April 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New Publication: A wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin adopts a socially and genetically distant neonate
by Mai Sakai 10 Apr '16

10 Apr '16

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are please to announce the publication of the following paper in Scientific Reports: Mai Sakai, Yuki F. Kita, Kazunobu Kogi, Masanori Shinohara, Tadamichi Morisaka, Takashi Shiina & Miho Inoue-Murayama Title A wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin adopts a socially and genetically distant neonate Abstract Alloparental behaviour and adoption have been reported in many mammals and birds. Such behaviours are energetically costly, and their causes and functions remain unclear. We observed the adoption behaviour of a wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) near Mikura Island, Japan. A calf was seen with its mother on six observation days. Following the mother’s death, the calf was observed with a sub-adult female on all 18 observation days from May to September 2012. On three days, the calf was observed swimming with this female in the suckling position and milk was seen leaking from the female’s mammary slit. A five-year dataset revealed no significant social or kin relationships between the biological mother and allomother, indicating that kinship and social relationships did not play an important role in the observed adoption. This paper is freely available at http://www.nature.com/articles/srep23902 Best regards, Mai Sakai ―――――――――― Mai Sakai Ph.D., Lecturer Marine Mammal Research Laboratory Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University 3327-204 Nakamachi, Nara, 631-8505, Japan Tel: +81-742-43-4463 Email: sakaimai(a)nara.kindai.ac.jp Web page: http://mm-kindaiuniv.jimdo.com/

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LAST MINUTE OFFER: MAY and JUNE 2016 - DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 10 Apr '16

10 Apr '16

*DOLPHI RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND:* The AIMM – Associação para a Investigação do Meio Marinho (Marine Environment Research Association) is a non-for profit, non-governmental organization focussed on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in the South of Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behaviour and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and adequate policies to marine management. The main species observed are short beaked common dolphin (*Delphinus delphis*), common bottlenose dolphin (*Tursiops truncatus)* and harbour porpoise (*Phocoena phocoena*), although other species such as minke whale (*Balaenoptera acutorostrata*) and fin whale (*Balaenoptera physalus*) can also be sighted. The participants in our internships are young hard working individuals, who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learn data collection and processing methodologies and be part of AIMM 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. To turn your experience with AIMM even more fulfilling, it is possible to start or improve your scuba diving skills (PADI). *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* 1st May and ends in 31st October 2016, the minimum internship attendance is 7 days starting preferably on Mondays. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM’s research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin watching boats). It 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 train to: - On-board surveys of marine species occurrence; - Record track on GPS; - Collect data on behaviour, group size, species, etc.; - Photo-identification; - Acoustic records; - Underwater videos. *DATA ANALYSIS: *will be in a daily basis and related to: - Entry data on databases and spread cheats. - Photo-identification processing. - Preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners and people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve! This internship and requires a contribution fee. We have a special promotion until the end of April, if you book your internship program for the months of May you get and 40%, and in June you get 25% discount! To know about the fees for 2016 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); - Field work 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 quickly operational; - Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; - Speak English; - Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference in internship dates availability 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 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 2016”. 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.

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New Publication: Estimating energetics in cetaceans from respiratory frequency: why we need to understand physiology
by Fahlman Andreas 09 Apr '16

09 Apr '16

Dear All We are pleased to share our new publication “Estimating energetics in cetaceans from respiratory frequency: why we need to understand physiology” that was recently published in Biology Open. The study takes a closer look at the possibility of obtaining reasonable estimates of metabolic rates from breathing frequency in bottlenose dolphins. A copy of the paper can be found at: http://bio.biologists.org/content/biolopen/early/2016/03/16/bio.017251.full… <http://bio.biologists.org/content/biolopen/early/2016/03/16/bio.017251.full…> or by sending a request to afahlman(a)whoi.edu <mailto:afahlman@whoi.edu> Title:Estimating energetics in cetaceans from respiratory frequency: why we need to understand physiology Authors: Fahlman, A., van der Hoop, J., Moore, M.J., Levine, G., Rocho-Levine, J., Brodsky, M. Journal: Biology Open Year: 2016 Abstract: The accurate estimation of field metabolic rates (FMR) in wild animals is a key component of bioenergetic models, and is important for understanding the routine limitations for survival as well as individual responses to disturbances or environmental changes. Several methods have been used to estimate FMR, including accelerometer-derived activity budgets, isotope dilution techniques, and proxies from heart rate. Counting the number of breaths is another method used to assess FMR in cetaceans, which is attractive in its simplicity and the ability to measure respiration frequency from visual cues or data loggers. This method hinges on the assumption that over time a constant tidal volume (VT) and O2 exchange fraction (ΔO2) can be used to predict FMR. To test whether this method of estimating FMR is valid, we measured breath-by-breath tidal volumes and expired O2 levels of bottlenose dolphins, and computed the O2 consumption rate (V̇ O2) before and after a pre-determined duration of exercise. The measured V̇ O2 was compared with three methods to estimate FMR. Each method to estimate V̇ O2 included variable VT and/or ΔO2. Two assumption-based methods overestimated V̇ O2 by 216-501%. Once the temporal changes in cardio-respiratory physiology, such as variation in VT and ΔO2, were taken into account, pre-exercise resting V̇ O2 was predicted to within 2%, and post-exercise V̇ O2 was overestimated by 12%. Our data show that a better understanding of cardiorespiratory physiology significantly improves the ability to estimate metabolic rate from respiratory frequency, and further emphasizes the importance of eco-physiology for conservation management efforts.

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New Publication: Stable isotope trophic discrimination factors for seven pinniped species
by Roxanne Beltran 09 Apr '16

09 Apr '16

My co-authors and I are pleased to share our new publication “Seals and sea lions are what they eat, plus what? Determination of trophic discrimination factors for seven pinniped species” in the journal Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcm.7539/abstract *Abstract: * *Rationale:* Mixing models are a common method for quantifying the contribution of prey sources to the diet of an individual using stable isotope analysis; however, these models rely upon a known trophic discrimination factor (hereafter, TDF) that results from fractionation between prey and animal tissues. Quantifying TDFs in captive animals is ideal, because diet is controlled and the proportional contributions and isotopic values of all prey items are known. *Methods: *To calculate TDFs for the Hawaiian monk seal, northern elephant seal, bearded seal, ringed seal, spotted seal, harbor seal, and California sea lion, we obtained whiskers, serum, plasma, red blood cells, and prey items from nine captive individuals. We obtained δ13C and δ15N values using continuous-flow isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. The average δ13C and δ15N values from bulk and lipid-corrected prey from the diet were subtracted from theδ13C and δ15N values of each blood and whisker sample to calculate tissue-specific TDFs for each individual (∆13C or ∆15N). *Results: *The ∆13C values ranged from +1.7 to +3.2‰ (bulk prey) and from +0.8 to +1.9‰ (lipid-corrected prey) for the various blood components, and from +3.9 to +4.6‰ (bulk prey) or +2.6 to +3.9‰ (lipid-corrected prey) for whiskers. The ∆15N values ranged from +2.2 to +4.3‰ for blood components and from +2.6 to +4.0‰ for whiskers. The TDFs tended to group by tissue, with whiskers having greater ∆13C values than blood components. In contrast, the ∆15N values were greater in serum and plasma than in red blood cells and whiskers. *Conclusions: *By providing the first TDF values for five seal species (family Phocidae) and one otariid species (family Otariidae), our study facilitates more accurate mixing models for these species. These values are particularly important for critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals and the three Arctic seal species (bearded, ringed, and spotted) that are faced with a rapidly changing environment. Please contact me if you have any questions or do not have access to the article. Take care, Roxanne -- Roxanne Santina Beltran NSF Predoctoral Fellow Ph.D. Student, Burns and Breed Labs University of Alaska Anchorage/Fairbanks www.roxannebeltran.com

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Living Seas Dolphin Research Volunteer Position Availiable at Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay, West Wales
by CBMWC 09 Apr '16

09 Apr '16

WTSWW_high_res_logoCBMWC logo without boarderCardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre New Quay Wales <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org Living Seas Research Volunteers 2016 Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to volunteer with us and gain valuable experience whilst helping us to collect data on the marine wildlife of Cardigan Bay, run our visitor centre and inspire visitors through our educational and awareness raising activities. A position has become available for the following volunteering period - * Block B: 9th May - 3rd July (8 weeks) We ask that volunteers are able to commit for the entire block. About CBMWC The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre is based in New Quay, west Wales, UK. Since 1996 we have been dedicated to raising awareness of the local marine environment through education and research. Using boat-based and land-based surveys, photo-ID and acoustic studies we monitor bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and Atlantic grey seal populations in the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and wider Irish Sea. We also run a busy visitor centre as well as our Discovery Room which offers marine educational and awareness raising activities for families, schools and groups. In April 2015 we became part of The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) and will be delivering the trusts Living Seas programme. What You Will Gain Volunteering for the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales at CBMWC is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a positive contribution to marine wildlife conservation and meet new people who share your interests. You will learn about the species and habitats in Cardigan Bay, gain experience in field work, research methods, data processing, public awareness and education programmes. The data you collect will contribute to long running research studies on bottlenose dolphin site usage, abundance, photo-identification and acoustic studies. There may also be additional opportunities to gain experience in boat handling and seamanship skills. Past volunteers have gone on to further education, work as MMO's and to work for other conservation organisations. Role Description Volunteering tasks include (but are not limited to): * Visitor centre operation, including dealing with enquiries and taking boat bookings * Land-based surveys in conjunction with Ceredigion County Councils Dolphin Watch * Boat-based surveys* * Educational and awareness raising activities with children and the general public * Data entry and checking * Updating daily sightings information * Beach cleans * Aquarium maintenance * Cleaning and general upkeep of CBMWC premises * Boat surveys are weather dependent and volunteers take turns to join trips to act as onboard researcher. During times of bad weather, you will spend more time carrying out shore-based activities. Person Specification: Essential Skills * Positive, reliable, responsible, conscientious and mature attitude * Ability to work and live closely with others as part of a small team * Strong work ethic with an ability to work unsupervised * Adaptable and patient (particularly as boat work is weather dependent) * Confident in dealing with the public both face to face and over the telephone * Fluency in English Desirable Skills * Interest and/or experience of working with children in environmental education * Research and surveying experience * IT skills, including Microsoft Office and GIS * Interest and or/experience in salt water aquaria Please note that enthusiasm for our work and the marine environment is as valued as experience, since full training is provided. Volunteer Fee An administration fee of £45 will be required from all successful applicants. Accommodation and Expense Arrangements Shared accommodation in a comfortable and fully equipped house will be arranged for successful volunteers (where required) at a cost of £55 per week, including bills. Please be aware that volunteers share same sex bedrooms. Volunteers are responsible for their own food, travel and accommodation costs but it is very easy to find part time work in New Quay. Due to payment arrangements with the house owners, accommodation costs are required in advance to cover the cost of each block so before applying please ensure that you can cover this and all other expenses. How To Apply Download a volunteer application form from our website <http://www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/seasonal-volunteers/> www.cbmwc.org/volunteer/seasonal-volunteers/ and email it along with a CV and covering letter (no more than one side of A4) outlining how you meet the personal specification and your motivations for applying to <mailto:volunteer@cbmwc.org> volunteer(a)cbmwc.orgwith Seasonal Volunteer application 2016 in your subject line. Deadlines for applications in midnight on Sunday 17th April 2016 For Further Information Visit <http://www.cbmwc.org/> www.cbmwc.org/ If you have any questions please email <mailto:volunteer@cbmwc.org> volunteer(a)cbmwc.org with an appropriate subject line or call Laura on 01545 560224. ----------------------------- Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, Ffon/Phone: 01545 560224 Website: www.cbmwc.org <http://www.cbmwc.org/> Website: www.welshwildlife.org <http://welshwildlife.org/support-us/appeals/marine-appeal/> Marine Appeal E-mail Signature

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Seal Rescue Ireland Assistant Manager Position and Internship Position
by Seal Rescue Ireland 09 Apr '16

09 Apr '16

Seal Rescue Ireland is now accepting applications for the following positions: . Assistant Manager (a volunteer position with possible opportunity to have expenses covered - Start Date Aug 2016 for 5-6 months) . Fall Internship Positions (Open Positions on Aug 1st or End of Oct - 12 week minimum ) o Marine Rehabilitation & Education Internship o Marine Conservation Education Internship o Marketing and Development Internship Applications Due by May 20th. To apply send an application, CV, and cover letter to sealrescueireland(a)gmail.com with the subject stating which position you are applying for. Follow this link to obtain a detailed job description and an application: <http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sealrescueireland.org%2Finte rnships%2F&h=rAQHv1q90AQEI799b-9Klcckv0s07U7opCnFcop0wa1MNCA&enc=AZNU1QJpUqQ SMWwog1Pfwkheqi_pqMM5Hl-LzrhHu6-79x2e0pyI9YAoG8D_XlaK4wsnY3rcxcrp7Hi6RBqXIhO qAxbFvrMF8bXOe4FksLIWgUARbh1WJEOlBUhZ14XrSbzM9552XXIY8LTyBRAZZb5WePUb5oaWbRT KnzbHPKtubnOOvD44fTi6c1fE5WUmc_t0Vh9WBj-oFaT9XNArE3Nz&s=1> http://www.sealrescueireland.org/internships/ Questions: sealrescueireland(a)gmail.com Details: Seal Rescue Ireland is a very busy marine animal rescue and rehabilitation facility located in Courtown Ireland. It is the only seal rehabilitation facility in Ireland and responds to strandings along the entire coast of Ireland. Most strandings are Grey and Common Seal pups who have been wounded, orphaned or injured. The facility is busy year round with pups and is open to the public 365 days a year. Assistant Manager Position: This is a full time position with a minimum commitment of 5-6 months (visa assistants provided to allow you to stay for an extended stay if from USA, Canada, Australia and a few other eligible countries). This is a management position that will supervise programs, supervising interns/volutneers, supervising daily husbandry of animals in care, and take care of necessary office duties to keep the centre running. He or she will work closely with the Director in all aspects involved in running a wildlife hospital. This position is split between working with the animals and working on management tasks in the office. Participation in the rescue groups educational program and fundraising program are required. If interested, selected assistant managers are responsible for caring for the volunteer house and in exchange get free room and board. Applicants MUST have experience working in marine animal rehabilitation. Marine Rehabilitation & Education Internship: This is a full time position for a minimum of 12 weeks. Priority will be given to candidates who can stay a longer period of time. This position provides the intern with work experience in the rescue and rehabilitation effort of stranded marine mammals and ocean conservation work. The candidate is responsible for assisting in the daily husbandry care and maintenance of rehabilitation animals. Half of the internship will be focused on animal care and the other half will be participation in the rescue groups educational program and fundraising program. Each intern will be responsible for planning one fundraiser or similar project. Marine Conservation Education Internship: This is a full time position with a minimum commitment of 12 weeks. This position will provides the intern with work experience in all aspects of a rescue and rehabilitation centre with primary focus in the educational program. The intern will be expected to participate in the educational program and help with its development, plan/attend outreach events, assist with fundraiser events, and develop educational materials. The candidate is also responsible for assisting with marine mammal stranding calls and organizing rescues/transports. There may be some involvement in assisting in the husbandry care and maintenance of rehabilitation animals if interested. Marketing and Development Internship: This position will provides the intern with work experience in all aspects of a rescue and rehabilitation centre with primary focus in the businesses development, donor management, and fundraising program. The intern will be expected to oversee the fundraising program and help with its development, plan/attend events, and source other types of funding. Other duties include overseeing the donor program, helping with clerical duties, managing other programs in admin department. Partial involvement in assisting in the husbandry care and maintenance of rehabilitation animals is an option if interested.

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2016 Summer Classes (Marine Mammals, Sharks, Sea Turtles) - University of Hawaii at Hilo
by Jason Turner 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Aloha all, I am pleased announce that I will be offering the following three classes this summer at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The labs for each class involve research-based, hands-on techniques as the students participate in research studies focused upon each group of marine animals. *Registration is now open!* http://hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/summer/ Please forward to any of your students who might be interested: *MARE 390 - Biology of Marine Mammals/Lab* *MARE 380 - Natural History of Sharks and Rays/Lab* *MARE 490 - Sea Turtle Conservation & Ecology/Lab* *Dates: June 20 - July 29, 2016* *MARE 390, Biology of Marine Mammals, 3 credits - Dr. Jason Turner* Comprehensive investigation of a diverse group of highly adapted marine vertebrates. Whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, walruses, manatees, dugongs, sea otters and polar bears will be covered. Focus will be on taxonomy, anatomy and physiology, behavior, reproductive ecology, adaptations to the marine environment, and conservation and management. Pre: instructor's consent. *MARE 390L, Biology of Marine Mammals Laboratory, 1 credit - Dr. Jason Turner* Field and lab techniques employed by professional marine mammal biologists including shore and boat-based surveys, photo-identification, and acoustic sampling. Investigations will focus on local species of marine mammals. Pre: MARE 390 or concurrent enrollment. $250 lab fee payable upon registration. *MARE 380, Natural History of Sharks and Rays, 3 credits - Dr. Jason Turner* This course will examine the natural history of the Elasmobranchs, an ancient group of fishes that have existed for almost 450 million years. Comprehensive investigations of sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes, and chimera along with representative species from Hawai`i will be conducted. Subjects will include evolution, taxonomy, anatomy, physiology, ecology, conservation and management of these unique animals. Discussions of current research papers along with group research projects will be covered during lectures. Pre: Concurrent enrollment in MARE 380L required. *MARE 380L, Natural History of Sharks, Rays, and Skates Lab, 1 credit - Dr. Jason Turner* This course will further examine Elasmobranchs using a hands-on approach to compliment the work done in lecture using both laboratory and field-based activities. Laboratory sessions will involve detailed dissections of shark, ray, skate, and chimera functional anatomy. Students will also participate in a tagging study of coastal shark species throughout the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Pre: Concurrent enrollment in MARE 380 required. $250 lab fee payable upon registration. *MARE 490, Sea Turtle Conservation& Ecology, 3 credits - Dr. Jason Turner* All-encompassing look at the natural history of these ancient marine vertebrates with special focus on sea turtle of Hawaii. Topics include investigations of sea turtles, sea snakes, saltwater crocodiles and marine iguanas throughout the world. Subjects will consist of conservation and management, human impacts, reproductive and feeding ecology, evolution, taxonomy, and anatomy and physiology of these unique marine animals. Pre: prior college-level marine biology course recommended, or equivalent or instructor’s consent. Pre: Concurrent enrollment in MARE 490L. *MARE 490L, Sea Turtle Conservation& Ecology Laboratory, 1 credit - Dr. Jason Turner* Field and lab techniques employed by sea turtle biologists including shore and underwater photo-surveys, forage surveys, and evaluation of nests and hatchlings. Investigations will focus on local species of sea turtles of Hawaiiincluding green (*Chelonia mydas*) and hawksbill (*Eretmochelys imbricata*). Pre: Concurrent enrollment in MARE 490. $250 lab fee payable upon registration. *Tuition and Fees* *Tuition and fees for the 2016 Summer Session are:* Undergraduate Resident $288 per credit Undergraduate Non-resident $407 per credit Undergraduate WUE* $347.50 per credit Graduate Resident $447 per credit Graduate Non-resident $590 per credit Student Life Center fee: $ 35 Lab and Other Fees Varies *Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and for Pacific Island students *Registration is now Open!* Visit the link below for more information and to register http://hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/summer/ *Please email me directly if you have any questions at:* *jpturner(a)hawaii.edu <jpturner(a)hawaii.edu>* *For additional information about the University of Hawaii at Hilo Summer Program:* *http://hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/summer/UHHilosMarineScienceSummerProgram.php <http://hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/summer/UHHilosMarineScienceSummerProgram.php>*

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Event Announcement: Bruce Mate Presentation 4/21
by Donna Sandstrom 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

For Immediate Release Event Annoucement Contact: Donna Sandstrom, donna(a)thewhaletrail.org, 206-919-5397 The Whale Trail Presents "How We Save Whales from Space" Presentation by Bruce Mate Thursday April 21, 7 PM - 8:30 --Doors open 6:15 Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California Ave SW, Seattle WA $10, ($5 Kids under 12) Advance tickets: brownpapertickets.com <http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2537231> Join us for this rare Seattle appearance by renowned whale researcher Bruce Mate. Bruce will demonstrate how his teams use satellite-monitored radio tags to identify critical habitats and migration routes of endangered whales to protect them. His talk will focus on western and ENP gray whales, right whales, and contemporary issues for blue whales during the last few years of warm water as examples. Bruce Mate is the Director and Endowed Chair of the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University, and founder of Oregon's Whale Watching Spoken Here program. Bruce's talk is hosted by The Whale Trail, and co-sponsored by Seal Sitters and the American Cetacean Society, Puget Sound Chapter. Celebrate Earth Day Eve with us! About the Speaker Bruce Mate is a leader in the development of satellite-monitored radio telemetry for marine mammals. Using this technique, he has tagged and tracked manatees, pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, white-sided dolphins, gray whales, right whales, bowhead whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, fin whales and blue whales. This work has led to the discovery of previously unknown migration routes and seasonal distributions (wintering and summering areas), as well as descriptions of diving behavior to better understand feeding effort. His research primarily focuses on endangered whale species whose distributions, movements, and critical habitats (for feeding, breeding, and migration) are unknown for much of the year. Decision makers use this valuable information to manage human activities that may jeopardize the recovery of endangered whale populations, such as moving shipping lanes for North Atlantic right whales. In 2010 and 2011, Bruce Mate’s team used satellite telemetry to track three critically endangered western gray whales from their feeding grounds in Russia to join the eastern Pacific gray whale migration to Baja California. The findings shed new light on the interactions of these populations, and have profound implications for their long-term management and conservation. About The Whale Trail The Whale Trail (www.thewhaletrail.org) is a series of sites along the west coast where the public can view orcas and other marine mammals from shore. Our mission is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of whales and our marine environment. >From 16 inaugural sites in Washington state, there are now more than 60, from California to British Columbia. Through our sites and signs, including two on every Washington State ferry, we reach more than 30 million people each year. The Whale Trail also produces programs including a popular Orca Talk lecture series in West Seattle, and transboundary Orca Tours featuring Erich Hoyt. The Whale Trail Washington is led by a core team of partners including NOAA Fisheries, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Seattle Aquarium, the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, and the Whale Museum. Our regional planning teams are led by the BC Cetacean Sighting Network and Oregon Marine Reserves Partnership. The Whale Trail is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, headquartered in Seattle. Donna Sandstrom is the Founder and Executive Director. Join us! Follow us on Facebook <http://the whale trail facebook>, too. -- Donna Sandstrom Founder/Executive Director The Whale Trail 206.919.5397 www.thewhaletrail.org Connect. Protect. Inspire.

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JOB POSTING: Manatee Research Associate, Melbourne, FL
by Reinert, Tom 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION (FWC) MANATEE RESEARCH ASSOCIATE MELBOURNE, FL Position Number: 77072682 Annual Salary Range: 41,263.82 Closing Date: 4/29/2016 DESCRIPTION The FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's Marine Mammal Section is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to serve as the lead manatee biologist at the Melbourne Marine Mammal Field Station. The incumbent is responsible for daily operation of marine mammal activities at the Field Station, including staff supervision, coordinating and performing manatee carcass recovery and necropsy, leading manatee rescue and transportation efforts, program management, vehicle and vessel maintenance, report writing, and coordination of Section research objectives. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS At least a Bachelor's degree in one of the Biological or Life Sciences and two years of professional biological experience in a field or lab research program. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Supervisory responsibilities include direct supervision of two OPS (hourly) positions. The incumbent is also responsible for other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor. These duties may include, but are not limited to: * recovery of manatee carcasses for necropsy and transport to central necropsy facility in St Petersburg * field necropsies of selected carcasses * coordinating and performing rescues of injured or sick manatees and transport to accredited facilities * vehicular, trailer, and vessel operation/maintenance * service in an On-Call status after operating hours and on some holidays in a weekly rotation with four other staff members for the purpose of responding to state-wide manatee emergencies * manage a network of water temperature monitoring stations * coordinate local photo-identification efforts of manatees * assist with other research projects as assigned * report writing and data analysis It is expected that all FWC employees courteously assist Commission constituents to resolve questions or problems they may have on matters relating to the Commission, its programs or fish and wildlife conservation in general; and garner public support for agency objectives and programs by serving Florida's citizens in a positive and proactive manner. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES * education in and demonstrated knowledge of the biological sciences; * principles and techniques used in research on marine mammals including methods of data collection; * ability to collect and analyze data, utilize problem solving techniques; * understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures; * prepare technical reports; * maintain effective working relationships including effectively supervising others; establish, plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; * communicate effectively verbally and in writing; * use personal computers and database software; * work under adverse conditions such as recovering, transporting, and necropsying marine mammal carcasses in the harsh Florida environment (e.g., heat, rain, insects); * ability to swim with sufficient skill to save oneself in the event of an emergency; * ability to lift 50 lbs. * safely operate vehicles, trailers and boats up to 24' and maintain a valid driver's license; * work hours in excess of 40 per week and serve in on-call status on a rotational basis; * possess or acquire certification of completion of FWRI's trailering evaluation and a boater safety course within the probationary period; DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS * experience and education in marine mammal biology, ecology, physiology; * demonstrated working knowledge and experience in marine mammal necropsy and stranding response; * familiarity with manatee conservation issues; * experience in conducting aerial surveys of animal populations; * demonstrated leadership and supervisory abilities; * ability to multi-task as well as work independently as well as part of a team; * the ability to travel less than 25% of the time, but potentially for several days at a time, throughout Florida * the ability to positively and effectively communicate with media, public, stakeholders and co-workers; TO APPLY Applicants are required to submit a complete, up-to-date, State of Florida Employment Application Form electronically in People First (http://peoplefirst.myflorida.com) by the closing date listed. ALSO, please include a letter of interest, current CV or resume, and list of at least three references. Resumes and supporting documentation may be submitted at the same time you are applying online, faxed, or mailed to People First, but do not replace the requirement for a completed State of Florida Employment Application Form. If you experience technical difficulties during the application process or when attaching documents, call People First staffing at 1-877-562-7287. If unable to attach supporting documents to your application, they may be faxed to the People First Service Center at 1-888-403-2110. Be sure to include the Requisition number for the position to which you are applying on each page of your faxed documents. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, applicants eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply. However, applicants claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each application submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any others documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. For information on the supporting documentation required, click here. Applicants may also fax their supporting documentation to People First at 1-888-403-2110. The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. An Employment Eligibility Verification Check will be conducted in the E-Verify System which is a federal government electronic database that confirms the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

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Volunteer courses on "Tracking Great Pelagics around the Balearic Islands 2016
by Silvia Frey 08 Apr '16

08 Apr '16

Dear MARMAMers ALNITAK together with OceanCare announce their 2016 expeditions on “Tracking Great Pelagics around the Balearic Islands”, held in Mallorca (Mediterranean Sea) between 21st Mai 2015 and 29th July 2016 (in total 9 expeditions of 6 days duration each). A financial contribution to survey cost of Euro 980 per Person and expedition is a requisite to join the crew. These expeditions are a unique opportunity for anyone interested in learning about the study of marine biodiversity, participating actively in a visual and acoustic survey of this project dedicated to the improvement of management guidelines and provision of the necessary scientific foundation for the mitigation of risks to target species such as loggerhead sea turtle, sperm whale, Cuvier's beaked whale, and Risso's dolphins. Participants will learn basic concepts of navigation and shipboard surveys, participating in lookouts, cetacean sighting recording, acoustic recording, photo-identification image collection, sea turtle tagging, and recording data on human activities. During the six day courses, lectures will be given by experienced researchers, to introduce participants to the methods implemented during the survey and the application to conservation of the results. For further information on available dates and course contents, or to download detailed information, please visit:http://www.oceancare.org/en/projectsandcampaigns/researchprogrammes/b… or contact us by mail: ricardo(a)alnitak.info <mailto:ricardo@alnitak.info> info(a)oceancare.org <mailto:info@oceancare.org> Best regards, Silvia *OceanCare* Silvia Frey, PhD Director Science & Education www.oceancare.org <http://www.oceancare.org>

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