May 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Aquatic Mammals journal 42.2 available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 31 May '16

31 May '16

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 42, issue 2, 2016) of Aquatic Mammals. The online issue is now available at this link: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=cate… <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=cate…> For individuals with a print subscription, the double print copy of 42.1/42.2 will be mailed in late June. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> Instructions for authors and formatting guidelines can be found in the first volume of each issue and at this link: http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions <http://tinyurl.com/AMauthorinstructions> To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php <http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php> If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> Please do not contact the listserv editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe <http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe> or contact the corresponding author for reprints. Links to a purchase page for each article are also included below. Please see list below for Volume 42, issue 2 contents. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Burnham, R.E., and Duffus, D.A. (2016). Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus) Predation and the Demise of Amphipod Prey Reserves in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 123-126. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.123 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.123> Barrios-Garrido, Héctor, De Turris-Morales, Kareen, Nash, Chloe M., Delgado-Ortega, Gabriela, and Espinoza-Rodríguez, N. (2016). Acoustic Parameters of Guiana Dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) Whistles in the Southern Gulf of Venezuela. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 127-136. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.127 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.127> Bishop, Amanda M., Onoufriou, Joseph, Moss, Simon, Pomeroy, Paddy P., and Twiss, Sean D. Cannibalism by a Male Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) in the North Sea. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 137-143. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.137 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.137> Survilienė, V., Rukšėnas, O., Pomeroy, P. (2016). Play Behavior of Wild Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus): Effects of Haulout Group Size and Composition. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 144-161. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.144 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.144> Ponnampalam, L.S. (2016). No Danger in Sight? An Observation of Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in Marguerite Formation off Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 162-167. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.162 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.162> Noren, D.P., Hauser, D.D.W. (2016). Surface-Based Observations Can Be Used to Assess Behavior and Fine-Scale Habitat Use by an Endangered Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Population. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 168-183. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.168 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.168> Lucke, K., Finneran, J.J., Almunia, J., Houser, D.S. (2016). Variability in Click-Evoked Potentials in Killer Whales (Orcinus orca) and Determination of a Hearing Impairment in a Rehabilitated Killer Whale. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 184-192. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.184 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.184> Ottewell, K., Coughran, D., Gall, M., Irvine, L., Byrne, M. (2016). A Recent Stranding of Omura’s Whale (Balaenoptera omurai) in Western Australia. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 193-197. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.193 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.193> Quintana-Rizzo, E., and Wells, R.S. (2016). Behavior of an Adult Female Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Toward an Unrelated Dead Calf. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 198-202. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.198 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.198> Izidoro, F.B., Le Pendu, Y. (2016). Rostrum Contact Behaviors by the Guiana Dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) in Ilhéus, Brazil. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 203-209. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.203 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.203> Lucke, K., Van Dun, B., Gardner-Berry, K., Carter, L., Martin, K., Rogers, T.L., Tripovich, J.S. (2016). Click-Evoked Auditory Brainstem Responses in an Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea). Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 210-217. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.210 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.210> Kastelein, R.A., Triesscheijn, R.J.V., Jennings, N. (2016). Reversible Bending of the Dorsal Fins of Harbor Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and a Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) in Captivity. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 218-226. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.218 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.218> Haelters, J., Everaarts, E., Bunskoek, P., Begeman, L., Hinrichs, J.W. J., IJsseldijk, L.L. (2016). A Suspected Scavenging Event by Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on a Live, Stranded Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 227-232. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.227 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.227> Haro, D., Riccialdelli, L., Acevedo, J., Aguayo-Lobo, A., and Montiel, A. (2016). Trophic Ecology of Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Magellan Strait as Indicated by Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 233-243. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.233 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.233> dos Santos, R.P., Simião, S., Madruga, P., Mendonça, A.S., Seitre, R., and Gomes-Pereira, J-N. (2016). Anomalously White Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis, Cuvier, 1892) Off the Azores. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 244-252. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.244 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.244> Highfill, Lauren E., Yeater, Deirdre, and Kuczaj II, Stan A. (2016). Catch! Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Ball Tossing to Humans Is Affected by Human Perspective. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 253-258. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.253 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.253> Dezio, K. (2016). Letter to the Editor: Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariumsʼ Annual Meeting. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 259. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.259 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.259> Andrews, B. (2016). Letter to the Editor: EAAM annual meeting update. Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 260-261. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.260 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.260> Obituary Memories: Stanley (Stan) A. Kuczaj II, Aquatic Mammals 42(2), 262-264. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.262 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1578/AM.42.2.2016.262>

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Introductory GIS and Species Distribution Modelling courses for Marine Biologists, August 2016
by Colin D. MacLeod 31 May '16

31 May '16

GIS In Ecology will, once again, be running the following introductory courses for marine biologists in the use of GIS and Species Distribution Modelling in August 2016. 1. An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology, 8th – 10th August 2016, Glasgow, Scotland: This three day course covers the basics of how to use GIS in marine biological research and is aimed at those who have little or no experience in using GIS, but who wish to learn. The course is taught by Dr Colin D. MacLeod, author of the ‘An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology’ series of books, and is taught in the type of language marine biologists will be familiar with. It consists of a series of background and practical sessions which will provide all the information needed to start successfully using GIS in marine biology. Cost: £395 (£300 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). More information on this course, including an online booking form, can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_Glasgow_August_2016.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place by email, email: cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com 2. An Introduction To Species Distribution Modelling In The Marine Environment, 11th – 12th August 2016, Glasgow, Scotland: This two day course follows on from the introductory GIS course and provides all the information required to start using Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) in the marine environment in a practical and biologically meaningful way. In a series of background sessions, case studies and practical exercises, it covers how to create data layers of species distribution, how to select and create raster data layers of environmental variables, such as water depth, how to join information on species distribution to environmental information, how to export data from a GIS project for analysis in a statistical package, such as R, how to create spatial visualisations based on a statistical model and how to validate the spatial predictions of a model. The practical sessions work through a species distribution modelling project based on real marine survey data from start to finish. Cost: £295 (£200 for students, unwaged and those working for NGOs). This course can be done with either ArcGIS or the freely available open source GIS software package QGIS. More information on this course, including an online booking form, can be found at: http://www.gisinecology.com/Training_Course_SDM_August_2016.htm. If you have any questions, or wish to book a place by email, email: cdmacleod(a)GISinEcology.com. Note: This course requires a basic knowledge of GIS (as covered in the above introductory GIS course) and how to use ArcGIS or QGIS GIS software. For more information on other upcoming courses from GIS In Ecology, visit: http://www.GISinEcology.com/training_courses.htm. All the best, Colin ================================================================================== GIS IN ECOLOGY - Providing Training, Advice And Consultancy On The Use Of GIS In Ecology Web: www.GISinEcology.com Email: info(a)GISinEcology.com Need to ask a question about using GIS? Try the GIS In Ecology Forum: www.GISinEcology.com/GIS_in_Ecology_forum.htm Books From GIS In Ecology Staff: An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology; RRP: £44.99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook One - Creating Maps Of Species Distribution; RRP: £19:99 An Introduction To Using GIS In Marine Biology: Supplementary Workbook Two - Working With Raster Data Layers; RRP: £19.99 If you wish to purchase these books, visit: http://www.gisinecology.com/Book_Shop.htm To help the environment, please do not print out this email unless it is unavoidable. ================================================================================== --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus

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Symposium on the Evolution of Marine Mammals in Tbilisi: a reminder
by Pavel Gol'din 31 May '16

31 May '16

Dear colleagues, On behalf of the organizing committee, I am pleased to remind that the deadline for registration and abstract submission for the Symposium on the Evolution of Marine Mammals honoring Guram Mchedlidze which will be held in the Georgian National Museum on 29 September - 1 October 2016 in Tbilisi, Georgia, is due in a month, by June 30, 2016. The details are available at the following link: http://museum.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=99&info_id=13867 Looking forward for seeing you at the Symposium, Pavel Gol'din, Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, Kiev, Ukraine

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HUMPBACK WHALE RESEARCH ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA (JULY-SEPT 2016) – RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITIES
by Lesley Douglas 30 May '16

30 May '16

HUMPBACK WHALE RESEARCH ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA (JULY-SEPT 2016) – RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITIES The Great Barrier Reef Whale and Dolphin Research Programme is led by Blue Planet Marine and operated in collaboration with the Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory at the University of Queensland, Australia. http://www.blueplanetmarine.com. The Programme will be based on a live-aboard research vessel in and around the world-famous Whitsunday Islands. The focus of the Programme is to: · Identify areas of the Great Barrier Reef that are most important for humpback whale breeding activities; · Gather information regarding the structure of the east Australian humpback whale sub-stock; and · Gain a better understanding of whale acoustic communication and the potential for anthropogenic impacts within the breeding grounds of the Great Barrier Reef. Running from July to September 2016, there are opportunities for Research Assistants to join the Programme, living aboard the research vessel. The minimum length of time Research Assistants may join is one research trip of six days. On a daily basis Research Assistants will be actively involved in all aspects of research activities, including: whale fluke photo identification; video recordings; collection of genetic samples; recording behavioural observations; and recording whale song and social sounds. You will also assist with vessel operations, including all day-to-day activities such as cooking, cleaning and vessel maintenance. Sea time can be validated towards a marine qualification. The participation fee for a six-day research trip is $2,995 Australian dollars. Early bird applications received before 30 June 2016 will pay only $2,495 Australian dollars. A discount is available for those wishing to participate for more than two research trips (14 days). The participation fee covers accommodation aboard the research vessel and food while onboard. Research Assistants are responsible for all costs associated with travel to and from the Whitsundays. No prior experience is necessary and training will be provided. Preference will be given, however, to individuals involved in marine mammal science courses or related institutions and/or with prior volunteer marine mammal field experience. Places will be allocated in the order they are received and are subject to availability. To find out more about The Great Barrier Reef Whale and Dolphin Research Project (including the dates of research trips), or to register online for a Research Assistant position, visit: http://www.blueplanetmarine.com. David Paton, Managing Director, Blue Planet Marine

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new article on common dolphin bycatch
by Helene Peltier 29 May '16

29 May '16

Dear colleagues, We are glad to inform you that following article was recently accepted for publication: Small cetacean bycatch as estimated from stranding schemes: The common dolphin case in the northeast Atlantic Hélène Peltier , Matthieu Authier, Rob Deaville, Willy Dabin, Paul D. Jepson, Olivier van Canneyt, Pierre Daniel, Vincent Ridoux The article can be download until early July: http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1T3zz5Ce0rOF3A [1] Highlights *Strong interactions between common dolphins and fisheries in southern Bay of Biscay. *Levels of bycatch inferred from strandings between 3650 and 4700 dolphins year-1. *Levels of bycatch inferred from observer programmes around 550 animals year-1. *Diverging estimates can set very different management consequences.Highlights Abstract Death in fishing gear of non-target species (called 'bycatch') is a major concern for marine wildlife, and mostly worrying for long-lived species like cetaceans, considering their demographic characteristics (slow population growth rates and low fecundity). In European waters, cetaceans are highly impacted by this phenomenon. Under the Common Fishery Policy, the EC 812/2004 regulation constitutes a legal frame for bycatch monitoring on 5-10% of fishing vessels >15 m. The aim of this work was to compare parameters and bycatch estimates of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) provided by observer programmes in France and UK national reports and those inferred from stranding data, through two approaches. Bycatch was estimated from stranding data, first by correcting effectives from drift conditions (using a drift prediction model) and then by estimating the probability of being buoyant. Observer programmes on fishing vessels allowed us to identify the specificity of the interaction between common dolphins and fishing gear, and provided low estimates of annual bycaught animals (around 550 animals year1). However, observer programmes are hindered by logistical and administrative constraints, and the sampling scheme seems to be poorly designed for the detection of marine mammal bycatches. The analyses of strandings by considering drift conditions highlighted areas with high levels of interactions between common dolphins and fisheries. Since 1997, the highest densities of bycaught dolphins at sea were located in the southern part of the continental shelf and slope of the Bay of Biscay. Bycatch numbers inferred from strandings suggested very high levels, ranging from 3650 dolphins year1 [2250-7000] to 4700 [3850-5750] dolphins year1, depending on methodological choices. The main advantage of stranding data is its large spatial scale, cutting across administrative boundaries. Diverging estimates between observer programmes and stranding interpretation can set very different management consequences: observer programmes suggest a sustainable situation for common dolphins, whereas estimates based on strandings highlight a very worrying and unsustainable process. Best wishes Helene Peltier Links: ------ [1] http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1T3zz5Ce0rOF3A

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CRRU Internship Programme 2016 - places available
by Dr Kevin Robinson 29 May '16

29 May '16

We still have places available on the CRRUs Whales and dolphins of the Moray Firth project in Scotland this summer, listed at: http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp Our field teams are run as a formal training / educational programme, with structured lectures, seminars and presentations by the research team, practical training in field methodologies and data collection and analysis, and direct participation in the research, education and rescue work of this dynamic and outgoing conservation charity. The cost for an 10 day internship in 2016 is £895, and this will cover you for full board (all your accommodation and food costs), your full equipment needs and ALL associated field costs during your stay with us in the heritage fishing village of Gardenstown in northeast Scotland. You'll simply need to arrange your own travel itinerary to us in Banff in Aberdeenshire (nearest airport Dyce, Aberdeen, approx. 1½ hours from the field base by coach) plus any personal spending money. For full details, please visit the project page at www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp <http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp> , or email us directly at info(a)crru.org.uk <mailto:info@crru.org.uk> for further information or for a booking form. Our full list of publications and reports can also be found at: www.crru.org.uk/publications.asp With all best wishes and thanks Dr. Kevin Robinson Director, CRRU <mailto:kev.robinson@crru.org.uk> kev.robinson(a)crru.org.uk Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, PO Box 11307, Banff, AB45 3WB, Scotland, UK | ( +44 (0)1261 851696 | <http://www.crru.org.uk/> www.crru.org.uk Whale and Dolphin Research | Environmental Educational Outreach | Marine Wildlife Rescue | Consultancy | MMO Services <http://www.facebook.com/crru.org.uk> <http://www.twitter.com/crru> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/cetacean-research-&-rescue-unit-crru-> Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC035473

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New publication on high foraging rates of harbor porpoises
by Danuta Maria Wisniewska 28 May '16

28 May '16

Dear MARMAMers, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Current Biology: Ultra-High Foraging Rates of Harbor Porpoises Make Them Vulnerable to Anthropogenic Disturbance Danuta Maria Wisniewska, Mark Johnson, Jonas Teilmann, Laia Rojano-Doñate, Jeanne Shearer, Signe Sveegaard, Lee A. Miller, Ursula Siebert, and Peter Teglberg Madsen URL: http://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(16)30314-1 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2016.03.069 Highlights: · Harbor porpoises forage nearly continuously day and night to meet energy needs · Porpoises hunt up to 550 small fish prey per hour with a >90% capture success rate · Targeted sizes of fish overlap little with commercial fisheries · Even moderate disturbance may have severe fitness consequences for porpoises Summary The question of how individuals acquire and allocate resources to maximize fitness is central in evolutionary ecology. Basic information on prey selection, search effort, and capture rates are critical for understanding a predator's role in its ecosystem and for predicting its response to natural and anthropogenic disturbance. Yet, for most marine species, foraging interactions cannot be observed directly. The high costs of thermoregulation in water require that small marine mammals have elevated energy intakes compared to similar-sized terrestrial mammals. The combination of high food requirements and their position at the apex of most marine food webs may make small marine mammals particularly vulnerable to changes within the ecosystem, but the lack of detailed information about their foraging behavior often precludes an informed conservation effort. Here, we use high-resolution movement and prey echo recording tags on five wild harbor porpoises to examine foraging interactions in one of the most metabolically challenged cetacean species. We report that porpoises forage nearly continuously day and night, attempting to capture up to 550 small (3-10 cm) fish prey per hour with a remarkable prey capture success rate of >90%. Porpoises therefore target fish that are smaller than those of commercial interest, but must forage almost continually to meet their metabolic demands with such small prey, leaving little margin for compensation. Thus, for these "aquatic shrews," even a moderate level of anthropogenic disturbance in the busy shallow waters they share with humans may have severe fitness consequences at individual and population levels. For those interested in reading more, this paper and other interesting papers from our Marine Bioacoustics Lab can be downloaded from: www.marinebioacoustics.com/pub.php<http://www.marinebioacoustics.com/pub.php> Best regards, Danuta Maria Wisniewska

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Living Seas Dolphin Research Volunteer Positions, Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay, West Wales
by CBMWC 28 May '16

28 May '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 Volunteer 2016 Dedicated to conserving Cardigan Bays marine wildlife through education and research 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. Positions have become available for the following volunteering periods. * Block C: 4th July - 4th September (8 weeks) Please note that one of the successful applicants will be sharing a bedroom with 3 male volunteers. * Block D: 5th September - 31st October (8 weeks) We ask that volunteers are able to commit for the entire block and priority will be given to those that can volunteer for both blocks. 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 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 Dolphinwatch · 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. Important: In the past volunteers have worked up to 8 hours a day 6 days a week. Some training and activities may take place outside of normal office hours. Field work can involve long periods outdoors and in inclement weather. All volunteers are expected to contribute to all CBMWC activities, tasks and field work and to attend all training sessions provided. Personal Qualities: 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 5th June 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. Our volunteering programme is supported by the Volunteering in Wales Fund via Wales Council for Voluntary Action. ----------------------------- 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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Researcher at the Icelandic Seal Centre
by Sandra M Granquist 27 May '16

27 May '16

Researcher at the Icelandic Seal Centre We are looking for a biologist that is interested in taking part in seal research at the Icelandic Seal Centre in NW Iceland. The Research team at the Icelandic Seal Centre has been operating since 2009 and manages most of the seal related research conducted in Iceland, such as: population estimates of the two breeding seal populations in Iceland (harbour seals and grey seals), dietary studies, and studies on the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on the seal populations. The starting date for the successful candidate is July 1, 2016 and the end date is December 31, 2016, with a view to making the post permanent. Accommodation at the Seal Centre can be arranged. The successful candidate will assist with several projects; such as aerial population counts, land based counts, and behavioural studies. Some lab work may also be required. Candidate Profile: Required: * Legal right to work in Iceland. * Proven leadership skills. * Master's or PhD in biology/ecology, and strong interest in marine mammal ecology and behaviour. * Good written and spoken English. * Good work ethic, independence, and a responsible attitude; good performance individually and as a member of a team. * Excellence in stressful conditions. * Enjoyment of long hours outdoors in hostile weather conditions. * The ability to go on long hikes through rough terrain. * The ability to manage challenging physical tasks independently. * A driver's licence. Desired: * Experience working within the field of marine mammal research. * Animal observation experience. * Experience working from boats and planes. Please e-mail your application, including a CV and a cover letter detailing your education and relevant experience to: Sigurdur Lindal Thorisson, Managing Director of the Icelandic Seal Centre, at selasetur(a)selasetur.is. Early application is advised. Sandra M. Granquist Head of department The Icelandic Seal Center Brekkugata 2, 530 Hvammstangi Tel: +354-8472188 http://www.selasetur.is/

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Marine Mammal Observer Course - June QLD AU
by Yvonne Miles - Scanning Ocean Sectors 26 May '16

26 May '16

*We are pleased to announce training courses for Marine Mammal Observers 2016.* *Scanning Ocean Sectors* specialises in training, consultancy and supply of *Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)* / *Marine Fauna Observer (MFO) *worldwide. We are JNCC recognised/approved course for industry and research for the UKCS and have been effectively running for over 13 years. We have years of research behind the effective and consistent training of MMOs/MFOs including courses adapted/personalised to the requirements of our clients, and taught by professionals in their specialised fields. Our staff are fully trained and experienced in all areas of the MMO/MFO line of work. Our training courses are about ensuring professionalism and high standards of knowledge within the industry. Our highly experienced staff facilitate private training courses to students in a classroom environment, attaining new theoretical and practical skills and competencies on an international level. Scanning Ocean Sectors ensure that the vocational, practical skills and knowledge relate to the specific useful competencies. Our training forms the core background information and provides the backbone of content to support students in the field. In addition to the core training required for this profession, we provide additional advanced training and specialised training for specific hard and software equipment where required. Continuous support is provided to all our training students from the moment they qualify and unlike other courses, we offer a legal refresher course every *3 years*. Industries today recognise the need to continue training beyond initial qualifications, to maintain, upgrade and update skills throughout staffs work time. We can provide this professional development for each and every person who is trained by our company, please ask for a quotation <https://www.scanningoceansectors.com/contact/>. The practical unit of “on-the-job training” has a general reputation as being the most effective for vocational work, so this is exactly what we do. Students are in a simulated work environment and will have to respond to each and every situation we put their way; this is completed in the classroom and at sea, every student is carefully monitored throughout this training process and assess accordingly. Each student is *graded* in their certification to ensure the professional quality standard of the MMO/MFO. We are the only course that gives Marine Mammal Observer Identification Cards to each qualifying MMO attaining any grades above a standard pass rate. Please note you must register and pay at the same time. If you require group training, please contact us and ask for a quotation <https://www.scanningoceansectors.com/contact/>. For full prices please visit www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/prices/. *MMO Training Course Dates in 2016* *AU* - *June 6th - 9th 2016 - Book now!* - *September 5th - 8th* - *November 7th - 10th* - *December 5th - 8th* *UK* - *August 1st - 4th* - *October 3rd - 6th* *NZ* - *July 4th - 7th* *SA* *dates to be arranged – please pre book.* REGISTER NOW <http://www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/> Visit the website to register for the next MMO course. www.marinemammalobservertraining.com/register/ -- *Yvonne Miles* Managing Director www.scanningoceansectors.com www.marinemammaljobs.com www.facebook.com/scanningoceansectors

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