November 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication on the spatiotemporal distribution of harbour porpoises off Maryland, USA
by Jessica Wingfield 05 Nov '17

05 Nov '17

Hello MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce our recent publication in PLOS ONE: Wingfield JE, O’Brien M, Lyubchich V, Roberts JJ, Halpin PN, Rice AN, et al. (2017) Year-round spatiotemporal distribution of harbour porpoises within and around the Maryland wind energy area. PLoS ONE 12(5): e0176653. Abstract Offshore windfarms provide renewable energy, but activities during the construction phase can affect marine mammals. To understand how the construction of an offshore windfarm in the Maryland Wind Energy Area (WEA) off Maryland, USA, might impact harbour porpoises *(Phocoena phocoena*), it is essential to determine their poorly understood year-round distribution. Although habitat-based models can help predict the occurrence of species in areas with limited or no sampling, they require validation to determine the accuracy of the predictions. Incorporating more than 18 months of harbour porpoise detection data from passive acoustic monitoring, generalized auto-regressive moving average and generalized additive models were used to investigate harbour porpoise occurrence within and around the Maryland WEA in relation to temporal and environmental variables. Acoustic detection metrics were compared to habitat-based density estimates derived from aerial and boat-based sightings to validate the model predictions. Harbour porpoises occurred significantly more frequently during January to May, and foraged significantly more often in the evenings to early mornings at sites within and outside the Maryland WEA. Harbour porpoise occurrence peaked at sea surface temperatures of 5°C and chlorophyll *a* concentrations of 4.5 to 7.4 mg m-3. The acoustic detections were significantly correlated with the predicted densities, except at the most inshore site. This study provides insight into previously unknown fine-scale spatial and temporal patterns in distribution of harbour porpoises offshore of Maryland. The results can be used to help inform future monitoring and mitigate the impacts of windfarm construction and other human activities. The publication can be downloaded from: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0176653 Thank you, Jessica -- Jessica Wingfield Faculty Research Assistant Chesapeake Biological Laboratory 146 Williams Street Solomons, MD, 20688 Tel: (1) 410-326-7225

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Research project participant request
by amber 03 Nov '17

03 Nov '17

Dear MARMAM subscribers, I am a PhD student currently conducting research on pinniped emotions. I am reaching out to the marine mammal community to ask if anyone with relevant experience would be willing to participate in this project. The project aims to assess rater perceptions of California sea lion and harbor seal emotional experiences. I am therefore looking for anyone who has experience working with these species (such as conducting research with, or working as a volunteer, intern, trainer, or keeper) who would be willing to spend 30-45 minutes completing an online questionnaire. If you would be interested in participating in this project, the link below will take you to the online survey. If you have any questions about participation in the project, or the project itself, please contact Amber de Vere at amber.devere(a)usm.edu. https://usmep.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bOuiRZ0WPaglO3X Please also feel free to forward this information on to anyone of relevance who you think would be suitable and interested in participating in this research. Thank you in advance for your help! Regards, Amber de Vere -- Amber de Vere, M.A. Oxford University, B.A. (Biological Sciences) Ph.D. Candidate in Brain and Behavior Marine Mammal Behavior and Cognition Laboratory University of Southern Mississippi

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Reposting: IFAW Winter Internship Opportunity
by Patchett, Kristen 03 Nov '17

03 Nov '17

IFAW Marine Mammal Stranding Internship Winter / Spring session 2018 (January - May) Applications due by November 10, 2017 The International Fund for Animal Welfare's (IFAW) Marine Mammal Rescue and Research Program is currently accepting applications for its Marine Mammal Stranding Internship for the winter / spring session 2018 (January - May). Program Background IFAW is an international non-profit organization. This internship is based out of our International Operations Center in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, USA. IFAW's Marine Mammal Rescue and Research Program is a federally authorized program dedicated to marine mammal stranding response on Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts. Our mission is to promote the conservation of marine mammal species and their habitat by improving the rescue and humane care of stranded marine mammals, advancing stranding science, and increasing public awareness through education. Cape Cod is a marine mammal stranding "hot spot," with an average of over 240 strandings occurring each year. Internship Duties * Stranding hotline coverage: answer calls, document reports, educate callers, dispatch volunteers, complete associated paperwork and enter data. * Marine mammal stranding response and necropsy: assist staff with all aspects of marine mammal stranding response, including live animal health assessment and supportive care, biological data collection, post-mortem examinations and sampling in both field and laboratory settings. * Stranding / necropsy readiness: cleaning, organizing and maintaining stranding response and necropsy gear, equipment and facilities, restocking kits and supplies. * Data entry / sample processing: assist in entry of stranding data. Assist in organizing, cataloging, disseminating and archiving of photos, videos, datasheets, samples, etc. * Outreach: assist staff with training and outreach material preparation and organization, participate in opportunistic outreach at stranding sites, participate in community events. Internship Focus Areas Each intern will be assigned to a focus area of either Response or Necropsy. Interns are paired with staff members based on these particular focus areas and individual tasks and projects will be related to one of these areas. All interns will be cross-trained in stranding response and necropsy, and every effort will be made for interns to gain a wide-range of experiences. Final determination of each intern's "focus" will be determined by the staff once individuals have been selected for the program. We will make an effort to assign interns based on their preferences. Please indicate in your cover letter your preferred focus area(s). Veterinary Assistant Internship (open to returning interns only) An additional focus area, the Veterinary Assistant Internship, is available to past IFAW marine mammal interns that are in good standing. This internship is an opportunity for interested individuals to increase their marine mammal technical skills and gain experience in applied animal welfare and conservation medicine research. This position reports directly to IFAW's Animal Rescue Veterinarian. For more information on the responsibilities of this position, please contact us at recruitmmrr(a)ifaw.org<mailto:recruitmmrr@ifaw.org>. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are interested in this focus area. Requirements * Must be at least 18 years old. * Must possess a valid driver's license and secure reliable transportation. * Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or have graduated within 2 years. * Must be of good physical fitness, able to lift/carry 40lbs, walk long distances in difficult terrain, be comfortable on small boats in nearshore waters, able to swim, and work in harsh weather conditions. * Able to follow written and oral staff directions and protocols effectively and able to work in teams and individually. * Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. * Must be able to commit to a minimum 3 days a week for 12 weeks during the internship session. Your schedule will include at least 1 weekend day. Preferred candidates will also have: * Undergraduate or graduate study of biology, zoology, ecology, conservation or related field. * Previous marine mammal stranding response/research experience. * Previous necropsy experience (marine mammal or other taxa). * Experience caring for or handling animals. * Experience driving large trucks. * Experience in photo-ID. At least one intern per session may assist in seal photo-ID work. * Flexible daily schedules. (Stranding events are unpredictable. Days may start early or end late.) Important Information * This internship is unpaid and housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern. If accepted, we will try to provide interns with resources to help find housing. * Interns may be required to work some holidays. * Interns should be prepared to perform in a variety of settings on any given day, including office, beach, on-water, and laboratory. Specialized gear such as dry suits, boots and life jackets will be provided. * Stranding work is unpredictable and changes seasonally. We cannot guarantee the type and number of strandings and experiences you will receive during your internship. We will do our best when possible to give interns a varied experience. * International applicants are responsible for their own VISA arrangements, etc. * Interns intending to receive academic credit are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. * Please email any questions regarding VISA arrangements, academic credits and general questions to: recruitmmrr(a)ifaw.org<mailto:recruitmmrr@ifaw.org>. Applications due by November 10, 2017 To apply go to: http://www.ifaw.org/united-states/about-ifaw/employment Select: To see all open positions "click here". Select Marine Mammal Stranding Internship. Only complete applications will be considered. Required application materials (you must provide all 3): 1. Cover Letter (indicate which focus area(s) you prefer) 2. Resume or C.V. 3. One Letter of Recommendation from college professor or supervisor Note: recommendation letters can either be uploaded with your application, or, if your reviewer prefers, they can email it directly to recruitmmrr(a)ifaw.org<mailto:recruitmmrr@ifaw.org> . It is your responsibility to ensure your letter of recommendation has been submitted on time. [Orientation New intern orientation will be held January 17-19, 2018. All accepted interns are required to attend.] Kristen Patchett CVT | Stranding Coordinator Marine Mammal Rescue and Research ___________________________________________________________ IFAW - International Fund for Animal Welfare International Operations Center 290 Summer Street - Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 tel. 1.508.744.2171 email. kpatchett(a)ifaw.org<mailto:kpatchett@ifaw.org> Saving Animals in Crisis Around the World www.ifaw.org<http://www.ifaw.org/> The content of this email is intended only for the use of the above-named addressee and may contain information that is confidential, proprietary, and/or legally privileged. Please notify the sender if you received this email in error.

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New publication on success of elephant seal migration strategies under different climate conditions
by Briana Abrahms - NOAA Affiliate 03 Nov '17

03 Nov '17

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to share the recent publication of our paper in Ecology Letters: Abrahms, B., Hazen, E.L., Bograd, S.J., Brashares, J.S., Robinson, P.W., Scales, K.L., D. Crocker and Costa, D.P. 2017. Climate mediates the success of migration strategies in a marine predator <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ele.12871/full>. Ecology Letters, DOI:10.1111/ele/12871. Abstract: Individual behavioural specialisation has far-reaching effects on fitness and population persistence. Theory predicts that unconditional site fidelity, that is fidelity to a site independent of past outcome, provides a fitness advantage in unpredictable environments. However, the benefits of alternative site fidelity strategies driving intraspecific variation remain poorly understood and have not been evaluated in different environmental contexts. We show that contrary to expectation, strong and weak site fidelity strategies in migratory northern elephant seals performed similarly over 10 years, but the success of each strategy varied interannually and was strongly mediated by cli- mate conditions. Strong fidelity facilitated stable energetic rewards and low risk, while weak fidelity facilitated high rewards and high risk. Weak fidelity outperformed strong fidelity in anomalous climate conditions, suggesting that the evolutionary benefits of site fidelity may be upended by increasing environmental variability. We highlight how individual behavioural specialisation may modulate the adaptive capacity of species to climate change. A read-only online version of the article can be accessed here: http://rdcu.be/x4wm <http://em.rdcu.be/wf/click?upn=KP7O1RED-2BlD0F9LDqGVeSOeorgyxQfMCGE0n-2BgeI…> Best wishes, Briana Abrahms and coauthors

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Position Announcement Director of Marine Mammal Institute-Oregon State University
by Wilke, Mark W 03 Nov '17

03 Nov '17

[cid:image002.png@01D35483.5A30C170] Announcement-Director of Marine Mammal Institute The College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University is seeking a Director of the OSU Marine Mammal Institute (MMI). The MMI uses its resources to understand how marine mammals interact with their environment and human activities affecting them. MMI works to develop solutions which will benefit both marine mammals and human endeavors. The MMI Director provides leadership to a diverse faculty, staff and students of the MMI; hires, oversees, and evaluates personnel; prepares annual work plans and budgets; reports annually to the Marine Mammal Institute Board; and cultivates/stewards donor interest in the MMI. Position Duties Scholarly Research (30%): Conduct original marine mammal research in area of expertise such as behavior, population ecology, habitat ecology, human-wildlife conflict, which improve management decisions and conservation practices. Conduct or direct field work supporting research program. Maintain an active externally funded research program. Manages and Builds the Endowment (30%): Manage and build the endowment. Acquire federal grants and contracts to supplement endowed program funds to accomplish MMI mission. Administration and Management (25%): Provide leadership, supervision and direction for tenure-track faculty, research staff, and graduate students; implement strategic and tactical plans; and establish priorities and organizational structure. Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Service (10%): Provide support to agency partners and provide service to the university and community. Identify and develop opportunities for collaboration with organizations, agencies, volunteers, and staff to conduct research or deliver educational materials. Professional Development (5%): Maintain membership and actively participate in appropriate professional organizations. Attend appropriate activities, seminars, workshops, and classes to maintain core competencies in areas related to responsibilities Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Biology, Marine Biology, oceanographic sciences or related field. Marine mammal expertise in specialty area of research. Demonstrated commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. A successful record of securing and administering grant/contract funds to support his/her own work. Demonstrated effectiveness in communicating and working with diverse internal and external groups. National or international reputation for scientific achievements in marine mammal ecology, management, or a closely related field, meriting appointment as at rank for associate or full professor. Preferred Qualifications: Previous administrative experience. Demonstrated ability to attract donors and build mutually beneficial relationships. A demonstrated appreciation for the mission of a Land-, Sea-, Sun-, and Space-Grant institution. Demonstrated leadership abilities and administrative and budget-management experience. To view this position online: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/ and select Unclassified Faculty Enter the following posting number: P01699UF The Application Due date for Full Consideration is Dec 1, 2017. For More Information: Contact Christina DeWitt, Christina.Dewitt(a)oregonstate.edu<mailto:Christina.Dewitt@oregonstate.edu> , 503 325-4531 Mark Wilke Business Manager/Fiscal Coordinator Marine Mammal Institute Oregon State University mark.wilke(a)oregonstate.edu 541-867-0288

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Research Associate/Postdoc Position in Animal Tracking and Modeling
by Maxwell, Sara M. 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

The Old Dominion University Research Foundation has a current opportunity for a Research Associate to work in the Department of Biological Sciences at Old Dominion University. The position is in the Marine Sustainability Ecology Lab led by Dr. Sara Maxwell (http://maxwelllab.weebly.com<http://maxwelllab.weebly.com/>). The project involves investigating marine protected area effectiveness for large marine species and will combine animal movement, environmental data and analytical approaches from ecology, computer science and social science. A strong background in the acquisition and application of remotely-sensed oceanographic data and experience with satellite tracking data is highly desired. The incumbent will collaborate with graduate students, post docs, and faculty to address fundamental questions surrounding marine protected areas and their effectiveness for large marine species. Job Responsibilities: 1. Conducting analytical work with satellite tracking and remotely-sensed data 2. Conducting analyses in Marxan 3. Publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts We are seeking a highly task-oriented, quantitative Ph.D. with significant research experience, particularly in animal movement and modeling. Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Marine Sciences or similar field. This position is a part of a one-year Pew Charitable Trust grant and has the potential for extension. The position is available immediately; subsequent years depend on funding availability. A Ph.D. degree in Biology, Ecology, Marine Sciences or similar field is required. There is potential for the incumbent to work remotely. Highly motivated and interested candidates are encouraged to visit the ODU Research Foundation Employment page and apply at: http://researchfoundation.odu.edu to position #17-041. Please include a CV and cover letter describing research experience and interests, and contact information for three potential references. The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Old Dominion University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer (AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug Free). We pledge our full support to equal employment opportunity for all persons as we recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical and/or mental disability, genetic information, age, protected veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Sara M. Maxwell, Ph.D. | smaxwell(a)odu.edu<mailto:smaxwell@odu.edu> Assistant Professor Old Dominion University Department of Biological Sciences Mills Godwin Building, Room 302A Norfolk VA 23529 USA http://maxwelllab.weebly.com https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=GXfEF2gAAAAJ&hl=en <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=GXfEF2gAAAAJ&hl=en>

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European Cetacean Society 2018: Student volunteers wanted
by Rebecca Boys 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

Dear ECS student members, For the upcoming ECS conference in the beautiful area of La Spezia, Italy, that will take place from April 8th-10th 2018, Cristian Passarello (passarellocristian(a)gmail.com) and myself (ecs.students(a)gmail.com) are looking for 15 student volunteers from outside Italy and 15 from Italy. As a student volunteer you will help with all sorts of things (registration desk, technical support etc) during the conference, but you will also have more than enough time to attend or present talks, posters and other conference activities. In return you will get your conference registration for free, an awesome experience with the other student volunteers and off course a volunteer T-shirt! There will also be a student party on one of the conference nights! So do you want to be a volunteer at the next ECS conference in Italy? Apply now! Send an email to ecs.students(a)gmail.com, and include the following: - Name and age - Country, university and student level (Bachelors, Masters or PhD) - Prior ECS experience (visited, volunteered, presented poster or talk etc: also note where and which years) - Attach a short CV You have to be an ECS member (2018) and a current student or graduated in the last 12 months, to become a student volunteer! So we will be looking for about 15 students from Italy and 15 from other European countries. About 25 new volunteers and 5 with previous ECS volunteering experience will be selected (based on experience and first-come-first-serve basis). You will be notified about your application in early January. If we get more applicants than needed we will make a reserves list and work from there if spots become available. For more information about the conference go to: http://europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/32nd-annual-conference-la-spez… <http://europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference/31st-annual-conference-denmark> Hope to see you all in Italy! Thanks! Rebecca Boys -------------------------------------------------------------- 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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New publication on the Genetic footprint of Population Fragmentation and Contemporaneous Decline in the endangered Yangtze Finless Porpoise
by Michael Fontaine 02 Nov '17

02 Nov '17

Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announced the publication of our new paper about the Yangtze finless porpoise in the Scientific Reports: Genetic footprint of Population Fragmentation and Contemporaneous Decline in the endangered Yangtze Finless Porpoise. By: Chen M.*, Fontaine M. C.*, Chehida Y. B.*, Zheng J., Mei Z., Hao Y., Wang K., Wu M., Zhao Q., Wang D. *(co-first authors) Scientific Reports 7: 14449. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-14812-z Abstract: Understanding demographic trends and patterns of gene flow in an endangered species is crucial for devising conservation strategies. Here, we examined the extent of population structure and recent evolution of the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis). By analysing genetic variation at the mitochondrial and nuclear microsatellite loci for 148 individuals, we identified three populations along the Yangtze River, each one connected to a group of admixed ancestry. Each population displayed extremely low genetic diversity, consistent with extremely small effective size (≤92 individuals). Habitat degradation and distribution gaps correlated with highly asymmetric gene-flow that was inefficient in maintaining connectivity between populations. Genetic inferences of historical demography revealed that the populations in the Yangtze descended from a small number of founders colonizing the river from the sea during the last Ice Age. The colonization was followed by a rapid population split during the last millennium predating the Chinese Modern Economy Development. However, genetic diversity showed a clear footprint of population contraction over the last 50 years leaving only ~2% of the pre-collapsed size, consistent with the population collapses reported from field studies. This genetic perspective provides background information for devising mitigation strategies to prevent this species from extinction. Best wishes, Michael C Fontaine and co-authors -- ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. `·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸¸·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) University of Groningen Nijenborgh 7 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands Office phone: (+31) (0)50 363 2146 Email: m.c.fontaine(a)rug.nl <mailto:m.c.fontaine@rug.nl> Google scholar profile Researcher-ID (G-5350-2011) Professional webpage: www.rug.nl/staff/m.c.fontaine/ <http://www.rug.nl/staff/m.c.fontaine/> Personal webpage: michaelcfontaine.wordpress.com <http://michaelcfontaine.wordpress.com/>

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Marine Mammal Photo ID internship job post
by James Stewart 01 Nov '17

01 Nov '17

Marine Mammal Photo ID Internship Spring Jan-Apr 2018 This intern will be responsible for assisting the Boats Coordinator on photo IDing blue whales, fin whales, and humpback whales during our daily whale watching cruises, as well as interpreting data to guests at the Aquarium. Commitment: 15-20 hours/week for 15 weeks Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Taking dorsal and caudal fin photos of animals encountered during daily cruises Maintain detailed data logs of sightings and enter them into ACESS databases Answer questions and interpreting for guests on board. Photo processing and IDi'ng individual whales seen during daily trips Create a project to display to Aquarium guests using whale data QUALIFICATIONS Must be 18 or over Major/ed in biology, marine biology, or conservation a plus Lift a maximum of 50 lbs KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Each applicant must have a broad knowledge of ecological and biological principles, especially those relating to marine habitats, Ability to spend many hours standing especially on a boat Experience working with digital SLR camera's a plus but not required Experience in data entry, preferably with Microsoft Access Comfortable speaking in front of large groups Have excellent oral and written communication skills Be able to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and work with a diverse group of people. To apply please follow the link: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/volunteer/college_internships/ Application deadline for spring season is November 13, 2017 For more information email or call James Stewart Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach, CA 90802 jstewart(a)lbaop.org<mailto:jstewart@lbaop.org> 562-951-1651

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Net Loss: The Vanishing Vaquita Porpoise
by Amy Whitt 01 Nov '17

01 Nov '17

*Net Loss: The Vanishing Vaquita Porpoise* Learn about one of the most endangered marine mammal species in the world and the efforts to save it during “Net Loss: The Vanishing Vaquita Porpoise,” *7-9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 2* at Collin College’s Spring Creek Campus Living Legends Conference Center in Plano, Texas <https://www.google.com/maps/place/2800+E+Spring+Creek+Pkwy,+Plano,+TX+75074…> . This free public event will include a screening of “Souls of the Vermilion Sea,” a documentary film by Wild Lens about the struggle to save the vaquita, as well as forum addressing related topics. Senior Marine Scientist, Amy Whitt M.E.M., will provide information about the vaquita, discuss the main threats to the species, and provide an update on the unprecedented international conservation effort taking place in the Gulf of California right now. Jennifer O'Loughlin-Brooks, Collin College Professor of Psychology, will discuss how conservation psychology can encourage safeguarding of wildlife and the natural world. You will also learn about ways that you can help save the vaquita. Local environmental organizations will be on hand with helpful information. Refreshments will be available and Collin College student art will be on display. “Net Loss” is co-sponsored by multiple Collin College organizations, including Psi Beta, Collin Association for Sustainable Efforts, LULAC, and the Honors Institute. You aren’t in the Plano, Texas area? No problem. You can join the event via the webinar. Details are provided below. Webinar Instructions: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/144800970 Or iPhone one-tap: US: +16465588656,,144800970# or +16699006833,,144800970# Or Telephone Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 669 900 6833 Meeting ID: 144 800 970 International numbers available: https://zoom.us/zoomconference?m=6GfpYA19NkGKsSVKpUnOm55E41dRbRhy -- *Amy D. Whitt, M.E.M.* CEO, Senior Scientist Azura Consulting LLC WOSB | EDWOSB *c* 870-919-2636 *o* 972-905-1416 www.azuraco.com <https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-whitt-25a04b6/>[image: https://www.facebook.com/azuraconsulting/] <https://www.facebook.com/azuraconsulting/> <https://twitter.com/AzuraConsulting>

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