipment. (10% of time) This internshiprequires a minimum commitment of 36 hours per week, consisting of eco-tours,lab photo-identification, and dedicated surveys. The intern will carry outmate/naturalist duties and opportunistic photo-identification aboard the NagsHead Dolphin Watch for 3-4 days per week throughout the field season while 1-2days per week will be spent conducting photo-identification in the lab.Abundance surveys will be conducted once per month (May, June, August, andSeptember) and 2-3 times a month during July and October. Salary: Thisinternship is a paid position. Applicants will receive an hourly salary for thenaturalist position on the dolphin watch. Tips aboard the dolphin tours areexpected, but not guaranteed. Housing: Although housing is not provided, we will assist you in finding housingaccommodations in the Outer Banks. Interns are responsible for their owntransportation to and from the Outer Banks as well as to and from the fieldsites and lab. The successfulapplicant would ideally have the following qualifications: § Minimum of 18 years of age and recentlyenrolled in a college-level program in marine biology, biology, zoology, orrelated field § Strong interest in the marine environment andconservation § Ability to swim § Basic proficiency in MS Access, Word, Excel,and Picture Manager § Enthusiasm, attention to detail, responsible, independent,focused, and dedicated § Works well in a team environment as well asindividually § Experience in boating and marine field datacollection § Experience in photo-identification preferredbut not required § First AID/CPR certification preferred but notrequired § Due to employment aboard the dolphin eco-tours,all candidates must be U.S. citizens NOTE: The UnitedStates Coast Guard requires all passenger vessels to be drug free workenvironments. In order to work aboard the dolphin eco-tours, the intern will berequired to pass a pre-employment drug test and to participate in random drugtesting during the period of the research season. Application Process: Please submit coverletter, resume, and contact information for 3 references via email to:obxcdr@hotmail.com Use “Dolphin photo-id internship” in thesubject line of the email. All applications will be reviewed in the order theyare received. Applicants must apply by February 19th to beconsidered for this position. Jessica Taylor President/PrincipalInvestigator, Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research P.O. Box 7721 Kill Devil Hills, NC27948 Obxdolphins.org

1 0

Immediate Opening for Research Intern in Hawaii
by Research Department 04 Jan '16

04 Jan '16

Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF), based in Maui, Hawai‘i, is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine life through research, education, and conservation. Our researchers have studied whales and dolphins throughout the Pacific for over 30 years and currently conduct projects in Hawai‘i, Australia, and Ecuador. We offer internships in our Marine Mammal Research Program year-round. *Commitment* PWF seeks performance-driven and dedicated individuals for long-term internships. We have one immediate opening for the January - April period. Successful applicants are expected to dedicate 30-40 hours per week working both in the office and on our research vessel. Applicants must be available to work Monday - Friday and be available for all boat trips. Some weekend work may also be required. *Responsibilities* Interns will be based at PWF’s headquarters on Maui, Hawaii and will participate with multiple projects involving mysticetes (humpback whales) and odontocetes (numerous species of toothed whales and dolphins). Primary responsibilities are office-based and may include: · Photo-identification matching of whale flukes and/or dolphin dorsal fins; · Data entry and archival tasks; · Data processing and analysis; · General operational tasks. Additional responsibilities include field work: boat surveys within the four-island region of Maui, and land-based surveys using a theodolite. Each intern may be assigned to a specific cetacean project (with ancillary duties supporting field projects) according to skill set and availability. Interns also assist staff with other projects (including outreach events) as the need arises. *Requirements* Ideal applicants should: · Be advanced undergraduates or recent graduates in biology, zoology, marine biology, ecology, or a related field; · Be available to volunteer on a full-time basis and must be available for all field work; · Have a mature attitude towards research; · Be proficient with computers and data entry; specifically using PCs and the Microsoft Office suite of products; · Have a strong work ethic, attention to detail and superior organizational skills; · Have the ability to admit to mistakes; · Be independent, adaptable, and a fast-learner; · Be able to collect data in a detail-oriented manner; · Have boating experience; · Speak, read and write English fluently. Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme weather conditions. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur approximately two times per week. Applicants with little biology or marine expertise that possess outstanding skills in programming, statistical analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and database management are also welcomed to apply. *Compensation* There is no financial compensation for these positions and interns are responsible for their own living and transportation expenses. There is public transportation available on the island. Once accepted, the PWF staff will be able to assist in finding suitable housing options. *Application process* Applicants must be authorized to legally remain in Hawai’i if they are not U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the U.S. Interested candidates should submit an application with the following: · A cover letter including your availability (1 page only); · A resume describing training, experience and relevant skills (2 pages only); · Names and contact information of three references. Please send these items as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to research(a)pacificwhale.org - No phone calls or drop-ins, please. Mahalo, PWF Research Team *Research Department* Pacific Whale Foundation 300 Ma'alaea Rd., Suite 211 Wailuku, HI 96793, USA Phone: +1 808-856-8305 Fax: +1 808-243-9021 Email: research(a)pacificwhale.org Website: www.pacificwhale.org -- Run & Walk For The Whales - January 30, 2016 World Whale Day - February 13, 2016 <http://mauiwhalefestival.org/sponsorship-opportunities> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic mail transmission and any accompanying attachments contain information belonging to the sender which may be confidential and legally privileged. This information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom this electronic mail transmission was sent as indicated above. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or action taken in reliance on the contents of the information contained in this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this transmission and all attachments. Thank you!

1 0

MMO and PSO training courses, Inverness, UK
by Carolyn Barton 02 Jan '16

02 Jan '16

MMO and PSO training courses are running in Inverness, Scotland, in February: JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters, 6 February 2016, GBP 125 PSO course for the Gulf of Mexico, meets BOEM/ BSEE requirements, 7 February 2016, GBP 55 (when taken in conjunction with the MMO course). For details of course content and to download a booking form, see www.carolynbarton.co.uk or e-mail info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk . Carolyn Barton info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk www.carolynbarton.co.uk

1 0

New Publication: Ontogenetic allometry and body composition of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) from the U.S. mid-Atlantic (Sarah Mallette)
by Sarah Mallette 02 Jan '16

02 Jan '16

Hello, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Marine Mammal Science. Mallette, S. D., McLellan, W. A., Scharf, F. S., Koopman, H. N., Barco, S. G., Wells, R. S. and Ann Pabst, D. (2016), Ontogenetic allometry and body composition of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) from the U.S. mid-Atlantic. Marine Mammal Science, 32: 86–121. doi: 10.1111/mms.12253 ABSTRACT: Growth in common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) was investigated through examination of sex-specific, ontogenetic changes in the mass of 38 discrete body compartments, utilizing stranded dolphins in good body condition (n = 145). Ontogenetic allometry and the body composition technique were used to quantitatively describe growth patterns. Although adult males were significantly larger than adult females in total body mass (TBM) and total length, overall patterns of growth were remarkably similar between sexes. The integument, locomotor muscle, and vertebral column together represented 50%–58% of TBM across all life history categories, although their relative contributions varied ontogenetically. Young dolphins invested the greatest percentage of TBM in integument, while locomotor muscle was the single largest body component in adults. In both sexes (1) most muscle groups displayed positive allometry, (2) most skeletal elements displayed negative allometric or isometric growth, (3) most abdominal viscera associated with digestion displayed positive allometry, and (4) the brain displayed negative allometric growth. Reproductive tissues exhibited the highest rates of growth in both sexes, and increased as a percentage of TBM with maturity. This study provides an integrated view of bottlenose dolphin growth and a quantitative baseline of body composition for future monitoring of this sentinel species of ecosystem health. This publication is available online: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12253/abstract Please contact me by email and I will be happy to send you a copy: sarahmallette(a)yahoo.com Best, Sarah Mallette

1 0

JNCC MMO and PAM Training: 11-15 January 2016, UK
by Sam Nichols 01 Jan '16

01 Jan '16

Seiche Training is offering its first 2016 training courses this January in the UK. *JNCC MMO* *11-12 January* *Devon, UK* Our JNCC-accredited course provides the skills needed to become a Marine Mammal Observer. Highest quality training both in the classroom and on board a vessel to allow delegates to gain experience with marine mammal identification while at sea. Certificate for offshore work awarded upon successful completion of course. *PAM Level 1* *13-15 January* *Devon, UK* Our PAM course provides the skills needed to become an offshore PAM operator. Run by Seiche's highly experienced team with thorough support material, interactive PAMGuard workshops and a boat session, this course will expand delegates' knowledge of acoustic monitoring and provide insight into industry requirements for environmental mitigation. Certificate for offshore work awarded upon successful completion of course. Please contact training(a)seiche.com for more information, modules and costs. Limited student discounts available on request and with full proof of student status.

1 0