December 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

NMFS Marine Mammal vacancies in Seattle, WA and Long Beach, CA
by Penny Ruvelas - NOAA Federal 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

The NMFS West Coast Region is announcing multiple ZP-482 band 3 (GS 11/12 equivalent) Fish Biologist positions. This bundled announcement of multiple positions is posted at www.usajobs.gov. Search for announcement numbers NMFS-AOD-2017-0001 (current federal employees and other status applicants) and NMFS-AOD-2017-0002 (all qualified US citizens or nationals) or use the direct links below. This announcement includes positionsin our WCR area offices, SFD, and in the Protected Resources Division - the PRD positions will work on the conservation and recovery of marine mammals. The marine mammal positions will be located in Seattle, WA and Long Beach, CA. The people hired for these jobs will work in a team environment to conduct analyses and promote conservation actions to implement management and recovery of protected species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The jobs involve conducting consultations with other federal agencies under section 7 of the ESA to assess impacts to listed species and supporting other marine mammal conservation activities, such as reducing interactions with human activities/fisheries and supporting stranding networks. We're looking for applicants with knowledge of marine species ecology, biology and habitats, writing and verbal communication skills, and experience with management and conservation of marine mammals under the MMPA and ESA. If you're interested, please follow the directions in the announcement to submit your resume/transcripts and answer questions about your experience. *Applications are due by December 29, 2016 * *Job Announcement # NMFS-AOD-2017-0001* Link to MAP-Federal Announcement <https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/460020800/> *Job Announcement # **NMFS-AOD-2017-0002* Link to DE-Public Announcement <https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/460022900/> Questions during the application period can be directed to Lynne Barre (Seattle) at lynne.barre(a)noaa.gov or Penny Ruvelas (Long Beach, CA) at penny.ruvelas(a)noaa.gov. -- Penny Ruvelas Long Beach Office Branch Chief - Protected Resources Division NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region U.S. Department of Commerce Office:(562) 980-4197 Mobile: (562) 225-3453 penny.ruvelas(a)noaa.gov <first.last(a)noaa.gov> www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov

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New Publication: Using Genome-Wide SNPs to Detect Structure in High-Diversity and Low-Divergence Populations of Severely Impacted Eastern Tropical Pacific Spinner (Stenella longirostris) and Pantropical Spotted Dolphins (S. attenuata)
by Matthew S Leslie 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce a new publication in Frontiers in Marine Science: Using Genome-Wide SNPs to Detect Structure in High-Diversity and Low-Divergence Populations of Severely Impacted Eastern Tropical Pacific Spinner (Stenella longirostris) and Pantropical Spotted Dolphins (S. attenuata). Abstract: Millions of spinner (Stenella longirostris) and pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) died since the 1960's as bycatch in tuna nets in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Despite three decades of protection, they show little-to-no sign of recovery (although recent fisheries-independent abundance estimates are not available). In efforts to establish biologically meaningful management boundaries for recovery, endemic subspecies and multiple stocks have been proposed. However, genetic differentiation among most of these units has been difficult to identify, possibly due to low statistical power stemming from large historical abundances, ongoing gene flow, and recent divergence. We tested for genetic structure at multiple hierarchical levels by analyzing the largest dataset to date brought to bear on these questions. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were collected from nuclear DNA regions associated with the restriction enzyme site PstI from 72 spinner dolphins and 58 pantropical spotted dolphins using genotype-by-sequencing (GBS). Our results support the current subspecies for both species and indicate stock-level separation for Tres Marias spinner dolphins and the two offshore pantropical spotted dolphin stocks in this area. Although bycatch has been reduced to a small fraction of pre-protection levels, incidental mortality continues to impact these populations. Our results are important for the ongoing management and recovery of these highly-impacted pelagic dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The article is online available as open access at: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2016.00253/full <http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2016.00253/full> Kind regards, Matt =============================== Matthew S. Leslie Ph.D. Secretary G. Wayne Clough Postdoctoral Research Fellow (via the James Smithson Fellowship Program) National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution

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MARINE MAMMAL RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN CAPE VERDE, AFRICA
by AIMM Internships 19 Dec '16

19 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) and Boa Vista, Cape Verde. 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 Humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) and the rough-toothed (*Steno bredanensis*) although more than 14 species of cetacean were describe to the Cape Verde region. Sea turtle could be also find in the ocean, mostly the Green turtle (*Chelonia mydas*), Loggerhead turtle and Leatherback turtle (*Dermochelys coriacea*) AIMM Interns are 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. *WHERE:* Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde, África *WHEN:* The field season lasts from 1st of March to 31st of May, 2017. The minimum internship attendance is 14 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in an opportunistic platforms (commercial whale-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the whale-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of season, 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 photos to photo-identification 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. 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 with the title “Cape Verde Internship” *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina; · Fieldwork on a commercial whale-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde; · Meals / food; · 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 18; · 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 14 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 send an e-mail to interns(a)aimm-portugal.org, subject “*Cape Verde Internship*” with your Resume/CV, personal statement on which are your expectations and the period of time that you want do the internship. You will received an e-mail with the availability for the internship and all the others 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 |

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 19 Dec '16

19 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 |

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Mystic Aquarium Research Internships Jan-May 2017
by Freeman, Kathleen 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

Mystic Aquarium Research Internships Mystic, CT Unpaid Internship Description Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment with guidance from a mentor who is a member of our Research staff. Our Research team conducts research in many aspects of marine animal health, husbandry, and ecology. This is accomplished through detailed analysis of behavior, specimens, data records and a combination of field, in-house, and laboratory-based research projects that focus on animal behavior, ecology, infectious disease, neuro-immunology, and physiology. The internship program reflects our mission, "to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and conservation." Internships are available for the fall, spring and summer. Interns have the opportunity to attend weekly educational seminars, receive feedback from supervisors, and work on independent projects to enhance their knowledge and resumes. Application deadlines are as follows: Spring internships (Jan-May): September 30 Summer internships (May-Aug): January 31 Fall internships (Sept-Dec): May 31 Please see the Mystic Aquarium website for more information on the internship program and instructions on completing an application. http://www.mysticaquarium.org/careers/internships/ Essential Responsibilities Here are some of the potential duties for Research internships. Please note that duties will vary depending on the intern's principle focus during the internship. More details can be acquired during the interview process. Videotape, observe, describe and analyze animal behavior Prepare chemical solutions and biological reagents Assist with specimen collection Management of biological specimens Assist with biological assays and experiments Data entry and database management Data analysis, table and graph construction Report writing Requested Requirements The applicant must be enrolled in or recently graduated from college in order to participate. Internships are open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Students can receive academic credit from their school for the internship, but it is the student's responsibility to arrange for the credit. All internships are unpaid. Research internships vary in number of days per week and the number of hours per week. They may be as much as 40 hours and five days per week or they may be less. A minimum of 16 hours per week is required. The time commitment involved can be discussed during the interview process and will be consistent most weeks. Most internships follow the college year (Spring, Summer and Fall semesters). Dates of the program may be adjusted to fit other school calendars or programs. Contact Email Address Interninfo(a)mysticaquarium.org<mailto:Interninfo@mysticaquarium.org> Kathleen Freeman Internship Coordinator & Mission Programs Administrator Human Resources Department / Mission Programs Phone | 860-572-5955 Ext 306 kfreeman(a)mysticaquarium.org<mailto:kfreeman@mysticaquarium.org> www.mysticaquarium.org<http://www.mysticaquarium.org/> [cid:image001.jpg@01D06AE5.5079F7D0] [Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: FBicon]<http://www.facebook.com/mysticaquarium>[Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: twitterlogo]<http://twitter.com/mysticaquarium>[Description: cid:image007.png@01CBE934.31FFF3E0]<http://www.youtube.com/user/MysticAquarium>

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES AS AN ON-BOARD NATURALISTS FOR ELDING WHALE WATCHING REYKJAVIK, ICELAND SUMMER 2017.
by Megan Whittaker 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

Elding Whale Watching Reykjavik is looking for full-time guides that are fluent in English. Preference will go to those that are multi-lingual (German, French, Spanish in particular). *Must haves before arriving* · Passport from an EEA country · STCW10 A-VI/1 (Basic Safety Training) · STCW10 A-V/2 (Crowd and Crisis Management) *Important/Desirable skills* · A strong interest and knowledge in marine science specifically cetaceans and marine birds. · A good knowledge of conservation issues related to marine life. · Confidence to narrate and interact with large groups. · Must be a quick learner, adaptive, hard working, outgoing and generally a very positive person (finding beauty in the little things). · Be able to work calmly and politely under pressure and sometimes in stressful situations. · Not acceptable to seasickness easily · Good spotting skills. · Photography skills are highly desirable. · Willing to work long hours outdoors in unfavorable weathers. · Sailing experience and rope skills desirable. For more information please email Megan Whittaker (megan(a)elding.is)

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Cetacean Research Internship Announcement - Spring/Summer 2017
by bruno＠thebdri.com 16 Dec '16

16 Dec '16

Could you please post the following. Cetacean Research Internship Announcement - Spring/Summer 2017 The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI <www.thebdri.com> is seeking applicants for internships working with marine mammals along the North Western coast of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain). The BDRI was originally founded in Sardinia, Italy in 2005 and, since 2014 has commenced new research projects on the shores of Southern Galicia in Spain. This transformation has considerably improved our ability to carry out research on wild bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, and other cetacean species, providing a collaborative work environment for staff, researchers, and students from all over the world. Program Description: The BDRI internship program is an exciting opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in a career in marine science to obtain field and laboratory training in marine mammals research. Interns can expect to gain a solid foundation in dolphin behavioural ecology and sociobiology with a focus on cetaceans ethology, habitat use, and communication. Interns will be trained to participate with multiple projects involving a combination of boat-based and land-based surveys, laboratory work (photo-identification, GIS, bioacoustics, diet analysis, database work, etc), and cetacean strandings (response, rescue, necropsy, and data collection). The BDRI is a very international environment, and the everyday working language is English. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants 18 years of age or older. An academic background in biology, veterinary or natural science, coupled with motivation, willingness to work hard and interest in marine mammals research make the most qualified individuals. As an intern, you will be encouraged to work hard and gain an insight of what it is actually like to work as a marine mammal researcher. If the intern intends to receive academic credit, he/she will be responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institutions. Undergraduate and postgraduate student thesis projects can also be supported with boat time and office space. Internship start and end dates are flexible but the position requires a minimum of 30 days continuous commitment sometime between January through to November. The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is an internships/tuition fee including the supervision, training, accommodation in an apartment, and other expenses derived of your participation (use of equipment, lab work, field trips, use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain). Application: Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled (maximum 9 vacancies). Please download the internships general information and application form at: <www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf><www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.doc> Send the application form, resume, recommendation letters, and cover letter by email to the email: severine(a)thebdri.com For more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit www.thebdri.com or our Facebook page. See you on site! Mr. Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Biologist & Director Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI Avenida Beiramar 192 36980 O Grove, Spain www.thebdri.com tel. +34 684 248552

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2nd Announcement 2017 ECS Conference in Denmark
by Jonas Teilmann 16 Dec '16

16 Dec '16

MORE INFORMATION<http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/31st-annual-conference-den…> Click on More Information to visit out webpage [cid:image001.jpg@01D2579E.E608C770] ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE 13 JANUARY 2017 ECS, Danish Marine Mammal Society and Aarhus University invites you to attend the 31st Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society at Hindsgavl Castle, Middelfart, Denmark Main conference will be on 1-3 May, 2017 Workshops will take place on 29-30 April, 2017 ________________________________ This year's theme is: CONSERVATION IN THE LIGHT OF MARINE SPATIAL USE ________________________________ INVITED KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Professor Lars Bejder, Murdoch University, Cetacean Research Unit, Australia Dr. Asha De Vos, Post-doctoral scholar, University of California, Santa Cruz Dr. Len Thomas, University of St. Andrews, Scotland ________________________________ IMPORTANT DATES Abstract and workshop submission deadline: 13 January 2017 (23:45 CET) Early registration deadline: 15 March 2017 (23:45 CET) Video abstract submission deadline: 1 March 2017 (23:45 CET) Late registration deadline and: 1 April 2017 (23.45 CET) ________________________________ MORE INFORMATION<http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/31st-annual-conference-den…> Click on More Information to visit out webpage [cid:image002.jpg@01D2579E.E608C770]

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Three roles are now available within Sea Watch Foundation's bottlenose dolphin monitoring project in Cardigan Bay, UK.
by Kathy James 16 Dec '16

16 Dec '16

We are looking for people who want to gain more experience in cetacean research to join us in summer 2017. Interns are invited to assist the Sea Watch Foundation with the running of the "Cardigan Bay Monitoring Project". The project is based in New Quay, West Wales, and supports the conservation management of the bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and grey seal populations of Cardigan Bay, monitoring their abundance, distribution, reproductive success and population structure using a combination of vessel-based, land-based and acoustic surveys. Sea Watch has been monitoring these populations on behalf of the Welsh government (through funding provided by Natural Resources Wales) for over a decade. Cardigan Bay contains Britain's largest coastal population of bottlenose dolphins, for which two special areas of conservation have been established under the EU Habitats Directive. Interns will also be involved with running the national cetacean sightings database held by the organisation. We are looking for a Research Assistant to help lead on the project and manage other interns, an Education and Outreach Assistant to help enthuse others about cetaceans and getting involved with their research and up to seven Research Interns at a time. To find out more about each role and to apply, please visit our webpage <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/internships/> . The application deadline is 8th Jan for the Research Assistant role and 15th Jan for the other roles. We look forward to hearing from you! Kathy James Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House Wellington Place New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 (Tues, Weds, Thurs) 01970 623906 (Mon & Fri only) www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/> <https://www.facebook.com/seawatchfoundation/C:/Users/Sea%20Watch%20Foundati on/Documents/ADMIN%20MISC> facebook <https://twitter.com/SeaWatchersUK> twitter

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new publication: Measurements of humpback whale song sound levels received by a calf in association with a singer
by Jessica Chen 15 Dec '16

15 Dec '16

Aloha, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper: Chen, J., Pack, A.A., Au, W.W.L., Stimpert, A.K. (2016) Measurements of humpback whale song sound levels received by a calf in association with a singer. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America *140*, 4010-4015; http://doi.org/10.1121/1.4967444 Abstract: Male humpback whales produce loud “songs” on the wintering grounds and some sing while escorting mother–calf pairs, exposing them to near-continuous sounds at close proximity. An Acousonde acoustic and movement recording tag deployed on a calf off Maui, Hawaii captured sounds produced by a singing male escort. Root-mean-square received levels ranged from 126 to 158 dB re 1 μPa. These levels represent rare direct measurements of sound to which a newly born humpback calf may be naturally exposed by a conspecific, and may provide a basis for informed decisions regarding anthropogenic sound levels projected near calves. Available online at: http://asa.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1121/1.4967444 Sincerely, Jessica Chen jchen2(a)hawaii.edu -- PhD candidate Marine Mammal Research Program University of Hawaii at Manoa

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