November 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on ontogeny of at-sea behaviour in grey seal pups
by Matthew Carter 14 Nov '17

14 Nov '17

My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our study on the ontogeny of foraging skills in grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) pups: "Intrinsic and extrinsic factors drive ontogeny of early-life at-sea behaviour in a marine top predator" Carter, MID; Russell, DJF; Embling, CB; Blight, CJ; Thompson, D; Hosegood, PJ; Bennett, KA. Scientific Reports 7:15505. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15859-8 The article is fully open-access and can be downloaded at the following link: http://rdcu.be/ysZd<http://em.rdcu.be/wf/click?upn=KP7O1RED-2BlD0F9LDqGVeSOkY41gQHNiBDjTPPsVTf-…> ABSTRACT: Young animals must learn to forage effectively to survive the transition from parental provisioning to independent feeding. Rapid development of successful foraging strategies is particularly important for capital breeders that do not receive parental guidance after weaning. The intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of variation in ontogeny of foraging are poorly understood for many species. Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are typical capital breeders; pups are abandoned on the natal site after a brief suckling phase, and must develop foraging skills without external input. We collected location and dive data from recently-weaned grey seal pups from two regions of the United Kingdom (the North Sea and the Celtic and Irish Seas) using animal-borne telemetry devices during their first months of independence at sea. Dive duration, depth, bottom time, and benthic diving increased over the first 40 days. The shape and magnitude of changes differed between regions. Females consistently had longer bottom times, and in the Celtic and Irish Seas they used shallower water than males. Regional sex differences suggest that extrinsic factors, such as water depth, contribute to behavioural sexual segregation. We recommend that conservation strategies consider movements of young naïve animals in addition to those of adults to account for developmental behavioural changes. Follow the project on Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/project/Ontogeny-of-Foraging-in-Grey-Seal-Pups Matt Carter PhD Student Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre School of Biological and Marine Sciences Plymouth University E-mail: matthew.carter(a)plymouth.ac.uk<mailto:matthew.carter@plymouth.ac.uk> Twitter: @MattIDCarter<https://twitter.com/MattIDCarter> @MarineVerts<https://twitter.com/MarineVerts> ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Matt_Carter2 ________________________________ [http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/images/email_footer.gif]<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/worldclass> This email and any files with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the recipient to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient then copying, distribution or other use of the information contained is strictly prohibited and you should not rely on it. If you have received this email in error please let the sender know immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet emails are not necessarily secure. While we take every care, Plymouth University accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan emails and their attachments. Plymouth University does not accept responsibility for any changes made after it was sent. Nothing in this email or its attachments constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.

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New paper: Vocal activities reflect the temporal distribution of bottlenose dolphin activity
by Alice Lima 14 Nov '17

14 Nov '17

Dear Colleagues, We are very pleased to share with you our publication in the current issue of Zoo Biology: Lima A, Lemasson A, Boye M, Hausberger M. Vocal activities reflect the temporal distribution of bottlenose dolphin social and non-social activity in a zoological park. Zoo Biology. 2017;1–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.21387 This is the first description of the time-budget of captive dolphins using vocal and non-vocal data. The work discuss differences in the temporal distribution of social activities with wild animals and highlights the impact of Human-controlled feeding schedules in captive settings. *Abstract* Under natural conditions bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) spend their time mostly feeding and then travelling, socializing, or resting. These activities are not randomly distributed, with feeding being higher in early morning and late afternoon. Social activities and vocal behavior seem to be very important in dolphin daily activity. This study aimed to describe the activity time-budget and its relation to vocal behavior for dolphins in a zoological park. We recorded behaviors and vocalizations of six dolphins over 2 months. All subjects performed more non-agonistic social interactions and play in the morning than in the afternoon. The different categories of vocalizations were distributed non-randomly throughout the day, with more chirps in the afternoon, when the animals were “less social.” The most striking result was the strong correlation between activities and the categories of vocalizations produced. The results confirm the association between burst pulses and whistles with social activities, but also reveal that both are also associated with solitary play. More chirps were produced when dolphins were engaged in socio-sexual behaviors, emphasizing the need for further questioning about the function of this vocal category. This study reveals that: (i) in a group kept in zoological management, social activities are mostly present in the morning; and (ii) the acoustic signals produced by dolphins may give a reliable representation of their current activities. While more studies on the context of signal production are needed, our findings provide a useful tool for understanding free ranging dolphin behavior when they are not visible. The paper can be found here: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/zoo.21387/full Or send any requests for copies directly to alice.lima(a)univ-rennes1.fr Best wishes, Alice Lima -- Alice de Moura Lima Bióloga - Mestre em Zoologia - PPGZOO/UESC Doctorante / PhD Student Université de Rennes 1 UMR CNRS 6552 "Ethologie Animale et Humaine" Station Biologique de Paimpont 35380 Paimpont

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Aquatic Mammals 43(6) is available online
by Kathleen M. Dudzinski 14 Nov '17

14 Nov '17

Dear MARMAM and ECS-talk subscribers, Apologies to those of you who will receive duplicate emails due to cross-posting. The following titles represent the contents of the most recent issue (Volume 43, issue 6, 2017) of Aquatic Mammals. The online issue is now available at this link: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=cate… <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=cate…> For individuals with a print subscription, the double print copy of 43.5/43.6 will be mailed in late November. Aquatic Mammals is the longest running peer-reviewed journal dedicated to research on aquatic mammals and is published quarterly with manuscripts available as published PDFs in real time. Further information about the journal can be found at: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> To submit a manuscript for publication consideration, please visit: http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php <http://am.expressacademic.org/actions/author.php> If you subscribe to Aquatic Mammals online, you can visit the journal web site and sign in to download all articles from this volume: http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/ <http://www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org/> Please do not contact the listserv editors for PDFs or copies of the articles. To obtain a PDF, please subscribe to Aquatic Mammals http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe <http://tinyurl.com/AMsubscribe>. Links to a purchase page for each article are included below. Please see list below for Volume 43, issue 6 contents. Thank you for your continued interest in the journal and abstract postings. With regards, Kathleen Dudzinski, Ph.D. Editor, Aquatic Mammals business(a)aquaticmammalsjournal.org <mailto:business@aquaticmammalsjournal.org> Aquatic Mammals 43.6 Articles Kimika Tsuji, Kazunobu Kogi, Mai Sakai, and Tadamichi Morisaka. (2017). Emigration of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) from Mikura Island, Japan. Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 585-593. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.585 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.585> Isabel Baker, Joanne O’Brien, Katherine McHugh, and Simon Berrow. (2017). An Ethogram for Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Shannon Estuary, Ireland. Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 594-613. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.594 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.594> Gustavo Alves da Costa Toledo, Fabricio Rauan Garcia Furni, Paula Honório Pires Ferreira, Felipe C. Penin Garcia, Renata Gonçalves Ferreira, and Renata S. Sousa-Lima. (2017). Epimeletic Behavior of Guiana Dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) Towards a Calf Supposedly Killed by a Motorboat in Brazil. Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 614-617. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.614 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.614> Amanda J. Ardente, Timothy J. Garrett, James Colee, Brian J. Vagt, Michael T. Walsh, Randall S. Wells, Cynthia R. Smith, Eric D. Jensen, Todd L. Schmitt, and Richard C. Hill. (2017). Differences in Purine Metabolite Concentrations in the Diet of Managed and Free-Ranging Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 618-628. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.618 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.618> Diego Páez-Rosas, Luis A. Valdovinos, and Fernando R. Elorriaga-Verplancken. (2017). Northernmost Record of the Galapagos Fur Seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis): A Consequence of Anomalous Warm Conditions Around the Galapagos Archipelago. Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 629-634. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.629 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.629> Leslie B. Hart, Kerry Wischusen, and Randall S. Wells. (2017). Rapid Assessment of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Body Condition: There’s an App for That. Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 635-644. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.635 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.635> César A. Salinas-Zavala, María V. Morales-Zárate, Andrés González-Peralta, Rosa J. Aviña-Hernández, and Mariana L. Muzquiz-Villalobos. (2017). New Record of Atypical Coloration in a Gray Whale Calf (Eschrichtius robustus) in Laguna Ojo de Liebre,Baja California Sur, Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 644-648. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.644 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.644> Francisco Sekiguchi Buchmann, Felipe Maciel Zurlo, Fabio Stucchi Vannucchi, and Cristiane Cavalcante de Albuquerque Martins. (2017). First Record of a Fossil Blue Whale in São Paulo State, Brazil. Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 649-654. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.649 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.649> Christine M. Konrad, Alysha Dupuis, Shane Gero, and Timothy Frasier. (2017). A Sexing Technique for Highly Degraded Cetacean DNA. Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 655-660. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.655 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.655> Jazmin Garcia, Caryn Self-Sullivan, and Nicholas A. Funicelli. (2017). Changes in Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Distribution and Behavior in the Drowned Cayes, Belize, and Correlation to Human Impacts. Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 661-672. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.661 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.661> Jennifer K. Olson & Alejandro Acevedo-Gutiérrez. (2017). Influence of Human Exposure on the Anti-Predator Response of Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina). Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 673-681. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.673 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.673> Eve M. Jourdain, Filipa I. P. Samarra, Sara B. Tavares, & Richard E. Karoliussen. (2017). Incidence of Probable Vertebral Column Deformities in Norwegian and Icelandic Killer Whales (Orcinus orca). Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 682-690. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.682 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.682> S. Jonathan Stern, William Keener, Isidore D. Szczepaniak, & Marc A. Webber (2017). Return of Harbor Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) to San Francisco Bay. Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 691-702. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.691 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.691> Obituary/Tribute William Keener, Isidore Szczepaniak, Marc Webber, Graham Worthy, Frances Robertson, Carolyn Kurle, & Leslie Cornick. (2017). In Memoriam: Dr. Jonathan Stern. Aquatic Mammals 43(6), 703-704. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.703 <https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.703>

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New Publication: Emigration of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) from Mikura Island, Japan
by Kimika Tsuji 14 Nov '17

14 Nov '17

Dear MARMAM colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in Aquatic Mammals. Kimika Tsuji, Kazunobu Kogi, Mai Sakai, and Tadamichi Morisaka. (2017). Emigration of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (*Tursiops aduncus*) from Mikura Island, Japan. *Aquatic Mammals*, 43(6), 585-593. Abstract: Emigration of individual animals is an important biological phenomenon that depends on both populations and ecosystem attributes. Off Mikura Island, a long-term identification survey of individual Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins has been conducted since 1994 using an underwater video system. Between 1994 and 2014, 277 individual dolphins were identified by this survey, with 41 individuals emigrating from Mikura Island during this period. Adults emigrated significantly more often than younger age classes. The sex and age classes of emigrants in 2008 and 2010 (the years with the greatest amount of emigration) differed, suggesting that social relationships within a population may affect emigration. Emigrants were observed among the Izu Island Chain and in Chiba, Shizuoka, Mie, and Wakayama Prefectures. The greatest distance dolphins emigrated from Mikura Island was 390 km to Tanabe in Wakayama Prefecture. Some individuals were observed to have emigrated to several areas during the period. The most frequent destination was Toshima Island, one of the Izu Islands Chain, where emigrants have been observed to reproduce. Emigrant groups were composed exclusively of individuals from Mikura Island; there were no immigrants to the Mikura Island area during the 20-y period of observation, although six emigrants eventually returned to their original range. Future studies of social relationships and habitat use by emigrants will reveal more about the reasons dolphins leave their habitats. The article is available at https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.43.6.2017.585 Best regards, Kimika Tsuji ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------ Kimika TSUJI Wildlife Research Center of Kyoto University 2-24 Tanaka-Sekiden-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8203, Japan E-mail: tsuji(a)wrc.kyoto-u.ac.jp Tel: (+81)75-771-4399 <+81%2075-771-4399>

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DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
by AIMM Internships 13 Nov '17

13 Nov '17

*DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL* *BACKGROUND: *The Marine Environment Research Association - AIMM, 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), Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), although other species 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, 2017. The minimum internship attendance is 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.; · Collection of photo to 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 2017 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 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 2017”. 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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CALL FOR PAPERS_46th EAAM Annual Conference_Zoomarine Italy
by Cristina Pilenga 13 Nov '17

13 Nov '17

Cristina Pilenga <mailto:cpilenga@zoomarine.it> cpilenga(a)zoomarine.it 46th EAAM Annual Conference, 13th-16th March 2018 _ Zoomarine Italy CALL FOR PAPARS: Abstract Submission Deadline: 8th of December 2017 www.zoomarine.it <http://www.eaam.org> www.eaam.org

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JNCC MMO (UK) and BOEM PSO (Gulf of Mexico) Training Courses
by Alison Gill 13 Nov '17

13 Nov '17

Intelligent Ocean Ltd (http://www.intelligentocean.com/) is running the following training courses in January in Kings Lynn, UK for which we have spaces available. Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Training for UK - 21st January 2016 - £130 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Protected Species Observer (PSO) Training for Gulf of Mexico, USA - 22nd January 2016 - £60 (when taken in conjunction with the JNCC MMO course). To book a place please use our online booking system at this link http://www.intelligentocean.com/booking.php Alison Gill Intelligent Ocean Ltd www.intelligentocean.com

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Seeking Research Assistants for winter/spring Gray Whales Count 2018, Santa Barbara, CA USA
by Michael H Smith 12 Nov '17

12 Nov '17

Please post to listserv. Thank you. RESEARCH ASSISTANT (RA) POSITIONS AVAILABLE - seeking volunteer Research Assistants in winter/spring to participate in Gray Whales Count (GWC) 2018 survey of the northbound migration of Gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) migrating through the nearshore of the Santa Barbara Channel. GWC is seeking Research Assistants (RA) to work with Project Coordinator and team of observers to assist in our annual survey, conducted from shore at Counter Point, in the Coal Oil Point Reserve, Goleta, California, USA, adjacent to the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). This position is open to citizens of the United States of America and those authorized to work in the United States with an appropriate visa in hand. The 2018 survey begins Wednesday, February 14, 2018 and continues every day through May 27, from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Sunday. If Gray whale calves are continuing, we may need to extend the survey through May 31. We are looking for passionate, caring individuals who are willing to commit for the entire survey, ~100 survey days, and be available to begin Saturday, February 10 to train and assist with preparations. GWC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for research and education. The primary goal of research is to estimate the number of Gray whales and Gray whale calves migrating northbound through our corridor and to share our data to complement similar sampling-studies along the California coast. A secondary goal is to document the variety and quantity of other marine mammals in the ocean area around our site, which is now a Marine Protected Area. We are able to monitor human activity, including interactions with marine mammals, including Gray whales. Goals of education are to teach the process of scientific research to Counters and to give them the opportunity to conduct a meaningful study, to experience marine mammals in their natural environment, and to share this process and our enthusiasm with publics through direct interchange, outreach, and various media. RAs will be trained by the Project Coordinator and, in-turn, share the responsibility for training new volunteers and conducting research and education. Applicable skills learned and achieved include: > Process, concepts, and protocols of the survey, including use of equipment and data-entry. > Ability to identify a multitude of marine mammal species from a distance, including but not limited to: Gray whales, Humpback whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Harbor seals, California Sea lions, Sea otters, etc. > Identify behaviors of these marine mammals > Distinguish calves from juveniles and adults > Identify vessels and vessel operations > Gather detailed, consistent data, with ability to teach and check others’ work > Learn about marine mammals in their natural environment and the forces that affect them, both natural and anthropogenic > Developing responsibility and a working relationship within a team Because of the training required, applicants must be willing to commit full-time to the project for the time period involved, approximately 100 days, which can be extended if the applicant desires to be involved with data entry and analysis). This will entail up to 9 hours of work a day for at least 5 days a week. (With training, RA’s are required to work everyday the first two weeks.) The Count is 7 days per week and the RA may commit additional hours to the Count as desired. The more time you can put in, the more you will get out of your experience. Priority will be given to those candidates with associative career goals. Previous experience is a plus but not a condition. This is an invaluable opportunity to gain extensive experience in real-time, scientific fieldwork in an environment rich with diverse populations of marine mammals. You will work with equally diverse individuals who are caring, attentive, and curious. Gray whales are a sentinel species traveling from temperate lagoons in Mexico, along the dynamic California Current at the eastern edge of the North Pacific Ocean to the Arctic waters of northern Alaska in one of the longest marine mammal migrations. Requirements: > Even though we are situated in Southern California, you must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Fieldwork can be, at times, physically and mentally demanding. > Willingness to work long hours. > Commit for a minimum of 100 days, full time (minimum five days per week). > Enrolled in or completed a degree in biology, marine science, zoology, environmental science, animal behavior or a related field. > Previous field experience with marine wildlife and observation is a plus but not required. > Ability to work in a team environment to produce consistent, high quality results. We cannot stress this enough. You will be trained to be a leader of an operation with people of differing experience and dedication. > Be enthusiastic and possess a caring, positive attitude, with a strong desire to learn. > Be adaptable and patient. The migration is characterized by pulses rather than a steady stream; and weather is the unknown factor: wind, rain, and fog can shut us down. > We strive for a perfection that cannot be attained. We are forgiving and learn from experience. This is a volunteer position. The selected RAs will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Santa Barbara/Goleta, California and daily to the survey site. Recognizing that living costs are high in this area, Gray Whales Count will award a $500 stipend to assist each RA with expenses upon successful completion of the RA position. RAs will be responsible for all for living expenses while volunteering for Gray Whales Count. To apply: Please send cover letter/résumé to Project Coordinator, Michael Smith michael(a)graywhalescount.org <mailto:michael@graywhalescount.org>. We strongly recommend you look over our website: graywhalescount.org <http://www.graywhalescount.org/GWC/The_Count/The_Count.html> to familiarize yourself with our operation. In the cover letter, please address why you wish to participate in Gray Whales Count; how this particular experience will be meaningful to you; and how this might advance your career goals. There is no deadline to apply. The position will remain open until it is filled. Please consider applying early in order to arrange travel plans and to secure room and board.

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ECS Abstracts open
by Rebecca Boys 10 Nov '17

10 Nov '17

Dear MARMAM, We are pleased to announce that the website for the 32nd annual ECS conference in Italy is now online and abstracts are being accepted! The abstract deadline is 8th December. Registartion for the conference will be open shortly. We look forward to seeing you in La Spezia! http://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/32nd-annual-conference-ita… Thank you -------------------------------------------------------------- Rebecca Boys Marine Biologist ECS Student Representative IMAR - Dept. Oceanography and Fisheries University of the Azores 9901-862 Horta, Faial, Azores [https://attachment.outlook.office.net/owa/rebeccaboys@hotmail.com/service.s…]

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Seasonal Field Positions with the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program
by Lizabeth Kashinsky - NOAA Affiliate 09 Nov '17

09 Nov '17

The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) works with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center through a cooperative agreement with the University of Hawaii to conduct research and recovery activities on Hawaiian monk seals. JIMAR hires program staff through the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH) and is currently seeking applicants for two separate recruitments (*Biological Research Technician and Biological Research Assistant) *for the 2018 field research season. Selected individuals will study the endangered Hawaiian monk seal in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. This work is part of a long-term annual Hawaiian monk seal population monitoring and conservation program by NMFS and includes: conducting trend counts, tagging seals, identifying individual seals by tags, scars, natural markings, and applied bleach marks, monitoring reproduction, survival, injuries, entanglements, migration, performing necropsies, collecting scat & spew samples for food habitat, parasite load, and hormonal analysis, collecting tissue samples for DNA analysis, and collecting and removing debris capable of entangling seals and other wildlife. Behavior data are also collected at some sites. Researchers at some sites may participate in shark mitigation activities. General information about the program can be found at: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/hawaiian_monk_seal/ The number of positions and/or continuation of the program are subject to funding. These positions will be for all or a subset of the 6 major monk seal sub-populations in the NWHI. Fieldwork is accomplished by 2-4 member teams in remote camps. Researchers live in either wall tents or buildings at the various sites. All sites are accessible by ship (2-8 day travel; 830-2,300 km from Honolulu), and one is accessible by plane. Few (if any) supply opportunities exist and outside communication is limited. The employment period will include approximately one month of training and packing in Honolulu. Once the field season is over, an additional ~1-2 weeks of employment will take place in Honolulu to clean up gear and summarize data. Dates are subject to change, but the positions are tentatively scheduled to begin in early March with a field deployment date in mid April. Field staff will be deployed for approximately 4.5 months with a tentative return date in late August or early September. The position end date is tentatively scheduled for some time in early to mid-September. Travel to and from Honolulu and food, lodging, and transportation in Honolulu before deployment are not provided. Transportation between Honolulu and field sites and food and lodging in the field are provided. Due to unforeseen circumstances, departure delays could result in longer periods in Honolulu that may result in additional uncompensated living expenses. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien, and must be able to meet both the U.S. Department of Commerce and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access the work location, and also the health requirements to board a NOAA vessel. Instructions to apply for both positions are in the job postings below. *Please clearly** address all qualifications in your cover letter. * Bulletin Board Posting: 11/09/17 RCUH Website: 11/09/17 Hire Net Hawai‘i: 11/09/17 *JIMAR PIFSC BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN – ID# 17510*. Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research. (5) Regular, Full-Time, Approximately six to eight (6-8) months in duration, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY: $2,314/Mon. DUTIES: Performs daily maintenance and operation of field camp in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands or on remote shorelines in the main Hawaiian Islands. Collects census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Required to lead other field personnel. Responsible for returning and storing all field equipment and supplies at the end of field season. Collaborates with scientists within NMFS to conduct and analyze field studies on the Hawaiian monk seal. PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING: Associate's Degree from an accredited community college in Marine Biology, Biology, Fisheries Oceanography, or other related field. EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including experience working within small groups in remote settings. Experience conducting research on Hawaiian monk seals. Experience handling monk seals. ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Must be able to meet and maintain United States Department of Commerce (DOC) and NOAA security requirements to access work location. Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien. Good communications skills (both written and oral). Leadership and decision-making skills. Ability to perform data entry. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, must be NOAA certified for small boat operations (having completed Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat component training). Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to meet and maintain US Department of Commerce (DOC), NOAA security requirements for working in a federal facility, which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed prior to date of hire and maintained throughout duration of employment. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote island. PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to swim. Ability to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to seven (7) miles) in the sand carrying twenty-five to thirty-five (25-35) pounds of field gear unassisted. Must be able to obtain medical clearance for embarking/working on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels, which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations, and maintain throughout duration of employment. POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies and procedures. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.). SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: Prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, previous data entry experience. Prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. Ability to perform basic data analysis. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, possess the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats. INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru-Yoza 956-5018 (Oahu). APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Salary History, 4) Supervisory References, 5) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_employment(a)rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344 <(808)%20956-8344> or (808)956-0872 <(808)%20956-0872>. CLOSING DATE: November 29, 2017. RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i. Equal Opportunities Employer – Minorities/Women/Disability/Veteran. Bulletin Board Posting: 11/08/17 RCUH Website: 11/08/17 Hire Net Hawai‘i: 11/08/17 *JIMAR PIFSC BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT – ID# 17508*. School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. (10) Regular, Full-Time, Approximately six to eight (6-8) months in duration, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR), located at the National Marine Fisheries (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. MINIMUM MONTHLY SALARY: $2,314/Mon. DUTIES: Under guidance of field camp leader and/or NMFS personnel, assists in camp preparations, daily maintenance and operation of field camp, and collection of census and life history data on Hawaiian monk seals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands or on remote shorelines in the main Hawaiian Islands. Conducts boating operations at multiple-island atolls. Assists with return, repair, and cleanup of field equipment and supplies at the end of camp and with the processing of field data. PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING: High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent. EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of field experience, including experience working within small groups in remote settings. Experience with handling of wildlife. ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Working knowledge of personal computers including use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Must be able to meet and maintain the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements to access work location. Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien. Good communication and team skills. Ability to perform data entry. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, must be NOAA certified for small boat operations (having completed Motorboat Operators Certification Course (MOCC) and NOAA small boat component training). Post Offer/Employment Conditions: Must be able to meet and maintain US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements for working in a federal facility, which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check performed prior to date of hire and maintained throughout duration of employment. Must be able to pass pre-deployment training requirements including field medical training before being deployed to remote islands. PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have ability to swim. Must be able to work in remote locations for extended periods of time. Must be able to work long hours in the sun. Must be able to walk long distances (up to seven (7) miles) in the sand carrying twenty-five to thirty-five (25-35) pounds of field gear unassisted. Must be able to manually restrain immature seals (up to two hundred (200) pounds assisted). Must be able to obtain and maintain medical clearance to work on NOAA research vessels or other appropriate vessels, which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations, and maintain throughout duration of employment. POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies and procedures. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.). SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: Prior field experience in a Hawaiian monk seal field camp. Previous experience in field or laboratory studies of marine mammals, previous experience handling marine mammals, previous data entry experience. Prefer applicants interested in pursuing career in marine mammalogy or related field. For positions requiring travel between multiple-island atolls, possess prior experience operating small boats and/or the ability to conduct routine maintenance on small boats. INQUIRIES: Nicole Wakazuru-Yoza 956-5018 (Oahu). APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Salary History, 4) Supervisory References, 5) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_employment(a)rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-8344 <(808)%20956-8344> or (808)956-0872 <(808)%20956-0872>. CLOSING DATE: November 29, 2017. RCUH’s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i. Equal Opportunities Employer – Minorities/Women/Disability/Veteran. -- Lizabeth Kashinsky JIMAR/Program Supervisor Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program NOAA IRC NMFS/PIFSC/PSD 1845 WASP Blvd., Building 176 Honolulu, HI 96818 Ph: (808) 725-5719 Fax: (808) 725-5567 2017 *is the **Year of the Monk Seal**!* *Join the celebration: *http://tinyurl.com/2017YOTMS -- Lizabeth Kashinsky JIMAR/Program Supervisor Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program NOAA IRC NMFS/PIFSC/PSD 1845 WASP Blvd., Building 176 Honolulu, HI 96818 Ph: (808) 725-5719 Fax: (808) 725-5567 2017 *is the **Year of the Monk Seal**!* *Join the celebration: *http://tinyurl.com/2017YOTMS

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