December 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publications on common bottlenose dolphins in Brazilian waters
by Lucas Milmann 28 Dec '16

28 Dec '16

Dear MARMAM subscribers, We are pleased to announce two new publications on common bottlenose dolphins in Brazilian waters: 1) Milmann, L., Danilewicz, D., Machado, R., Santos, R.A. and Ott, P.H. (2016) Feeding ecology of the common bottlenose dolphin, *Tursiops truncatus*, in southern Brazil: analyzing its prey and the potential overlap with fisheries. *Brazilian Journal of Oceanography*, 64(4): 415-422. doi: 10.1590/s1679-87592016116406404 This article is full open access and available for download at the following link: https://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1679-87592016116406404 2) Milmann, L.C., Danilewicz, D., Baumgarten, J. and Ott, P.H. (2016) Temporal-spatial distribution of an island-based offshore population of common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in the equatorial Atlantic. Marine Mammal Science. doi:10.1111/mms.12380 *Abstract* A little-studied common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus*) population inhabits the offshore waters surrounding Saint Paul's Rocks, a Brazilian marine protected area in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean. Five field expeditions (May 2011–May 2013) were conducted to characterize the habitat use, population size, and site fidelity of this population. Three different survey methods were employed: line-transect surveys, land-based surveys, and photo-identification surveys. A population size of 23 individuals (19–28, CI 95%), which were present on most sampling days (>90% of surveys), was estimated. The maximum resighting interval of photo-identified animals was 9 yr and 3 mo for five distinct individuals, based on data from nonsystematic efforts that have been ongoing since 2004. The dolphins exhibited strong site fidelity, as the minimum convex polygon (MCP, 95%) method revealed that they restricted their movements to a 0.5 km2 area across seasons and a 0.99 km2 area across years (95% kernel). The dolphins preferred shallow waters close to the archipelago (<1.2 km from the islands), especially on the eastern and southeastern sides, where oceanographic models have revealed persistent upwelling that may result from underwater currents and where food may be more predictably available. This article can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley. com/wol1/doi/10.1111/mms.12380/full Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly for any queries ( lcmilmann(a)gmail.com) Best wishes, Lucas Milmann --

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Circulation of Cetacean Morbillivirus in Itlay
by credima 28 Dec '16

28 Dec '16

Dear colleagues, With reference to the recent report of Circulation of Cetacean Morbillivirus in Striped Dolphins in the Western Mediterranean Coast (Catalonia) (Domingo, Sept. 21th 2016) the Italian Stranding Network underline the increase in the mortality rate among cetaceans in the Italian seas, which has been noted since July-August 2016, mainly in southern Italy, along the Ionian coastline. We would like to bring to your attention the results of diagnostic investigations for Dolphin Morbillivirus performed on stranded animals at national level. Considering the post mortem investigations performed by Istituti Zooprofilattici Sperimentali (IIZZSS), coordinated by the Italian reference center for diagnostic investigations on stranded marine mammals (C.Re.Di.Ma.) from the beginning of the year, a CeMV disease was diagnosed in 25 animals. Although part of the analysis is still ongoing, Dolphin Morbillivirus was detected by biomolecular assay in several tissues from all animals. Seven of these were also positive by IHC investigations. In some of them we observed histopathological lesions suggestive of morbillivirus infection, as we haven’t seen for many years. CeMV was reported several times during the last 9 years affecting several species (i.e. fin, sperm and beaked whales) (Mazzariol et al., 2016, Mazzariol et al., 2017; Centelleghe et al., in press) being constantly found in striped and bottlenose dolphins after the last mortality outbreak in 2013 in the Italian waters. The viral genome sequencing suggested the circulation of the same virus since the 2006-07 epidemic within the Mediterranean waters with very mild changes (Beffagna et al., in press). Despite these observations, our preliminary data in this very recent unusual mortality event support the hypothesis of a new circulation of CeMV causing death in the Ionian striped dolphin population. The phylogenetic analysis performed on the first two strains sequenced could support the presence of a branch clustered with the Portuguese and Galician strains (Bento al. 2016) and separated from the Mediterranean ones. We are grateful if other Mediterranean nations could share with us similar information, in order to get a punctual and more complete photography on what is going on. Cristina Casalone DMV Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le indagini diagnostiche sui Mammiferi Marini spiaggiati- C.Re.Di.Ma.- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta Via Bologna 148, 10154 TORINO - ITALIA Tel. +(39) 011 2686296 e-mail: credima(a)izsto.it<mailto:credima@izsto.it> cristina.casalone(a)izsto.it<mailto:cristina.casalone@izsto.it> www.izsto.it<http://www.izsto.it/>

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Blue Ocean Society- Summer Internships Available
by Dianna Schulte, Blue Ocean Society 27 Dec '16

27 Dec '16

Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation is accepting applications for Summer 2017 internship positions. Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation is a nonprofit organization based in Portsmouth, NH, USA with a mission to protect marine life in the Gulf of Maine through research, education and inspiring action. We achieve our goals primarily through our core programs which involve studying whales from commercial whale watch boats, collecting data on debris found during beach cleanups and offshore, and interacting with thousands of people each year during programs and events. Blue Ocean Society's Internship Program is structured and designed to provide undergraduates and recent post-grads with hands-on experience in the field of whale research, education and marine conservation. Interns will be directly involved in a variety of programs, including contributing to our long-term studies of several wild cetacean species (humpback, fin, minke whales, etc.) in the Gulf of Maine while working aboard commercial whale watching vessels departing from NH and northern MA. Interns will also assist with education through our outreach programs, beach cleanups and at our Blue Ocean Discovery Center in Hampton Beach, NH. Responsibilities: . Collect detailed data (environmental and behavioral) on local marine species and marine debris . Interact with program participants of all ages and backgrounds . Assist with beach cleanups and school/outreach programs . Educate visitors at our Blue Ocean Discovery Center . Enter data . Attend weekly meetings and lectures . Complete weekly reading assignments Qualifications: . Must possess a strong work ethic, have high attention to detail and the ability to work with limited supervision . Must be self-motivated, enthusiastic, friendly and able to talk to small groups . Must be 18 or older . Must have reliable transportation . Must be available on weekends and holidays . Must be available to start by May 24, 2017 Prior experience is not required and all training is provided. This is an unpaid position. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Those who can work full-time hours for at least 10 weeks will be given preference. Please visit http://www.blueoceansociety.org/about-uswho-we-are/work-with-us/internships/ for full Internship information and application instructions. Application deadline is March 1, 2017. Dianna Schulte Research and Intern Coordinator Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation Gov. John Langdon House 143 Pleasant Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 Office: 603-431-0260 Email: <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','dianna(a)blueoceansociety.org');> dianna(a)blueoceansociety.org Connect with us on social media! Facebook | <http://www.twitter.com/BlueOceanSoc> Twitter | Instagram

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LAST MINUTE CANCELLATION: intenship opportunity in Nicaragua
by Joëlle De Weerdt 27 Dec '16

27 Dec '16

Due to a last minute cancellation we have an open position for an internship as a research assistant on the cetacean conservation project of Nicaragua. *About ELI-Scientific* ELI-S is a nonprofit organization based in France that has been created in 2013. Our organization aims at promoting, protecting and conserving cetaceans. We have set up the research project ?Cetacean Conservation in Nicaragua?. ELI-Scientific is seeking one research assistants for field work, photo-identification and data entry from 23 of January to 23 of April 2017. This project aims to generate knowledge on cetacean presence, distribution and habitat use patterns. The Research Assistant will have a unique opportunity to participate on a pioneer research project under the supervision of experienced Team Leader and the Project Director. The expected output is to generate: 1) scientific data on cetaceans in Nicaragua, 2) environmental awareness to the local communities in order to create a socio-economic relevance in conserving and protecting their natural environment and 3) responsible eco-tourism. All team members will have a training beforehand on the field methodologies and protocols as well as on data management. *Locations: *Padre Ramos North-West of Nicaragua *Period: *January,23rd ? April, 23rd 2017 (3 months) *Type of agreement: *Full time. 1-2 Days off per week. Research assistants should expect to spend at least 4 days a week on the field and 1 day a week in working with data and should be willing and able to work a 5-6 days per week during the 12-week field study. *Duties:* - Assist in Boat based surveys in collecting data on cetaceans - Photo-identification of whale and dolphin species - Update photo-ID catalogue - Data entry of collected data - Participate to public outreach *Skills and qualifications:* - Bsc or Mc in biology / environmental sciences - Fluency in Spanish - Enthusiastic, conscientious and hard working - Have background in cetacean ecology, and at least one season of field work - Experience of working in developing countries - Experience in delivering educational activities - Proactive with ability to work unsupervised - Interest in wildlife and conservation - Being comfortable on a small boat - Excellent verbal and written communication skills - Being able to work in a small team - Being able to live in basic living conditions *Desirable skills :* - An interest and knowledge of marine life - A background in marine biology - Speaking English and French is a plus - Be able to swim *Successful candidate will:* - Gain valuable experience in cetacean survey techniques and behavioral studies - Work in a very dynamic environment - Get insight in running a research project in developing countries *Accommodation and expenses:* A participation fee of 500 euros/month will be asked to the assistant which covers accommodation, food expenses, travel to and from the airport, the membership to the organisation, 2 project t-shirts and a one week training on marine mammal identification and research methods. *To apply:* Please email a CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and motivations. Send this to joelle.deweerdt(a)eli-s.com with -Research assistant 2017- in the subject line. *Contact:* For further information and any queries, please contact Joelle De Weerdt, Project Director. Email: joelle.deweerdt(a)eli-s.com Tel: 0032 497 71 20 87

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UKIRSC Annual Student Conference - FINAL CALL FOR ABSTRACTS.
by Leticiaà Legat 27 Dec '16

27 Dec '16

This is the last week for abstract submission for the 2017 Conference from the UK and Ireland Student Chapter (UKIRSC) of the Society for Marine Mammalogy, taking place in Plymouth, from January 18th-20th. *Abstract deadline is 4th of January and registration deadline **is the 11th of January. * Our key note speakers this year are Dr. Iain Staniland, a marine mammal ecologist from the British Antarctic Survey, Abby Crosby, the Marine Conservation Officer from the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and Dr. Kimberely Bennett, a marine mammal physiologist and lecturer in biomedical science at Abertay University. In addition, Paul Cox, the Managing Director of the Shark Trust and a science communication specialist, will be hosting an interactive workshop on the importance of good science communication for conservation. For more info and to register, go to: http://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk /…/2017-conference-plymouth…/ <http://synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/ukrsc/2017-conference-plymouth-england/> N.B This conference is completely FREE Leticiaa Legat, Committee member for the UKIRSC. -- Leticiaa Legat, PhD Candidate Centre for Wildlife Conservation University of Cumbria, Lake District Campus Nook Lane, Ambleside Cumbria - UK LA22 9BB

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 27 Dec '16

27 Dec '16

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other psecies such as minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from May 1 - October 31, 2017. The minimum internship attendance in 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: · Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; · Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; · Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; · Collection of photo to photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2017 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina; · Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); · Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Albufeira; · Meals in restaurants and snacks; · Free time activities; · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); · Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 16; · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; · Be autonomous and flexible; · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; · Speak English; · Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Working experience on research vessels · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification · Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: * Applicants should fill up the online application at: http://www.aimmportugal.org/#!internship-aimm/cw7b After the confirmation e-mail, send your Resume/CV with updated photo and personal statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org with the subject “Internship 2017”. Applicants will be contacted to arrange internship dates and details. Applications will be accepted during all season, however, early application is recommended due to limited vacancies. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | André Cid -- AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association* w <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.pt/>ww.aimmportugal.org

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SEEKING RESEARCH ASSISTANTS FOR THE CETACEAN RESEARCH UNIT, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
by Valeria Senigaglia 26 Dec '16

26 Dec '16

Hello everyone, I am seeking THREE research volunteers from the 1st of January 2017. Volunteers will assist in the data collection of my PhD on the effects of food provisioning on bottlenose dolphins in Bunbury, Western Australia. The project is part of the South West Marine Research Program. Program: The South West Marine Research Program is a long-term, monitoring project on the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins of South West Australia. The program is based in Bunbury (south of Perth) and is a collaboration between Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit and numerous industry and non-profit partners. Previous research focused on dolphin population dynamics, abundance, social structure, habitat use, conservation, genetics and foraging ecology http://mucru.org/research-projects/south-west-marine-researchprogram/ PhD Outline: The project will explore the ecological consequences and socio-economic drivers of a food provisioning program of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in Bunbury, Western Australia. The feeding is conducted under a state license by Dolphin Discovery Center as part of their touristic offer. I will examine both the short- and long-term ecological consequences of food provisioning at both the individual and population level. Specifically, the project aims to determine potential effects of food provisioning on dolphin behavioral budgets, maternal care, home range sizes, reproductive success and social dynamics. Moreover, the project will also explore the satisfaction level and attitude towards food provisioning of staff and visitors. Ecological and socio-economic consequences of food provisioning will then inform management planning. Data on dolphin behavior will be collected from boat and from the beach where the food provisioning takes place. Additionally, questionnaires will be distributed to the visitors and staff of the Dolphin Discovery Centre. This experience will be most useful to students or anyone hoping to pursue a career in behavioral ecology, conservation and social science or marine science. http://mucru.org/our-research/group-members/valeria-senigaglia/ Office: Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, South West Marine Research Program office based at the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury. http://www.dolphindiscovery.com.au/ Duties: Behavioural data collection, spotting wildlife, boat driving, social science, photo identification Office: Data entry, fin matching, project organisation. Computer programs used for data are: FinBase, ACDSee, Microsoft Access, Excel and Word. Assistants should be adaptable and patient as fieldwork is highly weather dependent. Fieldwork will vary between weekdays and weekends and can be long hours and on consecutive days. Preferred skills/traits: 1. Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, animal behaviour or a related field. 2. Previous field experience with wildlife (field data collection, photoidentification, boat handling skills). 3. Be enthusiastic, team oriented and have a positive attitude as well as a genuine interest in wildlife science. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide monetary compensation or living provisions and research assistants will be responsible for their own travel to Western Australia and living expenses. Please note, the Bunbury backpackers and the Rosa Hotel provide good discounts for assistants of the Dolphin Discovery Centre. Moreover, additional help in finding shared accommodation can be provided. If you are interested in volunteering or interning, please provide a short CV and a cover letter to the attention of Valeria Senigaglia valeria.senigaglia(a)gmail.com Valeria Senigaglia PhD student, Cetacean Research Unit Murdoch University Australia valeria.senigaglia(a)gmail.com v.senigaglia(a)murdoch.edu

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new publication on the molt in bowhead whales
by olga shpak 24 Dec '16

24 Dec '16

Dear MARMAM readers, We are glad to announce a short publication on summer molt in the Okhotsk Sea bowhead whales in Doklady (Reports) of Russian Academy of Sciences, which will be followed by a full-size article some time soon: Summer Molting of Bowhead Whales Balaena mysticetus Linnaeus, 1758, of the Okhotsk Sea Population O. F. Chernova, O. V. Shpak, A. B. Kiladze, V. S. Azarova, and Corresponding Member of the RAS V. V. Rozhnov ISSN 0012-4966, Doklady Biological Sciences, 2016, Vol. 471, pp. 261–265. © Pleiades Publishing, Ltd., 2016.Original Russian Text © O.F. Chernova, O.V. Shpak, A.B. Kiladze, V.S. Azarova, V.V. Rozhnov, 2016, published in Doklady Akademii Nauk, 2016, Vol. 471, No. 2, pp. 245–249DOI: 10.1134/S0012496616060028 Abstract: In bowhead whales summering in Ulbanskiy Bay of the Okhotsk Sea, molting of epidermis has been found and histologically confirmed. The outer layer of the molting whale epidermis is longitudinallystratified and rejected in the form of relatively large plates up to several millimeters thick, each representing alamellar formation consisting of longitudinal rows of parakeratocytes with degenerated nuclei, numerous pigment granules, and lipid inclusions. Molting intensity is correlated with the level of proliferation and regeneration of all epidermal layers, which helps to maintain the optimal skin thickness If you would like to see a full-text pdf with illustrations, please send your request to Olga Shpak, ovshpak(a)gmail.com With best regards,Olga Shpak

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Huge Natura 2000 area proposed for the critically endangered Baltic harbour porpoise
by Mats Amundin 24 Dec '16

24 Dec '16

The Swedish Government protects a huge marine area for the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise In 2014, the EU LIFE-funded SAMBAH project, coordinated by Kolmarden Wildlife Park in Sweden, presented completely new information on the seasonal distribution and abundance of the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise. Recently, based on the SAMBAH results, a decision has been taken by the Swedish government to designate a large marine Natura 2000 area in the Baltic Proper for the harbor porpoise. With more than 1 million hectares this is the largest marine area ever proposed by Sweden as a Natura 2000 site, and it includes the major part of the most important breeding ground, which mainly is within Sweden's EEZ, for this critically endangered population. The harbour porpoise is the only cetacean species resident in the Baltic Sea. There are three separate harbour porpoise populations in the Baltic Sea Region, whereof the Baltic Proper population has decreased dramatically since the mid 1900's. In 2014, the SAMBAH project estimated that only approximately 500 animals now remain, and this population is in dire need of strict protection measures. The now designated Natura 2000 site is an important step towards securing the long-term survival of the Baltic Sea harbour porpoise. Facts on the SAMBAH project The SAMBAH project (www.sambah.org<http://www.sambah.org>) was funded by EU's LIFE+ program, and involved all EU countries around the Baltic Sea. Kolmården Wildlife Park was the international coordinator. SAMBAH was launched in 2010 and finished in September 2015. Since porpoises in the Baltic Sea are extremely scarce, they are virtually impossible to survey by traditional visual methods. Therefore SAMBAH employed a novel methodology, which was based on 300 fixed echolocation click detectors, spread in a systematic grid over the entire Baltic Sea. They collected data for two full years, from May 2011 until April 2013. Through advanced statistical algorithms, partly developed by the SAMBAH consortium, click data was converted to number of porpoises and distribution maps. The latter showed a summer cluster of porpoises on the offshore banks South of Gotland, which have now been designated to become a Natura 2000 area for the porpoises. Facts on Natura 2000 Natura 2000 (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/index_en.htm) is a network of protected nature in the EU. The network includes areas that are protected under the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) or the Birds Directive (the Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds). States first carry out comprehensive assessments of each of the habitat types and species present on their territory. This is what the Swedish Government now has done. It will then submit this in a list of other proposed Sites of Community Importance (pSCIs). Based on the proposals provided by the Member States, scientific seminars are convened for each bio-geographical region, to determine whether sufficient high-quality sites have been proposed by each Member State. Once the lists of Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) have been adopted, Member States must designate them as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), as soon as possible and within six years at most. They should give priority to those sites that are most threatened and/or most important for conservation and take the necessary management or restoration measures to ensure the favourable conservation status of sites during this period. The Commission updates the Union SCI Lists every year to ensure that any new sites proposed by Member States have a legal status Facts on the LIFE Programme The LIFE programme (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/about/index.htm) is the EU's funding instrument for the environment and climate action. The general objective of LIFE is to contribute to the implementation, updating and development of EU environmental and climate policy and legislation by co-financing projects with European added value. For further information, please contact Mats Amundin (mats.amundin(a)kolmarden.com<mailto:mats.amundin@kolmarden.com>). [cid:image001.png@01D25DD6.FCBA2D90] Mats Amundin, Ph.D. Senior Advisor, Zoology, Kolmarden Guest prof. Linkoping University Kolmården Wildlife Park SE-618 92 Kolmården 010-708 75 47 kolmarden.com<http://www.kolmarden.com/> [cid:image002.jpg@01D25DD6.FCBA2D90]<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbgEaBTUgF4> Wildfire. Premiere June 2016 - Click to take a ride!<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbgEaBTUgF4> Kolmården is a part of [cid:image003.png@01D25DD6.FCBA2D90]<http://www.parksandresorts.com/> Consider the environment before printing this email

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2017 Fin whale Project Research Assistant Program (Barcelona - Spain)
by edmaktub 23 Dec '16

23 Dec '16

*EDMAKTUB is looking**for team members and assistants for the 2017 Fin Whale Project on the coast of Barcelona* The EDMAKTUB Association is a non-profit organization that focuses on studying fin whales and the environmental conditions that attract them to feed along the coast between Barcelona and Tarragona. The area not only comprises whales, but many other species of cetaceans, seabirds, fishes and sea turtles. From mid-February to mid-June, the team collects information about their presence and behaviour, and collects biological and oceanographic samples. EDMAKTUB intends to promote to designate the Garraf Marine Area as MMPA (Marine Mammal Protected Areas), as well as to expand the knowledge of the largest whale species in the Mediterranean. More information about the initiative: http://www.edmaktub.org/en/fin-whale-project/ In order to complete its research team for the 2017 campaign, EDMAKTUB looks for two types of collaborators: 1) Researchers, 2) Research Assistants. Below you will find a description with requirements for each position. *__* *_1) RESEARCHERS _**- Graduates in biology, veterinary, marine sciences or other fields related to the study of the sea and cetaceans.* *Number of positions available*: 3 *Collaborating period*: 3 to 4months (with possibility to extend this term) *Incorporation in person: *15 February 2017 *(Virtual incorporation: *as soon as possible)** ** *Tasks to be developed:* . To prepare and participate in the marine campaigns. . To coordinate one of the research lines (download Dossier for Details: link below) . To assist in the logistical and organizational tasks of the Project ** *What do you get?* . To participate in all the activities developed within the Fin Whale Project, especially daily whale monitoring and observation. . A platform in which to gain field experience in the study of cetaceans . The possibility to develop your own research: such as an article for publication, an end-of-grade work or master's degree work. . Professional visibility in the field of cetacean research ** *What do we ask in return?* . Dedication and commitment . That you cover your accommodation and living expenses (from February to June in Vilanova i la Geltrú) ** *How to apply?* Send your detailed CV as well as a motivation letter in which you propose the line of research you want to develop and the ideas you have about it. It is essential to read the Fin Whale Project dossier (Link below) beforehand to find out about the available infrastructure and the studies that have been developed during the previous seasons. Link: http://www.edmaktub.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Fin-Whale-Project-Result… Spanish update for 2016: http://www.edmaktub.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Proyecto-Rorcual-Resulta… email: Info(a)edmaktub.org <mailto:Info@edmaktub.org> *__* *_2) RESEARCH ASSISTANTS _**--Graduates, students or other people wishing to acquire practical experience in the field study of sea and cetaceans* ** *Number of positions available*: 15 | *Participating period*: 7 days (one week to choose from mid-February to mid-June) *What do you get? * . To participate in all the activities developed by the Fin Whale Project, especially in the daily whale monitoring and observation. . Personal training and field experience in the study of cetaceans . To enjoy the sea and its marine life in a privileged environment that is the Barcelona coast (Coast of Garraf). *What do we ask in return? * . To collaborate financially to the project with a donation of 800 EUR which will be used to cover your accommodation and food during the seven days of the program. *How to apply? * Fill out the form on our website: http://www.edmaktub.org/en/fin-whale-project/research-assistants/ *__* ** *If you want to collaborate as a _VOLUNTEER_, please, take a look to our website:*http://www.edmaktub.org/en/volunteers/** *__*

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