November 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

River dolphin internships in the Brazilian Amazon
by Tony 08 Oct '19

08 Oct '19

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazon State, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak excellent Spanish, in addition to English. There can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria, and this is counter-productive. Please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 60 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially a harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking two people to commence work as soon as possible, and we would also like to hear from people available in mid-late 2016. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 600 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend (approx $150 US). Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. They must also have adequate medical insurance. Please do not apply unless you know that you can obtain the airfare to reach Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Internships offer the opportunity of a lifetime. They reward hard work and dedication with unique experiences and a chance to stand out from the crowd in subsequent applications for higher degrees and employment. Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience, especially in the use of photo-ID Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com) Closing date is 24 November 2015. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 4 days of the closing date, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 November latest.

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New publication: From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
by Joan Giménez Verdugo 01 Mar '19

01 Mar '19

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in "Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology": Giménez, J., Ramírez, F., Almunia, J., Forero, M. G., de Stephanis, R. (2016) From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 475:54-61. *Abstract:*One of the most common applications in isotopic ecology is the assessment of animal's assimilated diet through mass-balance mixing models. Its applicability relies on the use of accurate diet to tissue discrimination factors and turnover rates, which are known to vary as a function of several factors including taxon or tissue type. To date, few studies have assessed isotopic discrimination factors and turnover rates in cetacean species under controlled conditions. Previous experimental studies focused on blood, a difficult sample to obtain in the wild, or on a more appropriate tissue, the skin, but assessed in short experimental trials without arriving to the isotopic equilibrium. We carried out the longest controlled feeding experiment available (350 days) in bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in order to assess discrimination factors and turnover rates in skin. Animals' isotopic composition was first stabilized by maintaining individuals under an isotopically constant diet during 172 days. Afterwards, diet was shifted and maintained during 178 days to calculate isotopic discrimination and turnover rates. Estimates for isotopic discrimination factors were 1.01 ± 0.37‰ (mean ± sd) for *δ*13C and 1.57 ± 0.52‰ for *δ*15N. Half-life turnover rates were estimated to be 24.16 ± 8.19 days for carbon and 47.63 ± 19 days for nitrogen. This is the first time that applicable values are available to assess the diet of free ranging small cetaceans through stable isotope mixing model analysis. You can download the paper in: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098115300514 or visit my ResearchGate (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2) Kind Regards, Joan Giménez -- *Joan Giménez Verdugo* *PhD Student* *Severo Ochoa* Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC) Department of Conservation Biology Americo Vespucio Ave, s/n 41092 Sevilla (Spain) www.ebd.csic.es --- Research Gate: Joan Giménez <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2> Phone: +34 619 176 849 ü Please consider the environment before printing this E-mail

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JNCC MMO (UK) and BOEM PSO (Gulf of Mexico) Training Courses
by Alison Gill 13 Nov '17

13 Nov '17

Intelligent Ocean Ltd (http://www.intelligentocean.com/) is running the following training courses in January in Kings Lynn, UK for which we have spaces available. Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Training for UK - 21st January 2016 - £130 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Protected Species Observer (PSO) Training for Gulf of Mexico, USA - 22nd January 2016 - £60 (when taken in conjunction with the JNCC MMO course). To book a place please use our online booking system at this link http://www.intelligentocean.com/booking.php Alison Gill Intelligent Ocean Ltd www.intelligentocean.com

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Announcement of the Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, 26-29 March 2015
by Laela Sayigh 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Dear colleagues, This message is to announce the upcoming Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, to be held 26-29 March 2015 in Massachusetts (location TBA). This symposium will consist of a combination of invited and contributed presentations on all aspects of marine mammal bioacoustics, including communication, echolocation, hearing, methods in marine mammal bioacoustics, effects of noise on marine mammals, and bioacoustics as a tool in marine mammal conservation. There will also be a session on Bill Watkins' legacy to marine mammal bioacoustics. Further announcements will follow with more specifics, but registration and abstract submissions are expected to commence in the fall of 2014. For more information, contact Laela Sayigh, lsayigh(a)whoi.edu.

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Wild Lens- Vaquita Resource Awareness Film
by Sean Bogle 12 Apr '17

12 Apr '17

Good day MARMAMers, We are a non-profit wildlife documentary film organization called Wild Lens, wildlensinc.org <http://wildlensinc.org/>. We have just released two language versions of our short film about the vaquita porpoise which is the most endangered marine mammal on the planet. Our film documents the struggle to save the vaquita from extinction. The purpose of this short film is to engage people about the vaquitas story while we now focus on a 30 minute film for television. We also will release a full feature film in 2018 as we document the occurrences during the two year gillnet ban in the Upper Gulf of California that the Mexican government has implemented to stop illegal fishing and the extinction of the vaquita. The videos are for everyone to use as an awareness tool, so please use it on your websites, presentations or anywhere where people can learn and get involved to save the vaquita. We want the vaquita to be the symbol of hope for all species on this planet. It will take the international community’s involvement to really have a positive impact on this issue and other issues facing our natural environment. To learn more about our project visit: vaquitafilm.com <http://vaquitafilm.com/> Below are two language version which we just released: English Version: vimeo.com/wildlens/vaquita <http://vimeo.com/wildlens/vaquita> Spanish Version: https://vimeo.com/166899979 <https://vimeo.com/166899979> If there are any questions or concerns please contact me at sean(a)wildlensinc.org. Viva Vaquita! Sean Sean Bogle, Project Director Eyes on Conservation Wild Lens, Inc. Cell: 435.790.9593 Office:208.297.6536 ext.502 wildlensinc.org <http://www.wildlensinc.org/> <http://wildlensinc.org/film-projects/eyes-on-conservation/> <http://www.wildlensinc.org/eyes-on-conservation.html> <http://www.wildlensinc.org/eyes-on-conservation.html> <http://wildlensinc.org/> <http://wildlensinc.org/> <https://www.facebook.com/WildLensInc> <https://twitter.com/WildLensInc> <https://www.youtube.com/user/WildLensInc> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens>

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Northcoast Marine Mammal Center Internship Announcement 2017
by Karen Helms 30 Dec '16

30 Dec '16

Northcoast Marine Mammal Center Internship Announcement 2017 The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center is seeking applicants for internships working with stranded Marine Mammals. These positions are unpaid and no housing is provided. We have several openings for internships in spring, Summer and fall. Applicants will be living and working in Crescent City, CA. Program Description: The Northcoast Marne Mammal Center is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammal behavior. 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 (intake duties, feed preparations, medical charting, medicine administration, pen cleaning and other animal husbandry duties as needed) for on-site patients. The fall internship will focus mostly on administrative, event planning and fundraising responsibilities with less than 20% animal care. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants 21 years of age or older, with a devoted interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. 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 will include weekends and holidays. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for obtaining housing. Interns must also have transportation as they are required to be on call for rescues. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge. 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 volunteer(a)northcoastmmc.org<mailto:volunteer@northcoastmmc.org> There may be some flexibility on the start date of each term, please indicate your desired start date in the cover letter. All internships are a minimum of 3 months. Season 2017 Internship Term Application deadline Spring March 1st - May 31st January 1st 2017 Summer June 1st - August 31st March 1st 2017 Fall* August 1st - October 31st. March 1st 2017 * Note - fall internship focuses primarily on administrative, event planning and fundraising responsibilities with less than 20% animal care duties.

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[MARMAM] ModelBaseMultivariateAnalysisOfAbundance(presence/absence)DataUsingR.Jan16-20.London
by Oliver Hooker 30 Nov '16

30 Nov '16

'Model base multivariate analysis of abundance (presence/absence) data using R' Delivered by Prof. David Warton, Melbourne University http://www.prstatistics.com/course/model-base-multivariate-analysis-of-abun… This course will run from 16th – 20th January 2017 at Juniper Hall Field Station, Dorking, Surrey, just south of London, England. OVERVIEW This course will provide an introduction to modern multivariate techniques, with a special focus on the analysis of abundance or presence/absence data. Multivariate analysis in ecology has been changing rapidly in recent years, with a focus now on formulating a statistical model to capture key properties of the observed data, rather than transformation of data using a dissimilarity-based framework. In recent years, model-based techniques have been developed for hypothesis testing, identifying indicator species, ordination, clustering, predictive modelling, and use of species traits as predictors to explain interspecific variation in environmental response. These techniques are more interpretable than alternatives, have better statistical properties, and can be used to address new problems, such as the prediction of a species’ spatial distribution from its traits alone making this course suitable for those researching marine mammal spatial data. INTENDED AUDIENCE PhD students, research postgraduates, and practicing academics as well as persons in industry working with multivariate data, especially when recorded as presence/absences or some measure of abundance (counts, biomass, % cover, etc). Course content is as follows Day 1: Revision of (univariate) regression analysis o Revision of key “Stat 101” messages, the linear model, generalised linear model and linear mixed model. o Main packages: lme4. Day 2: Computer-intensive inference and multiple responses o The parametric bootstrap, permutation tests and the bootstrap, model selection, classical multivariate analysis, allometric line fitting. o Main packages: lme4, mvabund, glmnet, smatr. Day 3: Multivariate abundance data o Key properties, hypothesis testing, indicator species, compositional analysis, non-standard models. o Main packages: mvabund. Day 4: Explaining cross-species patterns o Classifying species based on environmental response, species traits as predictors, studying species interactions. o Main packages: Speciesmix, mvabund, lme4. Day 5: Model-based ordination and inference o Latent variable models for ordination, model-based inference for fourth corner models. o Main packages: boral, mvabund. Please email any inquiries to oliverhooker(a)prstatistics.com or visit our website www.prstatistics.com Please feel free to distribute this material anywhere you feel is suitable Upcoming courses - email for details oliverhooker(a)prstatistics.com 1. MODEL BASED MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF ECOLOGICAL DATA USING R (January 2017) http://www.prstatistics.com/course/model-base-multivariate-analysis-of-abun… 2. ADVANCED PYTHON FOR BIOLOGISTS (February 2017) http://www.prstatistics.com/course/advanced-python-biologists-apyb01/ 3. STABLE ISOTOPE MIXING MODELS USING SIAR, SIBER AND MIXSIAR USING R (February 2017) http://www.prstatistics.com/course/stable-isotope-mixing-models-using-r-sim… 4. NETWORK ANAYLSIS FOR ECOLOGISTS USING R (March 2017) http://www.prstatistics.com/course/network-analysis-ecologists-ntwa01/ 5. ADVANCES IN MULTIVAIRAITE ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL ECOLOGICAL DATA (April 2017) http://www.prstatistics.com/course/advances-in-spatial-analysis-of-multivar… 6. INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS AND R FOR BIOLOGISTS (April 2017) http://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-statistics-and-r-for-bio… 7. ADVANCING IN STATISTICAL MODELLING USING R (April 2017) http://www.prstatistics.com/course/advancing-statistical-modelling-using-r-… 8. INTRODUCTION TO BAYESIAN HIERARCHICAL MODELLING (May 2017) http://www.prstatistics.com/course/introduction-to-bayesian-hierarchical-mo… 9. MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL ECOLOGICAL DATA (June 2017) 10. GEOMETRIC MORPHOMETRICS USING R (June) http://www.prstatistics.com/course/geometric-morphometrics-using-r-gmmr01/ 11. BIOINFORMATICS FOR GENETICISTS AND BIOLOGISTS (July 2017) http://www.prstatistics.com/course/bioinformatics-for-geneticists-and-biolo… 12. INTRODUCTION TO METHODS FOR REMOTE SENSING (July 2017) 13. SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF ECOLOGICAL DATA USING R (August 2017) http://www.prstatistics.com/course/spatial-analysis-ecological-data-using-r… 14. ECOLOGICAL NICHE MODELLING (October 2017) 15. GENETIC DATA ANALYSIS USING R (October TBC) 16. INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON FOR BIOLOGISTS (October TBC) 17. INTRODUCTION TO BIOINFORMATICS USING LINUX (October TBC) 18. LANDSCAPE (POPULATION) GENETIC DATA ANALYSIS USING R (November TBC) 19. PHYLOGENETIC DATA ANALYSIS USING R (November TBC) 20. APPLIED BAYESIAN MODELLING FOR ECOLOGISTS AND EPIDEMIOLOGISTS (November 2017) 21. ADVANCING IN STATISTICAL MODELLING USING R (December 2017) Oliver Hooker PhD. PR statistics 3/1 128 Brunswick Street Glasgow G1 1TF +44 (0) 7966500340 www.prstatistics.com www.prstatistics.com/organiser/oliver-hooker/

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New paper on evolution of filter feeding in whales
by Felix Marx 29 Nov '16

29 Nov '16

Dear colleagues, please find below the abstract and link to our recently published, open access paper on suction feeding and the evolution of baleen-assisted filter feeding in whales: Marx, F. G., Hocking, D. P., Park, T., Ziegler, T., Evans, A.R. and Fitzgerald, E.M.G. 2016. Suction feeding preceded filtering in baleen whale evolution. Memoirs of Museum Victoria 75: 71-82 Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311107615_Suction_feeding_preceded… Abstract: The origin of baleen, the key adaptation of modern whales (Mysticeti), marks a profound yet poorly understood transition in vertebrate evolution, triggering the rise of the largest animals on Earth. Baleen is thought to have appeared in archaic tooth-bearing mysticetes during a transitional phase that combined raptorial feeding with incipient bulk filtering. Here we show that tooth wear in a new Late Oligocene mysticete belonging to the putatively transitional family Aetiocetidae is inconsistent with the presence of baleen, and instead indicative of suction feeding. Our findings suggest that baleen arose much closer to the origin of toothless mysticete whales than previously thought. In addition, they suggest an entirely new evolutionary scenario in which the transition from raptorial to baleen-assisted filter feeding was mediated by suction, thereby avoiding the problem of functional interference between teeth and the baleen rack. Kind regards, Felix Marx _____________________________ *Felix G. Marx* PhD Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow *Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium *Monash University, Melbourne, Australia *Museum Victoria, Melbourne, Australia Address: School of Biological Sciences, Monash University 18 Innovation Walk, VIC 3800, Australia Tel. +61 (0)3 9905 1190 (Monash University) or +61 (0)3 8341 7346 (Museum Victoria)

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Re-Opening of Winter/Spring 2017 Marine Mammal Research Internship
by Victoria Howard 29 Nov '16

29 Nov '16

*Winter/Spring 2017 Marine Mammal Research Internship* The IMMS Research Internship Program located in Gulfport, MS is designed as a way for students interested in a career in marine science to gain valuable research experience in a real-world setting. Interns will participate with multiple projects involving bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and diamondback terrapins. As an intern, you will be trained in all aspects of dolphin photo-id research, sea turtle satellite tracking, and other current research projects at IMMS. Interns will also participate in other operations at IMMS including stranding response, education, and animal care. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience in marine science research. Interns must: - Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. - Be available to work Mon-Fri and must be available for all boat trips. Some field days may fall on the weekends. - Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. - Produce high quality research efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. - *Principle Duties include*: data entry, searching and cataloging journal articles, learning all research protocols, cropping and sorting photo-id fin images, learning to use photo-id programs such as Darwin (fin matching software), and FinBase (Microsoft Access), boat based field research (21’ and 31’ boats), and learn how to use ArcGIS - *Secondary Duties involve*: Assisting with animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, and assisting with educational tours. - *Field days: *Interns must be able to spend many hours on the water and on shore in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Field days typically exceed eight hours and occur at least two or three times a week. Applicants must be 18 or older and must have a genuine interest in marine research. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in oceanography, marine science/biology, biology, or a related field. Previous research experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this Internship Program. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations. ******Deadline to Apply for the Winter/Spring Session (1/2/17 - 3/24/17 and 3/6/17 - 5/26/17) is December 15, 2016* *Please visit **http://imms.org/internship.php* <http://imms.org/internship.php>* for application and full details*

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Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust Volunteer Placements 2017
by Morven Russell 29 Nov '16

29 Nov '16

Dear All, Our Purpose: The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is the leading voice for the conservation of Hebridean cetaceans; dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotland's whales, dolphins and porpoises and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within local communities towards lasting conservation. About the Placement: HWDT operates a vital cetacean conservation programme in the Scottish Hebrides conducting research into the distribution, abundance and habitat use of cetaceans (and basking sharks). Our pioneering, locally based community engagement programme, educates decision makers of the future and inspires people to learn more about Scottish cetaceans and the marine environment. Programmes which are well established, running for over 20 years. Please <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbv5ohmAB6c> CLICK HERE to watch an informative short video about the 2017 placements. The Trust is recruiting five volunteers to assist with the delivery of the 2017 season. Based in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, all the placements will provide time aboard our research vessel, Silurian, experience delivering activities in the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Centre and provision for dedicated project work in the office. We are recruiting for a variety of positions, each with the opportunity to develop new skills and experience. Please follow the links for more details: - <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/stand_alone.asp?page=Community-Engagemen t.asp> Community Sightings Volunteer Placement - keen to pass on your passion for the marine environment and help enthuse the next generation? Do you like sharing information with the public? This is the placement for you. - <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/stand_alone.asp?page=Events-Media.asp> Events and Media Placement - do you have an interest in media production and promotion of events? Do you like engaging with the public? This is the placement for you. - <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/stand_alone.asp?page=Community-Sightings .asp> Community Sightings Placement - interested in gaining experience in delivering a citizen science programme? Do you want to develop our sightings records and understanding of local cetacean populations? This is the placement for you. - <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/stand_alone.asp?page=Photo-Identificatio n.asp> Photo Identification Placement - if you wish to gain experience in a fundamental cetacean research tool, this is the placement for you. Analyse images throughout the 2017 season; identify new individuals and record re-sightings of animals already in our catalogue. - <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/stand_alone.asp?page=Silurian-Support.as p> Research Vessel Support Placement - eager to learn what it takes to run a boat-based research programme? This placement is for you. We operate a unique citizen science programme aboard Silurian, get involved and help deliver a fantastic season! Information on how to apply can be found in the specific briefs through the links above. Closing date is 8th January at noon. If you are interested in applying for more than one placement please indicate which you'd like to apply for in your cover letter, ranking the positions in order of preference. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Skype interview in the week commencing 16th January. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Morven Russell, HWDTs Volunteer Coordinator, on volunteercoordinator(a)hwdt.org or 01688 302620. Kind regards, Morven Morven Russell Volunteer Coordinator Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust +44 (0)1688 302620 <http://www.hwdt.org> www.hwdt.org 28 Main Street Tobermory Isle of Mull Scotland PA75 6NU Please note my standard working days are Mon - Wed

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