January 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Directed behavioral study internship- Whale and Dolphin Conservation
by Monica Pepe 15 Jan '16

15 Jan '16

Directed behavioral study internship Whale and Dolphin Conservation, North America (NA), is located in Plymouth, Massachusetts and offers internships and field volunteer positions providing research, policy, education, and administration experience in working for an international non-profit organization. This behavioral study internship is a specialized intern position to assist in data gathering for a project examining the behavioral ecology and foraging strategies of humpback whales in the Gulf of Maine. Successful applicants will become proficient at literature review processes, defining and piloting field data collection techniques, and reviewing archival data, as well as gaining experience with educational outreach for the conservation of marine mammals. We are currently accepting applications for one available position beginning in early May, 2016. The deadline to submit an application is Sunday, February 24th. Background information This project provides an opportunity for the candidate to be exposed to the bridge between research and conservation of protected species and gain an understanding of skills 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. This internship will assist in data gathering for a WDC project to investigate the transmission of social information through the well-studied humpback whale population in the Gulf of Maine. This is a population of fewer than 1,000 whales currently listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. In addition, the intern will explore opportunities for collecting data on persistent individual behavioral differences in foraging techniques between whales. A portion of the project will involve data collection conducted on board platforms of opportunity. Opportunities will also be available to gain wider experience across the work of our North American office, from administration to 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, contributing to WDC campaigns, and attending workshops/conferences, though these are not guaranteed opportunities. There is no fee or compensation for this internship position. 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. Assistance can be provided in finding alternate housing at the request of the applicant, and those that can provide their own housing are encouraged to apply. WDC is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university. The successful applicant will dedicate between 3-6 months for this full-time position.. 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. * Experience gathering large whale behavioral observations in a field setting is strongly preferred How to Apply Please submit the following via e-mail to monica.pepe(a)whales.org<mailto:monica.pepe@whales.org>: 1. Cover letter and Resume 2. Contact information for two references including e-mail and phone numbers 3. A supporting document of no more than 500 words answering the following: Choosing only one, would you define whaling more primarily as a welfare or conservation issue, and why? We are currently accepting applications for one available position beginning in early May, 2016. The deadline to submit an application is Sunday, February 24th. Applicants should make sure their email subject reads "Directed behavioral study internship", and that 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/USCelebra…]<https://us.whales.org/Happy-10-year> ________________________________ 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. WDC, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: +1 (508) 746-2522 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. ________________________________

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Announcement: Workshop on Antrhopogenic threats to marine mammals of the Mediterranean area, 30th ECS, Funchal, Madeira, March 2016
by Annalisa Zaccaroni 15 Jan '16

15 Jan '16

Dear MARMAM list members, The following workshop, organized by Univeristy of Bologna and Thesis Institution will be held at the forthcoming ECS Conference in Funchal - Madeira, on Sunday, 13th March (whole day): Antrhopogenic threats to marine mammals of the Mediterranean area. The workshop is aimed at reviewing the current state of knowledge on threats to the marine mammals of the Mediterranean Sea, putting together experts on pathology, acoustics, toxicology and population monitoring. Summary: The Mediterranean Sea is a particular, closed sea rich in marine biodiversity, marine mammals included. As well, it is one of the most crowded marine areas, and human impact on water quality and marine mammals' environment is enormous. Marine mammals have to cope with increasing pollution, high naval traffic, noise pollution, pathogens, which can increase their risk of extinction. The workshop is aimed at reviewing the current state of knowledge on threats to the marine mammals of the Mediterranean Sea, putting together experts on pathology, acoustics, toxicology and population monitoring. The workshop will turn the focus of the discussion from a single research topic (e.g. toxicology, pathology, etc.) to the whole environment marine mammals live in, to get to a more complete scenario of threats, of present knowledge and of research gaps that require attention. The outcomes of the workshop will allow the identification of future conservation and management issues, e.g. in relation to naval disturb, habitat disruptions, pollution. The day will comprise of some specialist presentations focused on each potential threat to marine mammals, and of a second sessions during which researches will be presented. Contributions from young researchers will be encouraged, as well as the presence and participation of students. It is an open workshop and will allow a maximum of 40 participants. More information about the workshop at: http://europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/workshops-0#Anthropogenic threats to marine mammals of the Mediterranean area. Further details with a programme will be sent closer to the date of theworkshop to those who have registered to attend. Best regards Dr. Annalisa Zaccaroni Dept. Veterinary Medical Sciences University of Bologna Viale Vespucci 2 Cesenatico (FC) 47042 tel. +39 0547 338944 fax +39 0547 338941 mobile +39 347 5951709 annalisa.zaccaroni(a)unibo.it<mailto:annalisa.zaccaroni@unibo.it>

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Marine Mammal Center Winter Stranding Internship
by Laura Chapman 15 Jan '16

15 Jan '16

RESCUE/STRANDING DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT - 2016 The Rescue Department of The Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for internships working with stranded pinnipeds, cetaceans and sea otters. These positions are unpaid and no housing is provided. We have up to two openings for internships starting in February 2016 which we are hoping to fill as soon as possible. Applicants must be willing to work at either the Monterey Bay Operation in Moss Landing or the Main Hospital in Sausalito. Program Description: The Rescue Department Internship is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammal behavior and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Interns will be responsible for answering the animal hotline and rotating the after-hours on-call. Interns will coordinate rescue and triage response throughout the Center's over 600-mile rescue range. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues, releases and other field responses as available. In addition, interns will be required to assist in other departments and with animal care duties (feed preparations, medical charting, and pen cleaning) for on-site pinnipeds. Other duties may include: participation in training classes, data entry and tracking, maintaining rescue equipment and assorted miscellaneous tasks. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants 21 years of age or older, with an avid interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 3 months, 5 days a week, at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and may include weekends and holidays. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for obtaining housing and transportation. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge with programs such as Word, Access, and Excel. This internship position involves a fair amount of physical activity, such as: lifting, restraining and moving animals. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a résumé that includes the names of three references, and a cover letter detailing interests, experience, housing accommodations, start date and availability. Please forward all application materials electronically to intern(a)tmmc.org<mailto:intern@tmmc.org>. There is some flexibility on the start date of the position, however please indicate your desired start date in the cover letter. Internship Period Application Deadline Interviews Notification of acceptance by Approximate Internship Time Winter January 22nd, 2016 January 25th-28th, 2016 January 29th, 2016 February - May 2016 The Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit hospital dedicated to the rescue and release of sick, injured or orphaned marine mammals, and to research about their health and diseases. Volunteers and staff have responded to more than 18,500 sea lions, seals, dolphins, porpoises, and other marine life. The Center uniquely combines its rehabilitation program with scientific discovery and education programs to advance the understanding of marine mammal health, ocean health and conservation. For more information, please visit our website at www.marinemammalcenter.org<http://www.marinemammalcenter.org>.

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SEAMAMMS 2016!
by Perrtree, Robin 15 Jan '16

15 Jan '16

The 2016 Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Marine Mammal Symposium (SEAMAMMS) will take place April 1-3, 2016 in Savannah, GA and will be hosted by Savannah State University and The Dolphin Project. Abstracts are due Monday, February 8th, please see the website for additional information. Early Registration will end on March 11th. We encourage everyone to register early. The 2016 SEAMAMMS website is now up with more details to be added soon. For meeting details, information on abstract submission and to register please visit: http://www.savannahstate.edu/cost/mar-env-science/SEAMAMMS/index.shtml SEAMAMMS is a regional, student-oriented, scientific marine mammal meeting. Preference will be given to marine mammal research conducted in the mid-Atlantic and southeast US or conducted by students in the same region. Other topics will be considered as space is available. If you have additional questions that are not addressed on the website please e-mail seamamms2016(a)gmail.com<mailto:seamamms2016@gmail.com>. We hope to see you in April! Robin Perrtree, Tara Cox, and Peach Hubbard Robin Perrtree SSUDS Lab Manager Marine Sciences Technician Savannah State University Office: Harris Hall 103 912-358-3301 (office)

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Opportunity to participate in the Blue World Institute Eco-volunteering program (summer 2016)
by tihana vučur 15 Jan '16

15 Jan '16

Opportunity to participate in the Blue World Institute Eco-volunteering program (summer 2016) Blue World Institute is an NGO that runs the Adriatic Dolphin Project for over 20 years. The aim of the project is research on population ecology, genetics, acoustics and habitats of bottlenose dolphins and other Cetacean species of the Adriatic. Within this project the Blue World Institute conducts an Eco-volunteering program for highly motivated individuals who come to join the research and provide great help in data collecting and analysis throughout the season. During the course period, Eco-volunteers are being educated in cetacean biology, marine conservation and scientific research techniques by the resident researchers. The funding received from Eco-volunteers is important for further research and conservation in the Adriatic Sea. Those interested can find more information on our web site http://www.blue-world.org/en/get-involved/volunteer/ or contact volunteer coordinator Tihana Vučur via e-mail tihana.vucur(a)blue-world.org Best regards, Tihana Vučur Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation Kastel 24 Veli Lošinj Croatia *tihana.vucur(a)blue-world.org <tihana.vucur(a)blue-world.org>* mob. *+385 91 211 2226* www.blue-world.org

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Bio-Waves Passive Acoustic Technology Training Course, April 2016
by Julie Oswald 14 Jan '16

14 Jan '16

Bio-Waves, Inc. is pleased to announce that registration (www.bio-waves.com) is now open for our Passive Acoustic Technology training course, scheduled to occur *Monday, April 18th through Friday April 22nd, 2016*. This five day course combines lectures covering concepts, theory and methods with hands-on hardware demonstrations and computer training. The aim of the course is to give participants a working knowledge of passive acoustic hardware, software, and methods used to study and monitor marine mammals. The training course will familiarize individuals with passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) equipment and best practices, as well as offer instruction for troubleshooting and field repairs. We will teach the basic skills required to prepare individuals for work as passive acoustic field and post processing technicians. We will cover methods used for research as well as mitigation and monitoring. This course will be held at the University of California, San Diego Supercomputer Center in La Jolla, California. The training course will include the following: - An introduction to the physics of underwater sound (lectures) - An introduction to marine mammal acoustics (lectures) - An introduction to PAM hardware such as hydrophones, sonobuoys and autonomous recorders (lectures and demo) - Instruction on the design, setup, troubleshooting and repair of towed hydrophone array systems (Demo and hands-on training) - Training in software used to detect, localize, and classify sounds produced by marine mammals (lectures, computer laboratory work and demos) - Training in software used to review and post-process acoustic data (lectures and computer laboratory work) - Lectures on the role of passive acoustic methods in mitigation and marine mammal monitoring - Lectures on best practices for effective acoustic data collection and management - Guest lectures from subject area experts (e.g., scientists from local research institutes such as UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography) At the conclusion of the course, participants will have gained a working knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of passive acoustic system design, operation, and maintenance. They will have had hands-on experience with a variety of software programs commonly used during real-time field operations and for data review and analysis. Additionally, participants will have performed specific tasks (e.g. repairing cables, troubleshooting acoustic systems etc.), and will receive a set of materials for reference in the field. For those participants who are interested, we are pleased to offer course credit for the training course through the University of California, San Diego's Extension Program. Four quarter units are available via a separate UCSD application and fees. To register or obtain more information about the course please visit *www.bio-waves.com <http://www.bio-waves.com>* and click on the "*Passive Acoustic Technology Training Course*" button on the bottom of the main page. A $300 non-refundable deposit towards the $1,575 total fee will be required to secure your position in the course. This cost includes a light breakfast and catered lunch. Early registration ends on *Friday March 18th *after which a $100 late registration fee will be applied to the total. Limited space is available at a discounted rate of $1,400 for groups of two or more or graduate students; discounts are available on a first come, first served basis. Also, while lodging is not available on UCSD campus, we have a list of local hotels, some of which provide discounts if attending events on campus, and will assist in coordinating room and ride share between registrants via email prior to the training. Please contact education(a)bio-waves.net with any questions. We look forward to seeing you this coming spring!

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New publications Australian humpback dolphins
by Guido Parra Vergara 14 Jan '16

14 Jan '16

Dear colleagues On behalf of myself and my co-authors, I am pleased to announce three new articles on the biology and conservation of Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis): * Parra GJ, Cagnazzi D (2016) Chapter Seven - Conservation Status of the Australian Humpback Dolphin (Sousa sahulensis) Using the IUCN Red List Criteria. In: Advances in Marine Biology (eds. Thomas AJ, Barbara EC), pp. 157-192. Academic Press. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/bs.amb.2015.07.006 Abstract Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis) were recently described as a new species endemic to northern Australia and potentially southern New Guinea. We assessed the species conservation status against IUCN Red List Criteria using available information on their biology, ecology and threatening processes. Knowledge of population sizes and trends across the species range is lacking. Recent genetic studies indicate Australian humpback dolphins live in small and relatively isolated populations with limited gene flow among them. The available abundance estimates range from 14 to 207 individuals and no population studied to date is estimated to contain more than 104 mature individuals. The Potential Biological Removal method indicates populations are vulnerable to even low rates of anthropogenic mortality. Habitat degradation and loss is ongoing and expected to increase across the species range in Australia, and a continuing decline in the number of mature individuals is anticipated. Considering the available evidence and following a precautionary approach, we considered this species as Vulnerable under IUCN criterion C2a(i) because the total number of mature individuals is plausibly fewer than 10,000, an inferred continuing decline due to cumulative impacts, and each of the populations studied to date is estimated to contain fewer than 1000 mature individuals. Ongoing research efforts and recently developed research strategies and priorities will provide valuable information towards the future conservation and management of Australian humpback dolphins. * Hanf DM, Hunt T, Parra GJ (2016) Chapter Eight - Humpback Dolphins of Western Australia: A Review of Current Knowledge and Recommendations for Future Management. In: Advances in Marine Biology (eds. Thomas AJ, Barbara EC), pp. 193-218. Academic Press. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/bs.amb.2015.07.004 Abstract Among the many cetacean species that occupy Australian coastal waters, Australian humpback dolphins, Sousa sahulensis, are one of the most vulnerable to extirpation due to human activities. This review summarises the existing knowledge, presently occurring and planned research projects, and current conservation measures for humpback dolphins in Western Australia (WA). Rapid and wide-scale coastal development along the northern WA coastline has occurred despite a lack of baseline data for inshore dolphins and, therefore, without a precautionary approach to their conservation. The distribution, abundance, habitat use, and population structure of humpback dolphins remain poorly understood. Less than 1% of their inferred distribution has so far been studied to understand local population demography. The sparse data available suggest that WA humpback dolphins occur as localised populations in low numbers within a range of inshore habitats, including both clear and turbid coastal waters. Marine protected areas cover a third of their inferred distribution in WA, but the efficacy of these reserves in protecting local cetacean populations is unknown. There is a pressing need for coordination and collaboration among scientists, government agencies, industry bodies, Traditional Owners, and local community groups to fill in the gaps of information on humpback dolphins in WA. The recently developed strategies and sampling guidelines developed by state and federal governments should serve as a best practise standard for collection of data aimed at assessing the conservation status of humpback dolphins in WA and Australia. * Brown AM, Bejder L, Parra GJ, et al. (2016) Chapter Ten - Sexual Dimorphism and Geographic Variation in Dorsal Fin Features of Australian Humpback Dolphins, Sousa sahulensis. In: Advances in Marine Biology (eds. Thomas AJ, Barbara EC), pp. 273-314. Academic Press. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/bs.amb.2015.08.002 Abstract Determining the sex of free-ranging cetaceans can be challenging. Sexual dimorphism among external features may allow inferences on sex, but such patterns may be difficult to detect and are often confounded by age and geographic variation. Dorsal fin images of 107 female and 54 male Australian humpback dolphins, Sousa sahulensis, from Western Australia (WA) and Queensland (QLD) were used to investigate sex, age and geographic differences in colouration, height/length quotient and number of notches. Adult males exhibited more dorsal fin notches (p < 0.001) and a significantly greater loss of pigmentation on the upper half of their dorsal fins (p < 0.001) than did adult females. These differences likely reflect that males experience a higher frequency and/or intensity of intraspecific aggression than females. In QLD, heavily spotted dorsal fins were more frequent among females than males (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analyses revealed that dorsal fin spotting and loss of pigmentation on the upper half of the dorsal fin provided the best model parameters for predicting the sex of sampled adults, with 97% accuracy. This technique offers a rapid, non-invasive method for predicting sex in Australian humpback dolphins, which could potentially be applied to populations throughout their range. In contrast to adults, presumed immature animals showed little or no loss of pigmentation or spotting; however, the rate of development of these features remains unknown. There were pronounced differences between QLD and WA in the intensity of spotting on dorsal fins and the extent of pigmentation loss around the posterior insertion and trailing edge of the dorsal fin. While based on a limited sample size, these geographic differences may have conservation implications in terms of population subdivision and should be investigated further. Articles available at links above or email: guido.parra(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:guido.parra@flinders.edu.au> All the best, Guido ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Guido J. Parra, PhD Senior Lecturer | School of Biological Sciences Flinders University * Staff: http://www.flinders.edu.au/people/guido.parra Research leader | Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL) * Lab: www.cebel.org.au<http://www.cebel.org.au/> School of Biological Sciences Flinders University Sturt Road, Bedford Park 5042 SA, Adelaide GPO Box 2100 Adelaide, SA 5001 Australia * +61 8 8201 3565|0437639843|* guido.parra(a)flinders.edu.au<mailto:guido.parra@flinders.edu.au> [cid:image002.png@01D14F71.5A7F83A0]<http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Guido_Parra> [cid:image004.png@01D14F71.5A7F83A0] <https://www.facebook.com/CEBELresearch> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ P Please consider the environment before printing this email CRICOS Registered Provider. The Flinders University of South Australia|CRICOS provider Number: 00114A

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review of communication masking in marine mammals
by C Erbe 14 Jan '16

14 Jan '16

Happy new year, folks. The below article might be of interest to some. It’s a review of masking in marine mammals, including a summary of all available audiogram data, critical ratios and bandwidths for all marine mammal species. C. Erbe, C. Reichmuth, K. C. Cunningham, K. Lucke and R. J. Dooling, "Communication masking in marine mammals: A review and research strategy," Marine Pollution Bulletin (2016). doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.12.007 Underwater noise, whether of natural or anthropogenic origin, has the ability to interfere with the way in which marine mammals receive acoustic signals (i.e., for communication, social interaction, foraging, navigation, etc.). This phenomenon, termed auditory masking, has been well studied in humans and terrestrial vertebrates (in particular birds), but less so in marine mammals. Anthropogenic underwater noise seems to be increasing in parts of the world’s oceans and concerns about associated bioacoustic effects, including masking, are growing. In this article, we review our understanding of masking in marine mammals, summarise data on marine mammal hearing as they relate to masking (including audiograms, critical ratios, critical bandwidths, and auditory integration times), discuss masking release processes of receivers (including comodulation masking release and spatial release from masking) and anti-masking strategies of signalers (e.g. Lombard effect), and set a research framework for improved assessment of potential masking in marine mammals. The article is open access and can be downloaded for free here: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X15302125 <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X15302125> Cheerio, Christine Christine Erbe Director | Centre for Marine Science & Technology Curtin University GPO Box U1987 Perth, Western Australia 6845 Web | http://cmst.curtin.edu.au <http://cmst.curtin.edu.au/>

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Announcement: Workshop on "Remote insular marine habitats: how important are these regions for oceanic cetacean populations", 30th ECS, Funchal, Madeira, March 2016
by ana dinis 14 Jan '16

14 Jan '16

Dear MARMAM list members, The following workshop, organized by theCIIMAR-Madeira/OOM will be held at the forthcoming ECS Conference in Funchal - Madeira, on Saturday, 12th March (half day,morning): “Remote insularmarine habitats: how important are these regions for oceanic cetaceanpopulations” Abstract Oceanic islands worldwide provide importanthabitat for a variety of cetacean species. Archipelagos like Madeira, Azores,the Canaries or Hawaii, are good examples of such habitats, each of them with25 or more species of odontocetes and mysticetes documented. Despite being openocean oligotrophic regions, the islands surrounding waters are known for theirbiological productivity that attracts many pelagic organisms. Moreover,island-associated communities similar to the ones found in continental coastalhabitats were identified in many of these archipelagos. Yet, little is knownabout the interaction of these individuals with the offshore communities andits significances for the sustainability of these populations. The purpose ofthis workshop is to bring together researchers conducting studies in similarenvironments to share knowledge for a better understanding of these uniquehabitats and what they represent for cetacean populations worldwide. We wouldlike to encourage researchers all over the world working in such regions tosubmit talks resuming their studies in these cetacean populations. Theworkshop has a maximum of 25 participants and a participation fee of €15.Anyone interested in participating or offering a talk, please contact: ana.dinis(a)ciimarmadeira.org or filipe.alves(a)ciimarmadeira.org Moreinformation about the workshop at: http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/workshops-0. Further details with a programme will be sent closer to the date of theworkshop to those who have registered to attend. Bestregards, Ana Dinis CIIMAR-Madeira, Madeira, Portugal Phone: +351 962785975 http://home.ciimarmadeira.org/index.php?page=anadinis

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Research and Outreach Assistants, Isle of Man
by jen adams 14 Jan '16

14 Jan '16

Good afternoon, Please could you post the following volunteer advert to the mailing list. Thank you Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch is a charity based on the Isle of Man working towards the conservation of cetaceans in Manx waters through research and education. We are currently recruiting full-time volunteer Marine Research and Outreach Assistants for the 2016 season to work from Monday 2nd May to Friday 2nd September. Please only apply if you can commit to the full length of the placement. This vacancy is suitable for those with no previous experience or qualifications. The deadline is 7th February 2016. Manx territorial waters are home to 5 local species of cetacean and are of particular importance to Risso's dolphins. The majority of your time here will be split between four activities: land-based surveys, boat-based surveys, office tasks and public engagement. Land-based surveys are at the core of what we do and form the majority of the effort based data that we collect. Boat-based surveys take place on our research vessel “Girl Pat” whenever the sea state is good enough. These surveys allow us to calculate relative abundance of cetaceans and also are when we obtain the majority of our images for photo-identification. These surveys are usually the highlights of the summer and provide us with all of the offshore information currently known about cetaceans in Manx waters. The principal office activities you will participate in are data analysis and photo-identification. Extensive work is being done with our Risso's dolphin catalogue which you will help to collate. 2016 marks our 10 year anniversary and our first year as a registered charity. Our Outreach and Education Officer is looking to organise a number of public events to raise our profile and help raise funds. You will be have the opportunity to assist her in the development, advertising and running of these events. We also attend numerous small events such as carnivals and fun-days with our stall to talk to the public about our work. You may also have the opportunity to assist with children’s clubs and school visits. You will be living in a shared house along with the other members of staff and volunteers. Rent is £50 per week plus bills. This position is unpaid and volunteers will be expected to fund their own travel to the Isle of Man. We do not have a typical working week as we have to take advantage of good weather when it is available, however, we typically work five days per week including most weekends. To apply, please email us on manxwhaleanddolphinwatch(a)gmail.com with a copy of your CV and a covering letter explaining why you would like to come and volunteer with us. Please take a look at our website (www.mwdw.net) and find us on Facebook to learn more about our work and the species you can see here. -- Jen Adams Outreach Officer Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch www.mwdw.net Mobile: 07624 393 496

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