July 2016 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Marine mammal volunteer research assistants required in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo, Ireland
by Aoife Foley 21 Jul '16

21 Jul '16

*Marine mammal volunteer research assistants required in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo, Ireland.* The Marine Ecology Group at MaREI, University College Cork, is seeking *three* volunteer research assistants for the 2016 field season. Volunteers are required to carry out research on marine mammals in Broadhaven Bay, Co. Mayo, Ireland between August – September 2016. Research assistants will be required to conduct cliff-based monitoring surveys, office related tasks and stranding’s surveys. This presents an opportunity to work within a team of experienced researchers and gain experience in field techniques for marine mammal surveys, while contributing to a larger program of marine mammal research. *WORK PERIOD* 25 August 2016 – 25th September 2016 Due to training requirements, preference will be given to applicants who can commit for the full month. *LOCATION* Research assistants will be based in a shared house on the Mullet Peninsula, Co. Mayo. The house, which doubles as the office, is approx. 7km from the town of Belmullet, where there are supermarkets, cafes, pubs, banks, etc. Accommodation will be shared with up to 7 people so good teamwork and interpersonal skills are imperative. The Mullet Peninsula is a stunning location on the world famous Wild Atlantic Way, boasting some of the nicest, and untouched, beaches in Ireland. Applicants must be aware that the Mullet Peninsula is geographically very remote with limited facilities and variable weather patterns with rain, wind and generally stormy conditions possible year-round. Expect to spend time in the office when conditions are less than ideal as field work will not be possible in these circumstances, however there will be plenty of opportunity to explore the surrounding area, which is an ideal location for those who enjoy surfing, hiking and wildlife. Just be aware if you do not have your own car, accessibility of the surrounding area can be limited. *RESPONSIBILITIES* Volunteers will work in shifts and all field work is weather-dependent and can be cancelled with short notice by the site leader if conditions are not ideal. A structured schedule will be set up with rotations of field duties, time off and specific duties for each person. Field work will include conducting cliff-based surveys from two sites in Broadhaven Bay using theodolites. There will be the need to respond to stranding’s in the area and to conduct complete necropsies when appropriate. The rest of the time will be spent in the office on data entry and analysis duties. There may be a public outreach and education component as well which will include interpreting marine mammal biology to the local community. *TERMS OF INTERNSHIP* The project budget will cover accommodations at the project house and transportation to and from the field site for surveys. Interns will be responsible for their own food, transportation to and from the research station, entertainment and free time expenses. *REQUIREMENTS* *Essential* Genuine interest in marine mammal biology, the marine environment and conservation. Advanced computer proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word) Excellent verbal and communication skills Enthusiasm and a positive attitude to hard work and long hours in the field in inclement weather Ability to work well both in a team and independently Flexibility and patience as fieldwork is highly weather dependent Excellent English language skills Moderate level of fitness – there is a 25-minute hike carrying gear to the cliff sites. *Highly Desirable* Driving Licence and car Familiarity with theodolite use, GPS equipment and software Prior experience with R, ArcGIS and C-POD software Enrolled in or completed a degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Animal Behaviour, Ecology, Zoology or related fields Previous field research experience, particularly marine research Previous experience of working in remote locations as part of a small team A strong interest and knowledge of marine mammals *APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS* To apply, please send a copy of your CV (including two relevant referees and their contact details) and a brief (max 250 words) cover letter with a description of yourself and your experience to *Aoife Foley (aoifefoley(a)ucc.ie <aoifefoley(a)ucc.ie>)*. Applications will be accepted until the positions have been filled. *Aoife Foley* Research Assistant MaREI Centre Beaufort Building - Environmental Research Institute (ERI) University College Cork Haulbowline Rd Ringaskiddy Co. Cork Ireland Mobile: (+353) 085 827 6984 Email: *aoifefoley(a)ucc.ie <aoifefoley(a)ucc.ie>* Skype: Aoife.Foley23 [image: Inline image 1] [image: Inline image 2] [image: Inline image 3]

1 0

Sea Otter Program Animal Care Internship
by AJohnson＠mbayaq.org 20 Jul '16

20 Jul '16

Sea Otter Program Animal Care Intern Winter/Spring 2017 The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sea Otter Research and Conservation program is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist staff with the care and release of live-stranded sea otters. Project responsibilities include, but are not limited to, daily care and feeding of ill, injured and orphaned sea otters; maintenance and cleaning of animal tanks and enclosures; and computer data entry. Interns may also assist with rescues of live-stranded otters, tracking of released otters, administration of medication to sick otters, and managing otters in research projects. Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment, as well as independently without direct supervision, and must have good communication skills. Required * Previous animal handling experience (must include experience with mammals) * At least 18 years of age * Current undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university * Must be a student during the term immediately preceding the internship * Must submit a resume of courses and/or experience relevant to the internship position * Must provide a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation from college/university professors or faculty staff * 6-month commitment of 24 hours each week * Proof of current tetanus vaccination * Project task assignments may include weekends and holidays as assigned Desired Skills * Strong Interest in and awareness of animal husbandry and marine science/ecology * Willingness to get wet and dirty * Attention to detail * Able to lift up to 50 pounds * Ability to multi-task * Research, writing, and organizational skills * Interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively with colleagues * Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PPT * Proficiency with SharePoint a plus All internship opportunities are Unpaid or STEM Internships (STEM may include funding provided through your educational institution). College credit may be available. Please refer to your College/University's student services division. Please click here <https://montereybayaquarium.snaphire.com/jobdetails?ajid=6q3X7> to apply for this internship. Andrew Johnson Sea Otter Research and Conservation Manager P 831-648-7934 M 831-402-1851 [cid:image001.gif@01D1E2B3.7E62C2C0] Monterey Bay Aquarium 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 www.montereybayaquarium.org<http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/> Our mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean.

1 0

Sea Otter Program Research Internship
by AJohnson＠mbayaq.org 20 Jul '16

20 Jul '16

Sea Otter Program Research Intern Winter/Spring 2017 The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sea Otter Research and Conservation program is seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals to assist staff with field observations and data collection of wild sea otters around the Monterey Peninsula and in Monterey Bay. Project responsibilities include, but are not limited to, collecting data in the field from shore and occasionally on a small boat using radio telemetry equipment and making visual observations with spotting scopes. Interns will record daily re-sights, movement patterns and forage observations, and activity budget data on marked individual wild sea otters. Qualified applicants must be able to work in a team environment, as well as independently without direct supervision, and must have good communication skills. Required * At least 18 years of age * Current undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university * Must be a student during the term immediately preceding the internship * Must submit a resume of courses and/or experience relevant to the internship position * Must provide a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation from college/university professors or faculty staff * 6-month commitment of 24 hours each week * Valid driver's California driver's license * Personal vehicle to use while in the field * Cell phone * Willingness to perform project task assignments on a flexible schedule, including weekends and late evenings * Previous experience in a field work setting or behavioral data collection Desired Skills * Strong Interest in and awareness of animal behavior, natural history and marine science/ecology * Willingness to stand out in the elements for up to 6 hours at a time * Attention to detail * Able to lift up to 50 pounds and walk short distance over hilly terrain * Ability to multi-task * Research, writing, and organizational skills * Interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively with colleagues * Proficiency with SharePoint a plus but not necessary * Boat handling skills appreciated but not necessary * Experience in behavioral observations a plus * Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point and Access software All internship opportunities are Unpaid or STEM Internships (STEM may include funding provided through your educational institution). College credit may be available. Please refer to your College/University's student services division. Please click here<https://montereybayaquarium.snaphire.com/jobdetails?ajid=Nr3X7> to apply for this internship. Andrew Johnson Sea Otter Research and Conservation Manager P 831-648-7934 M 831-402-1851 [cid:image001.gif@01D1E2B3.07CC2DE0] Monterey Bay Aquarium 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940 www.montereybayaquarium.org<http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/> Our mission is to inspire conservation of the ocean.

1 0

New paper: Analysis of the natural markings of Risso's dolphins in the central Mediterranean Sea
by Monica 20 Jul '16

20 Jul '16

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in the Journal of Mammology: Mariani, M., A. Miragliuolo, B. Mussi, G. F. Russo, G. Ardizzone, and D. S. Pace. 2016. Analysis of the natural markings of Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in the central Mediterranean Sea. Journal of Mammology 2016. doi: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw109. Abstract Risso’s dolphins are known for the persistency of their natural markings, possibly due to the loss of pigment during the healing process of skin wounds. Nonetheless, the actual longevity and reliability of each mark type has never been assessed. In this paper, we used photographs to investigate the etiology of skin marks in the species, analyze their distribution and temporal variability, and discuss implications for photo identification. Nineteen mark types were described on the dorsal fin of Risso’s dolphin, including 2 new to the literature: the snake-like mark and the protruding fat. Longevity of skin marks ranged from 6 years for the protruding fat to several decades for scrapes and dots. Persistent and reliable marks were notch, tooth-rake, and thick single and parallel scrapes. Mark change was sufficiently low that all mark types could be used for photo identification, provided that backlit or underexposed images were discarded as photographs taken under suboptimal light conditions proved to be unreliable. Finally, mark distribution and variability were unequal between age classes; juveniles were less marked and showed a higher rate of mark change than older individuals so that, even if they possessed enough notches to be classified as reliably marked, they could be confidently matched over a time interval of up to 3 years. Full text and pdf file are available at https://jmammal.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2016/07/18/jmammal.gyw109. For further information on this article please write to mariani.monica(a)hotmail.com or postmaster(a)oceanomaredelphis.org . Kind regards, Monica Mariani and co-authors

1 0

Mysticetus Software availability for Researchers
by Paul Donlan 19 Jul '16

19 Jul '16

Dear List Members, This general announcement is to let researchers know of the general availability of Mysticetus software for research and academic activities at a discount of 99.5% over commercial pricing. Mysticetus is a comprehensive software solution designed to support marine mammal research in an end to end fashion. Its functional feature design provides for: * Custom control how sighting data is identified, collected, and categorized. * Support for air, land, and sea based observers * Intuitive, simple GUI interface, no complex commands to master * A training mode for new users * Automatic report generation exports to .csv files Mysticetus is has been used for 100’s of research surveys including: Brown, M.W., Zani, M.A., Hamilton, P.K., Knowlton, A.R., and Kraus, S.D. 2016. Research, Monitoring and Conservation of North Atlantic Right Whales in the Bay of Fundy, the Waters South of Nova Scotia and Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence: 2015. M.M. MacKay, B. Würsig, C.E. Bacon, and J.D. Selwyn. 2016. North Atlantic humpback whale (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) hotspots defined by bathymetric features off western Puerto Rico. Canadian Journal of Zoology 94(7):517-527, 10.1139/cjz-2015-0198 Lomac-MacNair, K.S., Smultea, M. A., Cotter, M. P., Thissen, C., Parker, L. (2016). Socio-sexual and Probable Mating Behavior of Cook Inlet Beluga Whales, Delphinapterus leucas, Observed From an Aircraft. Marine Fisheries Review 77(2), 32-39. doi: dx.doi.org/10.7755/MFR.77.2.2 Data is accumulated in a data base defined by the project’s needs. A graphical representation of the observer records simplifies QC. All calculations (via bino reticles, declination angles, theodolite angles, etc.) are taken care of. Data backup is automatic to protect from data loss. Simple export via .csv, gpx, kml, mdb, and shp files is provided for. Mysticetus is found here: http://mysticetus.com, contact us at research(a)mysticetus.com. Mysticetus has a growing community of researchers for a reason. -Paul Donlan Mysticetus, LLC

1 0

HUMPBACK WHALE RESEARCH ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA – RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITIES – AUGUST 2016
by Lesley Douglas 18 Jul '16

18 Jul '16

HUMPBACK WHALE RESEARCH ON THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA – RESEARCH ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITIES – AUGUST 2016 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. There are a few remaining opportunities for Research Assistants to join the Programme during August 2016, 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. In order to fill these last places, applications received before 5 August 2016 will pay only $2,495 Australian dollars. A further discount is available for those wishing to participate for more than two research trips. 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. The dates of available research trips are: · 11-16 August 2016 (inclusive) · 18-23 August 2016 (inclusive) · 25-30 August 2016 (inclusive) 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

1 0

New publication: Antarctic blue whale acoustic presence and distribution
by Karolin Thomisch 18 Jul '16

18 Jul '16

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce our new paper: Thomisch, K, Boebel, O., Clark, C. W., Hagen, W., Spiesecke, S., Zitterbart, D. P., and Van Opzeeland, I. (2016). "Spatio-temporal patterns in acoustic presence and distribution of Antarctic blue whales Balaenoptera musculus intermedia in the Weddell Sea", Endangered Species Research 30, 239-253, doi:10.3354/esr00739 The article is published open-access and can be downloaded from the following link: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/esr/v30/p239-253/ Abstract: Distribution and movement patterns of Antarctic blue whales Balaenoptera musculus intermedia at large temporal and spatial scales are still poorly understood. The objective of this study was to explore spatio-temporal distribution patterns of Antarctic blue whales in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, using passive acoustic monitoring data. Multi-year data were collected between 2008 and 2013 by 11 recorders deployed in the Weddell Sea and along the Greenwich meridian. Antarctic blue whale Z-calls were detected via spectrogram cross-correlation. A Blue Whale Index was developed to quantify the proportion of time during which acoustic energy from Antarctic blue whales dominated over background noise. Our results show that Antarctic blue whales were acoustically present year-round, with most call detections between January and April. During austral summer, the number of detected calls peaked synchronously throughout the study area in most years, and hence, no directed meridional movement pattern was detectable. During austral winter, vocalizations were recorded at latitudes as high as 69°S, with sea ice cover exceeding 90%, suggesting that some Antarctic blue whales overwinter in Antarctic waters. Polynyas likely serve as an important habitat for baleen whales during austral winter, providing food and reliable access to open water for breathing. Overall, our results support increasing evidence of a complex and non-obligatory migratory behavior of Antarctic blue whales, potentially involving temporally and spatially dynamic migration routes and destinations, as well as variable timing of migration to and from the feeding grounds. For more information or pdf copy please contact me at Karolin.Thomisch(a)awi.de<mailto:Karolin.Thomisch@awi.de> Best wishes, Karolin Thomisch _______________________________________________________________ Karolin Thomisch PhD Student Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung Ocean Acoustics Lab Am Alten Hafen 26 27568 Bremerhaven GERMANY Phone: +49 (0)471 4831 1032 Mail: karolin.thomisch(a)awi.de _______________________________________________________________

1 0

major court ruling on the MMPA
by Jasny, Michael 18 Jul '16

18 Jul '16

All, On Friday, the Ninth Circuit-the federal court of appeals that presides over much of the western United States-issued a ruling in NRDC v. Pritzker. The case concerns the impacts of the U.S. Navy's SURTASS LFA system on marine mammals, and came to the Court on an appeal by NRDC and our co-plaintiffs. We argued that NMFS had failed its duty under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to prescribe mitigation measures achieving the "least practicable impact" on marine mammals and their habitat. The Court agreed with us and, in so doing, made a number of major rulings on the MMPA's mitigation standard. In particular, the Court held that NMFS must ensure the least practicable impact on marine mammals "even if population levels are not threatened significantly." It also held that protecting marine mammal habitat from Navy sonar is "of paramount importance" under the law, and that, where data on marine mammal distribution are limited, the agency is compelled to err on the side of overprotection rather than underprotection. Please let me know if you'd like a copy of the opinion. Best, 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.

1 0

Dolphin Biology Weeks in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece
by Giovanni Bearzi 17 Jul '16

17 Jul '16

A few places are still available to join field researchers for a 'Dolphin Biology Week' in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece. This offers an opportunity of monitoring dolphins and other fauna together with marine biologists who have been studying Mediterranean cetaceans for a long time. Programme: Data collection during boat surveys and informal seminars on marine research and conservation. Weeks: 11-17 August and 11-17 September 2016. For information: http://www.dolphinbiology.org/weeks/ - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi, Ph.D. President, Dolphin Biology and Conservation <http://www.dolphinbiology.org/>

1 0

Dolphin Research Internship in Portugal
by AIMM Internships 16 Jul '16

16 Jul '16

*BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association is a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on the research and conservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of cetaceans in southern Portugal (Algarve). This project aims to obtain baseline information on species occurrence, behavior, and social structure of the local cetacean populations in order to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and inform marine management policies. The main species observed are short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other psecies such as minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can also be sighted. AIMM Interns are young, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute to the association and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork at sea, learning data collection and processing methodologies, and being a part of AIMM's team of researchers and marine biologists for a period of time. All team members and participants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in an environmental friendly and multicultural environment. Interns have the additional option to enrich their time with AIMM by beginning or improving their SCUBA skills with a PADI-certified instructor. *WHERE:* Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal *WHEN:* The field season lasts from May 1 - October 31, 2016. The minimum internship attendance in 7 days, preferably starting on a Monday. *FIELDWORK: *The field trips are conducted in AIMM's research vessel, Ketos, or in opportunistic platforms (commercial dolphin-watching boats). Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions and seat availability in the dolphin-watching boats. Field days can be intense, especially in the peak of summer, but are fulfilling and good fun. The interns will be trained to: · Conduct on-board surveys of marine species occurrence; · Record effort tracks on a handheld GPS; · Collect data on behavior, group size, species, etc.; · Utilize photo-identification, acoustic recording, and underwater videos while on-board. *DATA ANALYSIS: *This will be conducted on a daily basis and will entail entering data into established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification processing, and preliminary data interpretation. *INTERNSHIP FEES:* AIMM is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, and conservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our important research and education programs in the Algarve. This internship requires a monetary contribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running a non-profit. For more information on internship fees for the 2016 season, please contact: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org *Included* in the fee is: · Accommodation in the research house; · Transportation to/from the marina; · Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); · Fieldwork in the research vessel or commercial dolphin-watching vessels. *Not included* in the fee is: · Transportation to/from Albufeira; · Meals in restaurants and snacks; · Free time activities; · Personal insurance (all participants should have health and/or travel insurance); · Personal expenses. *INTERNS ARE EXPECTED TO:* · Be above the age of 16; · Have a mature attitude towards marine mammal research and environment; · Be autonomous and flexible; · Be able to live and work in an international team and mainly outdoors at sea; · Speak English; · Participate for minimum 7 days. *Preference will be given* to those who have: · Relevant marine mammal field experience · Working experience on research vessels · Experience working from dolphin/whale watching platforms · Experience in photo-identification · Professional cameras that can be used for photo-ID · Availability to stay for longer periods of time *INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: *Applicants should fill up the online application at: *http://www.aimmportugal.org/#!internship-aimm/cw7b <http://www.aimmportugal.org/#!internship-aimm/cw7b>* After the confirmation e-mail, send your Resume/CV with updated photo and personal statement on which are your expectations and why do you want to work with AIMM to: interns(a)aimm-portugal.org with the subject “Internship 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

1 0