March 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

River dolphin internships in the Brazilian Amazon
by Tony 08 Oct '19

08 Oct '19

RIVER DOLPHIN RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN BRAZIL STARTING SOON Once again, Projeto Boto is recruiting for 9-month internships in the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazon State, Brazil. We require fit, enthusiastic, hard-working fieldworkers who will carry forward our long-term study of botos (Amazon river dolphins). Due to close involvement with local communities, interns are required to have at least moderate Portuguese language skills, or to speak excellent Spanish, in addition to English. There can be no exceptions. In previous years we have received many applications from people who do not fulfil these language criteria, and this is counter-productive. Please only apply if you have the necessary skills. Projeto boto was established in 1994. To date it has hosted more than 60 interns of many different nationalities. The Project's objective is to conserve the boto, and the sympatric tucuxi, through research leading to greater understanding of the biology and ecology of these dolphins. In recent years we have also spent considerable time investigating the impacts of fisheries on these species, and especially a harpoon hunt, in which thousands of botos are killed each year for fish bait. We are seeking two people to commence work as soon as possible, and we would also like to hear from people available in mid-late 2016. Our work is centred on a floating lab/accommodation base, moored in the flooded forest. The research team comprises 3-5 people, who maintain daily observational boat-based research effort year-round. The basis of the work is the piecing together of the lives of over 600 individually recognisable dolphins, to provide publishable information on such diverse topics as growth, reproduction, habitat use, social system, seasonal movements, survival rates, causes of mortality etc. Interns are provided with free accommodation and food, and receive a small monthly stipend (approx $150 US). Transportation to the fieldsite (near the town of Tefé, Amazonas) from Manaus is provided, but interns must arrange and pay for their own transportation to Manaus. They must also have adequate medical insurance. Please do not apply unless you know that you can obtain the airfare to reach Manaus. All necessary training is provided on site. Internships offer the opportunity of a lifetime. They reward hard work and dedication with unique experiences and a chance to stand out from the crowd in subsequent applications for higher degrees and employment. Successful applicants will: be aged 21-35 speak at least moderate Portuguese or fluent Spanish, in addition to English be available for 9-12 months have completed a university degree, preferably in zoology or biology preferably have some fieldwork experience, especially in the use of photo-ID Applicants should please provide: Full CV, complete with age, nationality, linguistic skills, educational and fieldwork experience A letter explaining why you are prepared to dedicate 9 months of your life to this study. The names and email addresses of 3 referees who are familiar with you and your work. The date on which you would be available to start work in the Amazon. Send this information by email to both of the Project co-ordinators, Prof. Tony Martin (boto(a)live.co.uk) and Dr Vera da Silva (vmfdasilva(a)gmail.com) Closing date is 24 November 2015. Applications fulfilling the above criteria will be acknowledged within 4 days of the closing date, but there will be no further communication unless the applicant is short-listed. Short-listed applicants will be notified by 30 November latest.

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New publication: From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
by Joan Giménez Verdugo 01 Mar '19

01 Mar '19

Dear all, We are pleased to announce the publication of the following paper in "Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology": Giménez, J., Ramírez, F., Almunia, J., Forero, M. G., de Stephanis, R. (2016) From the pool to the sea: Applicable isotope turnover rates and diet to skin discrimination factors for bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 475:54-61. *Abstract:*One of the most common applications in isotopic ecology is the assessment of animal's assimilated diet through mass-balance mixing models. Its applicability relies on the use of accurate diet to tissue discrimination factors and turnover rates, which are known to vary as a function of several factors including taxon or tissue type. To date, few studies have assessed isotopic discrimination factors and turnover rates in cetacean species under controlled conditions. Previous experimental studies focused on blood, a difficult sample to obtain in the wild, or on a more appropriate tissue, the skin, but assessed in short experimental trials without arriving to the isotopic equilibrium. We carried out the longest controlled feeding experiment available (350 days) in bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) in order to assess discrimination factors and turnover rates in skin. Animals' isotopic composition was first stabilized by maintaining individuals under an isotopically constant diet during 172 days. Afterwards, diet was shifted and maintained during 178 days to calculate isotopic discrimination and turnover rates. Estimates for isotopic discrimination factors were 1.01 ± 0.37‰ (mean ± sd) for *δ*13C and 1.57 ± 0.52‰ for *δ*15N. Half-life turnover rates were estimated to be 24.16 ± 8.19 days for carbon and 47.63 ± 19 days for nitrogen. This is the first time that applicable values are available to assess the diet of free ranging small cetaceans through stable isotope mixing model analysis. You can download the paper in: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098115300514 or visit my ResearchGate (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2) Kind Regards, Joan Giménez -- *Joan Giménez Verdugo* *PhD Student* *Severo Ochoa* Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC) Department of Conservation Biology Americo Vespucio Ave, s/n 41092 Sevilla (Spain) www.ebd.csic.es --- Research Gate: Joan Giménez <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Gimenez2> Phone: +34 619 176 849 ü Please consider the environment before printing this E-mail

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Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2017 Florida, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas
by Kelly Melillo Sweeting 25 Feb '19

25 Feb '19

Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) - Volunteer Research Assistants/Interns - Summer 2017 Florida, USA and Bimini, The Bahamas The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP, www.dolphincommunicationproject.org) is currently seeking two interns for the summer of 2017. These internships have field and office components, both of which are mandatory, and total 9-12 weeks, depending on DCP's schedule. DCP looks at how dolphins communicate and attempts to shed more light on the meaning of their interactions. With research ongoing since 1991, our questions focus primarily on communication and behavior among dolphins. Interns will spend the field portion of this internship at our Bimini, Bahamas, research site, where we study wild Atlantic spotted and bottlenose dolphins. An abbreviated publication list is available at the end of this post. Responsibilities In the field: --Travel to and assist for approximately 6 weeks at our Bimini research site (exact dates TBD, likely beginning in late, following the office component) --Assist gathering data (general observations, photographs) during 4-6 hour/day boat excursions (weather and schedule dependent) --Complete photo-identification of dolphins from still photography and video as well as other data entry and analysis tasks --Assist with on-board and outreach education as well as web-based projects --Represent DCP in an enthusiastic, responsible, mature and respectful manner At the office: --Travel to and assist for 4-5 weeks at our Port Saint Lucie, Florida (FL) office (exact dates TBD, likely prior to field component, beginning in late May) --Process and analyze data, including, but not limited to: photo-identification of individuals from other DCP research sites, event sampling from video data for behavioral analyses, and acoustic analysis of dolphin sounds --Assist in the development and implementation of education programs for schools and the general public, as needed Requirements Successful interns must have basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Current enrollment in a degree-seeking program, background in science and/or animal behavior and experience on boats and/or with photo-identification are all desired, but not necessarily required. The successful candidates will be comfortable on a boat for several hours at a time in varying conditions, including extreme heat. They will also be proficient swimmers with the desire to improve snorkeling and free-diving skills. They will be able to work as a team both in a small office and in a fairly remote and isolated field setting. Good writing and public speaking skills are a must, as is attention to details. Interns must be at least 18 years of age. Although international applicants are invited to apply, all applicants should know that interns are responsible for their own daily transportation to/from the FL office and public transportation is limited in this area; therefore, all interns should have their own transportation while in FL. Expenses and Compensation This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to Bimini and Florida. There is a $1,100.00 fee that will cover housing in the field (on-island transportation not needed). Room, board and transportation while in Florida are the responsibility of the intern. Although assistance in finding housing may be available, the ability to find suitable housing in Florida is ultimately the interns’ responsibility. We recommend all applicants complete a preliminary housing search in advance of submitting their applications. Interested applicants should review information at this link: http://dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/get-involved/internships. Please read this page thoroughly before applying or emailing questions . Send a completed application (downloadable and detailed at the link above) to kelly(a)dcpmail.org. Applications are due 28 February 2017. Due to field schedules, only electronic applications will be accepted. Interviews (via telephone or Skype) will be arranged for selected candidates in early March. For more information, please contact Kelly Melillo Sweeting at kelly(a)dcpmail.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Selected Refereed Publications: (for a full list of publications by DCP researchers, please visit: http://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/about-dolphins/scienti…) Dudzinski, K.M., Clark, C.W., Würsig, B. 1995. A mobile video/acoustic system for simultaneously recording dolphin behavior and vocalizations underwater. Aquatic Mammals 21(3): 187-193. Dudzinski, K.M. 1998. Contact behavior and signal exchange among Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Aquatic Mammals 24(3): 129-142. Dudzinski, K.M., M. Sakai, M., Masaki, K., Kogi, K., Hishii, T., Kurimoto, M. 2003. Behavioral observations of adult and sub-adult dolphins towards two dead bottlenose dolphins (one female and one male). Aquatic Mammals 29(1): 108-116. Gregg, J.D., Dudzinski, K.M., Smith, H.V. 2007. Do dolphins eavesdrop on the echolocation signals of conspecifics? International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 20: 65-88 Dudzinski, K.M., Thomas, J. Gregg, J.D. 2008. Communication. In (W.F. Perrin, B. Würsig, H.C.M. Thewissen, eds) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, second edition. Academic Press, Inc. Melillo, K.E., Dudzinski, K.M., Cornick, L.A. 2009. Interactions between Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003-2007. Aquatic Mammals, 35:281-291 Dudzinski, K.M., Gregg, J.D., Paulos, R.D., Kuczaj, S.A. 2010. A comparison of pectoral fin contact behaviour for three distinct dolphin populations. Behavioural Processes, 84: 559-567. Greene, W., Melillo-Sweeting, K., Dudzinski, K. 2011. Comparing object play in captive and wild dolphins. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 24(3):292-306. Dudzinski, KM, Gregg, JD, Melillo-Sweeting, K, Levengood, A, Seay, B., Kuczaj II, SA. 2012. Tactile contact exchanges between dolphins: self-rubbing versus inter-individual contact in three species from three geographies. International Journal of Comparative Psychology 25:21-43. Dudzinski, KM, Danaher-Garcia, N, Gregg, JD. 2013. Pectoral fin contact between dolphin dyads at Zoo Duisburg, with comparison to other dolphin study populations. Aquatic Mammals. 39(4): 335-343. Melillo-Sweeting, K, Turnbull, S and Guttridge, T. 2014. Evidence of shark attacks on Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off Bimini, The Bahamas. Marine Mammal Science. DOI: 10.1111/mms.12082 Melillo-Sweeting, K., Yeater, D., Dudzinski, KM. 2015. Dolphin sightings near the coast of Bimini, The Bahamas, 2003 – 2013. Aquatic Mammals 41.3: 245-251. DOI: 10.1578/AM.41.3.2015.245. _______________________________ Kelly Melillo Sweeting Bimini Research Manager Dolphin Communication Project www.dolphincommunicationproject.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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Announcement of the Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, 26-29 March 2015
by Laela Sayigh 20 Jul '17

20 Jul '17

Dear colleagues, This message is to announce the upcoming Watkins Memorial Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Symposium, to be held 26-29 March 2015 in Massachusetts (location TBA). This symposium will consist of a combination of invited and contributed presentations on all aspects of marine mammal bioacoustics, including communication, echolocation, hearing, methods in marine mammal bioacoustics, effects of noise on marine mammals, and bioacoustics as a tool in marine mammal conservation. There will also be a session on Bill Watkins' legacy to marine mammal bioacoustics. Further announcements will follow with more specifics, but registration and abstract submissions are expected to commence in the fall of 2014. For more information, contact Laela Sayigh, lsayigh(a)whoi.edu.

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PHOTO-ID LAB/FIELD COURSE ON MEDITERRANEAN CETACEANS IN LA MADDALENA NATIONAL PARK, ITALY
by SEAME Sardinia 01 Jul '17

01 Jul '17

PHOTO-ID LAB/FIELD COURSE ON MEDITERRANEAN CETACEANS IN LA MADDALENA NATIONAL PARK, ITALY ------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear MARMAMers, SEA ME Sardinia (http://www.seame.it/en/) is currently accepting application for 1 week-long course from 28th May to the 3rd of June 2017, in the beautiful location of La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, Sardinia, Italy (http://www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.arcip.maddalena/Eindex.php) SEA ME Sardinia is a non-profit organization based in La Maddalena (Italy) with a mission to protect cetaceans in the waters off Sardinia (central Tyrrhenian Sea) through education, research and conservation. We achieve our goals primarily through our core programmes, which include year-round outreach/school activities and boat-based research. PROGRAMME The programme will include classwork, practical sessions and fieldwork, offshore and along North-eastern Sardinian coast. Classwork will introduce you to the theoretical knowledge of diversity, behaviour, ecology and conservation of small to large Mediterranean cetaceans, and how they are adapted to different habitats. Lectures on the diversity, ecology and conservation of Sardinian coastal ecosystems will also be provided, in order to deepen the knowledge on different cetacean habitat uses. The laboratory sessions will focus on how to competently identify and record whales and dolphins at sea, provide training on photo-ID techniques (photo sorting, grading and matching) related to the different species and assist researchers in maintenance of long-term photo-ID catalogues. Special focus will be given to the Cuvier's beaked whale, a species rather common in the study area. A short training in survey design will also be provided. Fieldwork will be made both in coastal (La Maddalena archipelago) and pelagic waters (Caprera Canyon, central-western Tyrrhenian Sea). Surveys will be conducted onboard whale watching and dedicated vessels (11m power catamaran and 6m rubber boat) and divided in two offshore and two coastal surveys in order to be trained in both different habitats and species-related techniques. Fieldwork training will focus on collecting environmental, location (GPS) and behavioural data for dolphin and whale groups. Course schedules may change due to weather constraints. Fieldwork will be an opportunity to gain experience and improve your skills in relation to visual cetacean boat-based survey and photo-ID techniques. GOALS: Participants will be directly involved in contributing to our long-term studies on several cetacean species in the wild. You will assist researchers while working aboard whale watching and dedicated research vessels. This is a great opportunity to get involved in cetacean research, enjoy marine biodiversity while gaining fieldwork experience, travelling and exploring the beautiful Island of Sardinia and the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, enjoying the outdoors of the beautiful Emerald Coast (Sardinia Island, Italy) and helping supporting cetacean research and conservation. During free time, interns will have the opportunity to experience all sorts of activities: swimming, diving, hiking, exploring historical sites, visit museums and the amazing islands such as Caprera (with Garibaldi's house, tomb and memorial) or Budelli with its famous pink beach. PROJECT BACKGROUNDS: - The SEA ME _Coastal bottlenose dolphin project_ is an ongoing research project in the waters of the La Maddalena archipelago National Park and Bonifacio Strait, between the islands of Corsica and Sardinia, with a strong interest in the interactions between bottlenose dolphins and human activities in the area. - The _Caprera Canyon Cetacean Pro_ject is the first scientific survey aimed at studying dolphin and whale presence, abundance, distribution and habitat preferences in the Caprera Canyon. Since 2010 we have been investigating the species occurring in this area: striped dolphin, Risso's dolphin, fin whale, Cuvier's beaked whale, sperm whale and short-beaked common dolphin. This is an important region of the central Tyrrhenian Sea, thought to be a hot spot for marine life (e.g. cetaceans, marine birds, mobula rays, sea turtles, red fin tunas, swordfish and basking sharks). Our interest is particularly focused on Cuvier's beaked whale. LANGUAGE: Course will be held in English/Italian. REQUIREMENTS: Prior experience is not required. Participants are expected to: - Be 18 or older, - Speak English or Italian, - Be adaptable as fieldwork is weather dependent, - Be sociable and willing as they are expected to live and work in an international team. This internship experience will have a certificate of completion. Since SEA ME Sardinia is a non-profit and self-funded organization, we rely on donation from our members, volunteers and participants. Participation in this course thus requires a tuition fee. APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINE: To apply or for any further enquiries and details, please email to: info(a)seame.it The applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Early application is recommended due to limited spaces. The application deadline is 10/04/2017 Dr Luca Bittau Course Coordinator, PhD in Environmental Biology SEA ME Sardinia www.seame.it [1] Via delle Ginestre Nº6 07024 La Maddalena (OT) Italy mail: info(a)seame.it Skype: luca.bittau -- Luca Bittau Ph.D President SEA ME Sardinia Onlus Mobile: +39 349 4712348 e-mail: lucabittau(a)seame.it - lukebit(a)inwind.it web: www.seame.it skype: luca.bittau ------------------------- SEA ME Sardinia Onlus - Scientific Education & Activities in the Marine Environment [C.F. 91052810909 - legal head office: Via delle Ginestre 6 (Vil. Piras), 07024 La Maddalena (OT), italy] Links: ------ [1] http://www.seame.it/ -- Mobile: +39 349 4712348 e-mail: info(a)seame.it web: www.seame.it [1] SEA ME Sardinia Onlus - Scientific Education & Activities in the Marine Environment [C.F. 91052810909 - legal head office: Via delle Ginestre 6 (Vil. Piras), 07024 La Maddalena (OT), italy] Links: ------ [1] http://www.seame.it

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Wild Lens- Vaquita Resource Awareness Film
by Sean Bogle 12 Apr '17

12 Apr '17

Good day MARMAMers, We are a non-profit wildlife documentary film organization called Wild Lens, wildlensinc.org <http://wildlensinc.org/>. We have just released two language versions of our short film about the vaquita porpoise which is the most endangered marine mammal on the planet. Our film documents the struggle to save the vaquita from extinction. The purpose of this short film is to engage people about the vaquitas story while we now focus on a 30 minute film for television. We also will release a full feature film in 2018 as we document the occurrences during the two year gillnet ban in the Upper Gulf of California that the Mexican government has implemented to stop illegal fishing and the extinction of the vaquita. The videos are for everyone to use as an awareness tool, so please use it on your websites, presentations or anywhere where people can learn and get involved to save the vaquita. We want the vaquita to be the symbol of hope for all species on this planet. It will take the international community’s involvement to really have a positive impact on this issue and other issues facing our natural environment. To learn more about our project visit: vaquitafilm.com <http://vaquitafilm.com/> Below are two language version which we just released: English Version: vimeo.com/wildlens/vaquita <http://vimeo.com/wildlens/vaquita> Spanish Version: https://vimeo.com/166899979 <https://vimeo.com/166899979> If there are any questions or concerns please contact me at sean(a)wildlensinc.org. Viva Vaquita! Sean Sean Bogle, Project Director Eyes on Conservation Wild Lens, Inc. Cell: 435.790.9593 Office:208.297.6536 ext.502 wildlensinc.org <http://www.wildlensinc.org/> <http://wildlensinc.org/film-projects/eyes-on-conservation/> <http://www.wildlensinc.org/eyes-on-conservation.html> <http://www.wildlensinc.org/eyes-on-conservation.html> <http://wildlensinc.org/> <http://wildlensinc.org/> <https://www.facebook.com/WildLensInc> <https://twitter.com/WildLensInc> <https://www.youtube.com/user/WildLensInc> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens> <https://vimeo.com/wildlens>

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New Publication: Hidden Markov models reveal complexity in the diving behaviour of short-finned pilot whales.
by Nicola Quick, Ph.D. 31 Mar '17

31 Mar '17

All, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following article: Quick, N. J., Isojunno, S, Sadykova, D, Bowers, M, Nowacek, D. and Read A. Hidden Markov models reveal complexity in the diving behaviour of short-finned pilot whales. Sci. Rep. 7, 45765; doi: 10.1038/srep45765 (2017). Diving behaviour of short-finned pilot whales is often described by two states; deep foraging and shallow, non-foraging dives. However, this simple classification system ignores much of the variation that occurs during subsurface periods. We used multi-state hidden Markov models (HMM) to characterize states of diving behaviour and the transitions between states in short-finned pilot whales. We used three parameters (number of buzzes, maximum dive depth and duration) measured in 259 dives by digital acoustic recording tags (DTAGs) deployed on 20 individual whales off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, USA. The HMM identified a four-state model as the best descriptor of diving behaviour. The state-dependent distributions for the diving parameters showed variation between states, indicative of different diving behaviours. Transition probabilities were considerably higher for state persistence than state switching, indicating that dive types occurred in bouts. Our results indicate that subsurface behaviour in short-finned pilot whales is more complex than a simple dichotomy of deep and shallow diving states, and labelling all subsurface behaviour as deep dives or shallow dives discounts a significant amount of important variation. We discuss potential drivers of these patterns, including variation in foraging success, prey availability and selection, bathymetry, physiological constraints and socially mediated behaviour. The publication is open access and available at www.nature.com/articles/srep45765<http://www.nature.com/articles/srep45765> Kind Regards Nicola Dr Nicola J. Quick Research Scientist Nicholas School of the Environment Duke Marine Lab 135 Duke Marine Lab Road Beaufort NC 28516 njq(a)duke.edu<mailto:njq@duke.edu> https://scholars.duke.edu/person/nicola.quick Honorary Research Fellow School of Biology Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/contact/staffProfile.aspx?sunid=njq

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OCEANIC EXPEDITION TO THE SEAMOUNT GORRINGE 2017
by André Cid 30 Mar '17

30 Mar '17

AIMM – Marine Environment Research Association (www.aimmportugal.org) in partnership with Nautilus-Sub Dive Center (www.nautilus-sub.com) is organizing an expedition to research and dive in the Gorringe seamount. During this expedition AIMM will be collecting data scientific date (visual and acoustic effort) about all the marine mammals and turtles. Gorringe seamount is about 200km West of Portugal. This area, a hot spot for marine life in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is a Marine Protect Area (MPA) and part of Portuguese’s Nature 2000 since 2015. In this very inaccessible place, you can enjoy its crystal clear waters, numerous shoals of pelagic fish, huge kelp and all the rest of the biodiversity. The expedition will take place aboard the Portuguese Navy Vessel, NTM Creoula, from the 2nd to 7th of June 2017. You will have the opportunity to participate in the life on board, help with the daily tasks, participate in various learning sessions about marine mammals and have the change to get-together with a group of extraordinary people. There is different possibilities to participate in this expedition: you can sign in just as a diver and be a member of one of the diving teams; you could be an observer in the Marine Mammals research team, or you could be in both teams. For registration or more information contact: André Cid – andre.cid(a)aimm-portugal.org -- Marine Biologist - Researcher *AIMM - Marine Environment Research Association*www.aimmportugal.org

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IMMS Education Internship (Summer)
by Abigail Cassel 30 Mar '17

30 Mar '17

IMMS Education Internship (Summer) Internship Timeframe Deadline to Apply: April 15 Summer Internship: May 15 - August 4 *We may be able to offer some flexibility on dates, so please note earliest and latest availability on your application. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies ("IMMS") is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 for the purposes of public education, conservation, and research on marine mammals in the wild and under human care. Located in Gulfport, Mississippi, IMMS has been an active participant of the National Stranding Network since its inception. IMMS is the premier stranding organization in the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama region of the Gulf Coast with the capability and expertise to care for sick and injured marine mammals. IMMS serves as an important educational outlet for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, incorporating programs for conservation, education and research of marine mammals and their environment. Program Description The IMMS Education Internship Program is designed as a way for students interested in a career in science education to gain valuable hands-on experience in a real-world informal educational setting. Interns will participate in our daily public programs that educate our visitors about marine mammals and sea turtles, as well as issues affecting their habitats. Summer interns will also spend at least one week in our Ocean Expo summer camp program working as an aide to a certified teacher. Interns will further their knowledge by working in other IMMS departments, including Research, Animal Care & Training, and Veterinary/Stranding. Our goal is to give Interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and practical involvement in marine science education. This is an unpaid position and all interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Positions are limited and IMMS reserves the right to end an internship at any time. Principal Duties -Demonstrate science concepts and interpret live animal displays for guests participating in: -Daily public tours, -Student field trips, -Mini Camp (Field experience for students from middle school to college), -Summer Camp (Day camp for ages 5 to 17, with off campus components), -Dozing with Dolphins (Overnight program for scouts and other youth groups), -Public outreach (Local events like boat shows or seasonal festivals). -Assist IMMS staff in preparing and maintaining program equipment and materials, including: -Organizing equipment and materials for daily use, - Cleaning and stowing equipment after use, - Making copies, - Running errands, - Cleaning display cases. As a component of the IMMS Summer Camp or Mini Camp program interns may have the opportunity to: -Serve as assistant on kayaking trips, -Serve as assistant on trips to Ship Island (Gulf Islands National Seashore). Secondary Duties -Assist IMMS staff in caring for Education reptile collection: -Feed & weigh resident snakes, alligators and freshwater turtles -Update feeding & health records, -Clean and maintain wet and dry habitats. As their departmental schedules permit interns may also: -Assist in the animal care department with daily feedings/cleanup/observation of trainingsessions, -Assist the aquarist with daily feedings, water chemistry, and maintenance of fresh and saltwatertanks and touch pools, -Assist in the research department with wild dolphin photo identification, -Attend a research boating trip to observe dolphins, if available, -Assist in the stranding department (turtle feeding, vet tech work, data input). -Attend a necropsy and a turtle release, if available. Eligibility Requirements -Applicant must be 18 or older. -Applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of 12 weeks, 40 hours a week. -Applicant must be available to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. IMMS operates 7 days per week and has some evening programs so your work week may not be 9AM - 5PM, Monday - Friday -Applicant must be a recent graduate or actively pursuing a college degree in the sciences or education. -Applicant must maintain a positive attitude, good work ethic, sense of responsibility, and a strong willingness to learn. -Applicant must be comfortable with public speaking and using a microphone. -Applicants should be comfortable working with audiences "K-to-Gray", but especially elementary age children. -Applicant must be comfortable with handling different types of crabs and reptiles (snakes, alligators, turtles). -Applicant must have good organizational skills. -Applicant must be financially stable enough to obtain housing and transportation, once accepted, IMMS staff will be able to assist interns in suggesting suitable housing and locations. -Applicant must be able to comply with IMMS rules and regulations. -Applicant should keep in mind that the summer climate on the Gulf Coast is HOT and HUMID and that they will be required to work outside. More information and application forms may be obtained at : www.imms.org/internship.php#4<http://www.imms.org/internship.php#4> Please send the following documents to: acassel(a)imms.org with "Education Internship" in the subject line. -Download and complete the IMMS Education Internship Application (Save the application in pdf form to your computer FIRST then fill in the form. Otherwise your information will not be saved to the form when emailed) -Resume -Two letters of recommendation - provide one academic and one work/volunteer (related reference if applicable). Letters may be emailed from the applicant or the person providing the recommendation letter. -A one-two page statement of interest - describe your background, pertinent experiences, interests, and accomplishments (include how this internship will benefit you). If you believe you may have difficulty complying with one or more of the required duties or responsibilities due to a physical limitation or other reason, please address these concerns in the statement of interest. -A copy of your current college transcript. Applicants may submit an unofficial copy. Documents must be in one of the following formats - .Pdf, .Doc, .Docx, and must be submitted together with your first and last name and the date (yyyy/Month) your internship would begin in the file name. Ex: 2015May_Jane_Doe_Resume 2015May_Jane_Doe_Statement 2015May_Jane_Doe_Transcript Abigail Cassel Marine Education Specialist Kayak Program Coordinator Education Department Intern Coordinator Phone Number: (228)896-9182 ext. 1769 Institute for Marine Mammal Studies Center for Marine Education and Research 10801 Dolphin Lane, Gulfport, MS 39503 Map/Directions from I-10 Exit 38 Gulfport MS: http://imms.org/map

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