February 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

Field Response Team Internship Openings (Oahu, Hawaii) - Deadline Approaching
by Jon Gelman at Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance 23 Feb '17

23 Feb '17

HAWAII MARINE MAMMAL ALLIANCE: Announcing internship openings on our Field Response Team on the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii ABOUT US Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance (HMMA) is a non-profit organization funded by private donations, government grants and corporate sponsorships. We are dedicated to the preservation, recovery and stewardship of Hawaii’s endangered and threatened marine species and the coastal ecosystem we share. Our current efforts are focused on the Hawaiian monk seal, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. In partnership with NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, our work supports endangered Hawaiian monk seal species research and recovery efforts through field response, observations, identification, documentation, stranding support and assistance with in-field animal intervention. Other important functions include public engagement and education to promote stewardship of these rare animals. INTERN ACTIVITY -- Patrolling for, or responding to, sightings of Hawaiian monk seals and providing shoreline response to haul-outs or strandings. -- Report on animal behavior, provide basic animal assessment information, provide photo-documentation and other important data used in endangered species research, health management and species recovery efforts. -- Engage with the public to teach sustainable human interaction and fishery behaviors and encourage stewardship of this very endangered species. -- Response team duties may also include escalated or emergency field response and assisting with Hawaiian monk seal and other endangered or threatened marine species intervention activity and stranding support. -- Participate in dispatch and reporting activity such as the taking and documenting of phone calls or mobile-app generated reports of marine species activity, coordinating field response activity and generating reports. LOCATION These internship positions are located on the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii and require significant travel on the island. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS -- This is an un-paid internship opportunity. The intern is responsible for all living and transportation costs associated with the internship. -- U.S. citizenship or possession of passport and all applicable visas and work permits needed prior to and during the internship period. -- 18 or more years of age. -- English language fluency. -- Must be a degree-seeking student or a graduate of a college or university program associated with one of the following courses of study: marine biology, marine ecology, conservation or a related field. -- Minimum grade point average (GPA). For college/university graduates - a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to the internship. For current students - a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to and during the internship. -- College credit: If college credit for this internship is desired it is the intern’s responsibility to obtain necessary approvals from the applicable college or university. -- Attend mandatory in-field or classroom training sessions as required. -- Possess an interest and a desire to engage with the public. -- Must have access to a reliable car or truck. Motorcycles or scooters will not be sufficient. -- Possession of a valid driver’s license. -- Proof of automobile insurance carrying Hawaii minimum liability coverage levels. -- Access to a cellular phone (4G service required). -- Access to binoculars with at least a 10X magnification level or access to a digital camera (not smartphone) with at least a 35X zoom lens -- Ability to walk at least 2 miles over shoreline beach and rocky conditions. -- Ability to lift and carry at least 35 pounds over a distance of 100 feet. -- Acceptance of Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance Intern Policies, Waivers, Releases and Indemnifications. -- Background check. INTERNSHIP WORK SCHEDULE -- Internship term: minimum of 3 months (may be extended for up to 1 year upon mutual agreement) -- Hours per week: 18 hours minimum (travel time to field patrol or response locations is not included in minimum hours) -- Total hours: 144 minimum within 3 months -- Work location and schedule: Normal work schedule will be a minimum of 4.5 hours per day, 4 days per week, however, due to the unpredictable nature of marine mammal response, the intern may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours. The intern must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays. The intern is expected to be available for response anywhere on the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. -- The work schedule noted above does not include travel time to reach or return from field response or survey locations. INTERNSHIP PERIODS AND APPLICATION DEADLINES -- Internship period - May 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017, application deadline is March 31, 2017. -- Internship period - September 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, application deadline July 31, 2017. -- Internship period - January 1, 2018 to April 30, 2018, application deadline is October 31, 2017. *** APPLICATION PROCESS *** (1) Go to www.monkseals.org/apply <http://www.monkseals.org/apply> to complete an online internship application. In addition to the online application, please send the following via email to info(a)monkseals.org <mailto:info@monkseals.org>. (2) A cover letter of interest, maximum of 1 page, including your availability (i.e. for which internship period you are applying). (3) Confirmation that you have, or will have, access to a reliable car or truck during the internship period. (4) A resume describing your training, experience, relevant skills and GPA (maximum of 2 pages). (5) Names and contact information for three references. For more information about Hawaii Marine Mammal Alliance, please visit our website at http://www.monkseals.org <http://www.monkseals.org/>.

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New publication: Modelling the Effects of Environmental Conditions on the Acoustic Occurrence and Behaviour of Antarctic Blue Whales
by Fannie Shabangu 23 Feb '17

23 Feb '17

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to announce the publication of the following paper: Shabangu FW, Yemane D,Stafford KM, Ensor P, Findlay KP (2017) Modelling the effects of environmentalconditions on the acoustic occurrence and behaviour of Antarctic blue whales. PLoSONE 12(2): e0172705. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0172705 Abstract: Harvested to perilously low numbers by commercial whaling during thepast century, the large scale response of Antarctic blue whales Balaenopteramusculus intermedia to environmental variability is poorly understood. Thisstudy uses acoustic data collected from 586 sonobuoys deployed in the australsummers of 1997 through 2009, south of 38ÊS, coupled with visual observationsof blue whales during the IWC SOWER line-transect surveys. The characteristicZ-call and D-call of Antarctic blue whales were detected using an automated detectiontemplate and visual verification method. Using a random forest model, we showedthe environmental preferences pattern, spatial occurrence and acousticbehaviour of Antarctic blue whales. Distance to the southern boundary of theAntarctic Circumpolar Current (SBACC), latitude and distance from the nearestAntarctic shores were the main geographic predictors of blue whale calloccurrence. Satellite-derived sea surface height, sea surface temperature, andproductivity (chlorophyll-a) were the most important environmental predictors ofblue whale call occurrence. Call rates of D-calls were strongly predicted bythe location of the SBACC, latitude and visually detected number of whales inan area while call rates of Z-call were predicted by the SBACC, latitude and longitude.Satellite-derived sea surface height, wind stress, wind direction, water depth,sea surface temperatures, chlorophyll-a and wind speed were importantenvironmental predictors of blue whale call rates in the Southern Ocean. Bluewhale call occurrence and call rates varied significantly in response tointer-annual and long term variability of those environmental predictors. Our resultsidentify the response of Antarctic blue whales to inter-annual variability inenvironmental conditions and highlighted potential suitable habitats for thispopulation. Such emerging knowledge about the acoustic behaviour, environmentaland habitat preferences of Antarctic blue whales is important in improving themanagement and conservation of this highly depleted species. The paper can be downloaded at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0172705 BestregardsFannie FannieShabanguPhDCandidateMammalResearch Institute Whale UnitUniversityof Pretoriac/o 16 Ebor RoadWynberg,7800South AfricaTel: +27 21 402 3553E-mail: fannie.shabangu(a)yahoo.com

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New publication
by Julian Tyne 22 Feb '17

22 Feb '17

Dear all, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication 'Temporally and spatially partitioned behaviours of spinner dolphins:implications for resilience to human disturbance' Julian A. Tyne, David W. Johnston, Fredrik Christiansen and Lars Bejder in the Royal Society Open Science Abstract Selective forces shape the evolution of wildlife behavioural strategies and influence the spatial and temporal partitioning of behavioural activities to maximize individual fitness. Globally, wildlife is increasingly exposed to human activities which may affect their behavioural activities. The ability of wildlife to compensate for the effects of human activities may have implications for their resilience to disturbance. Resilience theory suggests that behavioural systems which are constrained in their repertoires are less resilient to disturbance than flexible systems. Using behavioural time-series data, we show that spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) spatially and temporally partition their behavioural activities on a daily basis. Specifically, spinner dolphins were never observed foraging during daytime, where resting was the predominant activity. Travelling and socialising probabilities were higher in early mornings and late afternoons when dolphins were returning from or preparing for nocturnal feeding trips, respectively. The constrained nature of spinner dolphin behaviours suggests they are less resilient to human disturbance than other cetaceans. These dolphins experience the highest exposure rates to human activities ever reported for any cetaceans. Over the last 30 years human activities have increased significantly in the Hawaii, but the spinner dolphins still inhabit these bays. Recent abundance estimates (2011 and 2012), however, are lower than all previous estimates (1979-1981, 1989-1992 and 2003), indicating a possible long-term impact. Quantification of the spatial and temporal partitioning of wildlife behavioural schedules provides critical insight for conservation measures that aim to mitigate the effects of human disturbance. A full copy of the manuscript can be downloaded from http://rsos.royalsocietypublishing.org/lookup/doi/10.1098/rsos.160626 Kind regards, Julian Tyne ______________________________________________________________ Julian Tyne PhD, Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU) School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University South Street Murdoch WA 6150 http://mucru.org/group-members/julian-tyne/ http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WQoZ0dUAAAAJ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Julian_Tyne?ev=hdr_xprf http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0676-5659

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Field Research Internships- Whale and Dolphin Conservation, NA - Spring and summer 2017
by Monica Pepe 21 Feb '17

21 Feb '17

WDC North America (NA), located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers internships and field volunteer positions, providing research, policy, education and administration experience in working for an international non-profit organization. We are currently accepting applications for our spring and summer positions beginning as early as April 1st. The deadline to submit an application is Sunday, March 12th by 11:59PM EDT. The focus of the WDC internship/volunteer program is to give participants exposure to all aspects of working with a conservation non-profit organization. Successful candidates are tasked with everything from field research to office administration. All interns gain experience with public speaking by interacting with passengers aboard whale watching vessels, participating in school talks and other public outreach events. Other potential opportunities include writing blogs, water sampling, attending workshops/conferences, and responding to stranded marine mammals, though these are not guaranteed opportunities. This program exposes interns to real world experiences that will help them develop the skills and understanding needed to succeed in the field of marine mammal conversation and research. Participants will gain an in-depth perspective of this field and a better understanding of where their interests lie. Through this internship, a number of skills are developed including analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. As part of the field work experience, interns will learn species identification, behavioral sequencing, data collection and photo identification research techniques on marine mammals in the Gulf of Maine. They will also have the opportunity to go out on commercial whale watching boats several times a week (field season is April through October) to photograph and record sightings of humpback, finback, and minke whales, as well as other notable marine wildlife. The frequency of fieldwork is weather dependent. Days not in the field will be spent at the office uploading photos and data into our photo identification database or working on any projects that might be assigned. The internship is a full time position. At the end of the program our hope is that interns will be able to leave with a comprehensive understanding of both the exciting and routine aspects of what it takes to research and conserve marine mammals. There is no fee or compensation for the internship/volunteer positions. Participants must arrange for their own transportation to and from Plymouth and provide their own food. Limited housing with a shared bedroom is available on site for a monthly fee of $300, which is strictly to offset the cost of housing. Assistance can be provided in finding alternate housing at the request of the applicant, and those that can provide their own housing are encouraged to apply. WDC is willing to help qualified students obtain credits for the program through their college or university. The program requires a minimum commitment of 12 weeks, with the possibility of extending the term on a case-by-case basis. International applicants interested in the internship program must be able to secure their own travel Visa and other required documentation. Candidate Requirements * Fluency in English. * Must be 18 years or older (preference given to students matriculated in or recently graduated from appropriate graduate or under graduate degree programs.) * Be able to show proof of valid health insurance. * Act effectively as a member of a close-knit team. * Be open to long days in the field or office. * Ability to work on sea going vessels for long hours that may require physical labor. * Good computer skills - familiarity with operating PCs and MACs. * Excellent verbal and written communications skills. * Familiar with literature research protocols is beneficial. * Ability to function well under pressure. * Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups of people of all ages and able to handle unanticipated situations. * Familiarity with DSLR camera, GPS equipment is preferred. * Possession of a valid driver's license is strongly preferred. * Ability to impart information in an understandable way to the public under a variety of conditions. NOTE: You need not be a marine biology student/graduate to apply. There is no requirement for a relevant degree program. How to Apply Please submit the following via e-mail to monica.pepe(a)whales.org<mailto:monica.pepe@whales.org>: 1. Cover letter and resume 2. Contact information for two references including e-mail, phone number, and your affiliation to the reference 3. A supporting document of no more than 500 words answering one of the following: * Do whales die through human's knowledge or ignorance? * Preservation or conservation. Which offers the best route to a sustainable population of an endangered species and why? Applicants should make sure they clearly indicate their availability (specific dates, if possible) in their cover letter. We are currently accepting applications for our spring and summer positions beginning as early as April 1st. The deadline to submit an application is Sunday, March 12th by 11:59PM EDT. Click here for more information on the internship program<http://us.whales.org/wdc-na-field-research-internship-program>. Any additional questions should be directed to Monica Pepe via email at monica.pepe(a)whales.org<mailto:monica.pepe@whales.org> or by calling the office at (508) 746-2522. [http://www.wdcs.org/images/ESM/SignatureImages/Vert_Logo2.png]<http://www.whales.org/> Monica Pepe Policy Manager Conservation and Education Telephone: +1 508 746 2522 Skype monica.c.pepe WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation 7 Nelson Street Plymouth MA 02360-4044 United States whales.org<http://whales.org> [WDC on Facebook]<http://www.facebook.com/whales.org> [WDC on Twitter] <http://www.twitter.com/WHALES_org> [WDC on YouTube] <http://www.youtube.com/wdcsuk> [WDC Blogs] <http://whales.org/en/blog> [WDC E-Newsletter] <http://whales.org/en/newsletter> [http://www.wdcs.org/images/ESM/CampaignImages/USPledgeNever.png]<http://us.whales.org/pledge-never-to-plunge> ________________________________ Whale and Dolphin Conservation ("WDC"), Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. WDC, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360-4044 Tel: +1 (508) 746-2522 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. ________________________________

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Wild Dolphin Swim-With Program Community Outreach Request
by Alicia Amerson 21 Feb '17

21 Feb '17

Dear MARMAM Community, The World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) is reaching out to the marine mammal scientific community to find papers, PhD, Master’s theses, posters, conference material, or other reports regarding wild dolphin and whale swim-with programs worldwide. As an organization we have diligently worked with multiple governments, tourism operators, NGOs, and scientists interested in conducting responsible and sustainable whale and dolphin tourism. Through our efforts - including forming a whale-watching working group - we have collected data on global wild swim-with programs, but we also realize that not everyone get’s around to publishing their work, but their work it is still vital for conservation. Click here to see our current reference list. <http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/2016/02/05/dolphin-swim-reference/> Over the next few months we are conducting an intense investigation into wild whale and dolphin swim-with programs around the world. We are looking for the best available science to determine if a global best practice guide is achievable. Through the investigation we want to determine if responsible swim-with programs are realistic and if so how can an operator use standards to be responsibly minded. And we need your help. We would like to have information on wild dolphin and whale swim-with programs that meet the following criteria: - Sites that scientific evidence shows that harassment exists without standards - Sites that scientific evidence shows that harassment persists with standard practices in place - Sites that scientific evidence does not show harassment exists with/without standards - Sites where expanded industry demand, infrastructure, and programs exist - Information on sites where programs have been banned - Sites where science has provided recommendations regarding best practices and the results of implementing these practices We want to collaborate and give a voice to all of those who are researching this industry and work in it. Please note: We plan to send out a questionnaire regarding wild dolphin and whale swim-with programs in the near-future. If you want to participate in or contribute to this effort please contact alicia.amerson(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org. Also please ask your colleagues that conduct research in the industry to send in their information. Thank you for your participation, Alicia Amerson -- Alicia Amerson Whale Watch Researcher *World Cetacean Alliance * *T *+44 (0)1273 355011 <+44%201273%20355011> *E *alicia.amerson(a)worldcetaceanalliance.org* W *worldcetaceanalliance.org *W2 *whaleheritagesites.org *A *Studio 3, Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1ET, UK The WCA is proud to be a finalist at the 2016 World Responsible Tourism Awards <http://worldcetaceanalliance.org/2016/09/08/world-responsible-tourism-award…> *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. *

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New Publication Announcement
by Bromaghin, Jeffrey 21 Feb '17

21 Feb '17

Colleagues, I am pleased to announce the availability of an early-view paper that describes a new R package, called qfasar, for the estimation of predator diet composition using quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA). QFASA is one of the most common methods of estimating diet composition for marine species. The package incorporates traditional estimation methods and several improvements drawn from a series of our recent methodology papers. Citation: Bromaghin, J. F. 2017. qfasar: quantitative fatty acid signature analysis with R. Methods in Ecology and Evolution. doi: 10.1111/2041-210X.12740. Summary 1. Knowledge of predator diets provides essential insights into their ecology, yet diet estimation is challenging and remains an active area of research. 2. Quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA) is a popular method of estimating diet composition that continues to be investigated and extended. However, software to implement QFASA has only recently become publicly available. 3. I summarize a new R package, qfasar, for diet estimation using QFASA methods. The package also provides functionality to evaluate and potentially improve the performance of a library of prey signature data, compute goodness-of-fit diagnostics, and support simulation-based research. Several procedures in the package have not previously been published. 4. QFASAR makes traditional and recently published QFASA diet estimation methods accessible to ecologists for the first time. Use of the package is illustrated with signature data from Chukchi Sea polar bears and potential prey species. Regards, Jeff ----------------------------------------------- Jeffrey F. Bromaghin, PhD Research Statistician USGS Alaska Science Center Marine Ecosystems Office 4210 University Drive Anchorage, AK 99508 907-786-7086 jbromaghin(a)usgs.gov <https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1&tf=1&to=jbromaghin@usgs.gov> *http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/quantitative_ecology/index.php <http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/quantitative_ecology/index.php>*

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The Marine Mammal Center Summer Science and Research Internship-DEADLINE March 3rd
by Christine Fontaine 21 Feb '17

21 Feb '17

The Science Department at TMMC is seeking applicants for an unpaid internship position in our research division. There are three intern opportunities, winter, spring and summer. The Science and Research Internship is available at our main hospital in Sausalito. Responsibilities: Some of the projects the successful candidate may participate are: 1. Assist with necropsies: Necropsies are performed on all animals that die during treatment at the center. Depending on the case, some necropsies require a significant amount of sampling. Primary responsibilities will include: assisting with necropsy sample collection, data collection, archiving samples, stocking necropsy lab, and clean up. 2. Data entry and cleaning: The goal of this project is to improve data integrity, standardization, and volume in the Veterinary Science Department's databases (FileMaker Pro). These data include animal care and medical records, diagnostic results, specimen tracking information, and stranding and disposition details. Intern tasks may include entry of respective data from hard-copy records and data checking and cleaning. 3. Specimen archive project: This project will focus on tracking and optimizing the storage of archived specimens collected from live and dead marine mammals. Intern duties will primarily include: freezer inventory. 4. Library project: This project involves cataloging scientific publications into TMMC's hardcopy and electronic libraries. Intern duties will primarily include: reference entry using EndNote X, restocking hardcopy reprints, and scanning hardcopy publications. 5. Animal Crew: If there is interest, the selected intern will have the opportunity to spend one day on an animal crew. Animal crew's duties include feeding the patients, cleaning the pens, restraining animals for feeds and/or procedures. Training is provided. In addition, the intern will assist with other duties within the Science Department as needed, such as filing paperwork, rescues and releases. ________________________________ Intern Qualifications: * All applicants must be 21 years of age or older and engaged or recent completed undergraduate studies. * A background or degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Zoology or a related field. * Computer proficiency, especially with Microsoft Office Suite. * Comfortable hiking 5 miles and lifting 50 lbs. * There is no compensation for this internship position and the successful applicant will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses during the time of the internship. * If the intern intends to receive university credit for their internship, they are responsible for making all arrangements with their educational institution. ________________________________ Intern Schedule: Interns must be able to work for a minimum of 12 weeks full time (40 hours per week). ________________________________ Internship Dates: Internship Period Application Deadline Interviews Notification of Acceptance Approximate Internship Time Winter November 8, 2016 November 14, 2016 November 16, 2016 January 9 - March 31, 2017 Spring January 6, 2017 January 13, 2016 January 16, 2016 March 15 - June 15, 2017 Summer March 3, 2017 March 10, 2017 March 13, 2016 June 1 - August 31, 2017 There is flexibility on the start date of this internship. Please specify which time slot you're applying for- winter, spring or summer. ________________________________ Application: The following application material is required and should be submitted electronically (PDF or Word document attachments) to intern(a)tmmc.org<mailto:intern@tmmc.org>. Please put "Research Intern" in the subject line of the email. 1. Statement of Interest (no more than two pages, double spaced) that describes: a) your professional interests and career goals, b) your reasons for applying for this internship, c) why you should be selected for this internship, and d) your availability and plan for housing. 2. College transcript(s) (official or unofficial copy) with all college-level courses you have taken to-date and the grades you have received. Please include an explanation of grading scales not on a 4.0 scale. 3. One letter of recommendation from an individual capable of commenting on your academic qualifications and, if possible, research skills. College or university faculty or research advisors preferred. Letters of recommendation MUST be sent directly from the person writing the letter, preferably via email (as an attachment or in the body of the email). 4. Resume or curriculum vitae (no more than two pages) describing any relevant jobs, internships, volunteer work, scholarships and/or other activities that you have held or participated in and other skills or accomplishments that you wish to identify. If email submission is not possible, application material can be faxed to (415) 754-4078 (Attn: Christine Fontaine) or mailed to: The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA 94965 (Attn: Christine Fontaine). It is the responsibility of the applicant that all required material is submitted by the deadline. Christine Fontaine Senior Research Assistant The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Rd Sausalito, CA 94965 T: 415-289-7377 F: 415-754-4078

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Mortality event of common dolphins and bycatch evidences
by Observatoire PELAGIS 21 Feb '17

21 Feb '17

Dear All, SinceFebruary3rd, almost200 smallcetaceanswerefound stranded along the French Atlantic coast, between the Loire and Gironde estuaries (45°N – 47°N). 98% of the recorded stranded animals were common dolphins. Most of them were examined by Observatoire PELAGIS or members of French stranding network (Reseau National Echouage or RNE).Observatoire PELAGIS conducted 68 extensive examinations, and 85% of examined carcasses showed evidences of incidental capture in fishing gears. These evidences included broken beaks, cut-off fin or tail fluke, external net marks, and agonic froth in lungs. These animals were in good body condition and health status (overall no pathological lesions), and displayedfull stomach contents. The decomposition codes were from fresh to moderate, suggesting that time after death was from 3-10 days prior to reporting: i.e. during the last two weeks of January. The “Leiv” and “Marcel” storms that occurred on February 3rd and 5th along the French coasts seemingly provided suitable drift conditions that accelerated the stranding of already drifting bycaught common dolphin carcasses in a shorter time frame. Since the 90’s, seven similarly extreme mortality events were recorded by RNE along the French Atlantic coast. Observer programs on French pelagic trawlers revealed the specificity and intensity of common dolphin bycatch. More information on our website (in french). http://www.observatoire-pelagis.cnrs.fr/actualites-240/actualites/article/p… Observatoire PELAGIS University of La Rochelle / CNRS France

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Remainder: Sealcentre Pieterburen Vet Internship 2017
by Ana Rubio García 21 Feb '17

21 Feb '17

Dear colleagues, Just a quick remainder, VETERINARY DEPARTMENT INTERNSHIP – SEALCENTRE PIETERBUREN The Sealcentre Pieterburen, The Netherlands, has an exciting opportunity for a Veterinary Intern to work in our Veterinary and Seal Care Departments. This position is scheduled to start in April 2017 and lasts one year. This position requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, and previous marine mammal or wildlife experience is a plus. The Sealcentre’s Veterinary Department includes two veterinarians and two veterinary interns. We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic candidate who will join our team and will work closely in a team setting with staff and volunteers to assist with all aspects of veterinary care and husbandry of sick and injured seals. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: daily care of animals, transport of live/dead marine animals, maintenance of daily nutritional and medical records, sampling for various research projects, and data entry. Additional duties and projects may be assigned by staff. This position is unpaid. The intern is required to find its own transportation to Pieterburen. We provide housing (gas, electricity, water and internet included), meals and health insurance. The intern should expect to be scheduled to cover a variety of shifts including weekdays, nights, weekends and holidays. The ideal candidate should be mature and motivated, and possess a strong work ethic and excellent observational and communication skills (a fluent English level is required). Due to Visa requirements we are currently only able to accept applicants with a European passport. The deadline for applications is February 28th, 2017. Interested applicants should submit a copy of the CV, an intention letter and two recommendation letters. Note that the application materials should be in English. Applications and questions should be submitted to vet(a)zeehondencentrum.nl indicating in the subject VETERINARY INTERN 2017. For more information about the Sealcentre Pieterburen visit www.zeehondencentrum.nl *Ana Rubio García* *Head of the Veterinary & Research Department* Mobile phone: +31 (0)6 12 981154 Email: ana.rubiogarcia(a)zeehondencentrum.nl <guillermo(a)zeehondencreche.nl> Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen. Healthy sea, happy seal. Hoofdstraat 94a 9968 AG Pieterburen T +31 (0)595 526 526 E: info(a)zeehondencentrum.nl I: www.zeehondencentrum.nl [image: cid:image004.jpg@01D1D2D4.6A844C90] P Please consider the environment. Think before printing. >

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In Memory of Jon Stern
by Graham Worthy 20 Feb '17

20 Feb '17

Dr. S. Jonathan Stern, marine ecologist, whale biologist, Professor at San Francisco State University, and Jungle Stud, died on February 16, 2017. He had just turned 62 on February 2. Jon grew up in San Rafael, California, did his undergraduate degree at Sonoma State University, his master's work at San Francisco State University, and his Ph.D. at Texas A&M University. He spent his first summer after his bachelor's degree working on the invertebrate display tanks at the University of Washington's Friday Harbor Labs (FHL) on San Juan Island. There, he also began his life's work studying minke whales at the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor. From that start, Jon became one of, if not the, leading expert on minke whales in the world. His work there was also the beginning of his regular sojourns to FHL for field work, scientific inquiry, and a love of Puget Sound, the islands, the labs, and especially minke whales. In 2008, Jon made an important discovery in San Francisco Bay - after a complete absence of more than 60 years, harbor porpoises had returned to reoccupy the bay on a daily year-round basis. He considered this a good news environmental story that should be shared and studied. To that end, he co-founded Golden Gate Cetacean Research, a nonprofit organization devoted to conducting research on the cetaceans of the bay and the Northern California coast. Over the years, this work expanded to include studies of the local bottlenose dolphin population, and the recent phenomenon of humpback whales feeding in San Francisco Bay. Talking science with Jon was all at once exhilarating, confusing, inspiring, and intensely thought provoking. Participating in his soft-spoken, but highly animated explanations of random walks, levy flights, mathematical models, and just the crazy gee-whiz, can-you-believe-this tidbits ("minke whale breath smells like broccoli!!!") were always an exercise in keeping up, asking questions, and experiencing the feeling that Jon would explain it 17 times if needed because he simply liked making sure you understood what he was talking about. Jon was always accessible, talking to any interested person, kids of all ages, budding undergraduate students, all the way to the most recognized names in our field. People naturally gravitated to Jon for his ideas, humor, understated grace, joy, and simple love of knowledge. He genuinely believed in those around him and was equally delighted when someone could explain a novel concept to him. He was a champion of his friends, colleagues, students, and those who wanted to learn, always complimenting, sharing enthusiastically, and openly generous with collaboration and resources. Jon also had a deep love of music, an incredible collection of guitars, and enjoyed playing and singing with his band, The Jungle Studs. He loved his pug Robert (pronounced Ro-BARE), spoiling him like a child. He appreciated good food, extolling the virtues of a perfect crab cake. He admired beauty, keeping a picture of Linda Ronstadt on his desk, in an office adorned with Christmas lights. Not only was Jon an excellent thinker, scientist, teacher, and mentor, but he was an amazing friend. If you knew Jon for more than about four minutes, you were his friend. He was incredibly kind, an amazingly warm, non-judgmental, and wise listener, and his unwavering faith and endless enthusiasm for those he cared about was uplifting to so many. Personal stories from those who shared a friendship with Jon run the gamut from hysterically funny, sad, touching, and serious. But the underlying threads to the stories are his loyalty, quiet but enthusiastic support, genuine care, laugh out loud humor, gentle understanding, and seemingly endless capacity to simply be there when you needed him. Losing Jon leaves behind a very large hole, in the scientific world, the music realm, and in our hearts. He will be greatly missed and the meaningful ways in which he contributed to so many lives are truly an inspiration for how to live. We are forever and intensely grateful for the time we had with Jon and are so incredibly lucky to have shared his spirit, love, knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendship. Family and friends of Jon's are in the process of setting up a memorial scholarship fund. Inquiries on how to contribute to this fund can be sent to Carolyn Kurle (ckurle(a)ucsd.edu<mailto:ckurle@ucsd.edu>). Submitted in his memory by: Leslie Cornick, William Keener, Carolyn Kurle, and Graham Worthy _________________________________________________________________________ Graham A.J. Worthy, Ph.D. Department Chair and Pegasus Professor, Provost's Distinguished Research Professor of Biology, Hubbs-Sea World Endowed Professor of Marine Mammalogy, Director, Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Lab, and Lead, Sustainable Coastal Systems Initiative Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, 4110 Libra Dr., Room BIO302A Orlando FL 32816-2368 Graham.Worthy(a)ucf.edu<mailto:Graham.Worthy@ucf.edu> http://sciences.ucf.edu/biology/PEBL/ https://www.facebook.com/BiologyUCF 407-823-1333 office skype: graham.worthy _________________________________________________________________________

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