May 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

NEW PAPER: Bayesian spatial modeling of cetacean sightings during a seismic acquisition survey
by Ursula Pena 26 May '16

26 May '16

Dear MARMAM members, We are pleased to announce that the following paper has been published on Marine Pollution Bulletin: Raul Vilela , Ursula Pena , Ruth Esteban , Robin Koemans: Bayesian spatial modeling of cetacean sightings during a seismic acquisition survey ABSTRACT: A visual monitoring of marine mammals was carried out during a seismic acquisition survey performed in waters south of Portugal with the aim of assessing the likelihood of encountering Mysticeti species in this region as well as to determine the impact of the seismic activity upon encounter. Sightings and effort data were assembled with a range of environmental variables at different lags, and a Bayesian site-occupancy modeling approach was used to develop prediction maps and evaluate how species-specific habitat conditions evolved throughout the presence or not of seismic activity. No statistical evidence of a decrease in the sighting rates of Mysticeti by comparison to source activity was found. Indeed, it was found how Mysticeti distribution during the survey period was driven solely by environmental variables. Although further research is needed, possible explanations may include anthropogenic noise habituation and zone of seismic activity coincident with a naturally low density area A PDF copy of the work can be downloaded from: *http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X16302971 <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X16302971>* Please do not hesitate to contact me for any question regarding our work. Best Regards Ursula Pena

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Announcement of availability of skeletal remains collected from stranded marine mammals within the Gulf of Mexico
by DWHMammal Samples - NOAA Service Account 26 May '16

26 May '16

*Announcement of availability of skeletal remains collected from stranded marine mammals within the Gulf of Mexico * During and after the *Deepwater Horizon *oil spill, numerous biological samples were collected from stranded cetaceans found in the northern Gulf of Mexico. With a court approved settlement for natural resource damages caused by the oil spill now in place, NOAA intends to make samples from this collection available to the scientific community. The current announcement is only for certain skeletal remains/carcasses (frozen, tissue attached, not cleaned) from cetaceans other than bottlenose dolphins. Future announcements will be made in the late summer/early fall regarding available tissue (non-skeletal) samples. Organizations interested in obtaining skeletal remains for research or education purposes (per 50 CFR 216.22 and/or 216.37) should complete the attached sample request form and return it by June 10, 2016 to *DWHmammalsamples(a)noaa.gov <DWHmammalsamples(a)noaa.gov>*. Requests received in a different format or after this date may not be able to be processed. Available skeletal remains are from strandings that occurred from 2010 to 2016 in the Panhandle of Florida or Alabama. A list of species expected to be available can be found below. Availability will depend on logistical considerations and operational limitations at the storage facility. Additional information: Most carcasses are moderately to severely decomposed and have been completely dissected for examination (at times including destruction of the skull for evaluation of the nervous system). Skeletal remains can only be distributed to researchers within the United States. Requesters must have or be in the process of applying for authorization to receive marine mammal parts under 50 CFR 216.22 or 216.37 (e.g., parts authorization letter, marine mammal permit, stranding agreement). Requesters would ideally come to Louisiana or Mississippi (location TBD) at the end of July to pick up the requested skeletal remains and/or will be required to provide appropriate shipping boxes and cover all costs for transportation fees. Species with skeletal remains/carcasses expected to be available: *Feresa attenuata* *Globicephala macrorhynchus* *Grampus griseus* *Kogia breviceps* *Kogia sp. * *Mesoplodon densirostris* *Peponocephala electra* *Stenella attenuata* *Stenella clymene* *Stenella frontalis* *Stenella longirostris* *Stenella sp.* *Steno bredanensis*

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Marine Mammal Experience Internship
by Victoria Howard 26 May '16

26 May '16

The IMMS Marine Mammal Experience Internship Program, located in Gulfport, MS, is designed as a way for students interested in a career in science education to gain valuable hands-on experience in a real-world informal educational setting. Interns will further their knowledge by working in other IMMS departments, including Research, Animal Care & Training, and Veterinary/Stranding. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and practical involvement in marine science education. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Positions are limited and IMMS reserves the right to end an internship at any time. *Principle Duties and Requirements* Interns must: - Commit to a minimum of at least 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. The internship can be extended depending on work performance. - Be available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. - Have strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to admit mistakes. - Produce high quality efforts and exhibit strong interpersonal skills and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor. - Have excellent presentation and public speaking skills with the ability to effectively communicate in English. - *Principle Duties include*: Conducting educational presentations, answering guest questions about the habitat and the animals, make reservation for programming over the phone, Utilize online booking software and Microsoft Outlook to track reservations and schedule programs, photograph program participants and develop pictures for purchase, work in the museum area to receive/check-in guest and payments for programming, organize and conduct Birthday Party program, work with other departments and staff in scheduling programs. - *Secondary Duties involve*: Assisting with animal care staff, attending marine mammal necropsies, responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings, assisting with educational tours, and assisting research staff. - Interns must be able to spend many hours standing, walking, and working for prolonged periods of time in sometimes extreme seasonal conditions. Seasonal temperatures range from over 100 °F in summer to 30 °F in winter. Applicants must be 18 or older. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate. Previous experience in any capacity is a plus. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all duties outlined for this Internship Program. This is an unpaid position and Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist Interns in suggesting suitable housing options and locations. *Deadline to Apply for the Fall is June 1, 2016* *Please visit **http://imms.org/internship.php* <http://imms.org/internship.php>* for application and full details*

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MMO and PSO training courses, Inverness, UK
by Carolyn Barton 26 May '16

26 May '16

MMO and PSO training courses are running in Inverness, Scotland, in June: JNCC-recognised MMO course for UK waters, 13 June 2016, GBP 125 PSO course for the Gulf of Mexico, meets BOEM/ BSEE requirements, 14 June 2016, GBP 55 (when taken in conjunction with the MMO course). For details of course content and to download a booking form, see www.carolynbarton.co.uk or e-mail info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk . Carolyn Barton info(a)carolynbarton.co.uk www.carolynbarton.co.uk

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NORTHCOAST MARINE MAMMAL CENTER FALL 2016 INTERNSHIP
by Jessie Weldon 25 May '16

25 May '16

NORTHCOAST MARINE MAMMAL CENTER FALL INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT - 2016 The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center is seeking an applicant for an internship working with stranded Marine Mammals. This position is unpaid and no housing is included. There is a studio avaliable if you wish to rent. We have one opening for an internship starting around September 1st 2016, which we are hoping to fill as soon as possible. Applicants will be living and working in Crescent City, CA. Program Description: The Northcoast Marne Mammal Center is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are interested in increasing their experience and knowledge of marine mammal behavior. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in marine mammal rescues, releases and other field responses as available. In addition, interns will be required to assist in other departments and with animal care duties (intake duties, feed preparations, medical charting, medicine administration, pen cleaning and other animal husbandry duties as needed) for on-site patients. Intern Responsibilities & Qualifications: The internship is open to all applicants 21 years of age or older, with a devoted interest in marine biology, zoology, general biology, policy or a related field. Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 2 months, 5 days a week, at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule must be flexible and will include weekends and holidays. Applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills and have practical computer knowledge. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a résumé that includes the names of three references, and a cover letter detailing interests, experience,housing accommodations, start date and availability. Please forward all application materials electronically to volunteer(a)northcoastmmc.org There is some flexibility on the start date of the position, however please indicate your desired start date in the cover letter.

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Immediate Openings for Managment Positions with Seal Rescue Ireland
by Seal Rescue Ireland 25 May '16

25 May '16

Seal Rescue Ireland is currently recruiting for the following Positions (open immediately): - Hospital Operations Manager (Full Time Salary Position) - Assistant Animal Care Manager (Possible Free Food/Housing) 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 centre also has an extensive education program and is open to the public. Due to a new business restructure, there are currently new management positions available with immediate start dates. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. After reading the descriptions below please send your resume and cover letter and available dates to: Attention: "Name of Position of Interest" sealrescueireland(a)gmail.com More info: Telephone: 087 461 3798 www.sealrescueireland.org www.facebook.com/sealrescueireland HOSPITAL OPERATIONS MANAGER: This is a management position will be a responsible for overseeing all daily operations at Seal Rescue Ireland(SRI). SRI is a small facility so candidates must be extremely versatile since the operations manager takes on multiple roles. Duties will include but are not limited to overseeing the finances, overseeing multiple programs, event planning, planning fundraisers, facilities paperwork, making sure animal welfare and protocols are maintained, delegating out duties, hiring/recruiting new management and volunteers, and networking. The successful canidate will supervise Animal Care Managers, interns, & volunteers. He or she will work closely with the Executive Director to help achieve organizational goals. This person must be passionate about the mission and be self-motivated. The ability to juggle multiple projects/tasks at once is a must. Although the Animal Care Managers are responsible for the daily care of the seals, the Hospital Operations Manager will be involved in planning releases and other aspects that deal with animal care - yet it must be noted this position is expected to be overseeing the departments rather than directly being involved in animal care daily - but stepping in when needed or being there for advice or training new management. Reports to: Executive Director and Board of Directors Full Time Position (Salary): 40+hrs/week Requirements: The Animal Operations Manager will be thoroughly committed to SRI's mission. All candidates should have proven leadership management experience. Concrete demonstrable experience and other qualifications include: . Must be legally allowed to work in Ireland -visa assistance not available. Must be 25 or older and be able to legally drive in Ireland. . Advanced degree, with at least 1 year of management experience; track record of effectively leading organisations and staff. Prior experience with volunteers is desired. . Experience event planning or fundraising is desired. Not for Profit experience is desired. . Excellence in organisational management with the ability to coach staff, manage and develop high-performance teams, set and achieve strategic objectives and manage a budget. The ability to multitask and handle multiple projects at once is a requirement. . Must be able and willing to delegate duties since a successful operation depends on this. . Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills. . Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to program management . Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people . Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven and self-directed. . Animal care experience with marine mammals is preferred but not required. . Must be proficient in Microsoft programs such as Excel, Word and Powerpoint. . Public speaking skills are a requirement. Duties Include: . Supervise, recruit, and train managers and volunteers . Coordinate releases and other conservation events . Oversee all parts of the daily operations of the organization including the behind the scenes experience, gift shop, fundraising program, maintaining volunteer housing & education program. . Responsible for the PR and Marketing of the organization and events . Grant writing and seeking new ways of funding with assistance from Executive Director. . Responsible for helping the centre maintain a positive reputation with the public and visitors. . Delegating out duties and overseeing all work done by volunteers, interns and managers. . Participate in educational talks and tours. . Provide assistance to the Executive Director and rehabilitation staff as needed. . Assisting with fundraisers, educational events, clerical duties and office work as needed . Representing Seal Rescue Ireland at networking events ASSISTANT ANIMAL CARE MANAGER Job Summary: This is a management position will be a responsible individual who 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 Hospital Operations Manager and Animal Care Manager 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. Reports to: Animal Care Manager and Hospital Operations Manager Requirements: Applicants must have a background or interest in areas of study such as Pre-Vet, Biology, Zoology, or any other animal related field. Previous work with marine mammal rehabilitation is required. Applicants MUST be comfortable with computers and Microsoft office programs, be comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, be comfortable giving direction/teaching, be organized and self-motivated. Applicants should be agile with a good sense of balance in order to maneuver around the exhibits and holding areas, and must be able to lift 25 kilograms. Applicants must possess the ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and be available to work nights, weekends and holidays. Applicant must be 25 or older and have a driver's license that allows them to drive in Ireland. Duties Include: . Supervise, recruit, and train interns and volunteer . Coordinate releases and other conservation events . Management of Seal Records Database . Responsible for managing specific programs within the organization . Responsible for hospital inventory and stock checks . Supervising and participating in daily animal diet preparations, routine cleaning of enclosures, giving medical treatments, tube feeding, and maintenance of the grounds . Overseeing medical treatment plans and upgrading animals and diets with other managers . Assist and coordinate rescue of stranded animals including assisting with the rescue hotline. . Participate in educational talks and tours. . Supervise, Maintain, and update seal records. Applying for rehab licenses as needed. . Provide assistance to the Director and rehabilitation staff as needed. . Assisting with fundraisers, educational events, clerical duties and office work as needed . Representing Seal Rescue Ireland at networking events This is an unpaid position. Housing is available at 85 Euro/Week (includes food) if desired and there is an option of getting free housing/food if willing to additionally take on the house manager role. Applicant is responsible for all travel expenses. One year Volunteer visas are available for people from specific countries and if certain criteria is met.

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op-ed on commercial shipping noise and Navy
by Jasny, Michael 25 May '16

25 May '16

Hi All, I want to make folks aware of an unusual op-ed on shipping noise, which was published in Sunday's edition of the Richmond (Va.) Times-Courier. The op-ed was co-authored by myself and William Parker III, a former Commodore in the U.S. Navy and now COO of the EastWest Institute, urging the Navy to help quiet commercial ships for the sake of both national security and the environment. Many of the same points we make in the op-ed would apply to other navies as well. Please let me know offline if you'd like an electronic copy of the print version (which looks much nicer), or you can read the op-ed on the Times-Dispatch website: http://www.richmond.com/opinion/their-opinion/guest-columnists/article_02f6…. Cheers, Michael Michael jasny Director, Marine Mammal Protection NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL 4479 W. 5th Avenue Vancouver, bc v6r1s4 T 604.736.9386 c 310.560.5536 mjasny(a)NRDC.ORG<mailto:mjasny@NRDC.ORG> Please save paper. Think before printing.

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Still time to register for the final underwater acoustics webinar for the international regulatory community!
by Holly Morin 25 May '16

25 May '16

Over the last 8 months, the Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS) <http://www.dosits.org/> Team has been facilitating a free, five-part webinar series for the international regulatory community on topics related to underwater sound. The fifth and final webinar in this series will provide a brief summary of previous webinars, and offer an opportunity for participants to follow up on the topics presented and ask additional questions. A panel of previous webinar speakers will be online and available to answer questions. The webinar will take place Thursday, June 2, 2016, at 12:00pm (US East Coast time). Individuals must register in advance for the webinar. To register for this webinar, please visit: http://dosits.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e142faad1ca3ef0f816ca8553&id… <http://dosits.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e142faad1ca3ef0f816ca8553&id…> All previous webinars, and their associated resources, are archived on the DOSITS website (Webinar Series for Regulators of Underwater Sound <http://www.dosits.org/resources/all/decisionmakers/ircwebinar/>; http://www.dosits.org/resources/all/decisionmakers/ircwebinar/ <http://www.dosits.org/resources/all/decisionmakers/ircwebinar/>) Questions? Please contact Holly Morin at holly_morin(a)uri.edu <mailto:holly_morin@uri.edu>. This webinar series is being sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The American Petroleum Institute (API) is the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Discovery of Sound in the Sea (DOSITS; www.dosits.org <http://www.dosits.org/>) is a comprehensive, educational website on underwater sound, designed to provide accurate scientific information at levels appropriate for all audiences, including decision-makers.

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URGENT CALL FOR MARINE MAMMAL VOLUNTEERS IN ANTALYA BAY, TURKEY
by aylin akkaya 25 May '16

25 May '16

MARINEMAMMAL VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR A LONG TERM PROJECT Marine Mammals ResearchAssociation (www.dmad.org.tr) is currently seeking for volunteers, based in Fethiyeand Antalya, to start as soon as possible. The project is focused on theconservation of marine mammals through combining research and education. Therefore,while marine mammal abundance, distribution, behaviour and threats will bemonitored through boat and land surveys, active involvement of stakeholders tothe projects will also be supported. This project provides an excellentopportunity for post-grads, students and individuals interested in getting moreexperience and knowledge in the field of marine mammal research. VOLUNTEERS are primarilyresponsible for behavioural data collection, theodolite operation,photographing cetacean individuals and cataloguing dolphin/monk seal pictures,data entry. Training will be provided beforehand. In addition, there will beArcGIS and SPSS courses running which will be free for volunteers during theirstay. There will be an opportunity to undertake a personal research projectsupervised by the project director. Volunteers must beself-motivated, with the drive and determination to work independently andresponsibly, and with a true interest in marine conservation. This position is unpaidand requires a contribution fee of 500 euro per month, which covers theaccommodation, equipment, training and working expenses for the participants. Participants should cover their own travel expenses to Turkey. TO APPLY Send CV and cover letterby e-mail to akkayaaylinn(a)gmail.com Dr. Aylin Akkaya Bas Project Directorof Marine Mammals Research Association www.dmad.org.tr

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The 10th marine mammal necropsy workshop
by Thierry Jauniaux 24 May '16

24 May '16

Dear Colleagues, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting The 10th marine mammal necropsy workshop is organized by the Department of Veterinary Pathology (University of Liege, Belgium), the Laboratory of Applied Bioacoustics LAB (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain) and the UMS Pelagis, Centre de Recherche sur les Mammifères Marins (University of La Rochelle, France). The session will be held at the Veterinary College on the Sart Tilman campus (Liège, Belgium) on July 6, 7 and 8, 2016. 20 marine mammals will be extensively necropsied and sampled, based on a standard procedure (European marine mammal necropsy procedure based on the proceeding of the first European Cetacean Society workshop on cetacean pathology: dissection techniques and tissue sampling. ECS Newsletter #17 special issue: 1991, 39 p. by Kuiken T. and Garcia Hartmann M. and adapted in previous European Cetacean Society necropsy workshops. A special attention will be the extraction and fixation (injection) of the inner ear. Session will be devoted to dissection, sampling and tissues banking procedures , another session will be reserved for acoustics and inner ear extraction and fixation ; afternoons will be dedicated to necropsies, mostly harbor porpoises. The number of attendees is limited to 20, in order to pair off participants under the supervision of a veterinary pathologist and specialists of the inner ear dissection. Information and registration: t.jauniaux(a)ulg.ac.be Very best regards T. Jauniaux Thierry Jauniaux, DMV, PhD Assistant Professor Diplomate of European College of Zoological Medicine

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