June 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine Mammal Photo ID Internship post
by James Stewart 08 Jun '16

08 Jun '16

Marine Mammal Photo ID Intern 15-20 hours/week for 15 weeks This intern will be responsible for assisting the Boats Coordinator on photo IDing blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales during our daily whale watching cruises, as well as interpreting data to guests at the Aquarium. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to * Taking dorsal fin photos of animals encountered during daily cruises, * Maintain detailed data logs of sightings and enter them into ACESS databases * Answer questions and interpreting for guests on board. * Photo processing and IDing individual whales seen during daily trips * Create a project to display to Aquarium guests using whale data * Aid with hydrophone equipment Qualifications * Must be 18 or over * Major/ed in biology, marine biology, or conservation a plus * Lift a maximum of 50 lbs Knowledge and Skills * Each applicant must have a broad knowledge of ecological and biological principles, especially those relating to marine habitats. * Ability to spend many hours standing especially on a boat * Experience working with digital SLR camera's a plus but not required * Experience in data entry, preferably with Microsoft Access * Comfortable speaking in front of large groups * Have excellent oral and written communication skills * Be able to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities * Ability to work independently and with a diverse group of people * To apply, submit an online application from our website at: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/volunteer/college_internships/ Applications for Fall internship are due July 15, 2016 James Stewart Education Coordinator Aquarium of the Pacific jstewart(a)lbaop.org<mailto:jstewart@lbaop.org>

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Last chance for place on Whale & Dolphin Survey Training Course with Sea Watch Foundation this June
by Kathy James 08 Jun '16

08 Jun '16

*if you are interested in attending our June course, please book by Friday 17th June* We're pleased to be offering two more short courses on whale & dolphin survey techniques covering: . general biology & classification of cetaceans . species identification . conservation issues facing UK cetaceans . recommended monitoring survey methods The practical element of the course will combine both land and boat-based surveys, allowing participants to directly learn how to conduct systematic watches and fill in standardised recording forms. These take place on June 25th/26th and September 10th/11th in New Quay, West Wales, UK and will provide an unparalleled opportunity to see marine mammals in the wild and to contribute to cetacean conservation in Britain. For more details and to book your place, please visit www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/cetacean-survey-training-courses. Thank you! Kathy James Sightings Officer Sea Watch Foundation Paragon House Wellington Place New Quay Ceredigion SA45 9NR Tel: 01545 561227 (Tues, Weds, Thurs) 01970 623906 (Mon & Fri only) <http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/> www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk <https://www.facebook.com/seawatchfoundation/C:/Users/Sea%20Watch%20Foundati on/Documents/ADMIN%20MISC> facebook <https://twitter.com/SeaWatchersUK> twitter

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Request for Proposals- Killer Whale Research and Conservation Program 2016
by Courtney McGeachy 08 Jun '16

08 Jun '16

NFWF is soliciting projects under the second year of the Killer Whale Research and Conservation program to provide support for the effective implementation of three key strategies to aid in the recovery of the southern Resident killer whale (SRKW) Distinct Population Segment and the North Pacific Resident's population. The program is made possible by a continued contribution by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. and will award a minimum of $400,000 in funds each year for killer whale conservation. Initial conservation strategies for this program include: * Increase prey availability: support projects that increase the health of salmon runs that are a critical part of the Southern Resident population's diet. * Improve habitat quality: support projects that reduce threats to priority killer whale habitat from pollution and contaminants, vessel traffic and noise. * Strengthen management through research: support research to improve monitoring of demographics and distribution, health assessments and effectiveness of management interventions. Interested applicants are encouraged to join the overview webinar on June 29th (register here<https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2519010101678225412>) and to review the request for proposals found at www.nfwf.org/killerwhales<http://www.nfwf.org/killerwhales>. Proposals are due July 14th via NFWF's on-line application and awards expected to be announced in October. Courtney T. McGeachy Coordinator, Marine and Coastal Conservation National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 1133 Fifteenth Street, NW Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 202-857-0166 (phone) 202-857-0162 (fax) Courtney.McGeachy(a)nfwf.org<mailto:Courtney.McGeachy@nfwf.org> P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

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Bowhead whale.....a new species for Ireland
by Pádraig Whooley 07 Jun '16

07 Jun '16

O*n Sunday 29th May 2016 at 12:15 pm a pilot boat from Carlingford Lough Pilots Ltd. on a routine job observed, photographed and filmed a whale of unknown species just outside the Lough mouth at the Helly Hunter Rocks. It was clear that this was something unusual and was clearly none of the whale species routinely observed in Irish waters. * Padraig Whooley, IWDG Sightings Officer contacted Leo Cunningham of Carlingford Lough Pilots, who has kindly forwarded the IWDG additional sightings information, images and video which confirm this to be a bowhead whale* Balaena mysticetus*. This is a new whale species for Ireland, as the Arctic Bowhead whale has never previously been reported in Irish waters. Species identification was confirmed through the shape of its rostrum, extremely arched jawline and white chin, plus the fact that in common with most Arctic species, bowhead whales do not have a dorsal fin and on no images or video footage is there any evidence of a dorsal fin on this individual. So IWDG is confident in confirming this new species for Ireland, bringing the Irish cetacean species list to 25 species. The whales was estimated at around c20ft, which is small for this species and clearly a juvenile. It also leaves open the possibility that this could be the same individual observed off Cornwall, off southwest England on May 15th, where it was seen close to the shoreline. In February 2015, a bowhead whale was recorded off the Sciliy Islands, which makes this a remarkable recent run of sightings of this very rare species at these latitudes. Despite a follow up search by land, sea and air, there have been no subsequent sightings of this individual since the initial sighting on May 29th 2016. Arctic species are known to undergo "eruptions" when species move out of their "normal" range. These include occasional incursions of Walrus into Ireland. Last year we reported a Beluga from Northern Ireland, only the 3rd sighting in Irish waters and earlier this year a Narwhal was washed up in Belguim in April, the first record of this species in the low country. Are these just coincidences or they a sign of disruption in the functioning of the Arctic ecosystem. Full story and images http://www.iwdg.ie/news/?id=2631 . All images are courtesy of Carlingford Lough Pilots. Pádraig Whooley Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Sightings Officer Dereen, Rossmore Clonakilty Co. Cork Ireland Postcode: P85 F886 Phone: 353 (0)86 3850568 Website: www.iwdg.ie

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JOB(S) POSTING involving Marine Mammals: Marine Acoustic Technician and Marine Wildlife Observer vacancies
by Nick Robinson 07 Jun '16

07 Jun '16

Gardline Environmental Ltd is a member of the Gardline Marine Sciences Limited Group of Companies and is a successful Environmental contractor, operating a fleet of inshore boats, conducting major integrated offshore projects on a worldwide basis and inshore projects for major clients in the UK and overseas. As GEL’s Marine Wildlife Department continues its expansion we are seeking to add to the diverse team and expertise in the following roles; MARINE ACOUSTIC TECHNICIAN(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to conduct acoustic surveys through the use of passive acoustic monitoring systems (PAMS) and noise measurement systems during offshore activities both nationally and internationally. The candidate will play a key role in the development of in-house systems and be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all Marine Wildlife Departmental acoustic equipment, in accordance with HSSE and QA standards. Compilation and preparation of PAMS and noise monitoring reports including the processing of acoustic data is required. Projects may include marine mammal mitigation or monitoring, ambient noise measurements and operational noise monitoring. The candidate will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend up to 120 days at sea at locations worldwide, during a 12-month period. Applicants will be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine acoustics, including both hardware and need to have field experience. Additionally, familiarity with the use of PAMS, CPODs or other underwater noise monitoring equipment is desirable. MARINE WILDLIFE OBSERVER(s) The candidate(s) will be expected to undertake a wide variety of marine wildlife surveys, including marine mammal observations, passive acoustic monitoring, seabird and environmental impact activities in the field, as well as providing general assistance to the project managers, lead scientists and report writer with the production of marine wildlife reports. You will be responsible for the appropriate collection and processing of data both at sea and in the office. This role will require you to work in the office (Great Yarmouth), but we have an expectation that you will spend approximately 120 - 180 days at sea, at locations worldwide, dependent on project requirements, during a 12-month period. Applicants will ideally be of degree calibre or equivalent in a relevant discipline and possess an understanding of marine mammals, their biology and identification and need to have a minimum of two years field experience. Familiarity with the use of Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS) or previous marine survey experience would certainly be advantageous. To apply for your choice of role, please send your CV and a Cover Letter to Nick Robinson at nick.robinson(a)gardline.com<mailto:nick.robinson@gardline.com>. Incomplete Applications will not be considered. Closing date: 21st April 2013 ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY - This e-mail and any attached files contain information that is confidential and/or may be subject of legal privilege, intended only for use by the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this message in error and that any dissemination, copying or use of this message or attachment is strictly forbidden, as is the disclosure of the information therein. If you have received this message in error please notify the sender immediately and preserve this confidentiality by deleting the message. No binding contract will result from this e-mail until and unless an officer, on behalf of the sender, signs a written document. Sender accepts no responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this message as it has been transmitted over public networks. Unless otherwise specifically stated any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the sender Company. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System, on behalf of the Gardline Group of Companies. For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Leopard Seal Help
by Yuin Khai Foong 06 Jun '16

06 Jun '16

Dear Colleagues, I am a Ranger in New Zealand based in Auckland. We have a bit of an ongoing event with a Leopard Seal that I’m hoping someone from the International community can help us out with. In June last year we have had a Leopard Seal around the Hauraki Gulf (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hauraki_Gulf) . We have been sending out the message that in time it will feel the pull of the Ice Shelf and head back down south. This has not been the case with this Seal and it has been sighted frequently for over a year within the Gulf. Of late it, all sightings have been deep inside the Waitemata Harbour (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waitemata_Harbour) bringing it in direct proximity to New Zealand’s most populated city, Auckland. We have put signs up and warnings. It seems to have been heading back to Westhaven Marina (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westhaven_Marina) reasonably regularly. The staff there have been excellent at reinforcing that it’s unlikely that the Leopard Seal will harm people provided people give it space. However, they have had a few incidents of it hauling up on Piers within a metre of people (staff) and giving them a bit of a fright. The concern with that scenario is that it could scare a child. It has also been seen following the Marina service boat (a small inflatable). We haven’t had a situation like this in New Zealand as far as I can see. Has anyone out there had a similar experience? What did you do? Any ideas/recommendations welcome. Thanks heaps Yuin Khai Foong Senior Ranger, Biodiversity—Kaitiaki Matua, Kanorau Koiora Department of Conservation—Te Papa Atawhai DDI: +64 9 446 1265 | M: +64 27 236 4401 | VPN: 7196 North Head Office 18 Takarunga Road | PO Box 32 026, Devonport 0744 T: +64 9 445 9142 0726 Conservation leadership for our nature Tākina te hī, Tiakina, te hā o te Āo Tūroa [cid:image001.jpg@01D11C84.0481C7D0] www.doc.govt.nz<http://www.doc.govt.nz/> Caution - This message and accompanying data may contain information that is confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message or data is prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify us immediately and erase all copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you. Caution - This message and accompanying data may contain information that is confidential or subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message or data is prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify us immediately and erase all copies of the message and attachments. We apologise for the inconvenience. Thank you.

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Bottlenose Dolphin Research Volunteering
by Bruno Diaz Lopez 05 Jun '16

05 Jun '16

Could you please post the following. Hi everyone, On behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), I am pleased to announce that we are currently accepting volunteer applications for our research project along the North-western coast of Spain. There are vacancies available in September and October 2016 (a minimum of 6 days of participation). Volunteers can expect to gain a solid foundation in cetaceans conservation behaviour with a focus on dolphins ethology, habitat use and communication. BDRI offers volunteers the chance to work through the many steps of research. Your participation means that you will not only be observing the studied animals at sea, but you will also be collecting different types of scientific data, using various research methods, and helping on board the research vessel in general. When back in the lab, you will participate in the transcription of the collected data, with the database work, you will use various softwares, perform photo-identification analysis, use of GIS and more. Furthermore, as the Galician coastline is known for frequent strandings of various marine mammals species, you will be a part of an important network for rescue and data collection from these stranded animals. The BDRI is a private and self-funded centre, hence, there is no compensation for the volunteering positions. There is an participation fee that includes the accommodation in an apartment, tuition and other expenses derived of your participation (housing, free-wifi, use of equipment, field trips by car, and use of research vessel). Successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research centre (O Grove, Galicia, Spain). Approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Prior field research experience is recommended but not required. Please download the general information and application form at: <www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/volunteers.pdf> <www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationvolunteers.doc> Send the application form by email to: severine(a)thebdri.com For more information about BDRI's research and conservation work, please visit www.thebdri.com or our Facebook page. See you on site! Bruno Diaz Lopez Chief Biologist and DirectorBottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI)Av. Beiramar 192, O Grove CP. 36980Pontevedra-Spaintel. 00 34 684 248552<www.thebdri.com>

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LAST CALL: DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 04 Jun '16

04 Jun '16

*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, 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. *Contacts*: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org | www.aimmportugal.org | -- AIMM - Associação para Investigação do Meio Marinho / *Marine Environment Research Association* w <http://aimm-marineresearch.blogspot.pt/>ww.aimmportugal.org

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Opportunity to work on sperm whale's photo-identification in Pico Island, Azores
by susana simiao 03 Jun '16

03 Jun '16

Espaço Talassa Photo-Identification Project Our Espaço Talassa Photo-Identification data base of sperm whale's fluke is the result of eight years' work taking pictures of flukes. These fluke pictures show signs of the bearer's hardships such as encounters with predators, driftnets, propellers and the mere act of swimming worn off the fluke of the animals. Continued observation of the thus identified individuals let us take part in their success as mothers (e. g. presence of calves) and as a group of a closely knitted family. A sperm whale lives a long life; most of it, hidden under the ever changing surface of the ocean. To fully understand the cetacean's world, we would have to be able to follow them into the abyss and on their, sometimes, long migrations. Photo Id does not or little interfere with the object in front of the camera; but the photos taken play an important role in the understanding of the puzzle which is the blue picture, our planet, seen from above. We mainly work as a marine tourism company and our aim is to show the cetaceans in their natural environment going on with their lives when we approach them. "What a Fluke!" is a project that enables interested, scientifically driven participants to contribute in the process, by assisting our biologists Susana Simião and Rui Santos in organizing our photo catalogue, as well as in completing it. Hopefully by comparing your photos with those in our catalogue we will be able to identify new animals, discover new groups and better understand their social interactions. Moreover, without doubt, the week will enable us to understand the animal's way of life, and better understating them will help us to protect them more efficiently. This opportunity is open to everyone who would like to come to Pico Island, Azores Archipelago for one week and learn more about sperm whales and how to do research on these animals. Dates We are accepting applications for: 1st week: September 24th and October 1st 2016 2nd week: June 17th to June 24th 2017. 8 days package (Prices include): * In & Outbound transfers from Faial or Pico airport/hotel Lages do Pico; * 7 nights at our "Whale'come ao Pico"** hotel, half board; * 1 full day Pico Island tour to visit: the Queimada lookout post, the boat house of Calheta de Nesquim, the whaling station of São Roque and the squid and sperm whale museum in Madalena; * 3 sea expeditions (6 hours), depending on weather conditions; * 1 informative briefing on the biology and ecology of cetaceans; * 1 session on sperm whales: their behaviour, social structure, acoustics...; * Photo ID sessions (2hours) after each sea expedition: work and analyse the pictures taken daily, and update the online photo ID catalogue; * 1 photo ID session on why and how to recognise and match individual animals; * Government taxes and "whale and dolphin" observation permit included. Notes Participants are required to bring their own laptop and digital camera. Extras: Sea view room supplement: 20EUR. Single room supplement: 95EUR. Lunch picnic: 8EUR. Maximum participants per week: 12 people. Price 749EUR. (students with a valid student card can get a 5% discount) Contacts Please contact Serge Vialelle at espacotalassa(a)espacotalassa.com for further details and informations. http://www.espacotalassa.com/

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New publication on male grey seal cannibalism
by Amy Bishop 03 Jun '16

03 Jun '16

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our short note: Bishop, A. M., Onoufriou, J., Moss, S., Pomeroy, P. P., & Twiss, S. D. (2016). Cannibalism by a male grey seal (*Halichoerus grypus*) in the North Sea. *Aquatic Mammals*, *42*(2), 137-143. DOI 10.1578/ AM.42.2.2016.137 In this short note we report on observations of cannibalism by a male grey seal in the eastern Atlantic. We describe the behavioural pattern of the events and compare these cases to previous observations of pinniped infanticide and cannibalism. The article can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php Accompanying video can be found at: https://vimeo.com/154314167 For more information or a pdf copy please contact me at: ambishop2(a)uaa.alaska.edu Best Wishes, Amy Amanda M Bishop, PhD Postdoctoral Researcher 3101 Science Circle, CPISB 301C University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AK 99508 907-786-6953 <907-786-1527> ambishop2(a)uaa.alaska.edu <jmburns(a)uaa.alaska.edu> https://sealbehaviour.wordpress.com/

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