November 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

2018 WCA Responsible Whale Watching Guides Course - dates announced
by Dylan Walker 28 Nov '17

28 Nov '17

Dear Marmamers, Next year, the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is holding a number of intensive 5-day training programmes to become a certified WCA Responsible Whale Watching Guide. The dates of the first two courses are outlined below. *Dates:* Monday 22nd January to Friday 26th January 2018 and Monday 19th February to Friday 23rd February 2018 *Location:* WCA Headquarters, Brighton, UK *WCA’s Responsible Whale Watching Guide Course* Course modules will include: * Cetacean research onboard whale watching platforms (including citizen science initiatives) * Science interpretation and conservation messaging * Communication and presentation skills training * Responsible whale watching standards - understanding boat operators and destinations The courses will include: * WCA Responsible Whale Watcher course and certification * Lectures and training from seasoned professionals, including: WCA CEO Dylan Walker and Ian Rowlands from WhaleFest and Incredible Oceans * Educational Activities * Guide training * Practical activities * Final presentation/assessment After successful completion of the course, participants will be placed on a database of qualified guides from where WCA Partners and affiliates will be able to select suitable candidates for internship and guiding opportunities. Any successful placement will be subject to the terms and conditions of the WCA Partner or affiliate. *Applications* * Limited places available, so early application is strongly encouraged. * Please send a full CV (maximum two pages) and a cover letter, including: previous experience, why you would like to participate in the course and, what you hope to achieve after completing the course to projects(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org * Applications for both courses will be open until 7 December 2017 and places will be confirmed by 14th December 2017. Full payment will be required by 31 December to secure your place on the course * Successful applicants will receive a welcome pack, including a WCA t-shirt. * A participation fee of £350 is required from all successful candidates, with a 10% discount for students and WCA members (£315). Refunds will not be given in respect of any cancellations made after 1st January 2018 for the Janaury course or 1st February 2018 for the February course. Refunds will be made in respect of cancellations made before this date, but will be subject to a £50 cancellation fee. * Accommodation and travel expenses must be covered by the participants, but we can work with successful candidates to find something suitable. * Whilst the course is open to all, the content is aimed at participants wishing to become marine guides and educators rather than those who are already experienced in these areas. To apply, please email Lynne Burrell at: *projects(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org <projects(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org>* Regards, Dylan Walker Chief Executive Officer World Cetacean Alliance *T* +44 (0)1273 355011 * M* +44 (0)7900 471490 *S* dylan.wca E dylan(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org W www.worldcetaceanalliance.org *A* Studio 3, Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK *The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is a Partnership of over 70 non-profit organisations, whale and dolphin watching tour operators and individuals in 35 countries worldwide working collaboratively to protect cetaceans and their habitats. World Cetacean Alliance, the Secretariat to the Partnership, is a UK registered Charity no. 1160484. * *The content of this e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware that forwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately.* *Please consider the environment before printing this email or it's attachments. *

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Internships and fellowships (with stipend) with the Virginia Aquarium's Research & Conservation Division
by Susan Barco 28 Nov '17

28 Nov '17

Please see below for details of internship & fellowship opportunities with the Virginia Aquarium Research & Conservation Division Susan G. Barco Research Coordinator &Senior Scientist Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation Office (757.385.6476) Stranding Hotline (757.385.7575) 2018 Virginia Aquarium Batten Fellowships & Internships Fellowships for Undergraduate/Graduate Students Deadline 2018 positions – Jan 15, 2018 The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center offers Fellowship opportunities stranding response and sea turtle research for college seniors and graduate students. These 480 or 960 hr Fellowships include a stipend to help offset personal and incidental expenses. Batten Fellowships fund students to complete work in the Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division. Unpaid Internships for Undergraduate and post graduate Students Deadlines: spring semester-Dec 15th summer semester-Jan 30th fall semester – August 1st The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center also offers internship opportunities in stranding response to college or post-graduate students. Internships require a minimum of 250hrs over 10 weeks but can be longer, and one or more intern position is available spring, summer and fall semester. How to apply: Batten Fellow candidates are required to provide a cover letter indicating the specific Batten Fellowship opportunity, resume (including GPA, completed coursework and previous experience), expectations letter (what you expect to do and get from your experience), two reference letters (one must be from an advisor or professor that may speak on your academic background) and an interview. Forward complete documentation to: Volunteer Services Office Re: Batten Fellowship or Internship aquavols(a)virginiaaquarium.com<mailto:aquavols@virginiaaquarium.com> Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Office: (757) 385-0274 717 General Booth Boulevard Fax: (757) 437-6055 Virginia Beach, VA 23451 AND email a second copy of your application and expectations letter to: vaqstranding(a)gmail.com<mailto:vaqstranding@gmail.com> with the subject line: Batten 2018 or Internship Information on all current Batten Fellowship opportunities can also be viewed on-line at the Virginia Aquarium website: www.virginiaaquarium.com/get-involved<http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/get-involved> Batten Fellowships for Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Stranding Response and Research & Conservation (Stipend provided) The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s Research & Conservation Division is offering Fellowship positions with Research & Conservation and the Stranding Response Program (VAQS) during the busy summer/fall seasons (May – October). Qualified students and recent post-graduates can compete for one of two Batten Fellowship positions which include a stipend to help offset personal and incidental expenses. The position with the research team is approximately 12 weeks long (480 hours), and the stranding response position combined two fellowships into one 24-30 week program (960 hours). Batten Fellows are expected to bring a high level of dedication and scientific interest to the program and will be integrated more fully into staff activities compared to our unpaid internship positions. Successful candidates will be required to complete a final report on their fellowship work which will be submitted to the Aquarium’s Batten Fellowship Endowment Committee and a presentation to staff and volunteers. Those not accepted for a Batten Fellowship may also compete for a general internship (no stipend). Requirements: Applicants for Batten Fellowships with the Virginia Aquarium’s Research & Conservation Division must: * Be 18 years of age or older * Be a rising senior, recent graduate or currently pursuing a post-graduate degree in a science-based (or veterinary) program * Demonstrate interest in a career in marine or veterinary science * Have some experience in stranding response, field research and/or wild/exotic animal care * Have basic math and computer skills using MS spreadsheets, relational databases and data entry (advanced programs such as SQL, GIS, R, etc. preferred) * Have a valid U.S. driver’s license and good driving record * Be able to swim and be comfortable in and around open water and boats * Be self-motivated and able to perform activities both as part of a team and independently * Be able to lift and carry 25 pounds and assist with lifting and moving larger loads * Be able to hike up to 5 miles on beaches carrying gear * Be physically and mentally fit: you will be expected to handle field activities, extreme weather, constantly changing environmental conditions, extended periods of intense activities, dead and decomposing animals (both during response and necropsy), prolonged periods of travel, insects, sick and injured animals, euthanasia, etc. * Be available to perform support activities (24-7) as needed during the period of appointment Applicants applying for a Batten Fellowship position may also submit an application for a general internship (no stipend), if interested. Applicants also interested in the possibility of a general internship are encouraged to include the general intern application information with the Fellowship application and indicate their interest in both programs in the required letter of interest, OR complete a separate internship application that is available online at the Aquarium’s website, www.virginiaaquarium.com/get-involved<http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/get-involved>. Specific positions Six-month Batten Fellowship for Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Stranding Response: We are looking for a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual to assist with all aspects of marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response in Virginia. Fellowship applicants will be assessed on their completed coursework, GPA, cover letter, resume, expectations letter, reference letters (one must be from an advisor or professor who can speak about your academic background), previous relevant experience and interview. Stranding Response Batten Fellow duties: * Assist VAQS volunteers and staff in field stranding response and/or recovery of dead (comprise ~90% of VA strandings) and live marine mammals and sea turtles. Activities may be conducted under adverse weather conditions * Assist in the collection and submission of Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Network data * Participate in postmortem data collection and necropsies (animal autopsies) * Assist with the care of animals in rehabilitation, including but not limited to: food preparation, feeding, extensive cleaning (mopping floors, laundry, dishes, cleaning tanks), restraint during exams/procedures, and other animal husbandry duties * Assist with research and field activities involving sea turtles and marine mammals Our Expectations: Stranding Response Batten Fellows will be treated as professionals and will be expected to work side by side with staff members, volunteers and interns on a daily basis. We expect stranding response fellows to treat this position as if it were a full-time position for the length of the fellowship. Each fellow will be expected to study a topic selected following discussion with a VAQS supervisor and complete a research paper for presentation at the end of the appointment period. Fellows will give an oral (MS PowerPoint) presentation summarizing their experience at the conclusion of the appointment and complete a survey/exit interview. It will be the responsibility of the Batten Fellow, not VAQS, to ensure that any requirements for academic credit at a home institution are fulfilled. We hope that fellows can begin their work with us in spring (April or May) but lack of availability during that time does not disqualify applicants. This competitive position includes a stipend to help offset personal and incidental expenses over the course of the appointment period. Spring/Summer Stranding Response Batten Fellow application materials are due by 15 Jan 2018 and notification of acceptance will occur no later than 20 Feb 2018. 3 month Summer Batten Fellowship for Sea Turtle Research: We are looking for a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual to assist with several aspects of on-going sea turtle research and data collection. Applicants will be assessed on their completed coursework, GPA, cover letter, resume, expectations letter, references letters (one must be from an advisor or professor who can speak about your academic background), previous relevant experience, skills (such as GIS, statistics, programming) and an interview. Research & Conservation Batten Fellow duties: * Assist VAQS volunteers and staff with research projects including capture, tagging, sampling, sample management and field data collection for wild and incidentally captured sea turtles * Assist with surveys of local recreational fishers under the Virginia Pier Partner Program * Assist VAQS staff with data entry and processing * Assist with sample inventory, preparation and dissemination * Assist with stranding response, rehabilitation efforts, and field activities involving sea turtles and marine mammals Expectations: Research Program Batten Fellows will be treated as professionals and will be expected to work side by side with staff members, volunteers and interns on a daily basis. We expect research fellows to treat this position as if it were a full-time position for the length of the fellowship. Research Program Batten Fellows will be expected to study a topic selected following discussion with a VAQS supervisor and complete a research paper for presentation at the end of the appointment period. Fellows will give an oral (MS PowerPoint) presentation summarizing their experience at the conclusion of the appointment and complete a survey/exit interview. It will be the responsibility of the Batten Fellow, not VAQS, to ensure that any requirements for academic credit at a home institution are fulfilled. This competitive position includes a stipend to help offset personal and incidental expenses over the course of the appointment period. Summer Research Program Batten Fellow application materials are due by 15 Jan 2018 and notification of acceptance will occur no later than 20 Feb 2018.

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New publication on the incorporation of eco. and physiol. in toxicology research
by Thea Bechshoft 28 Nov '17

28 Nov '17

Dear all, I am pleased to share our recent publication in Environmental Reviews, discussing the incorporation of ecological and physiological variables in toxicology research. The paper is a systematic review of the polar bear literature, but the results are symptomatic of ecotox research across most marine mammals. For a pdf copy, please either contact me or follow the links below. Best, Thea *Open acces version* - https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/handle/1807/78825 *Journal version* - http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/er-2016-0118#.Wh1j13lrycw *Citation* Bechshoft T, Derocher AE, Viengkone M, Routti H, Aars J, Letcher RJ, Dietz R, Sonne C, Jenssen BM, Richardson E, Lunn NJ. On the integration of ecological and physiological variables in polar bear toxicology research: a systematic review. *Environmental Reviews*. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1139/er-2016-0118 * <https://doi.org/10.1139/er-2016-0118> * *Abstract* Ecotoxicology evolved as a scientific field as awareness of the unintended effects of anthropogenic pollutants in biota increased. Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are often the focus of Arctic contaminant exposure studies because they are apex predators with high contaminant loads. While early studies focused on describing and quantifying pollutants, present-day polar bear toxicological papers often incorporate ecological variables. This systematic literature review investigates the ecological and physiological variables that have been integrated in such studies. The systematic literature search resulted in 207 papers, published between 1970 and 2016. Representation of each of the 19 polar bear subpopulations varied from 0 to 72 papers; East Greenland, Barents Sea, Southern Beaufort Sea, and Lancaster Sound had the most published research, with over 30 papers each. Samples were collected between 1881 and 2015, primarily from harvested bears (66%); most from the 1990s and 2000s. Adipose tissue, liver, and blood were the most common tissues examined, and mean number of bears analyzed per paper was 76 (range 1–691). Papers investigating temporal trends did so using a mean sample of 61 bears over a 6-year period.The frequency with which ecological and physiological variables were integrated into toxicological papers varied. Age and (or) sex was the only ecological variable(s) considered in 51% of papers. Further, a total of 37% of the papers included in the review investigated physiological effects in relation to contaminant concentrations. Of the papers, 98% dealt with contaminant exposure at the individual level, leaving population level effects largely unstudied. Solitary subadult and adult polar bears were included in 57% and 79% of the papers, respectively. Younger bears were included in fewer papers: yearlings in 20% and cubs-of-the-year in 13%. Only 12% of the papers examined reproduction relative to contaminants. Finally, body condition was included in 26% of the research papers, whereas variables related to polar bear diet were included in ≤9%. Based on our findings, we suggest future polar bear toxicology studies increase sample sizes, include more ecological variables, increase studies on family groups, and increase the applicability of studies to management and conservation by examining pollution effects on reproduction and survival.

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Advice on whale rescues
by Danielle Kreb 28 Nov '17

28 Nov '17

Dear colleagues, I am looking for some advice on succesful rescue dealings with stranded whales. A team of marine mammal researchers and conservationists are trying to update an existing national protocol for marine mammals strandings in Indonesia. Earlier we developed a protocol that provided guidelines to rescue smaller cetaceans whereas the last few years several cases of larger whale strandings occurred and ad-hoc methods were applied. The last case being the stranding of ten sperm whales earlier this month where 6 were released in deeper sea and four died. These whales were towed with rope attached to their flukes. Although these whales have not restranded we are concerned whether this is the correct way and may not have inflicted serious injuries to their flukes and perhaps result in less succesful dives. After this event our team was asked to prepare a stranding protocol for larger whales that are stranded alive and we would like to use best practices. Therefore we would very much welcome any proven best practices that we could adopt. Thank you very much, Kind regards, Danielle -- -------------------------- Danielle Kreb (Ph.D.) Scientific Program Advisor Yayasan Konservasi RASI Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Komplek Pandan Harum Indah (Erlyza) Blok C, No. 52 Samarinda 75124 Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia Tel/ fax: + 62.541.744874 Mobile: 081346489515 http://www.ykrasi.org Facebook group/page: Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Member of IUCN/SSC Cetacean Specialist Group *“To the dolphin alone, nature has given that which the best* *philosophers seek: friendship for no advantage. Though it has no* *need of help from any man, it is a genial friend to all and has helped mankind.”* *–Plutarch*

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New paper on site fidelity and space use of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins
by Ceci Passadore 28 Nov '17

28 Nov '17

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the release of the following publication in *Ecology and Evolution*: Passadore, C., Möller, L., Diaz-Aguirre, F., & Parra, G. J. (2017). High site fidelity and restricted ranging patterns in southern Australian bottlenose dolphins. Ecology and Evolution, 00, 1-15. doi: 10.1002/ece3.3674 *Abstract:* Information on site fidelity and ranging patterns of wild animals are critical to understand how they use their environment and guide conservation and management strategies. Delphinids show a wide variety of site fidelity and ranging patterns. Between September 2013 and October 2015, we used boat-based surveys, photographic-identification, biopsy sampling, clustering analysis and geographic information systems to determine the site fidelity patterns and representative ranges of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops *cf. *australis*) inhabiting the inner area of Coffin Bay, a highly productive inverse estuary located within Thorny Passage Marine Park, South Australia. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering of individuals’ site fidelity index and sighting rates indicated that the majority of dolphins within the inner area of Coffin Bay are ‘regular residents’ (n = 125), followed by ‘occasional residents’ (n = 28), and ‘occasional visitors’ (n = 26). The low standard distance deviation indicated that resident dolphins remained close to their main centre of use (range = 0.7 – 4.7 km, X ± SD = 2.3 ± 0.9 km). Representative ranges of resident dolphins were small (range = 3.9 – 33.5 km 2, X ± SD = 15.2 ± 6.8 km2), with no significant differences between males and females (Kruskal-Wallis, chi2 = 0.426, *p* = 0.808). The representative range of 56% of the resident dolphins was restricted to a particular bay within the study area. The strong site fidelity and restricted ranging patterns among individuals could be linked to the high population density of this species in the inner area of Coffin Bay, coupled with differences in social structure and feeding habits. Our results emphasize the importance of productive habitats as a major factor driving site fidelity and restricted movement patterns in highly mobile marine mammals, and the high conservation value of the inner area of Coffin Bay for southern Australian bottlenose dolphins. Open access: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.3674/full PDF copies are also available upon request to: cecilia.passadore(a)flinders.edu.au Follow the project at Researchgate for related publications: https://www.researchgate.net/project/Demography-spatial-ecology-and-socio-g… On behalf of all authors, Cecilia Passadore -- Cecilia Passadore PhD. candidate *Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL)* *School of Biological Sciences* *Flinders University* *Sturt Road, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042* *GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001* *Lab website: **www.cebel.org.au <http://www.cebel.org.au/>* *Phone: +61 8 8201-3865* *Email:* *cecilia.passadore(a)flinders.edu.au <cecilia.passadore(a)flinders.edu.au>*

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Job Opening: Research Assistant
by PWF Research Department 27 Nov '17

27 Nov '17

Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) has one opening for a Research Assistant. This is a newly created position as our department continues to grow. PWF is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting whales and other marine life through research, education, and conservation. Our researchers have studied whales and dolphins throughout the Pacific for over 30 years and currently conduct projects in Hawaii, Australia, and Ecuador. The Research Assistant assists with our ongoing Hawai’i and Australia research projects. This position is based at the PWF headquarters in Maui, Hawai’i, where the majority of our research takes place. This is not an entry-level position. The RA is expected to assist the research staff in maintaining a productive Research Department. Specific responsibilities include data collection, data management, statistical analyses, writing of reports and manuscripts for publication, public outreach events, and assisting with marketing and fundraising efforts. The successful applicant must be available to begin in January 2018. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES - Data entry and archival tasks - Data processing and analysis - Data quality control - Photo-identification, matching of whale flukes and/or dolphin dorsal fins - Maintenance of photo-id catalogs - Integration of disparate data (photographs, attribute data, and geospatial information) into a relational database (e.g., Discovery, Access) - Data collection aboard a dedicated research vessel - Data collection using a theodolite - Skipper and trailer the research vessel - Maintenance of research equipment - Written preparation of publishable materials, for which appropriate credit will be given - Assistance with public outreach programs (e.g. interpretive education programs) - Assistance with marketing and fundraising efforts - Supervision of volunteers and/or interns - Training of staff and/or interns - Temporary re-location to any of our various field sites (e.g. Australia) may be required - Further duties may be assigned as necessary according to the needs and requirements of the Research Department. QUALIFICATIONS - Graduate degree, such as M.Sc., in marine biology or a related field and a minimum of 3 years of working experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience - Excellent knowledge of marine mammalogy - Experience operating small vessels around marine mammals - Proven ability to publish and present scientific research and translate findings for a general audience - Intermediate or advanced knowledge of database management and statistical software (eg. R, Microsoft Access, SQL, ArcGIS, Distance, Mark-Recapture software) - Scientific programming in R and/or Python - Experience integrating geospatial datasets in GIS/ArcGIS and other geographic information systems - Previous experience with photo-identification - Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing - Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines - Mental and physical stamina to ensure long days in the field, under intense sunlight, while collecting data according to a set protocol - Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a background check APPLICATION PROCESS Please send your CV and covering letter as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred) to *research(a)pacificwhale.org <research(a)pacificwhale.org>* - No phone calls or drop-ins, please. Applicants must be citizens of the United States of America or legally authorized to work in the U.S.A. *Closing Date: December 1, 2017.* *The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this classification. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory, or all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description at any time. Pacific Whale Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.* *Research Department* Pacific Whale Foundation 300 Ma'alaea Rd., Suite 211 Wailuku, HI 96793, USA Phone: +1 808-856-8338 Email: research(a)pacificwhale.org Website: www.pacificwhale.org -- CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic mail transmission and any accompanying attachments contain information belonging to the sender which may be confidential and legally privileged. This information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom this electronic mail transmission was sent as indicated above. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or action taken in reliance on the contents of the information contained in this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this transmission and all attachments. Thank you!

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2018 Seasonal Marine Program Assistant at California Wildlife Center
by Heather Henderson 27 Nov '17

27 Nov '17

2018 Seasonal Marine Program Assistant California Wildlife Center (CWC) is excited to announce the seasonal staff position - Marine Program Assistant (MPA) – for the 2018 stranding season. California Wildlife Center is located in Malibu, California, and responds to reports of stranded marine mammals 365 days a year. Our rehabilitation facility, serving California sea lions and Northern elephant seals, is active from January through July, the busiest stranding months. Job Overview This is a full-time (40 hours/week) non-exempt seasonal position, running from January through June. The MPA will perform all duties of a marine mammal rehabilitator including, but not limited to: large animal restraint, patient intakes, oversee and perform marine mammal husbandry tasks, administer medication and fluid therapies, gavage feeding of seals and sea lions, assist with patient releases, maintain all rehabilitation equipment and enclosures. The team member will also be responsible for: Marine animal response and transport. Volunteer and intern training, and general CWC marine mammal program support Qualifications At least two years’ direct experience in marine mammal rehabilitation and husbandry. BA/BS or higher degree (preference given to marine or biology related fields of study). Excellent public relations skills. Commitment to professionalism. If you are interested in applying for the position, please visit California Wildlife Center’s website at http://cawildlife.org/employment/ <http://cawildlife.org/employment/#toggle-id-4> for more details and instructions on how to apply. The California Wildlife Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned and sick native wildlife. CWC fulfills this mission through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, and treatment of more than a hundred species of avian and terrestrial wildlife in our hospital. Heather A. Henderson Stranding Coordinator California Wildlife Center P.O. Box 2022 Malibu CA 90265 310-458-WILD (9453) www.cawildlife.org<http://www.cawildlife.org/>

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Irrawaddy Dolphin Research - Gulf of Thailand
by Sarah Tubbs 27 Nov '17

27 Nov '17

Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is Cambodia's longest running volunteer marine conservation organisation, pioneering and leading ocean conservation in Cambodia. MCC have new internship positions available on cetacean research. The Cambodia Dolphin Project was established for the purpose of contributing to scientific knowledge on cetaceans for the conservation and sustainable management of marine biodiversity. Despite high cetacean biodiversity in the region, no long-term studies have taken place here. Therefore, the project aims to fulfill the gaps of missing long-term studies by collecting data on cetacean abundance, distribution and residency patterns in order to delineate critical habitats within Cambodia’s Kep Archipelago. The project provides an excellent opportunity for post-grads, students and individuals interested in gaining more experience and knowledge in the field of cetacean research. We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and hard-working individuals to join our team. The minimum commitment is one month, although for a fuller experience we recommend two or more. A biology background is not mandatory but advantageous, as well as an ability to dedicate yourselves to the study. We will be in the field early in the morning or late into the evening, boat trips can be day long (12 hours), and there is a large amount of data to process and enter. A good level of endurance is necessary as well as the ability to live and work in a multicultural team, living on a basic camp. You will learn about different software used in cetacean research, boat and land survey techniques and photo identification methods amongst other things. There will also be the opportunity for you to contribute to publications we might be working on, get involved in other MCC projects such as our coral gardenor sea horse project and various scientific outreach events. This position is unpaid and requires a contribution fee of US$300/week from the volunteers which covers accommodation, food and project related activities. MCC does not take any profits from this sum, with all money being fed directly back into the project. We have positions available year round and for people staying longer than 3 months there is a discounted price available. To apply please send a cover letter and CV to cambodiadolphinproject@ gmail.com

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PSO / MMO Training in S Padre Island TX Feb 24-25
by abostwick 27 Nov '17

27 Nov '17

MPSC is offering a training course in South Padre Island, Texas which provides Protected Species Observer (also known as Marine Mammal Observer) certification on February 24-25, 2018. This course will include a two-hour sailing trip aboard the UTRGV Research Vessel Ridley, providing experience in locating and identifying protected species at sea. We will also tour the rehabilitation facilities at Sea Turtle Inc, where we can further discuss key identifying traits and behaviors of the animals while viewing them in person. This training is approved by the federal agencies Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Bureau of Safety & Environmental Enforcement to provide Protected Species Observer certification for seismic surveys, and is often accepted in various other industries and regions where mitigation for protected species is needed. PSOs monitor for marine mammals and sea turtles, and advise on the measures required to reduce impacts to the animals worldwide. The course covers the regulations for reducing impacts to marine mammals and sea turtles, how to visually locate and identify the animals, and objectively documenting animal behavior. We will also discuss and practice different manual settings for professional wildlife photography. Lunch is provided each day, along with various identification guides and regulatory documents (yours to keep), the vessel trip, tour of the sea turtle rehabilitation facilities, advice on applying to PSO positions, and the professional certification. Additional information may be found on the MPSC website at http://www.protectedspeciesobservers.com/, by contacting us at ABostwick(a)PSOCertifications.com <mailto:ABostwick@PSOCertifications.com> , or by phone at 832-523-2402. Thank you, Angela Bostwick / Founder Marine Protected Species Consulting ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com <http://www.ProtectedSpeciesObservers.com> https://Facebook.com/ProtectedSpeciesObservers/

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New publications on abnormalities in free-ranging cetaceans
by Filipe Alves 24 Nov '17

24 Nov '17

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce three recent Notes on abnormalities in free-ranging cetaceans: 1) Alves F, JR Towers, RW Baird, G Bearzi, S Bonizzoni, R Ferreira, Z Halicka, A Alessandrini, AH Kopelman, C Yzoard, MH Rasmussen, CG Bertulli, E Jourdain, A Gullan, D Rocha, K Hupman, M-T Mrusczok, FIP Samarra, S Magalhães, CR Weir, JKB Ford, A Dinis (2017) The incidence of bent dorsal fins in free-ranging cetaceans. Journal of Anatomy, doi: 10.1111/joa.12729A Abstract Laterally bent dorsal fins are rarely observed in free-ranging populations of cetaceans, contrary to captivity, where most killer whale Orcinus orca adult males have laterally collapsed fins. This topic has been poorly explored, and data/information on its occurrence and possible causes are limited. The present study: (i) undertakes a review of the available information on bent dorsal fins in free-ranging cetaceans, and updates it with new records, (ii) reports on the proportion of bent fins in different study populations, and (iii) discusses possible causes. An empirical approach based on bibliographic research and compilation of 52 new records collected worldwide resulted in a total of 17 species of cetaceans displaying bent dorsal fins. The species with the highest number of records (64%) and from most locations was O. orca. On average, individuals with bent dorsal fins represent < 1% of their populations, with the exception of false killer whales Pseudorca crassidens and O. orca. While line injuries associated with fisheries interactions may be the main cause for P. crassidens, and the vulnerability to health issues caused by the evolutionary enlargement of the fin may be the cause for O. orca adult males, factors contributing to this abnormality for other species are still unclear. The occurrence of bent dorsals could be influenced by a set of variables rather than by a single factor but, irrespective of the cause, it is suggested that it does not directly affect the animals' survivorship. While still rare in nature, this incident is more common (at least 101 known cases) and widespread (geographically and in species diversity) than hypothesized, and is not confined only to animals in captive environments. Investigation into the occurrence of bent fins may be an interesting avenue of research. Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joa.12729/abstract 2) Alves F, R Ferreira, L Dias, C Nicolau, D Sousa, C Moura, C Gomes, A Dinis (2017) Rare records of hypo- and hyper-pigmented individuals in two delphinid species off Madeira island. Hystrix, doi:10.4404/hystrix-28.1-11888 AbstractSightings of anomalously all-white (leucistic) or all-black (melanistic) individuals are rare innature, with information on hypo- and hyper-pigmented short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinusdelphis) and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) being scarce in the literature. Thisstudy describes seven sightings of anomalously pigmented D. delphis and S. frontalis recorded offMadeira Island between 2014 and 2016. This includes: i) four records of a dark-pigmented D.delphis that lacked the distinctive hourglass colour (yellow) pattern, ii) two records of an all-whiteD. delphis, and iii) one record of an all-white S. frontalis. All records consisted of full-sized animalsand were observed displaying the same behaviour as the other individuals in the same group,with no other delphinid species in the vicinities. The all-white individuals had a normal (dark)eye colouration, which indicated that the animals were not true albinos, but rather leucistic individuals.Despite inherent limitations of this condition, the adults observed in this study confirmedthe potential longevity of these anomalously pigmented individuals in the wild. Similar reports asof those described here may provide a framework to better understand these animals. This studyfurther highlights the value of sharing photographs via social media forums (e.g. Facebook). Available at: http://www.italian-journal-of-mammalogy.it/article/view/11888/pdf (OPEN ACCESS) 3) Dinis A, RW Baird, SD Mahaffy, V Martín, F. Alves (2017) Beaked whales with rostrum deformities: Implications for survival and reproduction. Marine Mammal Science 33(3), 946-954. doi: 10.1111/mms.12406 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mms.12406/abstract Feel free to contact me for pdf requests, preferably to filipe.alves(a)ciimarmadeira.orgRegards, Filipe Alves Postdoctoral fellow Oceanic Observatory of Madeira / ARDITI CIIMAR-Madeira Caminho da Penteada, Tecnopolo, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal +351 291721216 http://home.ciimarmadeira.org/index.php?page=filipealves https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Filipe_Alves/contributions

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